As soon as your driver deposits you at the private garden entrance lined with soaring trees, you realize that you’re entering a privileged realm that’s as sexy and festive as a party hosted by Tom Ford.
If you think you know W Hotels and if you think W Santiago is another cookie-cutter boutique hotel, you’ll be WOW-ed by the W brand’s 33rd hotel. Opened in 2009 as the first W hotel in South America, W Santiago is part of a mixed-use complex called Isidora 300 that also includes W Residences, as well as offices, retail, and a sprawling 22,000 square-foot health and fitness club.
Located in the tony El Golf neighborhood of Las Condes, W Santiago was designed by Tony Chi and Sergio Echeverria with an aesthetic that reflects the region’s vibrant colors and energy. With a bold palette of orange, blue, and red, W Santiago’s 196 sleekly-furnished rooms are fabric-paneled and accented with framed photos of Chile.
Toiletries are by Bliss and the chain’s signature walk-in shower is commodious enough for a private yoga session, with a rainfall shower large enough to evoke Seattle. Floor-to-ceiling windows look out onto the Andes or the Santiago skyline. The vast bed is covered with a goose down duvet and comfortable enough to spend an entire weekend. Guests at W Santiago enjoy access to O2 Balance & Wellness Club, a vast spa and health club on the third floor that includes purified air.
(Source: Starwood)
An elaborate breakfast buffet is served in the W Santiago’s signature restaurant, NoSo (helmed by Jean-Paul Bondoux and Sebastian Fontes). The extensive selection includes topical fruits and fresh juices, pastries and cold plates, and an omelette station. On the weekends, the large room buzzes with the energy of Santiago locals enjoying the copious brunch.
Apart from the helipad, perhaps the most awe-inspiring feature of the W Santiago is Red2 One, the 21st-floor rooftop bar with its panoramic, Cinemascope views of the city and snow-capped Andes. Sipping a cocktail at Red2 One reminds you of what it might feel like in the palm of King Kong’s hand, high atop the city – and you’ll find yourself marveling at the city’s expanse and its nighttime similarity to Los Angeles.
Listed on Conde Nast Traveler’s “Hot List” and Travel + Leisure “Best New Hotels,” W Santiago is the sort of hotel and lifestyle complex that causes you to consider a whole new life located in Santiago.
LINK: W Santiago
