Serene in La Serena
May 13, 2005
Playa Blanca in La Serena
Vegetarian food is not too much of a problem, but finding it on the menue has been interesting. Marcelo, one of the other students, is from Uruguay and also vegetarian, so aside from helping with my Spanish, he is also helping me eat! Anibal is also very helpful with my Spanish problems. His name sounds like Annie Bell, sort of. He was explaining that his name is the Spanish equivalent of the guy from Silence of the Lambs, so now the two Indian students are referring to him as Dr. Lecter.
Walking along the beach yesterday on the way home from lunch gave me a better glimpse of town. We climbed a tower thing that cost around $0.50 per person, and we had a great view! Then I took a nap back at the hotel. Dinner was at a steak house--great grilled veggies! I decided I love Chilean salad also. It usually consists of NO lettuce, avocado, palm hearts (palmito), asparagus, and olives, tomato, or some other dense veggie. I think every salad should be this way! Much more satisfying.
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Playa Blanca in La Serena
We climbed to the top of a littl…
My hotel room in La Serena--afte…
Playa Blanca, deserted in the br…
View from my room at Costa Real.
Playa Blanca.
Playa Blanca.
Playa Blanca.
Playa Blanca. Not sure what thi…
Playa Blanca.
View from the tower away from th…
My buddies on the tower. Anibal…
Walking back to the hotel from t…
Pisco Sour cocktail hour! Me an…
The pool at our hotel. It was t…
Elegant and centrally located
For a brief stay in La Serena, Costa Real was a real treat. Although the rooms are not cheap, the amenities and location make up the difference.
My stay was accompanied by a complimentary buffet breakfast that was the highlight of each day. Staff were usually present to serve me some of the hot foods, and the presentation of food and table settings easily surpass any typical American 'complimentary buffet breakfast'.
Friendly staff at the front desk who usually can speak a bit of English are helpful with directions, exchanging money, and whatever one might need.
Upon check-in, I was given a coupon for a complimentary Pisco Sour at the cocktail bar within the hotel.
At the time, there was a computer room for internet access.
The hotel is located along main streets in La Serena, which make navigation quite easy. Despite being on main streets, I didn't notice obnoxious traffic noises. The meridian along the main street is wide, and park-like, with statues and lots of trees/vegetation. This also provides for nice views from many rooms.
The location is only a short walk from the historical downtown area, which features colourful market places and uniquely styled architecture.
If I go to La Serena again, I will probably stay closer to the Playa Blanca beach area. Costa Real is within walking distance to this beach, but I believe it took approximately 45 minutes one-way to walk there.
The only other drawback during my stay is that I was told (even by Americans) that the tap water at this hotel was okay to drink, but my experience left enough questions in my mind that I will stick to bottled water next time.
Overall, this hotel was very pleasant and accomodating.
My stay was accompanied by a complimentary buffet breakfast that was the highlight of each day. Staff were usually present to serve me some of the hot foods, and the presentation of food and table settings easily surpass any typical American 'complimentary buffet breakfast'.
Friendly staff at the front desk who usually can speak a bit of English are helpful with directions, exchanging money, and whatever one might need.
Upon check-in, I was given a coupon for a complimentary Pisco Sour at the cocktail bar within the hotel.
At the time, there was a computer room for internet access.
The hotel is located along main streets in La Serena, which make navigation quite easy. Despite being on main streets, I didn't notice obnoxious traffic noises. The meridian along the main street is wide, and park-like, with statues and lots of trees/vegetation. This also provides for nice views from many rooms.
The location is only a short walk from the historical downtown area, which features colourful market places and uniquely styled architecture.
If I go to La Serena again, I will probably stay closer to the Playa Blanca beach area. Costa Real is within walking distance to this beach, but I believe it took approximately 45 minutes one-way to walk there.
The only other drawback during my stay is that I was told (even by Americans) that the tap water at this hotel was okay to drink, but my experience left enough questions in my mind that I will stick to bottled water next time.
Overall, this hotel was very pleasant and accomodating.
View from my room.
Elegant buffet breakfast area.
Costa Real Hotel La Serena.
Cocktail bar where we were serve…
View of swimming pool from secon…
