Aloha Sol or Hotel Matum

Last time I stayed at Hotel Matun,it was a "Dump",and I hear that it has since gone "

Down Hill!" CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC

I stayed at the Aloha Sol 2 years ago. I liked it fine. Nice restaurant on the premises. Walking distance to the Monument and other points of interest. Nice part of town. Staff very courteous and helpful. I would stay there again. It's not the cheapest but you'll save on transportation because it's right in town.
Of course, Hillbilly is the expert on accomodations in Santiago, and he recommended to me the new Colonial Hotel. I think that's the one out by the new airport.
I don't know anything about the other hotel you mentioned. Hope this helps a little.
SLM

Gran Almirante and its sister hotel, the former Camino del Sol, now Hodelpa Centro Plaza Hotel (Tel. 581-7000). If you have a car, you could also stay at the Hotel Camp David Ranch on the Carretera Gurabo-Luperon Km. 7 (Tel. 736-7230).

Follow Hillbilly's advice. He is our Santiago expert.

is the matum a safe place to stay

Check out the following recent threads about hotels in Santiago of which HB opined.

http://www.dr1.com/forums/north-coast/59111-nice-hotel-santiago.html