Hotel Boutique Castillo Rojo

Hotel Boutique Castillo Rojo occupies a mansion built in 1923 in Barrio Bellavista, a neighbourhood of restaurants, bars, theatres and street art. The building was designed as the private home of a wealthy family and later served as an artist's residence before becoming a 19-room hotel.

The house is a landmark and has been preserved as far as possible. Original details include romantic old fireplaces, rustic woodwork and light fittings from the 1920s, and an update in 2013 added modern comforts. Standard rooms have 500-thread-count cotton sheets. There is a garden, a lounge, a wine bar and two restaurants, and breakfast is served in the Bistró Castillo.

The location is the hotel's great selling point. It sits on Constitución, one of Bellavista's main streets for restaurants and cultural venues, a block from Pablo Neruda's house, La Chascona, and steps from the funicular that climbs Cerro San Cristóbal. Peumayén Ancestral Food is a few doors along the street, and Patio Bellavista, with its restaurants and bars, is close by. The bars of Pío Nono are within walking distance for an evening out, so it is a good base for nightlife.

Practical points matter here. The castle does not have a lift, so guests use the stairs, which makes it unsuitable for travellers with limited mobility or very heavy luggage. Children under 10 pay a supplement in certain suites. On the plus side, parking is free, wifi is free, there is a 24-hour front desk and a shuttle service, and the hotel is non-smoking. Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out by 12:00.

Bellavista is lively at night, particularly at weekends, so light sleepers should ask for a quieter room. In return you get a characterful house in a lively neighbourhood, a short walk across the Mapocho via the Pío Nono bridge to Baquedano metro station, where Lines 1 and 5 meet, for the rest of the city.

Castillo Rojo suits couples, travellers who enjoy historic houses and anyone who wants to be close to La Chascona, San Cristóbal and Bellavista's restaurants. It is listed in the Michelin Guide's selection of Santiago hotels.