Santiago

Latin Trade, Feb, 2004

BEST HOTEL

Sheraton Tower. Perched on a rise in the shadow of Cerro San Cristobal, the Sheraton Santiago looks down over the city's expanse. It features indoor and outdoor pools and a spa, dining outdoors poolside and has 15 meeting rooms seating from 800 down to 15. Three restaurants serve guests and is a favorite of Santiagoans looking for an escape. Rooms run from US$239. Avenida Santa Maria 1742, Santiago, Chile. Phone: [56] (2) 233-5000. www.starwood.com

BEST BUSINESS RESTAURANT

El Danubio Azul. A landmark in this location for more than two decades, the Danubio Azul is the most prestigious Chinese restaurant in the capital. The elegant eatery dates from 1959, when it opened in another area of Santiago, and is known for its modern style. It recently revamped its image and improved service, but that wasn't enough for the chefs: They expanded the menu to include 150 dishes, each prepared and presented with flair. Especially notable is the Peking duck. The restaurant seats up to 270, making it a great place to conduct a large business dinner in a peaceful atmosphere. Reyes Lavalle 3240, Las Condes. Phone: [56] (2) 234-4688.

BEST TRAVEL AGENCY

Turismo Cocha. Operating since 1951, Cocha has a reputation in Chile as being flexible, professional and abreast of the latest technology. The agency is headquartered at Santiago's airport and has 20 branches and representatives scattered throughout Chile's major cities. There isn't anyplace in the country it doesn't cover. Avenida El Bosque Norte 0430. Phone: [56] (2) 464-1000. www.cocha.com

BEST SANDWICH

Fuente Alemana. Named for a fountain in the Parque Forestal just out front, the Fuente Alemana has many imitators--particularly fast-food chains like Lomito'n--but few equals. Lomito sandwiches, boiled pork slathered with sauerkraut and mayonnaise, are literal heart-stoppers. There is nearly no seating, and the lunch crowd piles in every day for a slice of German-style eating and what can only be called chilenidad--"Chileanness" in its purest form: good food with great people.

BEST-KEPT SECRET

Seafood in Vina del Mar. Many of our readers told us that eating seafood in Santiago is an unforgettable experience. If you want to try it at its source, head to the ocean--specifically the famous seaside resort city of Vina del Mar. Try the caldillo de congrio, an eel soup, or mariscal, a mixture of seafood with lemon and spices. Of course, there are always the old never-fail standbys, too: ceviche or king crab. In nearby Concon, you'll find even fresher seafood since the restaurants are right on the shore next to fishermen's boats. Add a crisp Chilean white wine and the meal is made. Up the coast, in Zapallar, El Chiringuito is an excellent seaside spot, amt a tad more upscale. Seals hang around for a handout by the back door. If you can't get out of the city, Donde Augusto in the Central Market in downtown Santiago is a good bet.

BEST CRUISE

Chilean lakes and fjords. Boating through southern Chile is like cruising nowhere else in the world. You'll find German settlements, fish farms that supply the country's booming salmon industry, lakes in brilliant shades from emerald to azure, the island of Chiloe, with its shingled homes and churches, as well as the spectacular scenery that includes glaciers and volcanoes. Several companies specialize in cruises to Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, including Skorpios, Navimag, Catamaranes del Sur, Patagonia Connection and Australis. This is a great trip for someone with three or four days to travel once their business deals are complete.