Kennedy Hotel

Kennedy Hotel’s mirrored glass high-rise exterior resembles a corporate office, and appeals to a business crowd. The stark look continues in the lobby, with floor-to-ceiling gray marble and brass fixtures. Overall, the decor feels slightly outdated and in need of refurbishing, but some spots, such as the sitting area -- with dark-wood paneling, rich rugs, and classic furniture in red and orange hues -- have more personality. Although the property is set between other tall buildings, it has a couple of pleasant outdoor areas that lend it a relaxing vibe, including an intimate patio with tables where food and drinks are served, and a small garden with a long, narrow pool, greenery, and some loungers. 

This is a classic business hotel with reasonable rates, comfortable (if generic) rooms, and good amenities, but travelers wanting to stay closer to the city center may prefer Eurotel Providencia, which offers easy walking access to two metro stops and a handful of attractions. Hotel Loreto is a cheaper, more basic option in central Santiago with pleasant rooms and free breakfast buffet. Those wanting something upscale may want to compare rates at Hotel Cumbres Lastarria, a stylish property featuring a rooftop pool, small gym, and solid restaurant with city views and outdoor seating. 

The property is located on Avenida Kennedy, one of the most connected highways in the city. It's on a huge avenue -- almost a freeway -- and far from shops and restaurants in Las Condes neighborhood, a safe area home to many embassies and close to Santiago’s financial district. Right across the road is Parque Arauco, one of the most famous malls in town, but few other shopping and dining options can be found in the immediate vicinity of the hotel. There are also no major tourist attractions within walking distance, and the nearest subway stop, Escuela Militar, is a 20-minute walk away. Taxis, however, are readily available, and the drive to the historic center of Santiago takes about 15 to 20 minutes. The airport is a 25-minute drive away. 

The hotel’s 133 rooms are done up in a classic, somewhat plain style, with brown carpets, heavy dark-wood furniture, and a neutral palette throughout. Chrome accents in reading lights, as well as beige textured walls and bed runners in earth tones are attractive touches, but rooms are better suited for travelers seeking a comfortable, clean place to sleep rather than design-conscious guests. Starting at 270 square feet, rooms are comfortable and spacious, and large windows make them sunny. Suites are double the size of a standard room and feature small balconies with patio furniture. Some units on the top floors have mountain views, while the rest offer vistas of the city. 

Standard amenities include air-conditioning, large flat-screen TVs, minibars, and safes. Suites come with a few additional perks, such as robes and slippers. Wi-Fi is provided free of charge throughout the property, but electric kettles are not available in any room type. Bathrooms are spotless yet straightforward, featuring shower/tub combos with plastic curtains, spacious sink areas with lots of counter space, large mirrors, hairdryers, and off-white tiles throughout. Suites have separate glass showers and jetted tubs. 

The hotel has two small pools, one indoors and one outdoors. The former is heated and features a swan-neck massage jet, while the latter has a more spacious deck and offers a number of padded chairs and loungers. The gym is small but well-equipped, with several cardio and strength-training machines, a wall-to-wall mirror, two flat-screen TVs, and glass doors that open onto the indoor pool. There are showers, locker rooms, and a dry sauna for guest use. 

A simple yet tasty breakfast is served free of charge every morning at Aquarium, the hotel’s only restaurant. The spread is pretty much the same every day, but includes cold as well as hot options and is enough to get the day started. Lunch specials are also available daily at Aquarium, which serves up a solid international menu in an elegant (yet somewhat dated) space with outdoor seating. The wood-paneled Brandy Bar offers cocktails, liquors, and hot drinks, along with comfortable seating and a long bar with wooden stools. The hotel also features four meeting rooms, three of which have natural light. The maximum capacity of the largest room is 100 guests, while the smallest boardroom can hold up to 12 attendees around a large table. Audiovisual equipment can be rented for a fee.