Ritz-Carlton, Santiago

Though the hotel—ideally located in the tony El Golf neighborhood, just paces from the subway—attracts a primarily business-travel crowd (as does Santiago), the amenities are outstanding for any discerning traveler: an indoor pool, solarium, and spa are housed in a vaulted glass rooftop, and the sleek 100 Grand bar (which opened in September 2011) is sure to become a neighborhood hotspot. The 204 rooms are accommodating if not expansive, furnished in Old World style with dark-wood furniture, thick, elegant floral curtains and valences (the better for muting the city’s soundtrack), and the odd antique vase or lamp. In October 2011, the hotel opened two new restaurants, including the minimalist Arola, an innovative tapas spot overseen by noted Catalan chef Sergi Arola.