Brighton

Only stayed one night, in an affordable, clean room with an unforgettable view of Valparaiso. This iconic place isn't a 5-star hotel, but it gets 10 stars for its history, service and location. And the workers, omg, so much respect for the people serving guests. OVER THE TOP.

Right in the middle of the tourist area, the house overlooks pl. Anibal Pinto, a popular gathering spot where some walking tours start. Just be ready for a steep climb up the hill to reach it.

The host was amazing and made breakfast right in front of you. From the room there was a beautiful view of the port and Valparaiso, and the location was great, though it's quite a walk uphill if you don't want to pay for a taxi. The room was really small, and I could only stand upright in half the space. I know it's meant to be a historic property, but the rooms need a facelift. Wallpaper was peeling, there was no hot water in my shower when I was there, and there wasn't any soap either.

The place is immaculately clean, and breakfast was nice enough, with fresh fruit and cooked eggs. The staff were friendly in a relaxed, carefree way that suited our holiday mood. The view is magnificent, and you can hardly look past it, though the downstairs rooms sit right below the dining room. You hear every chair scrape and footstep, from breakfast prep until the party ends. The house's faded beauty is clear up close: paint is chipped and peeling in almost every place, and the decor is dated, even if it's billed as historic. Still, the grandness of what it once was hits you as soon as you see it. Bright yellow, perched on the hill's edge, it shines over the splendor of Valparaiso. Go with your eyes open and expectations set, and you can have a lovely stay.