Hotel Plaza San Francisco is the best-located traditional hotel in Santiago’s historic centre. It stands on the Alameda, the city’s great avenue, opposite the colonial San Francisco church, the oldest in Santiago, and right beside the Barrio París-Londres, a small enclave of cobbled lanes and mansions that feels like a corner of old Europe. From the door you can walk to La Moneda in about seven minutes, Cerro Santa Lucía in six and the Plaza de Armas in ten, and Universidad de Chile metro station is about four minutes away. The hotel has 146 individually furnished rooms in a classic style. Facilities are generous for the centre: an indoor pool, a gym and sauna that are free for guests, and a spa with massage and treatments. Restaurant Bristol serves à la carte meals and Bar Bristol pours Chilean wines and microbrews, and there is room service, a concierge and a tour desk. It is a dependable, central and good-value choice.
Location and getting around: the Alameda puts you in the middle of the old city, with the museums, La Moneda and the Plaza de Armas all within a short walk. Universidad de Chile station on Line 1 connects directly to Providencia, Sky Costanera and El Golf, and Baquedano for Bellavista is only a few stops away. The centre is busy by day and quieter at night, so take taxis late in the evening.
The rooms: rooms are traditional and comfortable, with heating and air conditioning. Rooms on higher floors and away from the Alameda are quieter.
Who it suits: first-time visitors and culture lovers who want to walk to the historic sights, families who appreciate the indoor pool, and travellers with a car.
Good to know: free private parking is available on site, subject to availability, with entrances on the Alameda and on Londres street depending on the time and day. Pets are not allowed. Airport transfers can be arranged for a fee. Buffet breakfast is offered, and guests get a discount on à la carte meals at Bristol.
Why stay here
- ✓Indoor pool
- ✓Spa with sauna
- ✓Fitness room
- ✓Restaurant Bristol
- ✓Bar Bristol with Chilean wines
- ✓Free on-site parking
- ✓Tour desk and concierge
- ✓Near Universidad de Chile metro
Good questions
Is Hotel Plaza San Francisco close to the sights?+
Yes, it is on the Alameda in the historic centre, about seven minutes on foot from La Moneda and ten from the Plaza de Armas. Universidad de Chile metro station is four minutes away.
Does the hotel have a pool?+
Yes, it has an indoor pool, plus a gym and sauna that are free for guests. Spa treatments are available for a fee.
Is parking available?+
Free private parking is offered on site, subject to availability. The entrance changes between the Alameda and Londres street depending on the time and day.