Fauna Hotel Valparaiso - Review

Finding the Fauna Hotel was easy, down an ally where cars have no access and along the top of a hill which immediately gave a good view of the town below and the bay.

Unlike traditional buildings the hotel functions from top to bottom, reception/restaurant/terrace at the top, with rooms leading down the multi story building perched along the hill. The outdoor terrace offers a great point of view of the town, and in the morning one can watch the sunrise.

I've opted for the bay view room which has incredibly tall ceilings and windows, wooden floors and open yet separate seating area. A large modern bathroom with glass paneled shower and granite floors. Finding a heater in the room made me happy as winters can be tough if you don't have in room climate control, something my hotel in Santiago did not have. The bed was comfortable, pillows and soft duvet covers to ensure your warm on a cold Chilean winter night. The walls are roughly textured and earth brown as if the rooms were made from cutting into the hillside, organic with specs of mud and hay - a down to earth feeling.

I'm finding little fault with Fauna Hotel, despite having no in room television, it doesn't really bother me, the town is interesting and colourful and just steps away. A funicular is just metres from the door and for only 100 Pesos (approx 20 cents) you can descend or climb easily to the town below.

Favourite thing about Fauna? Having breakfast while the sun rises, the view, decent breakfast, style and comfort in a down to earth bohemian way.

Note: at time of my visit works were underway next door for expansion, which will provide panoramic views and expanded occupancy.

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Photos of Fauna Hotel, Valparaiso Chile 2013 © Joe Mendonca

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A post by Joe Mendonca

Fauna Hotel on Booking.com
Fauna Hotel on Tripadvisor

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Mito Casa Hotel Review - Santiago Chile

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A post by Joe Mendonca

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Mito Casa Hotel is in an excellent location, within walking distant to most sites, city centre and entertainment district of Bellavista, the hotel came as a recommendation from a friend who stayed there a year earlier.

Selecting the economy double room places me in room number one just outside by the garden, which at first had its advantages by not having to go up any stairs, however soon I realised the weaknesses this had. Having a garden flat meant I was directly effected by the cold Chilean winter and with no individual control of  room climate, a small heater could have improved  this. I soon discovered the wifi was not working or strong enough to receive in my room, and despite mentioning this on my day of arrival nothing was done to rectify it, even after my second return to the hotel later in the week.

My second stay was much better as I had a room on the 3rd floor of the main building with its art deco appearance, a room overlooking the road with in-room sink but private bathroom/shower in the hallway (which is exclusive to you only - not shared).

The great features of Mito Casa Hotel is the location, the style and design, and its intimate feel, more like a bed and breakfast than a hotel. The rooftop terrace offers great views of the area and superb views of the mountain range that encloses Santiago. Location alone sells Mito Casa Hotel  however I was slightly disappointed action was not taken from issues I raised on my first stay, for this reason I suggest you stay in the main building.

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Photos of Mito Casa Hotel, Santiago Chile 2013 © Joe Mendonca

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Mito Casa Hotel - Booking.com 
Mito Casa Hotel - Tripadvisor 

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