Once we arrived in Santiago, we took a cab from the airport straight to our hotel — the W Santiago in the Las Condes area. Like all W hotels, the best word to describe the hotel was “glamorous.” Like, it seems like Kim K is going to be staying in the suite next door to yours. All W’s, although decorated differently with their own motif, all share the same party atmosphere and glam decor. The W even has a signature scent… to go along with their signature house music. When you’re at the W, you know you’re not going to sleep before 4am.

CHECK-IN

We arrived at the hotel after one 10-hour, nearly sleepless flight (Delta Flight 147 – Atlanta-ATL to Santiago-SCL – B767-300ER) and one van ride from the airport– looking pretty rough around 10am, I’m sure. Thankfully, the front desk agent confirmed that our room was, in fact, ready for us immediately, giving us a chance to take some much needed showers.

THE ROOM

Jeffrey booked the room with Cash + Points for 6,000 Starpoints + $110 per night and, on top of that, applied two SPG Platinum Suite Night Awards to the reservation. The SNAs cleared exactly 5 days out and we received a confirmation that we had been booked into a Marvelous Suite.

The room was, well, Marvelous. It was extremely “W-esque,” with tall ceilings, very modern decor and the signature W soundtrack. The Marvelous Suite had a nice, big balcony with a table and chairs and a breathtaking view of the Andes Mountains (who knew they were so close to the city?!). Truly, the view of the city and the majestic mountains just a stone’s throw away is the best part of this hotel (and city, for that matter).

THE BATHROOM

The bathroom — for all of the strides toward modernity, was completely open to the bedroom. Fortunately, the toilet (but not the shower or bathtub) had a separating door, but it would still make for quite an awkward experience if traveling with a friend or family member.

The bathroom off of the living room — in case we have guests…

After checking out our freakin’ awesome room (and taking a small nap), we checked out the rest of the hotel. One of the staff members made sure to tell us about the nightclub that the W houses:  Whiskey Blue. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to see Whiskey Blue for ourselves, since he told us that it doesn’t really get crowded until 4am… what?!

THE LOBBY

NOSA RESTAURANT

We did get plenty of chances to experience the restaurant and lobby bar. Being an SPG Platinum Member, Jeffrey always chooses the free breakfast option when traveling with me. We’re never big breakfast eaters, but make it a point to eat late in the morning and essentially turn it into a significant head start on lunch. Breakfast for SPG Platinums at the W Santiago gets you the breakfast buffet at NoSa, the in-house restaurant. Typically, the breakfast amenity will only get you a continental breakfast at most properties, but there’s only one choice at NoSa: the sprawling buffet. I’m not quite sure how much it normally costs for breakfast, but they had a sign advertising a Sunday afternoon brunch for 23,000 CLP ( = $23.62 USD each at today’s exchange rate, or~$41 USD each at the exchange on the date we were there) and the offerings sounded identical to the morning breakfast.

The buffet selections were varied and fresh — exactly what you’d wish for — with a chef to specially make omlettes with your choice of toppings. And, best of all, we were there over the weekend and had access to their self-serve, bottomless mimosa and Bloody Mary bar. Not bad at all for a free breakfast at the W.

BOTTOM LINE:  There’s never a bad stay at any W Hotel, but this W Santiago is especially glamorous– boasting A+ views of the Andes Mountains and free, bottomless Bloodys for breakfast on the weekends. What more could a traveler looking for a little glamor want?