Cap Ducal Hotel Vina del Mar

Just awesome.

Cap Ducal – Vina Del Mar.- Chile

The Cap Ducal Hotel is shaped like a boat. It’s perched literally over the Pacific Ocean with stunning views of Vina del Mar and the coastline. The hotel is in a handy position only a five minutes walk across the bridge to the Casino and into the main heart of town. The Hotel is renowned for its restaurant which can get extremely busy at lunchtime. Built in 1936 it was the first restaurant in Vina del Mar, the atmosphere and ambience remains the same.

Our room 14 has a magnificent view over Vina del Mar and the beaches. You can sit on your balcony watching the waves break simultaneously and harmonically with the screeching seagulls and pelicans. For those who adore the sea this is a MUST.

We stayed four nights (US$120) and everyday was breathtaking, especially sitting on the balcony watching a seal dance mythically and magically managing movements with the on coming tide, was truly awesome. Not to mention the many different sea birds gliding, diving past to collect their evening meal. Morning time was enchanting, observing the sunrise, moody movements and echoes of the sea .All that could be witnessed by fluffing up the floral cushion pillow from your bed. It would be hard to find another hotel that offers you such intimacy.

Pros: close to everything especially the sea (you’re on top of it), good restaurant downstairs, bar, internet room, spacious water view rooms, all rooms have one. TV, mini bar, heater, safe, comfortable bed, tastefully decorated in 30’s style, balcony in most rooms, large open doors to balcony. The overdone wallpapering gives the rooms a family feel, not like a stark white hotel room. Velcro double lined curtains, room service.

Due to out of season most rooms were empty and opened (so we took a peep) and all seemed airy, spacious, and comfortable with water views. Ask for Casino and beach side view Room 11, 12, 14, 15.If not available all rooms are impressive. Excellent value compared to other hotels offering the same. Small hotel limited rooms.

Unique Quality: Cons: A long hike to get to beach. (10 – 15minute walk) a promenade walk along rocky beachfront so you don’t really notice it. Carpet needs updating etc...But when you see the view it doesn’t really matter. Lighting in room bad, only three small dim lights but then again its romantic. Noises from the sea…staff speak limited English. Temperamental building. Balconies not secure for small children. No coffee or tea facilities. Limited rooms available would have to pre book in summer time.

If you prefer luxury try Hotel Del Mar ($375) (Casino) it’s very expensive and luxurious with ocean views or Hotel San Martin ($196) the only hotel on the beach. Except both do not have the same atmosphere as Cap Ducal. ($100 -120)

Recommendation: absolutely. We wouldn’t stay anywhere else in Vina del Mar.

Don’t even think about Hotel O’Higgins shocking position. Marina Del Mar not much better. Probably the best from Cap Ducal is Hotel San Martin.
Transfer from Hotel Orly to Cap Ducal via Valparaiso with English speaking guide and smoke stops (4 hours) etc = US$164 for two. Transfer from Vina del Mar by air-conditioned bus =US$7 each + taxi US$ 20. (2 hours) leaves every 15 minutes.

What to Do: Catch mini coast bus to Concon great coastal drive. Lunch at restaurant Pacifico at Renac credit card excepted or Mar de Vina only if you have cash! Dinner at La Barquera at Casino. Walk to Oceania Hotel from Casino along promenade for lunch about 1hr.