The hype
Travelers love the location and the staff's warmth, but often mention the property feels 'tired' compared to newer luxury rivals.
The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago
$260-350 / night
Book this if You want old-school, English-manor luxury in the safest part of Santiago with a rooftop pool that (usually) offers stunning Andes views.
Why People Love It
- The glass-domed rooftop pool is an architectural icon with year-round heating
- Located in El Golf, the 'Sanhattan' of Santiago, safe and walkable to top dining
- Club Level food presentations are generous enough to replace dinner
Quick Take: It’s a reliable business hotel wearing a luxury costume—the lobby feels a bit 2003, but the renovated rooms and pisco sours save the day.
Reviewed by @lovemylifedee: I checked into the Ritz in Santiago and honestly, the glass-domed pool stole the show. The hallway carpet was a workout for my suitcase, but the suite upgrade and those city views made up for everything. It's a total vibe.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You might not get the mountain view you see on Instagram; many rooms face office buildings or the street.
- You prioritize safety and walkability in a South American capital
- You appreciate a classic, wood-paneled 'gentleman's club' aesthetic over modern minimalism
- You are a Marriott Bonvoy loyalist looking to burn points or use status
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Generally reliable daily service, though some reports of missed dusting in corners.
- Bathroom hygiene: Marble bathrooms are kept clean, but grout in older showers can show age.
- Maintenance: The biggest issue is the exterior glass of the pool dome (often dirty) and rattling AC units.
- Linens & towels: High-quality, fresh, and plush—standard Ritz excellence here.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells of fresh flowers and wood polish; gym area smells strongly of chlorine.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Rattling air conditioning units
- Street traffic from El Alcalde and Apoquindo avenues
Before you book
Good to know
- Foreigners are EXEMPT from the 19% IVA tax if paying in USD with a foreign credit card + passport + tourist card (PDI paper given at airport).
- The pool is heated to ~84°F, making it usable even in winter.
- Club Lounge access includes 5 food presentations daily and free alcohol—worth the upgrade if you plan to stay in.
What to pack
- Universal travel adapter (Chile uses type C/L)
- Swimsuit for the year-round heated rooftop pool
- Earplugs for the AC noise
Room Genie
Best picks
- Club Level rooms (10th floor) for the food/drink perks and slightly better soundproofing
- Mountain View rooms on high floors (ask specifically for Andes view, not City view)
Rooms to avoid
- Lower floor rooms facing the street (traffic noise)
- Rooms near the elevators (high foot traffic)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am requesting a high-floor room with a direct view of the Andes Mountains. Please ensure the room is away from the elevators and has a recently serviced AC unit to minimize rattling noise.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the pool open year-round?
Yes, it's an indoor heated pool under a glass dome, open all seasons.
Do I have to pay the 19% tax?
Not if you are a tourist paying in USD with a foreign credit card. Keep your PDI paper slip from immigration!
Is the area safe to walk at night?
Yes, El Golf/Las Condes is one of the safest neighborhoods in Santiago, with plenty of security and foot traffic.
How far is the airport?
About 25-35 minutes by car (Costanera Norte highway), depending on traffic.
Is there a resort fee?
No resort fee, but parking is extra (~$20/night).
Can I drink the tap water?
It's generally safe but high in minerals; the hotel provides bottled water which is recommended for sensitive stomachs.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Bath Butler' service is real—you can order a drawn bath with specific salts and oils from a menu.
- ✨
Café Ritual in the lobby has excellent hand-roasted coffee if you want to skip the big buffet breakfast.
- ✨
Ask the concierge for a reservation at Tiramisú (nearby) before you arrive; it's always packed.
5 things to know before you go
💡The glass dome over the pool is often dirty/smudged, which ruins the 'perfect' photo op.
💡The gym is on a mezzanine above the pool, so it gets humid and smells like chlorine.
💡There are no umbrellas on the rooftop terrace, so you will roast in the summer sun.
💡The 'City View' often just means looking at the office building across the street.
💡Breakfast service can be chaotic and understaffed during peak business hours (8-9 AM).
Local Playbook
Map
See where The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago is located and what's nearby.