PUERTA DE ALCALA

I was recently on a work trip that took me to Valparaiso for 9 nights. While in Valparaiso, I stayed in Hotel Puerta de Alcala. The hotel is located in a central location near restaurants, pubs, clubs and public transportaiton. The rooms are heated (not always the case in Chile) with hot water (not luke warm as may be the case in many places). In fact, you will want to be careful as the water can get so hot it is scalding. The bathroom was a bit small and the tub/shower was a bit of a challenge to get into and out of due to the limited movement of the sliding glass doors and awkward angle of the tub. However, the room was a good size, comfortable for two people, with cable TV and double window panes. This did help insulate the room and keep things warm with the cooler temps that we were having. It also helped damper the sound from the night life on the weekends. If you are a light sleeper you may want ear plugs between the dogs (this you cannot avoid anywhere in Chile) and the bar scene (Thurs- Sat nights). The room was always cleaned well and the 24 hour reception staff always helpful and kind. There is a breakfast included with the hotel which was good, but the other meals were so-so. I would suggest going out some where nearby, as you will be at no loss for places to eat. I would stay here again without a problem during the low-season.

Valparaiso is a dirty noisy city which I hope I will never have to return to again. The hotel is friendly but continuous motor horns and horrible food plus no aircon makes this place hard to love! The room was well worn and the walls bore the scars of many travellers. The shower was very good and the man on reception spoke very good English and was very kind and helpful.

Loved the location and pretty much everything about the hotel. It's nothing fancy but welll kept and free WiFi. The food at the restaurant can be fair to very good...truly depends on what they're serving. We were not bothered, but the street noise in front rooms can be quite noisy / loud.