Foresta Hotel

The room was comfortable and spacious, with two sofas, and the price was good. The hotel feels discreet, secure and distinctive. It’s centrally placed at the foot of a hill and park, and the area was quiet enough for a good rest. We didn’t run into trouble or feel unsafe, even though the neighborhood isn’t well known. Santiago is all particular, it is an experience. Breakfast was a modest but good Chilean spread: ham, cheese, scrambled eggs and coffee. The staff were helpful, though not everyone spoke English. We had a few cold moments; there is air conditioning, but it’s dated, as is the decor, which feels like stepping back in time. Free parking is available about a 5-minute walk away through a special arrangement.

We booked this place again for a stop on our way back after traveling north and south. During our late January 2025 stay, the staff were really friendly and helpful, and our double room had a separate little sitting room with a sofa and fridge. There were cracks and scrapes all over, but it was clean. It’s a quirky little hotel. Nights were noisy, though that’s Santiago for you.

I was ready to leave a good review despite the room’s poor condition, the shower water never getting hot, and the WiFi dropping every few minutes. Then I checked out and found a 50,000 charge for laundry, ten times the 5,000 I’d been told twice would go on my credit card. That was upsetting, especially after being told the same amount by the same front desk man. Otherwise, I would have done the laundry down the street for 3,000. This is one of the few times I’ve left a bad review.

The staff were kind, and the location in the city was convenient. The building could have a lot of tourist appeal, but it urgently needs a complete makeover. My first room was old, noisy from the street, and had WiFi that didn’t work and a very dirty toilet. I asked to move, but the next room was no better. It was even louder, directly over a live-music bar, and freezing, with only a very noisy A/C system for heat. The WiFi was still out. At least that toilet was cleaner, though it leaked and dripped all night. I can’t agree with the positive reviews.