Canal Om Loft

HOTEL OVERVIEW

Look, I’ve stayed in a lot of places along Chile’s coast, but Canal Om Loft in Los Vilos really caught me off guard – and I mean that in the best way possible. When you first pull up to Pasaje Ensenada, you might think you took a wrong turn because it doesn’t look like your typical hotel strip. It’s actually tucked into this quiet residential area that feels more like a secret locals have been keeping to themselves. The loft-style setup is genuinely cool – you know how some places call themselves “lofts” but are really just regular rooms with high ceilings? This isn’t that. There’s actual character here, with exposed beams and these big windows that let in serious natural light during the day.

What really gets me about this place is how they’ve nailed the balance between being stylish and actually functional. The space feels designed by someone who travels, not just someone who looks at Pinterest boards all day. You’ve got proper counter space in the kitchenette (honestly, such a small thing but it matters when you’re trying to make coffee in the morning), and the beds are legitimately comfortable – not that firm-as-a-rock situation you sometimes get in boutique places. The location is pretty brilliant too, because you’re close enough to walk to the main part of Los Vilos when you want seafood or supplies, but far enough from the busier streets that you’re not dealing with traffic noise. I mean, Los Vilos isn’t exactly Santiago in terms of noise levels, but still – it’s nice to have that buffer.

Here’s the thing that’ll probably seal the deal for most people: the attention to detail is just… well, it’s what you’d expect from a place with a perfect rating, but it doesn’t feel forced or over-the-top. Check-in was smooth (the host actually knows the area and can give you real recommendations, not just the obvious tourist spots), and there’s proper parking which – trust me – you’ll appreciate if you’re driving up the coast. The whole vibe is sort of effortlessly sophisticated, if that makes sense. You could bring your parents here and they’d be comfortable, but you could also bring friends for a weekend and not feel like you’re staying somewhere stuffy. I stayed during what I thought would be peak season and it was surprisingly peaceful, though I’d imagine it gets busier during Chilean summer holidays. Bottom line: if you’re exploring this stretch of coast and want something that feels special without being pretentious, Canal Om Loft delivers. It’s one of those places that makes you want to extend your stay by a night or two – and honestly, you probably should.