Gran Hotel Termas de Chillan

The Gran Hotel is grand indeed. It is the optimum accommodation at the Nevados de Chillan (Termas de Chillan) ski and hot springs resort. The Gran Hotel is very conveniently located and is truly ski-in ski-out.

Many of the reception staff speak fluent English and with great amenities such as a ski and board valet service, everything is amazingly easy. The resort is rated as 5 star and perhaps this ranking is a fraction generous. Nevertheless the accommodation and service is impeccable. The on-site thermal baths and day spa are also a highlight.

Rooms The rooms are attractive although they don’t quite meet the grandiose expectations of a 5 star hotel. They are missing extravagant décor but they are very very comfortable nonetheless. This comfort extends to the beds, and considering the hotel is not at high altitude, you are guaranteed a very gorgeous night’s sleep. The bathrooms are lovely and thankfully the showers work incredibly well. I know that this sounds like a given, but in Chile you can’t expect a shower that works properly!

The Wi-fi internet access works in the room, so you can lounge about in the comfort of a robe whilst playing on the computer. However if you want to sit in the bar/lounge and use the internet you can do that too – perhaps don’t wear the bath robe!

There are a few different options for rooms based on the number of guests in a group and the aspect / view.

• Mountain Rooms with a northern view are especially preferred due to their mountain and forest vistas. Located on the 2nd through 6th floors; two can be connected for families.
• Forest Rooms with a southern view offer a beautiful panoramic view of the area forest and valley. Located on the 2nd through 6th floors.
• Suites - Spacious double rooms with a northern view, providing exceptional mountain comfort. Located on the 2nd through 6th floors.
• 7th Floor - The hotel’s 7th, or top, floor has attractively furnished rooms, ideal for couples.

General Furnishings in each room type:

• Double bed; twin beds, optional
• Cable TV
• Telephone
• Mini Bar
• Bath robe
• In-room safe
• Hair dryer
• Bathroom amenities

Dining and Bar Two meals a day are provided in the Shangri-La Restaurant. The meals are gastronomically mouth-watering, and because of the quality and quantity of the food and wine, you’ll have to ski or board really hard to burn off the calorific indulgence. The multi-course meals are generally a combination of buffet and a la carte, so there’s something to suit all tastes. They sometimes have some novel dishes on offer.

Hotel guests can alternatively have dinner at the Restaurante Andino which is a two minute walk from the hotel. The décor here is more modest and the menu has simple fare including fondues, pizzas, pastas and lots of grilled meat (this is Chile after all!).

The Gran Hotel has a saloon bar and lounge area with very comfie couches. Even though there is sometimes live music, this bar is not a party place, but rather a very relaxing bar to have a drink or a sandwich. They provide a complimentary pisco sour on arrival to the hotel just to start your addiction to this fabulous Chile drink. And if you have too many pisco sours, it’s only a short stumble to get to your bed.

Facilities and Services The facilities and service at the hotel are great. This is what sets the Gran Hotel apart from other ski resort hotels in Chile. The communication skills of the receptionists and concierge are exceptional, and verbal communication is supplemented with a notice board with information such as weather, snow and road conditions. The amenities of the hotel are absolutely top notch. Here are just a few examples of inclusions:

• Ski and snowboard valet. All you have to do is click in and go. It’s fabulous! This includes boot storage with proper boot heaters.
• Indoor and outdoor thermal baths on site and a sauna.
• A wellness centre offering numerous spa treatments
• A games area with table tennis & kids indoor play area
• A daily program of activities for adults and children. Examples include snow shoeing, cross country skiing, stretching classes and aqua-exercise classes.
• Child care from 0900 to 2200 for ages 3-7. Ages 0-2 attract an additional charge.
• Laundry services are available for an extra fee and rooms are made up daily.

Why Stay at the Gran Hotel? For those who don’t mind paying a little more for luxury, the Gran Hotel provides a fantastic all inclusive ski and spa holiday. Everything is incredibly convenient so you can save your energy for skiing and snowboarding, and when you’ve trashed your body on the slopes, you can retreat to the hot pool and day spa. It’s fabulous!
Packages Most lodging is based on a week long stay (Saturday to Saturday) with half-board (breakfast & dinner daily). You may also have the option (subject to availability) of a "mini ski week"; 3 or 4 nights. Packages comprise of lodging, meals, lift tickets and more.