Casa Higueras

Hotel Casa Higueras, stay on January 14, 2026. We really enjoyed our stay, thanks to the welcoming front desk team and genuine Chilean hospitality. It's a convenient pre-cruise base for independent travelers, close to many Valparaiso landmarks. Our rate included a buffet breakfast with deli meats, cheeses, fruit and eggs cooked to order. The spacious, well-appointed room had a fireplace, king bed, sofa, chairs and study table. We also had a lovely balcony overlooking the pier, where we could see our cruise ship in the distance, partly hidden by a tree. The large bathroom had full amenities.

The bed was comfortable and the Wi-Fi worked well, which we appreciated. The hotel is reasonably located and feels safe if you want to stay in Valparaíso, but it's expensive for what it offers. Air circulation was limited, so we had to keep the window open. There were no mosquito nets, and we were bitten repeatedly, which affected our comfort and sleep. It may be common locally, but the hotel could easily improve this. We tried to upgrade our room. On booking.com the difference for the higher category was €20, including the external Website fee, but the hotel asked for €60 per night, which felt disproportionate and unnecessarily opportunistic. Service was inconsistent, and staff didn't offer information unless we asked very specific questions. The supposedly 24/7 sauna was never on. The tipping situation felt uncomfortable throughout the stay. Each time, we were asked to sign a tip form, and when we declined, we were questioned again, interrupting conversation and creating pressure. During our time in Chile we noticed excessive pressure around tipping, and this hotel reflected that trend. One evening we didn't leave a tip because our drinks weren't satisfactory. We sent them back twice, but they came back the same and we couldn't drink them. Even after I explained that we didn't feel the service warranted a tip, a staff member kept interrupting and insisting on one. The next day, there were several service denials and contradictory explanations. First we were told the terrace was fully booked, then reception said the restaurant closed at 9:00 p.m., even though we tried to dine at 8:30 p.m. and four tables were empty. We went upstairs to the terrace for drinks and were told to ring a bell for service, but no one answered. Downstairs, staff said the restaurant was closed and we should have been informed. But when we went to the restaurant in person, it was open, with the same guests still seated and being served drinks. When we pointed out the inconsistency and said we wanted drinks too, the staff member rolled her eyes and walked away instead of discussing it. I don't want to assume intent, but the sequence strongly suggests different treatment after we chose not to tip. It was especially disappointing at a hotel charging over €300 per night. We were effectively prevented from dining or having drinks on the terrace and given misleading information instead of clear, professional communication.

Francesca provided exceptional service after we left our binoculars behind. She contacted us and arranged to have them returned. The neighborhood is great, close to street art and restaurants, and our well-equipped room had a balcony overlooking the port. Breakfast and dinner were both excellent.

Casa Higueras made our four nights in Chile wonderful, and I’d happily return. The hotel has lovely little corners to sit in, plus a pool, hot tub, and restaurant. Our room was charming, though the premium one felt small; I’d consider upgrading if it fits your budget. The bathroom lighting was very dim, and climbing into the high tub was awkward and a bit risky. We had no air conditioning or fan, although our friend’s room at the same booking level did. It wasn’t very hot, but the damp, heavy air became uncomfortable. Opening the door brought in loud port noise in the morning. The staff made a big difference. Marcos at reception was especially great, and everyone was kind and accommodating, from the breakfast server who remembered what we liked each day to the housekeeping team. They really made the stay feel five-star.