Hotel Magnolia Santiago

Room Type: Deluxe Room (received free upgrade from a Superior Room)

Hotel Amenities: On-site Rooftop Restaurant and Bar, Gym, Breakfast Buffet Included

Average Cost per Night: $200 (incl. fees, for 3 nights)

Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆

My Rating: 8.5/10

Anyone who's visited a capital city in most countries of the world knows that they are, in a word, bustling. And nowhere is this more true than in Latin America. Of course, the cities of Central and South America are many other things as well—vibrant, colorful, brimming with culture and markets and delicious food—but they are also, unquestionably, loud. Honking cars, barking dogs, and hawking street vendors abound.

The city center of Santiago, Chile is no different.

Enter the quiet tranquility of Hotel Magnolia in Santiago's historical and verdant Lastarria neighborhood. The barrio itself borders some of the most trafficked spots in Santiago, like the Plaza de Armas and Mercado Central, with numerous parks and green spaces, such as the Parque Forestal and Santa Lucia Hill, making it popular with tourists and locals alike.

As for the hotel, the level of sophistication in design, hospitality, and amenities is impressive for its size (there are just 40 rooms). The lobby and first floor bar are decadent and rather dark, like some rich grandfather's study or, perhaps, cigar room. But there are also suprising pops of modernity, too—new age artwork flickering across digital screens and sleek furniture interspersed with more traditional tufted leather.

It speaks to the larger design of the building itself. Once a 1920's mansion for a wealthy Chilean political family, the property has been updated with modern touches while paying homage to its art deco past. A wall of glass encases the top two-thirds of the building's original stone exterior, and stained glass-paned windows dot the lower floors.

The Deluxe Room, a free upgrade thanks to the exceptionally friendly front desk, was beautifully paneled with pale wood that kept it from feeling too heavy and dark. The Nespresso machine for morning coffee and complementary alfajores (Chilean dulce de leche sandwich cookies) left on our pillows with turndown service each night were welcome touches.

The breakfast buffet was quite large and varied, and offered American-style breakfast items like scrambled eggs and bacon in addition to South American fare. The hotel also boasts a rooftop bar and restaurant with great views of the neighboring Santa Lucia Hill—a perfect spot for a sundowner and snack before venturing out to one of Santiago's many delicious restaurants.

You certainly can't go wrong with a stay at Hotel Magnolia.