SantiagoSantiago, was named the 2012 “Destination of the Year” by Condé Nast travel site Jaunted.com, and the #1 Destination for 2011 by The New York Times. It is easy to see why because it continues to blossom as an international destination.
Today the city is one of Latin America’s most exciting metropolitan cities and its safest, boasting a booming economy, a stable political system, clean streets and a modern infrastructure.
Chile celebrated its Bicentennial in 2010 with two new cultural centres (La Moneda and Gabriela Mistral), the Memory Museum and the Museum of
Chile, as well as the high-tech Costanera “highway” that gets travellers from downtown to uptown quickly, and hundreds of new bike paths throughout the city.Santiago is also home to the tallest building in South America. Gran Torre Santiago, looms over 60 stories and reaches 300 meters into the sky.
Bellavista, Santiago’s hottest neighbourhood for its artsy, bohemian ambiance, nightlife and restaurant scene, is also one of the city’s most charming, full of
antique homes painted a palette of colours.
Our first night was spent at The Aubrey, its location, just steps from the famous Pablo Neruda La Chascona Museum as well as nature trails leading to the top of the Metropolitan Park and Zoo. Its location puts travellers within walking distance of a diverse range of activities. Dozens of independent boutiques, galleries and live music venues can be found here, and the Patio Bellavista, known for its high-end arts and crafts and restaurants, is just two blocks from the hotel.
The international airport is a short 20 minute taxi ride away.
The Aubrey’s principal building was once was the family home of Domingo Durán, an influential politician and businessman who made his fortune building railway lines throughout Chile. Durán was also a member of the National Congress, and for several decades the dining area of The Aubrey was the scene of Durán’s legendary “Thursday Political Lunches” among leading Santiago figures. The former home was sold to Hotel owners Cigana and Martin in 2006, and they have invested $3 million in a major renovation overhaul.
These days, the famous Durán meeting place is the Aubrey’s dining area for the hotel’s gourmet breakfast. The space, which has been updated with designer touches but retains its elegant, historic feel, looks out on the Piano Bar & Lounge and the outdoor terrace with its cascading waterfalls. Guests are welcome to enjoy signature cocktails and tapas served inside or out during the afternoon and evening as well as a complimentary afternoon tea available daily in the dining room.