Stay Lifehacks

Make the most out of the beautiful oceanfront setting of the hotel. Request a sea view (‘vista al mar’) room when making your booking, if not already too late. Have breakfast with a view over the Pacific Ocean or relax by the outdoor pool watching the sunset be part of your experience here. A leisurely walk along Costanera promenade right outside Hotel in cool morning or evening is highly recommended.

To witness a must-see natural wonder, plan a trip to La Portada-the famous natural arch just north of the city. It's about a 20-30 minutes drive from the hotel. A great tip is to visit late afternoon when the light is best for photography. Several viewpoints offer magnificent perspectives of this iconic rock against the ocean cliffs. You can easily hire a taxi for the round trip or join a local tour.

Sample a bit of local history and culture. Make the effort to go beyond the modern mall area. Take a walk or short taxi ride to the historic Barrio Histórico near the port. Visit the Plaza Colón, view the beautiful old customs house (now a museum), and wander through the regional museum in its historic building. For an authentic dining experience, seek out a restaurant in this area serving fresh local seafood, perhaps trying the classic Chilean dish ‘pastel de jaiba’ (crab pie).

Finally, use the hotel as a comfortable base from which to wander farther into the Atacama Desert. Antofagasta is a gateway city to some fascinating desert attractions. Consider arranging a day trip to visit one of the abandoned nitrate mining towns ('oficinas salitreras') such as Chacabuco-these places offer a haunting glimpse into Chile's past. Or plan an excursion to view the unique Mano del Desierto (Hand of the Desert) sculpture located about an hour south of the city. The stark beauty of this section of the desert can be comfortably contemplated, post-adventure, from one of their large beds.