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The Best Boutique Hotels in La Serena, Chile

Youll find artisan wall hangings and wooden beams at the cozy Eco Lodge El Arbol
You'll find artisan wall hangings and wooden beams at the cozy Eco Lodge El Arbol | Courtesy of Eco Lodge El Arbol / Expedia.com

La Serena, the second oldest colonial city in Chile, founded in 1544, has picturesque architecture, sprawling beaches, an imposing lighthouse and palm-filled Plaza de Armas. It also has plenty of boutique hotels offering everything from barbecues to hot tubs to make your visit extra special. Here’s our pick of the best, all bookable with Culture Trip.

Hotel Club La Serena

Boutique Hotel, Resort, Hotel

Outdoor pool at Hotel Club La Serena. Rows of white sun loungers, large palm trees and the hotel exterior in the distance.
Courtesy of Hotel Club La Serena / Expedia.com

Just across the road from the ocean is Hotel Club La Serena. It’s the perfect setting for recreation, with its copper-coloured clay tennis court, pool framed by flourishing palm trees and inviting sun loungers. Head to Peñuelas Beach for a stroll and a sea dip to start your day before indulging in the gluttonous buffet breakfast spread of cereal, bread, jam, cakes and fruit juice.

Santa Barbara Hotel

Boutique Hotel, Garden Hotel, Hotel

Green lawn and small outdoor pool of Santa Barbara Hotel, with tiled roof of the hotel bungalows in the background.
Courtesy of Santa Barbara Hotel / Booking.com

Santa Barbara sits on a large plot of land where perfectly-manicured green grass and gorgeous trees surround the central Spanish-style building. There’s a pool to cool off in and a stunning outdoor area with tiled patio which is perfect for lazy days.

Hotel Playa Campanario

Boutique Hotel, Garden Hotel, Hotel

Yellow stone exterior of Hotel Playa Campanario looking down at the tranquil outdoor pool flanked by lush green grass.
Courtesy of Hotel Playa Campanario / Expedia.com

With its distinctive bell tower, Hotel Playa Campanario stands out from the crowd. The airy, contemporary rooms have a dapper beach-house feel and there are ocean views from your bed. A bijou internal courtyard with a water fountain at its centre is an ideal spot for sipping coffee or wine, depending on your preference.

Hostal Terra Diaguita

Boutique Hotel, Bed and Breakfast, Hotel

Outdoor patio at Hostal Terra Diaguita. Wicker chairs with thick white cushions under a white umbrella in a corner surrounded by greenery.
Courtesy of Hostal Terra Diaguita / Booking.com

Hostal Terra Diaguita is an ode to the history of La Serena and the nearby Elqui Valley. Built from native woods and lake rocks, every inch of this place has been designed with the local area in mind, from the enchanting garden and fire pit to the rustic, tavern-style bar and sumptuous spa offering revitalising massages. The hotel is in the heart of La Serena town, just a couple of blocks from the lush Japanese-style botanical garden and Plaza de Armas.

Hotel y Cabañas Mar De Ensueño

Boutique Hotel, Garden Hotel, Hotel

Double bed with check patterned sheets in small room at Hotel y Cabañas Mar De Ensueño with sliding doors looking out to a patio.
Courtesy of Hotel y Cabañas Mar De Ensueño / Expedia.com

This hotel will make you feel like you’re staying in your own country home, where you can enjoy the peace and quiet and watch the sun rise or sun sets from your garden. The boutique cabins come equipped with kitchens so you can cook at your leisure, allowing you to spend more of your holiday at the beach, which is only across the road.

Hostal El Punto

Boutique Hotel, Bed and Breakfast, Hotel

Warm room with stone walls at Hostal El Punto. Double and single bed with purple stripped bedding and wooden sofa with colourful cushions.
Courtesy of Hostal El Punto / Expedia.com

The colourful Hostal El Punto will give you a welcome as warm as the yolk-yellow hues of its rooms. Tuck into some homemade cake, vegetarian quiche or a juicy hamburger at the hotel cafe or crank things up a notch with a barbecue using the onsite brazier. Highly recommended while you’re here is a day trip to Humboldt National Park and Isla Damas where you can see the resident penguins, sea lions and, if luck’s on your side, dolphins and whales too.

Eco Lodge El Arbol

Eco Hotel, Lodge

Beige-toned double bed in white and wooden room with wicker chair and wooden slatted ceiling at Eco Lodge El Arbol.
Courtesy of Eco Lodge El Arbol / Expedia.com

Eco Lodge El Arbol is all about the expansive gardens, complete with lazy hammocks and a suntrap terrace. The cottage-meets-cabin rooms feature wooden-beamed ceilings and artisan textiles in the form of wall hangings and bedspreads. All of this cosiness is in the most convenient setting, just a short walk from La Serena town centre and the coast.

Hotel Serena Suite

Hotel

Serene outdoor pool surrounded by palm trees with white cabana and free-standing outdoor heaters at Hotel Serena Suite.
Courtesy of Hotel Serena Suite / Booking.com

Hotel Serena Suite sits conveniently close to La Serena city centre and Peñuela Beach. The earth-toned, comfy rooms will have you feeling right at home and the pristine pool that spans the length of the hotel is a great spot to while away the day. Hot tubs will provide the ultimate relaxation session after time spent strolling around town.

Hotel Francisco De Aguirre

Hotel

Small double bed with red sheets and green throw in simple, beige-toned room at Hotel Francesco de Aguirre.
Courtesy of Hotel Francisco De Aguirre / Booking.com

Hotel Francisco de Aguirre is recognised for its architectural heritage and colonial charm. It’s across the street from Pedro de Valdivia Park and the Japanese garden, two of the the city’s thriving green spaces. The rooms are palatial and spacious and the bar is well-stocked with everything from Chilean wines to sodas, best enjoyed by the outdoor pool, which is framed by the hotel’s manicured garden.

Hotel Cristobal Colon

Boutique Hotel, Hotel

Double beds with floral covers in minimal double room with tiled flooring, white walls and wooden lamps at Hotel Cristobal Colon.
Courtesy of Hotel Cristobal Colon / Expedia.com

If you are looking for a beautiful city rather than the beach, and want to have it right at your doorstep, then Hotel Cristobal Colon will scratch your itch. Just a few blocks from the charming centre, cafes and restaurants, this old-fashioned hotel offers traditional decor with wooden trim and an historic feel.

Apart Hotel La Goleta

Boutique Hotel, Hotel

Large palm trees covering the exterior of Apart Hotel La Goleta against sunny blue sky.
Courtesy of Apart Hotel La Goleta / Hotels.com

This apart-hotel is a great option for families or groups who want to be independent and are looking for privacy. The accommodation is basic but has everything you need and is right across from the beach. The enclosed courtyard is a perfect spot for shade and relaxation.

Will Lees has contributed additional reporting to this article.

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