Gala Hotel, Vina del mar, Chile

[driftychick]

Good Morning:

 

We are in the process of making plans for our April 2009 Cruise and are looking into Hotels in the Vina del mar area of Chile. Does anyone have any information on the Gala Hotel or others in the area? Also, I understand that it is just a short drive from Vina del mar into the port of Valparaiso for boarding the ship, can anyone confirm or deny? Thank you,

[A.Emgee]

Shelley,

 

The Gala Hotel is located on the Valparaiso side of the waterway. It's a bit further from the main beaches (Playa Acapulco and Playa El Sol) and shopping center (Marina Arauco) in Vina del Mar which are all on the other side of the waterway, but it's very convenient to Valparaiso. The hotel is only 4 blocks away from the Merval (local train) station (Estacion Miramar). Using the Merval, for about $1 you can get to Plaza Sotamayer (get off at Estacion Puerto) at the heart of Valparaiso where the ships are docked. It also stops about a 3 minute walk from the cruise ship terminal (get off at Estacion Baron).

 

It's only 9km (5.6 miles) from Valparaiso to Vina del Mar. You can easily see Valparaiso from the beach in Vina del Mar.

[greatam]

I much prefer the Oceanic to the Gala. In fact, I will be checking into the Oceanic this evening (business trip). I also like the Cap Ducal-not as fancy but DIRECTLY on the ocean. And a very kitchy, boutique hotel. Both hotels are further from "downtown" and the casino, but I prefer hotels ON THE OCEAN.