Where to Stay in Puerto Montt, Chile 🇨🇱: Guide to the 5 Best Areas

Deciding where to stay in Puerto Montt, Chile, is the first step to unlocking this rugged gateway to Patagonia. You need a practical base to explore the city’s maritime culture and the surrounding Los Lagos Region. Based on first-hand experience, this guide provides sharp, essential advice to help you find the perfect accommodation for your trip.

Best Hotels in Puerto Montt🔥

• 💎 Luxury Hotel: Gran Hotel Vicente Costanera
• ✨ 5-Star: Novotel Puerto Montt
• 🏨 4-Star: Hotel Gran Pacifico
• 🛏️ 3-Star: Casona Alemana
• 💸 Cheap: El Capitan
• 🏢 Apartment: Departamento full equipado 2 piso
• 👪 For Families: Hospedaje Valencia
• 🏩 For Couples: Hermoso departamento en Pto Montt

Quick Guide to the Best Areas 📃

1. City Center: The Hub for Your First Stay in Puerto Montt

The city center is the commercial and logistical heart of Puerto Montt. It’s a bustling area of shops, banks, and transport hubs, making it an incredibly practical choice for short stays or first-time visitors who want to be in the middle of the action. Here you’ll also find a mix of hostal stays and business-friendly options that offer a variety of amenities.

On-the-ground Feel & Insider Tips:
Explore the Plaza de Armas, the blue-roofed Catedral de Puerto Montt, and the Museo Histórico Juan Pablo II. For a local favorite, find the iconic ‘Sentados Frente al Mar’ sculpture for a photo. The city center is busiest on weekday afternoons; plan museum visits for the morning. The main Terminal de Buses is your key transit link here, and from this area it’s easy to reach Angelmo, the famous seafood market and craft hub.

Quick Take (Pro & Con):

• Pro: Ultimate convenience with easy access to the bus terminal, shops, and restaurants.
• Con: Can be noisy and crowded, lacking the charm of other areas. Solution: Choose a room on a higher floor or facing away from the main streets.

Best For / Skip If:
Best for travelers relying on public transport and those on a tight schedule. Skip if you’re seeking tranquility and scenic nature views.

Best Hotels in City Center

💎 Luxury hotels

• Casona Alemana — A charming guesthouse with German-inspired architecture, providing a cozy and traditional lodging experience in a quieter residential part of the city.
• Hotel Gran Pacifico — A classic 4-star hotel known for its commanding views over the bay. It features an indoor swimming pool and comfortable rooms, perfect for relaxing after exploring the city.

⭐ Best Value Hotels

• Nobile Suites Vicente Costanera — A well-located hotel on the waterfront, offering comfortable rooms and direct access to the Costanera promenade and city center attractions.
• Novotel Puerto Montt — This modern hotel provides reliable quality with clean, contemporary rooms and professional service. Its location adjacent to the Mall Paseo Costanera is a major convenience.

💶 Smart Budget Hotels

• Ibis Puerto Montt — Delivers exactly what you need for a smart stay: clean, modern, and compact rooms in a great central location, offering excellent value for money.

2. Angelmó: The Best Place to Stay for Seafood and Culture

Just west of the center lies Angelmó, the city’s soulful, maritime district. This is where you’ll find the famous fish market and a vibrant craft fair, offering an authentic taste of southern Chile’s culture and cuisine. The smell of smoked fish and sea salt is ever-present, and some nearby accommodations provide convenient access with features like free parking and room service for travelers coming from El Tepual Airport.

The Lay of the Land & Local Advice:
The main attractions are the Mercado de Angelmó and the Feria Artesanal de Angelmó, set against the backdrop of the Caleta Angelmó fishing cove. Locals flock to the small cocinerías inside the market for the freshest seafood lunch. Visit between 12 PM and 3 PM when the market is at its most lively. It’s a short walk or a quick colectivo ride from the city center, and many hotels nearby offer booking services, tour desks, or even pet-friendly options for those traveling with companions.

Quick Take (Pro & Con):

• Pro: Unbeatable access to the freshest seafood and authentic local culture.
• Con: The area can feel gritty, and the distinct market smells aren’t for everyone. Solution: Stay on the periphery of the neighborhood to get the vibe without being overwhelmed.

Best For / Skip If:
Best for foodies and culture seekers. Skip if you prefer polished, modern surroundings or are sensitive to strong smells.

Best Hotels in Angelmó

💎 Luxury hotels

• Hotel Don Luis Business — A modern hotel in the city center focused on providing excellent service and amenities for business travelers, while also being a great base for tourists.
  
• Hotel Casa Terra — A stylish boutique hotel offering a tranquil and well-designed environment, perfect for travelers looking for a more personalized and peaceful stay.

⭐ Best Value Hotels

• Apartamentos Villafrea — Fully equipped apartments offering the convenience and space of a private residence, ideal for families or longer stays where self-catering is a priority.

💶 Smart Budget Hotels

• Islanet Hostel & Bar — A social hostel with an on-site bar, providing a fun and budget-friendly atmosphere for backpackers and travelers looking to meet new people.

3. Costanera: Modern Accommodation with Ocean Views

The Costanera is the city’s waterfront promenade, a modern strip that stretches east from the city center. It offers fantastic views across the Seno de Reloncaví and is home to some of the city’s newer buildings and shopping centers, as well as a variety of hotels for travelers to Puerto Montt seeking a convenient place to stay in Puerto.

Navigating the Neighbourhood & Insider Knowledge:
Walk the waterfront from the Terminal de Cruceros past the Mall Paseo Costanera. A local favorite is grabbing a coffee at one of the small cafes across from the water to watch the ships. The promenade is best enjoyed in the late afternoon as the city lights begin to sparkle on the bay. This area is easily walkable from downtown Puerto Montt, where many top hotels in the area offer rooms in Puerto Montt with options ranging from a one-night stay to more luxurious hotels.

Quick Take (Pro & Con):

• Pro: Stunning ocean views and proximity to modern shopping facilities.
• Con: It’s a busy thoroughfare with constant traffic noise. Solution: Ensure your accommodation has soundproofed, ocean-facing windows.

Best For / Skip If:
Best for travelers who want scenic views combined with modern conveniences. Skip if you’re looking for a quiet, neighborhood feel.

Best Hotels in Costanera

💎 Luxury hotels

• Hotel Seminario — A top modern choice with stylish rooms and panoramic windows overlooking the bay. This 4-star hotel offers excellent service and direct access to the Paseo de Costanera mall.

⭐ Best Value Hotels

• Hotel Diego de Almagro Puerto Montt — Valued for its sea views and indoor pool, this hotel offers comfortable rooms and a solid breakfast, providing a great balance of amenities and location right on the waterfront.
• Apart Hotel Presidente Suites Puerto Montt  — This hotel boasts one of the best locations on the Costanera, featuring clean, comfortable rooms and direct waterfront access, making it easy to explore the city on foot.

💶 Smart Budget Hotels

• Departamento full equipado 2 piso — A self-contained apartment offering a home-like experience with a full kitchen and separate living spaces, ideal for travelers who appreciate independence and self-catering facilities.

4. Pelluco: A Relaxed Coastal Vibe

Located a few kilometers east of the main city, Pelluco is Puerto Montt’s primary beach district. This relaxed, residential area has a more laid-back, seaside-town atmosphere, centered around its long, dark-sand beach and numerous restaurants, making it a convenient spot for travelers visiting Puerto Montt who are looking for a hotel or a selection of hotels close to the water.

Atmosphere & A Pro Tip:
The main drag is Avenida Juan Soler Manfredini, which runs along Playa Pelluco and is lined with restaurants and pubs. Locals come here for evening strolls along the sand. The best time to visit is on a sunny afternoon or for dinner at sunset. It’s easily reachable from the center via local buses or colectivos that run frequently along the waterfront, and the area offers a variety of accommodations where guests can enjoy free amenities, great views, or including a restaurant right on the beach.

Quick Take (Pro & Con):

• Pro: A quieter, more scenic setting with a beachside atmosphere.
• Con: It’s removed from the city center, requiring transport to get to most attractions. Solution: Familiarize yourself with the local colectivo routes for cheap and easy travel.

Best For / Skip If:
Best for those wanting a more relaxed pace and easy access to the beach. Skip if you want to be within walking distance of the main bus terminal.

Best Hotels in Pelluco

💎 Luxury hotels

• Hotel Club Playa Blanca — A beachfront resort featuring apartments with sea views, several swimming pools, and direct beach access, making it ideal for a family holiday.

⭐ Best Value Hotels

• Casa Colibrí Tongoy — Situated in the heart of Pelluco, this hotel offers cozy rooms with sea views and a well-regarded restaurant. It’s a charming base for enjoying the coastal tranquility.

💶 Smart Budget Hotels

• Cabaña Vista a la Plaza — True to its name, this hotel provides wonderful panoramic views over the bay from its elevated position. It offers a peaceful retreat with comfortable rooms and a welcoming atmosphere.

5. Puerto Varas: The Upscale Lakeside Alternative

While not technically in Puerto Montt, the charming town of Puerto Varas is just 20 kilometers away and offers a completely different experience. Known for its German heritage, stunning lake views, and backdrop of volcanoes, it’s a popular, more polished place to stay for travelers who want easy access to Puerto Montt and Ibis Puerto or are looking for great deals on accommodations nearby.

On-the-ground Feel & Insider Tips:
Life here revolves around Lago Llanquihue, with stunning views of the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes. Key sights include the Iglesia del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús and the scenic waterfront promenade. A local must-do is enjoying a kuchen at a German-style cafe like Café Dane’s. Frequent buses connect Puerto Varas to Puerto Montt, where best hotels in Puerto Montt offer a variety of amenities such as pools, saunas, and other hotel features for a comfortable stay.

Quick Take (Pro & Con):

• Pro: Breathtaking scenery and a charming, walkable town with great restaurants.
• Con: It’s more expensive and tourist-focused than Puerto Montt. Solution: Visit during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) for better prices and fewer crowds.

Best For / Skip If:
Best for travelers prioritizing natural beauty and a resort-town feel. Skip if you want the grittier, authentic port city experience of Puerto Montt.

Best Hotels in Puerto Varas

💎 Luxury hotels

• Hotel Cumbres Puerto Varas — A premier 5-star hotel offering spectacular views of the lake and volcanoes. It features a spa, a fine-dining restaurant, and luxurious rooms for an unforgettable, high-end stay.

⭐ Best Value Hotels

• Dein Haus Hotel Boutique — Perfectly located on the waterfront, this hotel provides excellent comfort and stunning lake views. With its indoor pool and quality service, it offers fantastic value for its prime location.

💶 Smart Budget Hotels

• Hotel Casa Kalfu — A vibrant boutique hotel located on the Puerto Varas waterfront, featuring stylish rooms with stunning lake and volcano views, and a welcoming, colorful design.

FAQ About Staying in Puerto Montt

What is the best area in Puerto Montt for first-time visitors?

The City Center is the best choice for first-time visitors to Puerto Montt. Its central location provides easy access to the main bus terminal, making day trips and onward travel simple, and all the city’s main services are within walking distance. This area is also convenient for finding cheap hotels in Puerto Montt or accommodations located in Puerto Montt’s heart.

Where should you stay in Puerto Montt for the best seafood?

For the best and freshest seafood, stay in or near the Angelmó district. This area is famous for its bustling fish market and the traditional cocinerías that serve local specialties like curanto and grilled fish straight from the boats, with several options located in Puerto Montt nearby.

What are the essential things to do in Puerto Montt, Chile?

The most essential things to do in Puerto Montt are visiting the Angelmó market for seafood and crafts, walking along the Costanera for views of the bay, and seeing the historic Catedral de Puerto Montt on the Plaza de Armas. These highlights give travelers a true feel for southern Chile.

How many days are recommended for a trip to Puerto Montt?

One to two days are sufficient to see the main sights of Puerto Montt itself. However, most travelers use it as a base, so plan for three to four days if you want to include day trips to nearby attractions like Puerto Varas or Alerce Andino National Park, while enjoying options like a pool in Puerto Montt for a relaxing break.

Is Puerto Varas a good alternative place to stay near Puerto Montt?

Yes, Puerto Varas is an excellent and very popular alternative. It offers a more scenic, tranquil, and tourist-friendly atmosphere with stunning lake and volcano views, all while being just a short bus ride from Puerto Montt for any necessary travel connections, making it a perfect hotel base for exploring the region.