Ultramar Hotel Valparaiso

Once a mansion, it was converted into a small hotel (16 rooms) not that many years ago. All the desk staff speak commendable English and will eagerly and enthusiasticly assist you in meeting your needs from directions to the golf course to dinner reservations. The buffet breakfast is very good and occasionally includes scrambled eggs. There is no restaurant per se on site but staff will prepare sandwiches etc. during specified hours. There is a small bar serving limited selections of beer, wine and spirits.

For the money (approximately $75.00/night), I was very satisfied with the room. The rooms seem small but when compared to other places we stayed at, they proved ample enough. They are also simply furnished with the basics - comfortable bed(s), desk, chair, TV, phone. Some have views of Valparaiso Bay but the sundeck on the main floor has a nice view if your room doesn't. It is all neat and spotless. A private car park is on a side street around the corner and a regular bus services the area.

Unique Quality: The views of the Bay are outstanding except for one thing... the neighbour obviously deals in salvage and his yard is stacked with lumber, metal, virtually everything including the kitchen sink! Initially, it strikes you as an absolute eyesore but eventually you train yourself to look over the trash to the Bay and the city below. The hotel is located high on a hill in a residential area about a twenty minute walk or five minute drive downhill to the city center. Unless you like to walk and are physically capable of doing so, this may not be a convenient location to stay. There are no restaurants, shopping, etc. within the twenty minute stroll downtown. Unless you are ultra fit, the walk up the hill is not to be recommended. It's about a $3.00 cab ride, less than a buck if you can figure out the bus system.

Directions: Atop Cerro Carcel