Head north from Vina del Mar and you'll find a much quieter coast. We stayed at the Hotel del Mar in Vina, very nice views but it is more of a refuge from the craziness of the beaches filled with day trippers from Santiago. We took a private driver and car and simply headed northwards after reading reviews that Zapallar and area are nicer. True. Zapallar is charming but you need to have booked an apartment/house there as there is limited accommodation for simple travelers. We found the Hotel Marbella Resort available and perfect to visit the beaches (all cold and foggy alot of the time), enjoy a pool set in trees and nice lawn, good food and very charming staff. There was even a fireplace in the room - which we asked to have loaded each night - yes, it was chilly in Chile ! We originally booked for 1 night and stayed the week. Bikes for free to ride to the nearby houses - interesting summer homes and condos with great flower gardens. Spa and massages are okay. Internet works but only... more