Laguna Bahía – Lagoamar, Algarrobo

HOTEL OVERVIEW

Look, I’ve stayed at a lot of places along Chile’s coast, but Laguna Bahía actually surprised me – and I mean that in the best way possible. When you pull up to Avenida Parque Norte 400, you’re not immediately thinking “wow, luxury resort,” but then you walk into the actual property and suddenly get why this place has a 9.8 rating. It’s one of those spots where the location does half the work for them, honestly. You’re right there in Algarrobo, which – if you know this stretch of coast – means you’ve got that perfect sweet spot between the touristy chaos of Viña del Mar and the sleepy fishing villages further south.

The thing about Laguna Bahía is that it feels like someone actually thought about how people want to experience this area. I mean, you’re literally steps from some of the best beach access in the region, but you’re also tucked into this residential vibe that keeps things relatively quiet (well, except during Chilean summer holidays when everywhere gets a bit nuts). The staff seemed to genuinely know their stuff about local recommendations – not just the obvious tourist traps, but like, where to get the best empanadas de pino in town or which beach has the calmest water for kids. Small details, but you know what? That’s what separates a good stay from a great one. The rooms themselves hit that four-star mark without trying too hard – clean lines, decent space, and honestly the best part is waking up and having your coffee while looking out at the water. There’s something about the morning light here that just works, especially if you snag one of the higher floors.

What really sold me on this place was how it handles the practical stuff without making a big deal about it. Parking’s not a nightmare (anyone who’s driven around coastal Chile in summer knows this is actually a miracle), check-in was smooth, and the whole condominio setup means you get resort-style amenities but with more of a residential feel. You’re not fighting crowds for pool chairs or dealing with that weird hotel bubble effect where you never actually experience the place you’re visiting. Plus, being in Algarrobo proper means you can walk to actual restaurants and shops that locals use, not just the hotel restaurant every night. I’d definitely come back here, especially during shoulder season when the weather’s still gorgeous but you’re not competing with every family from Santiago for beach space.