Grand Hyatt Santiago

Location. Set dramatically against the backdrop of the Andes Mountains, the Grand Hyatt Santiago de Chile is a standout magnificence hotel. Fifteen kilometers from the Chilean capital's downtown, the hotel is close to many business venues yet removed enough by virtue its residential neighborhood location.

Hotel Features. The hotel's outdoor recreational area includes a 1000-square-meter, lagoon-style pool with waterfall, two floodlit clay tennis courts and a jogging track set amidst landscaped gardens. Los Leones Golf Club is three blocks away. The Business Center provides secretarial support, translation and the rental of cellular phones and the Grand Ballroom has a capacity of 800 people. The Grand Hyatt Santiago provides transport 24 hours a day in European luxury cars driven by experienced bilingual chauffeurs. All of the cars' movements are monitored by satellite. For dining, Senso serves traditional Italian cuisine from the Emilia Romagna region at the direction of Executive Chef Roberto Illari. Located off the lobby with an outside terrace, the restaurant has two wine caves with Chilean and Italian wines. For fare that looks beyond the Americas, Anakena features fresh fish and steaks prepared by Thai chefs while Matsuri is known around town as a Japanese hot spot, offering a sushi and sashimi bar and teppanyaki tables. Other amenities include the AKO Spa, a gymnasium offering aerobics classes, a massage room, a sauna and a hair salon.

Guestrooms. Guestrooms are feature velour fabrics and suede chaise lounges with ottomans. All rooms at the Grand Hyatt Santiago feature grand views of the Andes Mountains and Santiago. Amenities include kitchenettes, fireplaces and in-room safes. Marble bathrooms contain soaking tubs and bathrobes. High-speed wired and wireless Internet access is complimentary, as are local calls.

Expert Tip. Chile's wines have moved up market in recent years. Its best vineyards are increasingly harvesting grapes located on hill and mountain sides, which yield more concentrated flavor. As a result, the best Chilean cabernet sauvignons now rival young cabs from Sonoma, Napa and Bordeaux.