Hotel Club Presidente

Puerto Montt - Chile

While we were in Puerto Montt we were fortunate enough to stay at the Hotel Club Presidente which is very centrally located in the heart of the city in an excellent position on the waterfront. When you first enter, you will encounter a nautical theme running through the reception area and main foyer. Historic looking nautical maps on the walls, the odd diving helmet and even a ship's helm (steering wheel) can be found in one of the corners. You don't have to be a captain at heart to appreciate how it is nicely set up. Wood is everywhere giving it a cozy feel too.

Alicia, the operations manager, was very hands on with everything. She had loads of useful information and could often be found talking to and helping out guests. We definitely recommend this hotel.

Avda. Diego Portales 664, Puerto Montt
Phone: (56-65) 25 16 66
Website: www.presidente.cl

Useful Information

Check out: 12 midday
Check in: 2pm
Language spoken: Spanish and English
Payment Accepted: Cash, Credit Cards, Dollars
Car Parking: Yes (included)
Internet Access: WIFI in public areas, Cable connection in rooms and two computers in foyer.
What makes them different: Huge rooms, small kitchen in room, great views.

The Room

What can we say? The room was huge and it was one of the 'standard' ones! It had the typical big bed and cable TV, a desk to write on but it also had a large (and comfortable) armchair in one corner with another table and a couple of chairs to have a snack or some drinks. The bathroom was also big and divided into two parts, the shower and toilet area, and the hand basin (two of them) and mirror area.

What surprised us the most about this room was that it even had its own kitchen. Where most hotels try and get you to use their restaurant, Club Presidente understands that some people like to prepare their own things their way.

This is quite useful if you have special dietary needs or even a baby where you need to prepare things like back at home. We must mention that there is a supermarket on the next block. It was mentioned that some people go to the fish markets to get some fresh fish (or seafood) then bring it back to cook. Great idea I thought! And somehow the smells don't go into other parts of the hotel.

From our room we could pick up the city council's free WIFI signal but there is also a cable connection to internet in the room should you need it.

The Restaurant

The following photos probably don't do justice to how the restaurant really is. It is very spacious, elegant and comfortable. At one end there is a sofa with some armchairs in front of a fireplace when you can sit and have a drink and chat in a more relaxed way. The restaurant is open all day in Summer and from 12-4pm and 7-11pm in the low season.

As you can see, there is an amazing view from one of the corners of the restaurant. The first day we had breakfast here overlooking the sea while discussing our plans for the day. It was a nice way to start the day.

A buffet breakfast is included with your stay.

The Swimming Pool

Hotel Club Presidente has a swimming pool on the top floor which is open from 8am to 11pm. The pool was nice and warm after a cool autumn day running around the city. I can imagine the pool being popular in summer since there are deck chairs to relax in and some tables and chairs to have some drinks at the bar that is up there too. Take a close look at the wooden dolphin carving hanging at one end of the pool, it's quite impressive.

Again, the views from up there were amazing. You could almost see the entire city, all of the bay and even Tenglo Island. Some of the windows can be opened if you want to take a photo without the glare of the window getting in the way. I recommend coming up here at sunset (create place to take photos) and again at night to see the city lights.

And for those with a little more energy there are a couple of exercise cycles in the pool area.