I would suggest that you stay in Santiago as February is the peak holday season in Chile. This means hotels are available in Santiago perhaps booked or at least with peek prices in Valparaiso and Viña del Mar, the resort next door.

In Santiago the hotel depends on how much you are willing to pay. In Valparaiso there are lots of boutique hotels while Viña has large resort type hotels.

Restaurants in both places are numerous as in all large cities. It is not easy to recommend one depends on your tastes. In both places the sea food is excellent.

Valparaiso is worth a visit for itself, in Santiago go downtown and walk around, perhaps lunch in the Mercado central, take the funicular or the cable car up the Cerro San Cristóbal, go to the Feria de Artesanos in Los Dominicos, perhaps visit a winery. There are lots of museums and art galleries.

I agree with Toid. Santiago would be a better choice for staying prior to the cruise. I just got back from a cruise from Valparaiso and the reviews from feloow passengers were that they preferred Santiago. You will have more sightseeing choices in Santiago. The city is quite nice with some very lovely areas. There are a number of daytrips from the city for winetasting and a trip to Portillo and Aconcaqua in the Andes.

On the day of the cruise, book a tour which would probably include a wine tour,a look at Valparaiso and Vina el Mar.

Las Condes is a good location for hotels in Santiago. The Orly,4 points sheraton, and the Santa Magdalena apartments(www.santamagdalena.cl) are good choices for this area.

If you stay in Vina then the Sheraton is very nice and if you stay in Valparaiso then the Best Western is very nice.

Enjoy!!