Find Hotel Deals in Santiago (SCL)

There is no shortage of luxury hotels in Santiago. If you want to treat yourself to the lavish lifestyle, look for accommodations in the upscale neighborhood of Vitacura. For those that would like to be more centrally located, there's the city's center. Here, leisure travelers can stay in close proximity to some of Santiago's top attractions, including the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Chilean Museum of Pre-Colombian Art. Business travelers will enjoy being in the hub of the city's commercial and financial district. For those looking for great nightlife and fantastic restaurants, search for discount room rates in the Bellavista neighborhood. Here, you'll find late-night bars as well as some of the city's best jazz clubs. Another upscale option for travelers looking to spend a little is the Las Condes district. This neighborhood, which also features many luxury hotels, puts visitors close to some of Santiago's best shopping and dining.

Because Santiago is south of the equator, its seasons are the reverse of those in the U.S. That means when it's wintertime in the states, it's summertime in Santiago. Many locals take vacations during the steamy summer months of December through March. Although the weather can be a bit warm, this is one of the best times to find discounts on Santiago flights and hotel specials. And with many residents taking vacation at this time, you can bet that you'll avoid a lot of the denser crowds. Another great time to head to Santiago is during their winter, which lasts from about June through August. Although temperatures are cooler, this is the perfect time for skiing at the surrounding mountain slopes. Also, hotel rates tend to dip during this time of the year, so look for deals online.

If you want to stay in a luxury boutique right in Santiago's historical city center, search for rooms at the Blue Tree Hotels Fundador. The spacious guest rooms are brightly decorated and include modern fixtures and accents. Amenities include a heated indoor pool, a fitness center and a dry sauna. The hotel's restaurant focuses on contemporary Latin American cuisine, and the morning breakfast buffet includes more than 55 items to choose from.

For five-star comfort, look no further than the Hotel Plaza San Francisco. Located in downtown Santiago, this hotel offers a European-style setting that includes such amenities as a comprehensive business center, a heated indoor pool, a fitness center and a state-of-the-art spa. The sound-insulated rooms are decorated in warm, welcoming tones. The hotel's Bristol Restaurant is an award-winning dining room that serves up traditional Chilean ingredients in a gourmet fashion.

Budget travelers looking to take a self-sufficient trip should consider booking a stay at Inmoba Apartments & Suites. Like a hotel, you will have the utmost levels of privacy and comfort, along with some traditional amenities and services. Unlike a hotel, you will have a full kitchen, including an oven and a microwave. Many rooms overlook some of Santiago's best sights, including the Andes Mountains. Room service is provided daily, which includes a refill of all bathroom supplies. Plus, the Inmoba is just steps away from some of Santiago's best nightlife entertainment.  Rates are very competitively priced, so rooms fill up fast. Make sure to call well in advance to secure your reservation.

Visitors to Santiago have a number of public transportation options. The most convenient form of transportation is the city's extensive metro system. With more than 100 stations and five separate lines, Chile's public train system is the largest in all of South America. Tourists can take the Metro to many of Santiago's top attractions, including the Plaza de Armas and the La Moneda Palace. Another option is the city's bus system. Currently, buses do not accept cash. Passengers must pay using pre-paid transit cards. Of course, taxicabs are also available. You can easily identify Santiago cabs by their yellow roofs and orange license plates.