Hotel Magnolia

Hotel Magnolia in Santiago, Chile, a distinguished Michelin Key One-Keys property, consistently receives high praise for its exceptional blend of historic charm, modern design, and outstanding hospitality. Housed in a beautifully restored 1929 mansion, the hotel offers a unique and memorable stay in the heart of the city.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Hotel Magnolia enjoys an impressive overall rating of 9.2, with guests consistently praising their outstanding experience. The Michelin Guide describes it as "A very special stay" and highlights an "Overall Experience" score of 18.2. The general sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many guests recommending it for its comfort, style, and excellent service.

2. Key Highlights

Guests particularly love the hotel's distinctive design, which elegantly contrasts original brickwork and parquet floors with contemporary glass and steel elements, often noted for its "moody and sexy with an old school charm" vibe and Scandinavian influence in rooms. The chic rooftop bar with panoramic city views and excellent drinks is a recurring highlight. Its prime, central location also stands out as a major advantage for exploring Santiago.

3. Room Quality

The 40 rooms and suites at Hotel Magnolia are described as elegantly decorated and designed for the highest comfort. They feature a new design with Scandinavian influence, feeling "very high-end in all aspects." Each room is well-appointed with plush linens, fluffy towels, air conditioning, heating, extra-long beds, a private bathroom, minibar, coffee maker, flat-screen cable TV, and a safe. Soundproofing ensures a restful stay. Junior Suites offer more space, while the Magnolia Signature Suite provides luxurious designer furnishings with separate relaxation and dining areas.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Hotel Magnolia is highly regarded, especially the complimentary buffet breakfast, which guests often describe as "delicious" and "one of the best." It includes a variety of healthy choices, fresh fruits, cereals, pastries, homemade cakes, and hot dishes like eggs and bacon. The hotel's on-site restaurant serves modern Chilean cuisine. While the rooftop bar is celebrated for its drinks and ambiance, some guests have noted that the food at the rooftop restaurant can be disappointing compared to the beverages. Room service is also available from 7 AM to 10 PM.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Hotel Magnolia receive exceptional ratings, with a consistent score of 9.8 for service. Guests frequently highlight the staff as "amazing," "incredibly friendly," "accommodating," "attentive," and "professional." Many reviews mention staff going out of their way to assist guests, providing warm hospitality and efficient service.

6. Location & Accessibility

Hotel Magnolia boasts a prime location in the vibrant heart of Santiago, nestled in the trendy Lastarria neighborhood. This area is known for its bohemian atmosphere, cobbled streets, and numerous bars, restaurants, and shops. The hotel is within walking distance of major attractions such as Santa Lucia Hill, the Chilean National Museum of Fine Arts (Bellas Artes), Parque Forestal, and Plaza de Armas. It is also conveniently located just two blocks from the Bellas Artes subway station, offering easy access to other parts of the city. Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) is approximately a 20-25 minute drive away, with airport transfer services available.

7. Value & Pricing

With a "value for money" rating of 9.5, Hotel Magnolia is considered to offer excellent value. While it falls on the higher end of the local market, with room prices typically ranging from $151 to $200 per night, guests feel rewarded with superior comfort, modern amenities, and an unforgettable experience. Average prices over the last two weeks have been around $302 for a weeknight and $267 for a weekend night, with rates starting from $170. Foreign travelers paying in foreign currency may be eligible for a VAT exemption.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some recurring criticisms include spotty Wi-Fi connectivity in certain areas of the hotel. Additionally, a few guests have expressed disappointment with the food at the rooftop restaurant for dinner, suggesting that the quality of the drinks surpasses the culinary offerings. Minor issues noted by some guests include the lack of English-speaking news channels on TV, slippery scatter rugs in rooms, and mirror height in bathrooms.

Sources

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