Just the reviews, senorita

I wanted a place to keep track of the reviews I've been reading about the places we'll go.....


Hotel Orly - Santiago

One of the best...

Two stays at Hotel Orly confirmed the advice we were given - that this is one of the best hotel options in Santiago - small, reasonably priced, very comfortable and quiet - and deservedly popular, so booking ahead is most advisable. Prettily furnished (but not in the least fussy)with antique-style pieces and soft colours, and immaculately clean, the rooms are welcome haven from the hustle and bustle of the city streets. Breakfast in the little garden room was a great way to start each day, and the guest's internet access on the first floor was often a good way to end it with a bedtime email to family and friends back home. A book exchange table in the small lounge was a thoughtful touch. I would certainly stay here again, and have already passed the contact on to a friend who will be visiting Santaiago shortly, I know she will be as happy with her stay as we were.

Unique Quality: The rooms may be small but they are comfortable and elegantly furnished, as are the public areas with their oriental rugs, soft lighting and attractive floral displays; the location is excellent (a quiet, tree-lined street just a block from a metro station, a short walk from the river and around the corner from busy Providencia Avenue ); breakfast is an ample buffet of fresh fruit, ham, cheese, eggs, breads and cake that can be taken a pretty glass-roofed conservatory; the hotel cafe on the streetfront serves excellent coffee and light meals as well as providing a platform for one of my favourite occupations - people watching (and one of Santiago's best and most popular Italian restaurants, Liguria, is all but next door); rates are very reasonable and the staff are helpful and obliging ... all in all, the Orly is an outstanding example of the sort of hotel all travellers hope they'll find - a charming and individual small hotel

Read more: http://www.virtualtourist.com/hotels/South_America/Chile/Region_Metropolitana_de_Santiago/Santiago-1558248/Hotels_and_Accommodations-Santiago-Orly_Hotel-BR-1.html#ixzz1GFvFhM6Y

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Hotel Cabo de Hornos - Yahoo review

Trip Advisor review

Map of Cabo_de_Hornos_Hotel-Punta_Arenas_Patagonia

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Solo-Expediciones
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Don't know yet how long we'll have in Punta Arenas but I'd like to see some penguins by boat.

Itineary as of 4/20/11

Santiago & Torres del Paine

Package includes:
3 nights in Santiago
1 Night in Indigo
4 nights Lago Grey
1 Night Punta Arenas
Itinerary:

Nov. 18 – Denver/Santiago
Take your international flight from Denver to Santiago, Chile.

Nov. 19 - Santiago
Arrive in Santiago this morning and transfer to your hotel in the heart of the city. (Orly Hotel)(check out the breakfast spread photo) (reviews)(afternoon tea is provided by hotel in breakfast room)

Nov. 20 - Santiago
Enjoy a morning tour of Santiago. A journey through the main streets of the center of Santiago, viewing the neoclassical Moneda Palace, built in the 18th century and current seat of government, the Plaza de Armas, or main square with its cathedral, the Museum of National History and the Central Post Office, all with very different architectural styles. Continue to the Parque Forestal, based on the Champs d’Elysee in Paris, the Fine Arts Museum and the Santa Lucia Hill where the city was founded in 1541. Continue to the bohemian area of Bellavista and climb San Cristobal Hill for a panoramic view of the city with the Andes Mountains in the background. The tour finishes with a visit to the handicraft village of Los Graneros del Alba. Return to your hotel.

Nov. 21 – Santiago/Valparaíso/Santiago
Depart for the central coast, traveling through the valleys of
Curacavi and Casablanca. The latter is known for its recent
success as a wine producing area. Continue to the coast and
visit the beach area of Renaca and the town of Vina del Mar,
known as the Garden City for its pretty parks and flower lined
streets. Visit the Gaming Casino and the coastal road.
In the afternoon continue to the picturesque port of Valparaiso
built in the 16th-century on a total of 43 hills which are
reached by narrow windy streets, staircases and a series of
lifts (funiculars). This area has been declared by UNESCO as
patrimony of humanity due to its eclectic architecture and urban development.

Full day tour to Vina del Mar and Valparaiso.
or this

Nov. 22 – Santiago/Puerto Natales
Early morning transfer to the airport for Airlines flight
to Punta Arenas at 6:40AM. Reception at the airport when you
arrive at 11:00AM and transfer to the bus station in town. You
may have some time before the bus leaves to explore Punta
Arenas. Take the three and a half tour drive north to Puerto
Natales (bring some snacks with you as there are no stops along
the way). Pick up at the bus station and transfer to the
CostAustralis Hotel. Hotel change: now CostAustralis Hotel.

Previous hotel:
Hotel Indigo is cool. (Indigo) (architecure of Indigo more Indigo)

Nov. 23 – Puerto Natales/Torres del Paine National Park Lonely Planet


Full day excursion to Torres del Paine National Park. Enroute we will visit the Milodón Cave, where the remains of a prehistoric animal were found in the last century. The Torres del Paine National Park was declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 1978. The park covers an area of 160,000 hectares. The most important attraction is the central mountain range where the Horns of Paine are found, and also the needles which were formed by the action of the many glaciers surrounding the rock. There are also many impressive lakes, glaciers, waterfalls and a quite varied flora and fauna—which makes this one of the most famous places in Chile to visit. Lunch (included) is in a restaurant in the park itself. Transfer to a hosteria in the park in the late afternoon. (Hosteria Lago Grey)

Nov. 24 – 26 – Torres del Paine - Maps - Key Facts
Enjoy these three days at your leisure in Torres del Paine. Optional excursions available at the hosteria. Glacier tour by boat. Overnights in Torres del Paine.

Nov. 27 – Torres del Paine/Punta Arenas
Morning at leisure. In the afternoon, transfer to your hotel in Punta Arenas. (Cabo de Hornos)(Cabo de Hornos)

Nov. 28 – Punta Arenas/Santiago/Denver
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for Airlines flight
at 11:40 AM to Santiago. Arrive in Santiago at 3:10PM and
connect with your international flight back home.