Eurotel Providencia

Occupying two small buildings on a tree-lined street in central Santiago, the Eurotel Providencia is more attractive inside than it is outside. The brick-and-mirror facade isn’t particularly eye-catching or modern, but common spaces and rooms were renovated in the mid-2010s and have a fresh, contemporary feel. Earth-tone carpets are offset by bold velvet couches in orange, purple, blue, green, and red hues in the lobby, while wood-like walls and floor lamps with wood accents add warmth. The restaurant has an even more fun style, with large sketch-like images of celebrities, such as John Malkovich, Jack Nicholson, Nicole Kidman, and Einstein, black-and-white checkered floors, and black accent walls with chalk-like drawings on them. Guests here are either business travelers or couples drawn by the hotel’s location near Costanera Mall, its competitive rates, and updated interiors. However, travelers looking to stay closer to the Plaza de Armas area may want to compare rates at the Matildas Hotel Boutique, a small, tranquil property packed with charm. Another great option in that area is Hotel Cumbres Lastarria, offering large, stylish rooms, a small rooftop pool, and solid gym. RQ Providencia is a decent alternative for travelers on a budget who want to stay close to Costanera Mall, featuring clean apartments with kitchenettes, an outdoor pool, and free breakfast.

Eurotel Providencia is on a quiet street in Providencia, an area home to many high-rise apartments, elegant old houses, lots of restaurants and shops, and a handful of attractions. Popular sights in the neighborhood include Parque Metropolitano, Cerro San Cristobal, and Costanera Mall, all within a 20-minute walk of the hotel. For attractions a little bit farther away -- including Plaza de Armas, Palacio de la Moneda, La Chascona, Cerro Santa Lucia, and the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art -- visitors can catch a taxi or jump on one of the two nearby Metro stations: Los Leones and Pedro de Valdivia, each less than a 10-minute walk away. Santiago International Airport is a 20-minute drive away.

All of the hotel’s 55 rooms were renovated in the mid-2010s, and have contemporary decor in a black-and-white palette with pops of yellow. Although mostly generic, rooms feel fresh, thanks to dark laminate floors, clean lines throughout, modern wall art, and large windows offering street views. Blond-wood chairs and tables are a tad uninspired, but all rooms have several small lamps that add warmth. Rooms come in two different categories: Standard and Junior Suites, but the latter are just slightly larger rooms with enough space for a work desk and small round table with two chairs, but no couch or coffee table. Additional beds can be requested for an extra charge in all room types. Rooms are equipped with a sufficient array of amenities, including free Wi-Fi, minibars, large flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and safes. Electric kettles are not provided, but there is always free filter coffee available in the lobby. One of the main complaints about Standard Rooms are the size of bathrooms, as most guests find them tight, with small shower/tub combos, small round sinks, and barely any space to comfortably move around. Bathrooms in Junior Suites are larger, outfitted with bigger oval sinks over wooden vanities, additional counter space, and regular-sized shower/tub combos. Hairdryers and toiletries -- including shampoo, shower gel, conditioner, shower caps, and hand soap -- are provided.

Breakfast is included in all room rates, and offers a variety of hot and cold options, including sausages, eggs, yogurt, pastries, cereal, and cold cheeses. The spread is adequate for a hotel of this caliber, but some guests find it repetitive after a couple of days. Lunch and dinner are also available at the restaurant, which serves international food with a focus on French cuisine, along with Chilean wines. Room service is available until late at night. One of the hotel’s top features is the rooftop terrace, offering shaded areas, comfortable seating, and expansive city and mountain views. Also on the sixth floor is the small gym, equipped with a handful of cardio and strength-training machines. There is also a hot tub that guests can use for a fee, but it is in a small room with no views, which some have found disappointing. The hotel has five meeting rooms, all located on the first floor, and some offering street views. Catering and secretarial services are available, as is a business center with a couple of computers and a printer that can be used free of charge. Underground parking is included in all room rates; reservations are not required.