Hodelpa Centro Plaza Hotel, Santiago

Advantages: A relatively gentle introduction to South America.
Disadvantages: For such a big city it lacks a little in visitor attractions.

...on a clear day. Access to the world renowned Chilean ski fields is easy with the best (Farrelones) only an hours drive from downtown. Its geography means that the climate can be cool and damp during the winter but summertime often brings sapping heat and lung clogging smog. The pacific is only 65 miles away so the nearby coastal towns of Valparaiso and Vina Del Mar often teem with weekenders during December and January. The impact of several historical figures can still be felt throughout the city. The civic centre is the Plaza De Armas and has a huge monument to the city's founder Pedro De Valdiva. The main thoroughfare Av. Liberator General O'Higgins (more commonly known as Alameda) is named after the first leader of the Chilean Republic in the early 19th century. Bernardo O'Higgins was half Irish and his indelible mark can be seen in Santiago... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Shops etc open late, Beautiful Beach, Amazing Cathedral.
Disadvantages: Noisy, dirty, has Bull Ring.

...sat and had a coffee in the Bus depo cafe, and looked over a list of Hotels and map the lady from the Information Desk at the Bus station had given us.(Much more helpful than the airport!) We quickly chose one within our budget, walked literally around the corner from where we were, and checked in. The good thing about going this time of year, is that even if you don't have accomadation booked, you will deffinately be able to get what you want once there. Our Hotel was only supposed to be 1 Star, but we thought it was great! Not the Grande Vere or anything, but nice and clean with friendly staff.(None of which spoke English though) It also had a En suite with shower and bum-wash etc. Bags dumped, we were ready to explore. We were in the New part of Malaga, which had the Bus station, an Underground station, Cinema, many Shops... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Some lovely rooms, great location and verty reasonable price.
Disadvantages: Not all rooms as nice, noisy air-con.

...I did not choose this hotel, as it was part of my holiday package. When I found out that this was to be my first destination on my travels around the Mayan World I quickly looked into it. It had a good write up in the Lonely Planet and on Trip Advisor where it was described as clean, with a nice pool. Merida is the capital of the Yucatan state, and as well as being a pleasant Spanish colonial town in its own right, it is a good base for exploring Mayan sites such as Chichen Itza and Uxmal. On weekend evenings (the time we were staying) there is often live music in the streets and on Sundays the streets around the main Plaza are closed to traffic and there is a small market and cultural events happening. I caught the end of the local dancing during the late afternoon. The hotel is located just three short blocks from the Grand... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful