The Best Mid-Range Hotels in Chile

Hotel Orly, Santiago (tel. 2/231-8947; www.hotelorly.cl): This is my all-around favorite for reasonable prices; an absolutely ideal location near the Metro, shops, and restaurants; cheerful service; and coziness. Like the Vilafranca, this former mansion has rooms of varying sizes, so book accordingly.

Vilafranca Petit Hotel, Santiago (tel. 2/232-1413; www.vilafranca.cl): Santiago's hectic pace slows down when you step into this delightful B&B. Steeped in French Provençal decor, this former home has been converted into a boutique hotel that is economically priced and a cozy place to stay; note that some doubles are tight.

Hotel Agora, Viña del Mar (tel. 32/269-4669; www.hotelagora.cl): There is a plethora of midrange lodging options in Viña, but this Miami-style, art-deco confection has fresh, contemporary decor, a great location, and gracious hosts. The hotel is tucked away on a street just 3 blocks from the beach.

El Puesto, Puerto Río Tranquilo (tel. 2/196-4555; www.elpuesto.cl): One of Patagonia's top places to stay is this three-room boutique hotel in tiny Puerto Río Tranquilo, on Lake General Carrera. While not directly on the lakeshore, family-run El Puesto is the perfect place to relax after a day of wilderness activities, from hiking on glaciers, visits to the beautiful Marble Cathedral and Chapel in the lake, to soaring through forest canopies. The whole place exudes a cozy, light atmosphere.