Looking for a luxury hotel in Santiago? My review of 5* Noi Hotel will have you even more excited for your trip!
In the upmarket Vitacura neighbourhood, the five-star Noi Hotel is attracting a stylish clientele in search of a luxurious base in Santiago. Enticing them – contemporary décor, a plush spa and an incredible rooftop pool and bar with panoramic views of the city. After 23 hours of travelling, I couldn’t wait to check in.
The Noi group is proud to own luxury boutique hotels in several areas of outstanding natural beauty across Chile, including San Pedro de Atacama, Patagonia and the Andes Mountains. They aim to deliver a unique experience via their locations and facilities – something that the Noi Vitacura certainly achieved. Close to Alonso de Córdova Street (filled with exclusive boutiques, restaurants and art galleries) and near to Bicentennial Park, Vitacura is one of the most desirable parts of the city.
From the contemporary wood-clad exterior, to the polished floors and grand lobby area with its criss-cross view of overhead walkways, arriving at the Noi was a sophisticated experience.
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After a brief stop by Café Noi for a frapuccino, I checked into a smart suite towards the top of the hotel. My suite enjoyed spectacular views from its large balcony, from the towering skyscrapers to the Andes Mountains. It was located next to one of the hotel’s two Cosmopolitan Suites, which boast enormous terraces and outdoor Jacuzzis. Pure luxury!
Décor was clean and modern, with a neutral brown and beige colour scheme, and some fun injections of colour from quirky paintings and ornamental jugs. I liked the unique additions to the room, including suggested jogging and cycling routes nearby. A vivid red rose awaited me in the sink area, which was separate from the main bathroom. The bathroom featured a beautiful deep bathtub, again with a spectacular city view. After a 20-hour flight, the powerful rain shower was the perfect place to refresh, before heading up to the rooftop pool.
What a view! My favourite part of the Noi Vitacura was the rooftop bar Tramonto. With a large pool and DJ stand at one end, and plenty of seating for lounging during the day and socialising until the early hours, it captured the essence of Noi – luxury, uniqueness and sophistication.
As I perused the digital menu on an iPad, I was particularly pleased to see a whole section dedicated to my favourite cocktail – the mojito. The mango mojito royale was tangy, boozy and tasted even sweeter as I watched the sun set over the pool, and enjoyed the DJ’s deep house soundtrack. Big groups gathered for parties, champagne corks popped and the atmosphere was buzzing. This was clearly the place to be in Santiago!
Fine-dining restaurant Territorio is located in the basement of the hotel. Taking inspiration from Chile’s diverse ingredients and gastronomic influences, the menu features South American delicacies from ceviche and octopus, to hake and wild boar. As it was lovely and warm, we opted to sit outdoors in the area with exposed brickwork and cute jam jars filled with flowers and candles. While it was an attractive space, I longed to be back on the rooftop with the view.
Food was of a high standard, and while the disco-esque lighting (changing from blue, to green, to red) wreaked havoc with my photography, there were plenty of delicious flavours to enjoy! The amuse bouche of mushroom, cream cheese and sweet tomato jam was very tasty. The ceviche starter was tangy and fresh with a good kick of spice. I enjoyed the confit and roasted lamb main course, which had an intense meaty flavour, enhanced by a delicious sweet jus. The generous portion was served on a bed of crushed peas with vinegary artichokes, crispy cubes of potato and a chicha jelly (a jelly made from purple corn).
I also sampled a wine produced just south of Santiago in the Colchagua Valley. The 2014 Caliterra Tributo Carmenere was smooth and intense with flavours of red fruits, chocolate and tobacco. It complemented my lamb dish perfectly!
The next morning, an enormous buffet breakfast was served in Territorio Restaurant. The spread featured everything from elegant jellies served in champagne glasses, to freshly baked pastries, to colourful tropical fruits and local meats and cheeses.
Before checking out, I also made time to visit the spa located in the basement. With a state of the art gym, infinity pool, sauna, steam room and treatment rooms, the spa provided the perfect place to unwind. I enjoyed the contrast between the buzz of the rooftop pool and the tranquillity of the basement pool, with its soothing jets and warm lighting.
While Vitacura isn’t right in the heart of Santiago’s tourist district, there was something really pleasant about enjoying the sights and sounds of Chile’s capital during the day, and escaping to the sanctuary of the Noi in the evening. For lovers of luxury, contemporary décor, fine food and drink, who also want space to unwind – this is a great option for a break in Santiago.
Check availability and latest prices at the Noi Vitacura here.