| Hotel Rating: |   | | Satisfaction: |    | | Reviews: 4 | Photos: 6 | | Hector Calvo 389 Cerro Bellavista |
 | Valparaíso Robinson Crusoe Inn Reviews | 1 - 4 of 4 |  |
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 | Robinson Crusoe Inn: Beware of Prepaid Reservations
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Had prepaid for 2 rooms for one night for March 12, 2005. Upon arrival, the doors to the hotel were locked. given admittance and then told to wait. George (who claims he is from Phoenix, AZ) told us that he did not have any reservations for us and that he had no rooms available. I showed him my email confirmation from the supposedly legit, firm LatinTrip.Com out of Miami, FL.
George stated that they had run it through OTSI and that he has always had difficulty with OTSI. The 24 hour emergency number listed did not work when George dialed it for me from his telephone stating that they usually didn't answer on weekends.
George offered rooms at the Cabanas, 30 miles away. Our driver/tour guide took us there we we unloaded and walked the luggage up 2 flights of stairs to one cabana. We were told that after we'd finished our tour, the 2nd cabana would be ready. Upon return, there is no 2nd cabana and a twin bed was brought into the kitchen/living room, We were left with no telephone, or address and only told that someone would pick us up at 10:00 am to take us back to the Robison Caruso for breakfast and to catch our cruise ship. Told cost would be $10 for the ride back.
By 11:30 am no one has showed up. We walk 1/2 mile toa restaurant and proceeded to call the Robison Caruso. Thery hang-up twice /b/4 being told that George was gone for 45 minutes. We try to secure a taxi to take us directly to the cruise ship, when a driver, has been sent to take us to the hotel. We explain that we need to go directly to pier to board ship. We finally get to the pier and are told $30. We are so greatful to be at the ship pier we pay and leave. I have emailed, without repsonce to the LatinTrip.com. And will also dispute the credit card charges for services/rooms never received. I don't know who was scamming us - the hotel, or the reservation system, but it was a fiasco. George the owner stated that he generally only rented rooms to dignatires like member of the French Embassy etc. Theme: HotelPrice: US$120-180 » Currency ConverterComparison: more expensive than averagePhone: 5632-591-332Directions: 1/2 mile from pier
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| Robinson Crusoe Inn: A Valparaiso Gem
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This small boutique hotel seems torn from the pages of Architectural Digest: Clean, modern, fascinating floor plan, and very tastefully decorated.
My beautifully decorated suite included a separate bedroom, sitting room, and private bath all connected by a hallway with a glass wall overlooking the atrium/stairwell. Not great for privacy, but still very interesting.
The complimentary breakfast is served in the top floor dining room / lounge and was excellent (photo attached).
The hotel is largely constructed of steel and hard surfaces with decorative areas rugs. You may find yourself conscious of the fact that your footsteps and words may be echoing throughout the building. Seniors may have difficulty navigating the stairs and the area rugs at the foot of stair runs are not secured and prone to slipping, so be careful.
The hotel is in a typical Valparaiso neighborhood with the commercial area a short but steep walk away. There are lots of stray dogs around and lots of droppings so watch your step. You don't want to track dirty shoes into this beautiful hotel.
My only real issue was that the hotel lobby is locked at all times. To re-enter you had to knock and wait for the hostess to let you in. That wouldn't have been so bad if she didn't act so "put-out" every time you wanted back in. In the morning, the green gate was locked with a padlock and I had to search for the key to open it. I guess they don't have fire codes in Valparaiso. The hotel really should look into a guest keyed entry system if they insist on locking you in, and out. Just a suggestion.
Would I stay here again? Probably, but I remember the "attitude" as much as the loveliness of the place, so I might try somewhere else next time. Of course, your mileage may vary, so I still HIGHLY RECOMMEND this hotel.
Also, they have had some reservation problems, so if you book online send them a direct e-mail to confirm your reservation, just to be safe. Theme: HotelPrice: US$80-120 » Currency ConverterComparison: more expensive than averagePhone: 5632-591-332Directions: Directions: Best to just jump in a taxi for a couple of bucks. Valparaiso is a maze of narrow streets and easy to find yourself lost. That's what makes the place "kinda cool" though.Website: http://www.robinsoncrusoeinn.com
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