If you are looking for a base from which to explore the Maule wine growing region, the thermal hot springs to the east, or just want to pull off the Panamerican Highway for a night, look no further, head to the pleasant Hotel Terrabella in Talca, the region's capital. Located at 1 Sur 641, a half a block to the west of Plaza the Armas, the 33room Hotel Terrabella is easy to find. Just follow the signs to Plaza the Armas. Even though located in the center of Talca, the hotel is a very quiet oasis on a quiet residential street. Senora Sanhueza and her accommodating colleagues speak limited English, but make it up with helpfulness and ample smiles.

The rooms, though not overly spacious, are very nice and most look out onto the green backyard with pool, large shade trees, tables, chairs, and sun umbrellas. The garden makes for a nice respite at the end of the day, and the staff will gladly serve you a Pisco Sour to enjoy while you are contemplating where to have dinner. The rooms are clean, have queen beds with good, firm mattresses, minibar,room safe, desk, and a small TV with cable service, as well as air conditioning. The on-site restaurant serves sandwiches and usually two entree items, one chicken and one beef. Breakfast is ample, served buffet style and comes with delicious kuchen (cake ). A three minute walk away on Plaza de Armas, Chilote, a full service restaurant with an extensive menu and a nice ambiance offers an alternative for dinner. The Terrabella Hotel also provides secure, gated parking in the back of the garden. The hotel is frequented primarily by business people and the occasional foreign tourist. The hotel web site offers addional information.