Best hotels and hostels in Santiago

Top ChoiceLodging in Santiago

On a 923m ridge about 30 minutes northeast of Santiago, Camp David offers sweeping vistas over the city and valley below. The extremely large rooms, with high-end boutique-style features such as marble sinks and porcelain-tile floors, have private balconies. There's also a top-notch restaurant.

Top ChoiceLodging in Santiago

The best budget option in the northeastern outskirts of town is this friendly three-room B&B, which offers basic private rooms and excellent Italian meals just for guests (think homemade ravioli and decadent tiramisu). Because it's so small, the whole place is often booked – be sure to reserve well in advance.

Lodging in Santiago

The obvious choice for business travelers, the Gran Almirante also entices tourists looking for extra comfort: rooms are plush and comfortable, and there's a sundeck, a spa and a gym. A casino, jungly lobby atrium, and a variety of restaurants and bars round things off. It’s several kilometers from downtown, but the neighborhood has a handful of good restaurants within walking distance.

Lodging in Santiago

At the back of a strip mall a short drive from town, this is an excellent-value option. While standard rooms, especially the small basement rooms, lack natural light, the beds are comfortable and the rooms have small desk, TV and mini-fridge; executive-floor rooms have plasma TV and attractive wooden floors. A large gazebo marks the entrance.

Lodging in Santiago

A garishly designed couples hotel (aka cabaña turisticos or, more colloquially, 'love motel') that charges by the hour and is located along the highway isn't for everyone. But if you're arriving on a late flight this might be a practical choice. Food is available as well.

Lodging in Santiago

A weird and wonderful compound based near Tamboril's tobacco factories, this expat-owned property is secure and affordable, offering the only dorm beds in the area. Tidy rooms are named after the owner's grandchildren, and the expansive gardens surrounding the hotel feel like a Dominican version of Alice in Wonderland. A local chef prepares tasty Dominican meals.

Lodging in Santiago

If price is a consideration, the Colonial is an acceptable hotel in the center – but staying beyond a night or two can’t be recommended. Hallways reminiscent of a military barracks lead to no-frills rooms, some lit by single light bulbs; all have small TVs with cable and some have fridges.

Lodging in Santiago

The fact that this business-class hotel, part of the Hodelpa chain, is located only a block from the primary commercial artery in the heart of the city means that lower floors suffer from street noise. But this is your best option if staying downtown. Expect courteous, professional service but fairly plain rooms. There’s a restaurant, a lounge and a small casino attached.