Diego De Almagro Arica

“Great Service and Massively Overpriced, Basic Rooms”

It needs to be made clear that there was nothing inherently wrong with my stay at this hotel, hence the still-solid four star rating I’ve given. The rooms delivered in comfort and functionality, and the people at check-in/out and the on-site restaurant were friendly and very helpful. My issue boils… more

It needs to be made clear that there was nothing inherently wrong with my stay at this hotel, hence the still-solid four star rating I’ve given. The rooms delivered in comfort and functionality, and the people at check-in/out and the on-site restaurant were friendly and very helpful. My issue boils down to how much I was charged to stay here. Read the details of my experience below: - Location and atmosphere: The property directly faces the Pacific Ocean and affords awesome views. One can walk to the beach and a few nearby restaurants fairly easily, although I didn’t spot a way to get to the beach without having to circle around the front of the building. Inside, the atmosphere is dated, but things are still clean. Only one elevator was functioning when I stayed, but it didn’t cause too lengthy of a delay to access. I encourage the property to begin renovations as soon as possible. - Service: All the employees were warm and friendly. The reception folks spoke proficient English. When I needed to load my electric wheelchair onto a taxi, the workers who came to assist with the lifting were so gracious and willing. Moreover, a member of the housekeeping team I encountered upon walking to my room was very cordial and sweet. The service here is excellent. - Room: I requested a room facing the ocean, and my request was granted. While the views didn’t disappoint, the amenities in the room were minimal, and the furniture and bed was quite basic. Of course, I’ve never stayed at this hotel before (which is apparently part of a Chilean hotel chain with locations all over the country), so I certainly could’ve arrived with expectations too high. Nothing was terrible about the room, but something could’ve been added or polished to take it a step further. It was just very basic and ordinary. - Value: I’m honestly doing this hotel a favor by reserving my criticism in the “value” category rather than the “service” category, because the argument could be made that customer service resulted in this. I’m choosing to say this here because I truly don’t think the hotel staff were aware or purposefully trying to overcharge me. But they did, both literally and in terms of how I perceived my very basic room to be. I should’ve paid online in advance; whoops. What would’ve cost me (including taxes) $75-ish USD on any major booking site, had I just taken three minutes to connect to Wifi and reserve it on my iPad, ended up costing roughly $125 at checkout. Mind you, I had specifically checked the sea-view rooms online, not simply the lowest-tier room in the hotel. I also only bought two bottles of water, surely costing no more than $4 USD each. I was grossly overcharged. I attempted to explain this and ask for a lower amount, but a combination of the language barrier and the fact the bill was inevitably final left me owing far more than my stay was worth. I may stay here again for a great price if I can pay in advance online, and especially if renovations to rooms and common areas can be initiated. If I can’t do that, though, it’ll be another hotel where I’ll go next time.

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“A comfortable hotel on the beach”

We stayed at Hotel Diego de Almagro Arica twice while visiting Chile - first for a single night and later for 4 nights. Both times the bedrooms were clean and comfortable (though on the single night stay the AC in the roof kept switching it self off). On the second stay we had an excellent corner r… more

We stayed at Hotel Diego de Almagro Arica twice while visiting Chile - first for a single night and later for 4 nights. Both times the bedrooms were clean and comfortable (though on the single night stay the AC in the roof kept switching it self off). On the second stay we had an excellent corner room with 3 windows looking over the city and along the beach. The hotel is located 5 minutes taxi ride from the city centre but the are a few restaurants within walking distance (including The #1 for fine dining in Arica per TA). Excellent service throughout our stay. Will stay there again if in Arica.

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“Basic hotel with outstanding ocean view ”

Advantages: excellent sea view (if you get a room on the sea side, other side faces condominiums and is boring and noisy). Spacious room, big bathroom. The beach Conchichorro is literally beneath your window. We slept with open window listening to ocean waves, very peaceful and relaxing. Other noti… more

Advantages: excellent sea view (if you get a room on the sea side, other side faces condominiums and is boring and noisy). Spacious room, big bathroom. The beach Conchichorro is literally beneath your window. We slept with open window listening to ocean waves, very peaceful and relaxing. Other notices: no complimentary water. Two bottles of sparkling and still water in the minibar, 1500 pesos per bottle (1/2 l). Also soft drinks and beer. No teapot or coffee machine. Wi-fi connection and speed quite satisfactory. Hairdryer small but rather powerful. Breakfast was ok but nothing special - scrambled eggs, hamon, cheese, some cereals, yougurts, fruits, some pastries. There are no supermarkets in walking distance but you can buy drinking water from small shopping carts along the beach.

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“Average hotel. Nothing to complain about.”

This was our first hotel on a trip to Chile, and we arrived there after an exhausting series of delayed flights and waiting in the Santiago airport, not one of the most user-friendly. So, maybe this review is influenced by the circumstances. The room was more than acceptable. Comfortable, with ins… more

This was our first hotel on a trip to Chile, and we arrived there after an exhausting series of delayed flights and waiting in the Santiago airport, not one of the most user-friendly. So, maybe this review is influenced by the circumstances. The room was more than acceptable. Comfortable, with instant on hot water, nice views out the window, and good room heating. The location is excellent for a short visit to Arica, not far from the airport, close to the beach and the wetlands at the mouth of the Llata River. WiFi worked well in the lobby and restaurant, but coverage in the room was problematical. The TV lacked any international programming, and our Spanish was inadequate for the Chilean offerings. Breakfast included scrambled eggs in addition to the usual Chilean offerings of bread, cold cuts, and cheese, a plus. Later we stayed in another Diego de Almagro hotel (in Punta Arenas, reviewed separately) that was nicer than this one. I would like to give 3.5 stars, but that option doesn't seem to be available.

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