Located in the tree-lined residential neighborhood of Santiago’s Lastarria, sits a quiet boutique hotel. A narrow lobby, walled with mirrors, leads to a wrought-iron and white marble staircase, which emits a coolness and luxurious sense of opulence. The property is not, however, over-the-top in the least. Built in 1927, the building was a private home until 2011, and the designers have preserved the spacious, well-appointed rooms, high ceilings and creaky hardwood floors. Chic, spacious bathrooms feature rain showers and soaking tubs. The back garden boasts a beautiful swimming pool and the café, on the second floor, offers a delightful breakfast buffet. The sense that I was in someone’s grand but cozy private home was enforced when a strong earthquake hit on a recent visit—it wasn’t until after the quake ended that I realized what had happened; the only effect on the hotel was that a few hung pictures were knocked askew.

With two restaurants, a spa and a pool, the Mandarin Oriental offers the best amenities in the heart of Santiago.

The 205-room Ritz-Carlton, Santiago, the company’s only property in South America, is one of the few big luxury names in Santiago, but it manages to convey an intimate, boutique feeling. In addition to all the dark wood, plush, floral-print and marble sumptuousness you’ve come to expect from the brand, this hotel—located in the tree-lined neighborhood of El Golf, within Las Condes—features a spacious deck under a crystal dome on the rooftop, with a gorgeous pool and a Jacuzzi and breathtaking views of Santiago.

Guest rooms feature classic, traditional décor with full modern-day amenities and many with fabulous views of the city's skyline. There is a 7,500-square-foot fitness center and spa and an indoor pool with windows looking out the Andes mountain range.

An elegant on-site restaurant, Estró, specializes in seafood dishes from the Chilean coast and serves “New Chilean” cuisine.

San Cristóbal Tower Hotel is a great choice for visitors coming on business: Situated minutes from the Providencia financial district at the foot of Cerro San Cristóbal hill, it connects to the larger Sheraton Santiago Hotel & Convention Center through the lobby. Part of the Luxury Collection, the hotel features three fine restaurants and both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and its 139 classically designed rooms, complete with butler service, are outfitted with Frette linens; many offer views of the Mapocho River, downtown Santiago, San Cristóbal Hill and the Andes.

With only 15 guest rooms, all furnished differently, and a staff that goes above and beyond expectations, the Aubrey is a quintessential boutique hotel. For those seeking a more personalized experience in Santiago, this property, situated at the base of the beautiful San Cristobel hill, is ideal. The setting in the artistic Bellavista area puts all sightseeing, as well as myriad dining and shopping just steps away; its location at the bottom of the Metropolitan Park, which includes a fantastic zoo, makes The Aubrey the best option for a family trip. The pool boasts spectacular views of the neighborhood and provides a welcome break after a day walking around the pedestrian-friendly city.

Furnishings are eclectic, in keeping with the Victorian-meets-chic-Bohemian look the British owner was going for, and many aspects, such as the rich dark wood paneling in the lounge, remain from the original mansions dating back from the 1920’s. (The two buildings were combined to make the hotel in 2010.)

The outdoor seating available in the restaurant and bar, under stone arches gushing with waterfalls, are delightful spots to enjoy the tasty cocktails and cuisine. Breakfast is fit for royalty, and with purple velvet wingback chairs, guests will feel positively regal. Plus, the restaurant is one of few in Santiago that serve early dinner (6:30pm) and weekend brunch. The only downside is the occasional farm-like scents drifting from the nearby zoo. Tip: Request a Pavilion room or one of the suites.

Opened in 2014, this luxury hotel is an oasis in the heart of Chile’s capital. Its exterior may be unassuming—according to Chilean law, any construction in the area must abide by strict stylistic rules—but whatever the façade lacks is made up for by its elegant, spacious and bright interiors. Blending classic with contemporary design, the 62 guest rooms are warm and inviting, featuring a muted palette of creams and greys. A few of the rooms have balconies, with the higher floor options offering a view.

The rooftop terrace has a large wooden bar, outdoor pool and views over the city and draws a local, post-work crowd. The restaurant has a relaxed vibe despite its sparkling chandeliers and bow-tied servers and serves seasonal Chilean dishes alongside an impressive wine list that features labels from within the country. Breakfast is cooked to order, and, in the summer months, can be enjoyed in the outdoor courtyard space, which acts as a casual dining area. The 3,300-square-foot subterranean spa offers specialty chakra treatments centered on balancing physical, mental, and spiritual harmony.

The first W Hotel property in South America opened in 2009, and is now one of the hottest hotels in the city. Located within one of the office towers in Las Condes neighborhood, the W merges the wow factor of a modern nightclub with the tried-and-true comforts of a top hotel. The design was overseen by Sergio Echaverria and Tony Chi (responsible for Mandarin Oriental in New York among others), so the lighting, the furniture and the art make a major statement but the sense of deep cosseting comes through as well. You have to take an elevator up to the main lobby level, where you find the check-in desk, the W Lounge (probably the coolest living room in town) and various restaurants, from a wine bar, Asian Osaka restaurant and the gourmet French NoSo restaurant to a great outdoor bistro Terraza with views of the mountains and the nearby park. The 196 guestrooms range from large doubles (310 to 450 square feet) to suites that feel like fabulous apartments. With floor-to-ceiling glass windows and balconies to make the most of the city/mountain views, all of the rooms have a modern urban glam aesthetic. Some have dramatic abstract art on the walls; others have bathtubs (some are even sunken) in the same room as the beds so both face a skyline view; all have gorgeous materials and large bathrooms. (Don’t worry you can view them all online to pick what suits you.) On the roof is a stunning pool and a bar that is ground zero for the city’s cool scene. The location is great too, because you are walking distance to some of Santiago’s best shops and restaurants. In fact, some like El Mundo del Vino are right in the same building.