New Review – Courtyard Santiago Airport (SCL)

Introduction to Santiago Airport

Santiago’s Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) is a major hub in South America, serving as a gateway to Chile and other regional destinations. For travelers with early flights or late arrivals, staying at an airport hotel can be very convenient. The Courtyard by Marriott Santiago Airport is one such option, offering a practical and comfortable stay near the airport.

Booking

I booked this hotel directly, waiting for a cashback promotion that eventually offered 4%. This strategy allowed me to save a bit on my stay. Booking directly through the hotel or using a loyalty program can often provide benefits like cashback or points, which can be valuable for frequent travelers.

Location

The Courtyard by Marriott Santiago Airport is about a 10-minute drive from the airport. Although the official website doesn’t mention an airport shuttle, I inquired through the Marriott app and found out that the hotel indeed offers a free shuttle service. To arrange for the shuttle, they requested my flight number and WhatsApp number. I was instructed to go to door 5, but it turned out to be more between doors 3 and 4 near the outdoor Starbucks. This information is helpful if you plan to use the shuttle, as it can save you money and hassle compared to taking a taxi.

Check-In

The check-in process was very friendly and accommodating. Since my room wasn’t ready around 8:00 AM, I was able to enjoy the breakfast buffet in the meantime. As a loyalty program benefit, I could choose between 500 points or a $10 food and beverage credit. I opted for the credit since I wanted to eat something later. This flexibility in benefits is a nice touch, allowing guests to choose what suits them best.

Room

With my room key in hand, I headed to the third floor to a standard room with a king-size bed. The room is quite simple but suitable for my needs. Upon entering, the bathroom is on the left side, and opposite it is a closet with a safe and ironing board.

Bathroom

The bathroom isn’t particularly large, and I was initially skeptical about the open shower. However, for a short stay, it was sufficient. I appreciated that the shower products were provided in small bottles, which is a more sustainable approach than the traditional small plastic bottles.

Next to the bathroom is the mini-bar, which included two complimentary bottles of water and glasses. Above it is a coffee machine with two coffee capsules. If you need more, you can order them for COP 1,500. This setup is convenient for travelers who want to enjoy a quick coffee in their room.

The room is dominated by the comfortable bed. On the other side is a large TV and a workspace where you can actually get some work done.

However, I noticed that the hotel’s sound insulation isn’t up to modern standards. This could be a drawback for light sleepers or those who prefer a quieter environment.

There’s also a seating area that invites you to relax.

Amenities

The hotel features an outdoor pool, which was unfortunately closed for renovations during my stay. The fitness room was also closed for the same reason. While these amenities are important for some travelers, the hotel’s proximity to the airport and its basic services still make it a practical choice.

Food and Drinks

In the morning, I enjoyed the breakfast buffet, which was included in my stay. I wasn’t aware of this initially, as I had chosen the food and beverage credit at check-in. The buffet was decent, and I appreciated the coffee, which helped me wake up after my long flights.

A unique feature in the lobby is the presence of four small media booths designed to encourage meetings. Some guests did use them, while others didn’t. This setup reflects the hotel’s effort to cater to business travelers who might need a quiet space to work or meet.

Right at the entrance of the Courtyard Hotel is a small mini-market. The emphasis is on “mini,” but it’s convenient for grabbing essentials. I photographed the prices for reference.

On the first day, I got hungry and ordered something from the restaurant. The service was very friendly, and the meal arrived quickly and was very tasty. The $10 credit didn’t cover the entire meal, but the prices were reasonable overall. You can view the menu via a QR code, and I took some pictures of it.

Check-Out

Check-out was friendly and efficient. They asked if everything was okay, which I appreciate as a standard courtesy. The bill was correct and was sent to me via email shortly after. This efficient process allowed me to depart without any hassle.

Conclusion

For a Courtyard hotel, it was more than okay—actually above average. However, you should be aware of the subpar sound insulation. Otherwise, it’s solid, and if you need something near the airport, you can definitely stay here again. The hotel’s proximity to the airport and its basic amenities make it a practical choice for travelers looking for convenience. While it may not offer all the frills of a luxury hotel, it serves its purpose well for short stays or layovers.