After hours on the road heading south, we finally reached Valdivia - a city in the eastern part of the Lake District where every corner smells like rain, river, and fresh bread. My stay at Hotel Puerta del Sur felt like the perfect way to experience it: calm, cozy, and right on the riverbank.
The highlight? Definitely the jacuzzi. Sitting there at sunset, steam rising into the cool March air, I realized how underrated southern Chilean hotels can be. It was quiet, the only sound was the water outside and the distant hum of the city - a rare kind of peace.
Want to explore the south more? Check out our list of the best hotels in Pucón.
Mornings started with a simple but lovely breakfast, the kind where you can actually taste that things are local. Fresh cheese, warm bread, strong coffee. The staff greeted everyone like family - even before I had my caffeine fix, I somehow felt awake already.
Outside the hotel, Valdivia surprised me even more. One moment you’re high-fiving sea lions by the market, the next you’re learning about the catastrophic 1960 earthquake, the strongest ever recorded, that changed the entire landscape around the city. It’s one of those places that blends beauty with history - and makes you want to stay a little longer just to understand it.
I visited in March, when the days are still warm but the air already feels softer - that perfect in-between season in southern Chile. The sun stays up late, the trees start turning slightly golden, and evenings invite you to slow down. It’s honestly one of the best months to visit Valdivia: you can walk everywhere, enjoy the river breeze, and still sit outside with a drink without freezing.
From the moment I arrived, the place felt calm. The hotel sits quietly by the river, slightly tucked away from the city noise, and you can hear birds instead of traffic. The building itself has that classic southern Chile look - a mix of wood, glass, and a bit of old-school charm. Check-in was instant (they actually have 24-hour service, which was great after a long drive), and parking was just outside the entrance. Zero stress.
My room was surprisingly big - two large beds, spotless sheets, and a lot of space to move around. The kind of room where you can actually unpack your bag and not trip over it later. There was also a small desk, a TV, and those big windows letting in soft morning light. It’s not ultra-modern, but it’s warm, comfortable, and perfect for relaxing after exploring Valdivia all day.
After walking around town (and yes, high-fiving sea lions at the market), I went straight for the jacuzzi - easily my favorite part of the stay. The water was warm, the air was cool, and everything outside was completely still. It’s the kind of simple moment that stays in your memory longer than any fancy spa ever could.
The staff at Hotel Puerta del Sur were genuinely kind - not that fake “how was your day” kind of polite, but real warmth. They helped with directions, restaurant suggestions, even offered to keep my bag after checkout so I could walk into town one last time. Parking was free, safe, and right outside the hotel, which is something you’ll appreciate if you’re driving through Chile.
Check out other hotels in Valdivia:
Hotel Puerta del Sur has a traditional yet charming layout. The main building features several wings surrounded by gardens, with most rooms either facing the river or the inner courtyard. It’s not one of those modern glass hotels - it feels more like a cozy southern lodge. The breakfast area connects directly to a wooden deck overlooking the Calle-Calle River, which is easily the best spot to enjoy your morning coffee.
If you’re coming with family or as a couple, you’ll appreciate that rooms are spaced out enough to give privacy. The hotel isn’t massive, so everything (spa, reception, parking, restaurant) is within a short walk.
The hotel is located just outside the city center, around 1.5 kilometers from Plaza de la República. You can easily walk or take a short taxi ride if you prefer not to walk back at night. This location strikes a great balance between quiet riverside relaxation and quick access to downtown Valdivia, where you’ll find markets, sea lions, and the riverside promenade.
I personally enjoyed walking into the city during the day, and it felt safe and calm even in the evening. If you’re visiting by car, you’ll have zero trouble reaching the hotel; it’s located right off the main road leading into Valdivia.
One of the underrated perks here is the 24-hour reception, ideal if you’re arriving from another city late at night. I checked in around 22:00 without any issue, and the staff was welcoming and quick.
There’s plenty of free on-site parking, which is something not every Valdivia hotel offers. Spaces are directly in front of the main entrance, well-lit, and secured by cameras. If you’re on a road trip through southern Chile, that’s a huge plus.
This is where Hotel Puerta del Sur truly shines. The property sits right on the banks of the Calle-Calle River, and you can actually walk down to a small private dock. On a sunny afternoon, the view is stunning, calm water, passing boats, and the occasional bird flying by.
In the evening, the reflections of the trees on the water create an incredibly peaceful vibe. I spent a while in the outdoor jacuzzi here, and it’s probably one of the most relaxing hotel experiences I’ve had in southern Chile.
Room rates at Hotel Puerta del Sur typically range between USD 80-120 per night, depending on the season and room type. Breakfast is always included, and it’s quite generous, fresh fruit, bread, eggs, cheese, yogurt, and proper coffee (not the instant stuff).
If you book directly through their website or a local Chilean travel portal, you might find better rates than on international booking platforms. Some rooms also include free access to the jacuzzi and sauna, while others charge a small additional fee, definitely worth checking when you book.
Wi-Fi, parking, and daily housekeeping are all included, with no hidden “resort fees.”
Book the hotel here on Booking.com.
The hotel is located about 5 minutes by car from downtown Valdivia and 35 minutes from Pichoy Airport (ZAL). If you’re arriving by bus, you can take a taxi from the terminal, it’s only a short 10-minute ride.
For drivers, the route is straightforward: just follow the main road south along Avenida Pedro Aguirre Cerda, and you’ll see signs for the hotel before crossing the bridge over the Calle-Calle River. The entrance is clearly marked, with ample parking inside.
If you’re traveling from Pucón or Osorno, expect a scenic 2–3 hour drive through lush southern Chilean landscapes, perfect if you’re road-tripping.
Valdivia is beautiful year-round, but the best months to visit are December through March, when the weather is mild and perfect for exploring. I stayed in March, and it was warm enough for riverside walks and jacuzzi evenings but calm and less crowded than summer.
If you prefer a quieter, misty southern vibe, May to September gives you that cozy, rain-soaked Valdivia atmosphere, ideal for spa days and local craft beer tastings. Just bring a waterproof jacket!
This hotel’s riverside setting is easily its biggest charm. Mornings start with birds singing and mist rising from the Calle-Calle River, pure southern Chile magic. It’s quiet, peaceful, and feels far away from city noise even though you’re only minutes from downtown Valdivia.
You can sit on the deck with your coffee and just watch the boats drift by, or walk down to the small private dock. It’s the kind of calm that instantly slows you down, perfect for unwinding after long drives or city sightseeing.
One of the first things I noticed: the rooms are huge. My room had two large double beds, which was unexpected but great for spreading out luggage or just enjoying extra comfort. The furniture is classic and cozy, wooden finishes, thick curtains, and soft lighting.
Bathrooms are functional and clean, and there’s reliable hot water (a small but crucial detail in southern Chile). The space overall feels inviting, not sterile or overly modern, more like a well-kept southern lodge.
Every staff member I met was genuinely kind and helpful, not in the forced “hotel smile” kind of way, but actually warm. They were happy to give local recommendations, and check-in took less than five minutes.
The 24-hour reception made everything simple, especially since I arrived late at night. They even helped me store some food in the kitchen fridge, that’s not something you get everywhere.
After a full day of walking around Valdivia, visiting the river market, sea lions, and museums, nothing beats ending your evening in the outdoor jacuzzi overlooking the river.
It’s warm, quiet, and surrounded by greenery, with just the sound of water in the background. I went around sunset, and the orange reflection on the river made it feel like something out of a travel ad (but real). The temperature was perfect, and even though it’s outdoors, it feels private and relaxing.
If you stay in one of the premium rooms, jacuzzi access is included, otherwise, it’s a small extra charge, but 100% worth it.
Breakfast at Hotel Puerta del Sur was one of those unexpected highlights. The buffet is generous, think scrambled eggs, ham, cheese, yogurt, bread, fruit, and proper brewed coffee. You can eat inside or on the terrace by the river if the weather’s nice.
What I loved most was the local touch, they serve fresh juice and sometimes kuchen (a southern Chilean cake that’s basically heaven). It’s not fancy hotel dining, but it’s hearty, homemade, and perfectly fits the southern vibe.
It’s the kind of breakfast that makes you want to linger a little longer before checking out.
Absolutely, if you’re the kind of traveler who values quiet mornings by the river, real warmth from staff, and a jacuzzi under southern skies, this place will feel like home. You can book on Booking.com here.
It’s not perfect, but it’s peaceful, genuine, and full of southern Chile charm, the kind of hotel that reminds you to slow down and enjoy where you are. Would I stay again? Without a doubt.
