Hotel Romantik di Santiago

Specifics: Three days and three nights in a corner suite, bookending my time in Rapa Nui. (room #401 in the beginning and #1001 at the end) Check-in: The first (early morning) was better than the second (late evening). At the former I was met at the door by a staff member, checked-in at the front desk, and my luggage was brought up to my room while getting an explanation of the hotel’s facilities and room. The latter was a self-driven affair, probably because it was just before midnight. (The gentleman at the front desk did remember my stay from earlier in the week.) [3.5/5] Room: As advertised on the website: a classically decorated room with ethnic decorative touches, a large bed, two couches, and a sit-down work desk. I believe the hotel is about thirty years old and I don’t think the property has been renovated but overall wear-and-tear was minimal. The bottom line is that I felt comfortable. (Of note, there was a soft clicking noise in the bathroom that was noticeable but not annoying in #1001.). [4/5] Facilities: All of the usual suspects one would expect from a five-star establishment: bar with adjoining restaurant, spa with (closed for maintenance) indoor pool, a spacious foyer with numerous nooks and crannies for seating, and a modest fitness center. I used the spa once and it was decent with good customer service. The same observation of the room applied here: older, functional spaces that were aesthetically appealing if a little worn. [4/5] Service: Universally friendly and prompt with a little bit of a casual vibe thrown in. The folks at the bar especially were great, I visited them several times a day and they were very knowledgeable (thanks Joe!) and actually made me choose to eat there as opposed to exploring the city. Room service was decent; the guys at the front door were very prompt in greeting everyone even later in the evening. Overall thumbs up here. [4/5] Cost: All of the above at less than half the rate of the Ritz Carlton. This definitely was a huge plus and one of my main reasons for staying. [4.5/5] Location: Within a five-minute walk to Plaza des Armas and less than that to La Moneda Palace. University of Chile Metro stop is right down the road. Ideal. [5/5] Summary: An overall positive stay, with the cost, location, and my interactions with the staff pushing this to solidly above average. I would definitely stay again. [4/5]