VIÑA DEL MAR, CHILE
While in Viña del Mar this past January…read more(2015) I had occasion to stay in the
Albamar Hotel on San Martin for a few days. How can I describe this place , hmmm.
I'm thinking...
Well, I want to be fair, after all , I was a guest not only of the Hotel but of Chile. I am very fond of Chile and Chilenos. Let's just say that this would not be my choice of Hotels were the circumstances somewhat different.
I mean, it is a little drab, in need of a good cleaning. Not that it was dirty mind you. It just needed to be updated with a more modern look.
That said, the Hotel Albamar is in a FANTASTIC location. I mean right on
San Martin, a block from the beach. All the tourist marching up and down
San Martin. There are a dozen or so restaurants on San Martin and on the adjacent side streets. The Casino is just a short walking distance from the Hotel, maybe four or five blocks. If going to the Casino there is plenty of parking available on the street behind the casino facing the ocean. There is a McDonald's nearby if you want a quick bite.
The room was of ample size with a T. V. I don't remember if Wi-FI was available. The Hotel provided a free continental breakfast that was well attended by the guest. Payment for the room was due in advance however,
Credit Cards not accepted by this establishment. The cost of the room was 60,000 pesos Chileno for each night. The room wasn't worth it but the location was well worth the price. FREE PARKING is available in Hotel lot.
There is a safe in the room for your valuables, don't forget to follow the instructions on how to open the safe as I did late one evening. None of the employees of the Hotel knew how to over ride the combination lock. I had to wait for the owner of the Hotel to arrive the next morning and for him to open the safe so I could retrieve my valuables. Thank goodness he was a kind man and did not treat me like a DUMMKOPF for not following what were, after all , simple instructions on how to open the safe.
I am giving the Hotel Albamar 4 stars if for nothing else, it's excellent location with proximity to the beach, Casino, restaurants etc.
It is a nice place, just not the Sheraton. But in life, you get what you pay for.
If you want the Sheraton Hotel, be prepared to pay for it. Jaaaa