Unbelievable Bellas Artes Apartments in Santiago, Chile: Your Dream Stay Awaits!
Unbelievable Bellas Artes Apartments: Santiago Dream or Santiago Nightmare? (A Frankly Honest Review)
Okay, let's be real. When I booked the Unbelievable Bellas Artes Apartments in Santiago, Chile, the name promised the world. "Unbelievable"? Big shoes to fill, buddy. And after my stay… well, let's just say the journey wasn’t exactly smooth. Prepare yourself, because this isn’t your average, bland hotel review. This is real – flaws, triumphs, and all.
Accessibility – Navigating the Labyrinth:
Right off the bat, let's talk accessibility. They mention it, but the reality might be a bit… optimistic. Wheelchair accessible? Yes, technically. There's an elevator, which is a HUGE plus in a city built on hills. But maneuvering around the common areas? Let's just say it felt more like an obstacle course. Narrow hallways, awkward turns… it’s not the smoothest ride. Keep that in mind if you're relying on mobility aids.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: This is a big fat question mark. I didn't spend much time in the common areas (more on that later), so I can't personally vouch for their accessibility. The website implies accessibility, but I’d recommend calling ahead to nail down the details.
Internet – The Digital Wilderness:
Internet access, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas: Okay, the Wi-Fi situation was… a mixed bag. The allure of "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" is a siren song to the modern traveler. And yes, technically, it was free. But the speed? Let's just say I spent a lot of time staring at the buffering wheel. Internet [LAN]? I didn't even bother after the Wi-Fi debacle. The Internet services boasted about felt a bit… under-delivered. Public Wi-Fi? It existed, but again, the signal strength felt like it was powered by a hamster wheel. I ended up tethering to my phone more often than not. Frustrating, especially when you're trying to upload those epic Chilean landscape photos.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax – The Spa that Wasn't (Quite):
The marketing materials were gushing about the spa. Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: Oh, the promises! Okay, first the good: the Pool with a view was actually pretty decent. Overlooking the city? Yes, please. And the swimming pool [outdoor] was refreshing, even if a little chilly.
Now, for the reality check. The Spa? Well, I booked a massage. The therapist was great, genuinely lovely, but the "spa" itself felt… cramped. The sauna was a bit under-powered. The steamroom felt… damp. And the foot bath? Let's just say it resembled a glorified basin. Maybe my expectations were too high after that flowery description.
The Fitness center? Small, but functional. Enough to burn off some of those empanadas.
Cleanliness and Safety – Trying to Stay Safe:
This is where things get interesting. Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment: In a post-pandemic world, safety is paramount. And Bellas Artes clearly tried. The measures were in place: the hand sanitizer, the extra cleaning, the distancing… all commendable. I noticed rooms sanitized between stays, and the staff seemed genuinely dedicated. Room sanitization opt-out available was a nice touch. The safe dining setup was well-implemented (more on the dining experience later). I definitely felt like they were trying to provide a safe environment. The daily disinfection in common areas was evident.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Breakfast Blues and Dinner Dreams:
Food is important, very important. Let's start with breakfast because UGH. A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: Breakfast [buffet]? Yes, technically. Buffet, meaning the food was… available. But the quality? Let’s just say it wasn’t exactly a culinary celebration. The Western breakfast options were… standard. The service was OK, but I think I got more excited about my coffee order than the food on offer. Coffee/tea in restaurant was a lifesaver, though!
They promised a lot of options, but the execution was a bit… lacking. The other restaurants, listed in the amenities, are not actually on site. They’re nearby, which is misleading. It’s not an on-site experience. Sad face.
Room Service [24-hour]? Yes. Which was a blessing after a long day of sightseeing.
Services and Conveniences – The Ups and Downs of "Convenience":
Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center: Okay, this is where Bellas Artes shone in some areas and sputtered in others.
The concierge was fantastic. Super helpful with recommendations and bookings. Excellent service.
Contactless check-in/out? Seamless. A definite win.
The daily housekeeping was on point. My room was always spotless, which is a massive relief.
The elevator was crucial for accessibility, as mentioned. Luggage storage was a godsend when I had an early flight.
The convenience store was overpriced, but hey, convenience, right?
For the Kids – Family-Friendly Facade?
Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: I didn’t have any kids with me, but they seem to try to be family-friendly. I didn't see any dedicated Kids facilities, and the Babysitting service wasn't something I experienced. The presence of Kids meal options would be a plus.
Access – The Entrances and Exits:
CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Couple's room, Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Hotel chain, Non-smoking rooms, Pets allowed unavailablePets allowed, Proposal spot, Room decorations, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms: Security seemed sound. CCTV in common areas and outside the property gave me peace of mind. Front desk [24-hour]? Always a plus. The security [24-hour] felt reassuring. The exterior corridor added a bit of character, and I liked the non-smoking rooms.
Available in All Rooms – The Nitty Gritty:
Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens:
The room itself was comfortable. Air conditioning a definite must in the Chilean summer. A good desk for working. The extra long bed was fantastic. Free bottled water was appreciated
Escape to Paradise: Shizuka Ryokan's Daylesford Wellness Retreat Awaits
Okay, buckle up buttercups. This isn't your pristine, perfectly-planned travel itinerary. This is a Bellas Artes Apart Santiago, Chile, diary of a slightly-unhinged traveler. Get ready for the ride.
Bellas Artes Apart: Santiago, Chile - The Chaos Begins (ish)
Day 1: Arrival and the Existential Dread of the Airport
Time: Still unclear, thanks to a delayed flight from who-even-knows-where. My internal clock is currently reading "Panic."
Transportation: Finally, the f*cking plane landed.
Destination: AirPort to Bellas Artes Apart (or, the idea of it. I hope).
The Reality: Ugh. Airport. The place where hopes go to die a slow, agonizing death. Immigration was a joy. Apparently, my passport photo looks suspiciously like a wanted poster. Finally. Out. Grabbed a slightly-wilted empanada at a tiny cafe. Tasted like sadness and overpriced coffee, but hey, survival. Hired a taxi – a tiny, ancient thing that sounded like a dying cat. The driver smoked like a chimney. Smelled like a combination of cigarettes and…well, I'm not sure what. Chilean magic?
Bellas Artes Apart - First Impressions: We made it! Finally. The building itself? Classic. That's nice. The apartment, though? Smaller than I imagined. But hey, it's got a balcony. Balconies are good for dramatic soliloquies and questionable decisions, right? Let the drama begin. The first real test – finding the coffee machine. If there's no coffee, this trip is already over.
Mood: Exhausted. Slightly delirious. Hoping my luggage isn't lost in the Bermuda Triangle of baggage claims.
Day 2: Wandering and the Search for the Perfect Pastel
- Time: Morning (ish). Coffee procured. Survival achieved.
- Transportation: Feet! That’s it.
- Destination: Cerro Santa Lucia and the streets of Bellas Artes
- The Reality: Cerro Santa Lucia… WOW. The view from the top? Breathtaking. Literally, because I’m not even remotely prepared for the hike. I’m pretty sure I almost hyperventilated. Sweaty selfies secured. Saw a couple making out, which is… romantic, considering I'm here solo. More coffee needed. The streets are great here.
- The Pastel Obsession: My inner twelve-year-old has taken over. I'm on a quest for the perfect pastel. I found a tiny, amazing bakery off a side street, Pastelería Cienfuegos. The aroma alone could cure cancer. I bought a giant piece of Pastel de Choclo, which is basically a Chilean pot pie, but better. Devoured it. Zero regrets. Then, another one… and then a tiny, delicious alfajor. They gave me such sweet smile, I am absolutely sold to live here forever.
- The Art Moment (and a Minor Meltdown): Wandered through the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes. The art? Stunning. The crowds? Less so. I got stuck behind a gaggle of hyperactive school children, who were, it must be said, very loud. I could feel the blood pressure rising. I had to do some silent screaming and then I just cried. It was probably the lack of sleep.
- Mood: Hungry. Happy. Slightly overwhelmed by beauty. And the need for another coffee. And possibly a nap. And more pastels.
Day 3: Exploring, Food, & Losing My Mind a Little
Time: Depends on when I wake up. Let’s say…late?
Transportation: Feet, mostly. Possibly a misguided bus ride.
Destination: Barrio Lastarria, Plaza de Armas , Mercado Central
The Reality:
- Barrio Lastarria: Wandered! Stumbled on a gorgeous little street lined with cafes and shops. I may have purchased something I absolutely, positively did not need (a hideous but endearing ceramic cat). Shopping is good, good for the soul.
- Plaza de Armas: Just… chaos. People! Pigeons! More people! Was fun to go.
- Mercado Central: The Mercado Central. Oh, the seafood! The chaos! The… aggressive salesmen trying to drag you into their overpriced restaurants. I had to dodge a few of them. I finally found a spot that seemed reasonable. Ordered a ceviche. It was AMAZING. The freshest fish I’ve ever tasted. So delicious. So… much… fish. I fear I may have overdone it.
Emotional Rollercoaster: Felt everything today. Intense joy at seeing so much colour in the city, anger at the crowds, mild paranoia (is someone following me?), and the profound realization that my Spanish is, to be blunt, atrocious. Had a heated argument (in my mind) with a pigeon. Lost.
Day 4: Doubling Down on the Delicacies
- Time: Late. Obviously.
- Transportation: Uber (Finally succumbed to modern convenience).
- Destination: La Vega Central. The market.
- The Reality: So, I'm still obsessed with the food. I decided that I am now a food person. And now I'm gonna dive into this market. The market. La Vega Central. Is huge. It's a chaotic symphony of sights, sounds, and smells. Think: a thousand colours, from the deepest reds of tomatoes to the bright green of avocados to the weird pink of some fruit I couldn't put a name on. I saw a guy selling snails. I bought some empanadas. One was pino; the other was cheese. Cheese is always good. I bought a bunch of fruit. I ate a piece of watermelon and the juice dripped down my hand. It was perfection. The market is a treasure trove. A messy, sweaty, utterly, delicious, treasure trove. The vendors are fantastic. Some of them are hilarious. Some are just trying to live. And the prices… the prices are an insult to anywhere else. I can totally live here.
Day 5: Departure – The Bitter (and Slightly Sour) Sweet Goodbye
Time: Too early. Way too early.
Transportation: Taxi to the airport (again, the dying cat kind). Plane. Hopefully, the plane.
Destination: Back home. Or, wherever I'm going next. Who even knows anymore?
The Reality: Packing is a nightmare. How did I accumulate so much stuff in five days? Said goodbye to the balcony (tear). Said goodbye to the coffee machine (sob). Realized I haven’t learned a single important thing about the city. Maybe not even how to order water from a shop. But I have eaten so much food and had so many experiences. Did I have a good time? Yes. Did I have a terrible time? Yes. But that is the best of all, isn't it? The city…it was a love story. A messy, complicated, slightly-unhinged love story. I will miss it. I will miss it with a mix of longing and relief.
Mood: Sleep-deprived. Slightly heartbroken to be leaving. Already dreaming of pasteles. And the next adventure. (As soon as I get some sleep.)
Post-Trip Note: I'm fairly certain I left my sanity somewhere in the Mercado Central. But honestly? Worth it. Santiago, Chile. You were… a lot. And I’m so glad I lived it. Now, where is my next coffee?
Shenzhen's Juntong Hotel: Luxury Redefined (5-Star Paradise Awaits!)
Unbelievable Bellas Artes Apartments: Your Dream Stay Awaits! (Maybe… Let’s See)
Okay, Seriously, Is This Place *Actually* "Unbelievable"? I've Seen Some Photos, They Lie, You Know...
Alright, let's be real. "Unbelievable" is a strong word, right? Marketing hype, mostly. The photos? Yeah, they're gorgeous. Like, magazine-cover gorgeous. My first reaction? "Oh, *heck* no, that's photoshopped." Then, I *actually* booked a place there. And… well, it depends. The *view*? Unbelievable. I'm talking heart-stopping, "I can't believe I get to wake up to this" kinda views. The apartment interior? Ehh, closer to "pretty decent." Let's just say the reality is a little less… perfectly curated than the Instagram feed. So, is it unbelievable? The view, yeah. The rest? Prepare for a little reality check.
Tip: Pack an eye mask. Sunrise in Santiago is *brutal* if you're not used to it. The curtains… they're doing their best, bless 'em.
What's the Deal with the Location? Is it Safe? Is it Actually Near Things?
The location? Bellas Artes is generally pretty darn good. It's central, close to the metro (a lifesaver, trust me!), and walking distance to a ton of cool stuff. Museums? Boom! Parks? Double boom! Restaurants? Triple boom! (and make sure you try the *empanadas*...game changer). Safety? Look, no place is perfectly safe, but I felt pretty secure wandering around, day or night. Just use your common sense. Don't flash your phone around like you're auditioning for a jewel heist scene. Keep your wits about you.
Anecdote: One night, I was walking back from a concert, a bit tipsy on Chilean wine (happens), and got a little lost. Ended up wandering down a side street. Definitely felt a few suspicious glances. Panicked. Then, a sweet old lady appeared out of nowhere, pointed me in the right direction, and gave me a Werther's Original. Saved. So, yeah, mostly safe, but always be aware of your surroundings.
The Apartments Themselves… Are They Actually Comfortable? What's the Wi-Fi Like? (Crucial!)
Comfort? It depends on your definition. They're stylish, sure. Modern. But… sometimes, a little *too* stylish. Like, minimalism gone wild. I stayed in one that had like, three pillows on the entire giant bed. Three! I needed a second. Or a mountain of them. I survived, but I missed my fluffy mountain back home. The Wi-Fi? Ah, the Wi-Fi. It was… inconsistent. Some days it sang. Other days, it whimpered and died. I needed to get some serious work done, and it was *stressful*. Pack a backup plan, maybe a mobile hotspot, or pray to the Wi-Fi gods.
Rant: Seriously, the Wi-Fi situation nearly ruined my entire trip! I almost had to run to a cafe to finish my email… I can get over a lack of pillows...but a reliable Wifi connection is a goddamn necessity! Why does this happen so often!
What About the Kitchen? Can I Actually Cook? (Or is it Just for Show?)
The kitchens... they look pretty swanky. Stainless steel, the whole shebang. But again...reality check time. They're often *equipped* with the basics, but not necessarily *well* equipped. I mean, there might be a single, sad skillet. And the knives? Butter knives with attitude. If you're planning on gourmet meals, pack your own stuff. Or, you know, just eat out. Because the food in Santiago is AMAZING. Seriously, the food situation alone makes the trip worthwhile.
Opinion: I once tried to cook a simple pasta dish. The skillet was too small, the knives were useless, and I nearly set off the smoke alarm (which, by the way, was super sensitive). Ended up ordering pizza. Not complaining.
Okay, Let’s Talk Service: Are the Staff Helpful? Is There Anyone Speaking English?
The staff, bless their hearts, were generally pretty helpful. And there was usually *someone* who spoke English. But, sometimes the communication was a little… challenging. Like, I once asked for extra towels and got a pack of miniature shampoo bottles. Which, hey, I appreciated the shampoo, but still. My Spanish is, let's say, *rusty*. So, be patient. Learn a few basic phrases. Google Translate is your friend. And don't be afraid to point and gesture. It usually works.
Laundry: Is There Laundry? (Because, let's be honest, I'm going to need it.)
Laundry? Yes, usually. Often a shared laundry room. But pay attention to the instructions. And for the love of all that is holy, double-check your pockets *before* putting anything in the machine. I may or may not have accidentally washed a passport. (Luckily it was in a waterproof pouch!).
Humorous Anecdote: One time, I put a load in the dryer, set the timer, went out for *empanadas*, and came back to find my clothes still sopping wet. The dryer was broken. Had some truly hilarious moments in the laundry room with my soaking wet underpants, trying to figure out how to get the laundry done. This isn't the Ritz!
Anything Else I Should Be Aware Of? Any Major Downsides?
Okay, biggest downside? Noise. Especially if you're facing the street. Santiago is a lively city, and sometimes, the noise carries. Cars, buses, people chatting. Light sleepers, bring earplugs. Also, be prepared for potential construction. Seems like there's always *something* being built (or demolished) somewhere in Santiago. And, remember, it's not always perfect. Stuff happens. Embrace the imperfections. That little crack in the wall? The slightly wonky door? It's all part of the experience.
Emotional Reaction: Despite the imperfections, I loved it. The Bellas Artes area is magical. The view was breathtaking. The food was incredible. And the little quirks? They just added to the charm. Would I go back? Absolutely. But first, I'm investing in some industrial-strength earplugs and a really good Wi-Fi booster.
