The Art of Travel: Our Favourite Art Hotels in South America

Many cities in South America are quickly becoming some of the world’s top destinations for art and culture. From the bohemian Barrio Lastarria in Santiago filled with galleries, theaters, museums and festivals to Buenos Aires’ thriving art culture that permeates through vibrant neighborhoods from Recoleta to La Boca, in South America the art scene is infectious. Here are some of Latin America Travel Expert, Ali’s must-see art hotels scattered across South America.

Luciano K – Santiago Chile

Set within a recently renovated 1920s building, Luciano K combines traditional art deco features with elegant and contemporary decor to create a glamorous boutique hotel. It also has Santiago’s first elevator, which still works!

Luciano K

Suite at the Luciano K

Artwork at Luciano K

The hotel’s location in the heart of the bohemian Lastarria neighbourhood of Santiago gives you amazing access to a vibrant mix of galleries, restaurants and bars. For the best views of the city, head up to the hotel’s top floor to enjoy the stunning sunset lit skyline with cocktail in hand or even from the heated rooftop pool.

Rooftop of the Luciano K

Art Museum in Santiago

Vina Vik – Central Wine Region, Chile

Vina Vik is striking hotel, situated in a spectacular valley in Millahue, Chile. When you are coming on to the property, it looks like a UFO in the middle of a vineyard. Each room is uniquely decorated with a different theme, although all of them are contemporary. There are sculptures in the courtyard of the hotel and several modern paintings throughout the common areas. Even their winery is a work of art! Water flows around the entrance of the building and that water is filtered inside the room where they keep the barrels of wine to maintain the humidity.

Vina Vik entrance

Vina Vik

One of the highlights of Vina Vik, is that everything is personalized. Though the cuisine focuses on traditional Chilean dishes made with fresh, local produce and specially prepared to complement the wine list, the chef will also tailor dishes to your individual preference. We highly recommend having a traditional asado barbecue in the surrounding woods, you’ll be treated to unbelievable food and unbelievable panoramic views.

Dining room table at Vina Vik

View from the rooms at Vina Vik

The service is just as personalized as the food. You’ll not only have the opportunity to taste the incredible wines in the company of a master oenologist, but can inspect the unique wine production process, take horseback rides through the valleys and vineyard, hike, take out a mountain bike along one of the specially designed countryside trails, or explore the local region in a 4×4.

Vina Vik Vinyards

View from the suite at Vina Vik

Jardin Escondido – Buenos Aires, Argentina

This is one of Francis Ford Coppola’s personal retreats, he often stays here when he is writing. It’s a quaint hidden paradise and you’ll feel like it’s your home away from home while here. For art lovers, the common areas have massive paintings done by local Argentine artists. The hotel has levels of gardens, with a solar-heated pool, an outdoor barbecue parilla and a gorgeous terrace perfect for enjoying a peaceful breakfast.

Terrace views at Jardin Escondido

Bedroom at Jardin Escondido

To further immerse yourself in art and culture you just need to step outside your door. Jardin Escondido is within walking distance from hip fashion and design boutiques, restaurants, bars, craft fairs, and abundant street culture. There is a fresh, artistic atmosphere in the neighborhood, which makes it especially popular with young, sophisticated Argentines and travellers.

Buenos Aires

Street art in Buenos Aires

Palacio Duhau – Buenos Aires, Argentina

If you are a little more uptown than downtown, then Palacio Duhau is perfect for you. Situated in the heart of Buenos Aires’ elegant Recoleta neighborhood, the hotel is close to many fine art galleries, boutiques and pavement cafes.

Palacio Duhau gardens

Palacio Duhau piano bar

Palacio Dahau luxuriously blends stylish architecture from the original 1932 French Duhau Palace with modern design and comfort. One of the most exciting features of the hotels is its Paseo de las Artes, the hotel’s very own art gallery which showcases a carefully selected portfolio of paintings and sculptures from some of the most gifted Latin American artists.

Alvear Suite

Duhau Suite bedroom

El Casco Art Hotel – Bariloche, Argentina

Located in one of the most beautiful spots in Patagonia, on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi, this exclusive art hotel provides an ideal base from which to explore the Lake District. After exploring the region, guests can relax at the spa which includes steam baths, Scottish shower, hot tub, and sauna. Yoga and Tai Chi lessons also are available.

El Casco Art Hotel on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi

Sculpture garden

What makes this hotel extra special is its fabulous art collection of paintings and sculptures. Each room is individually themed around the work of various important Argentine artists and feature exclusive pieces from the Zurbarán Collection.

Art at El Casco

Artwork in the dining room

Belmond Hotel Monasterio – Cuzco, Peru

Dating back to 1592, the Belmond Hotel Monasterio combines decor respecting the building’s history as a colonial monastery with beautiful touches. The architecture is a sight to be seen with original stonework and graceful arches. In a nod to the hotel’s past, the property is decorated with fine works of religious art.

Arched courtyard

Cathedral

Beautiful entrance of the Hotel Monasterio

The food here is a work of art as well. Enjoy exquisite Peruvian, international and Andino-Nikkei cuisines at the Illariy and El Tupay restaurant, which is located in the original refectory, where Inca dinners are held with live folkloric music and dancing.

Hotel Monasterio

Hotel Monasterio

Hotel B – Lima, Peru

Hotel B holds the title as Lima’s first luxury boutique hotel and is worlds apart from the city’s high-rise business hotels. Originally built in the style of the Belle Epoque, by French architect Claude Sahut, the mansion served as a seaside retreat during the presidency of Augusto Leguia in the 1920s and has been lovingly restored into the unique hotel it is today.

Hotel B

Bedroom Hotel B

Hotel B

Hotel B is located right next door to Lucia de la Puente Gallery, one of Lima’s most acclaimed art houses. Guests at the hotel have exclusive access to Lucia de la Puente Gallery for private viewings. To top it off, Hotel B boasts its own collection of contemporary and traditional Peruvian and Latin American art which is displayed throughout the historic mansion.

Artwork Hotel B

Hotel B