Puma House - Hostel

The place has real potential and offers good value. It's a cute old building in a perfect location, very clean, with a fully equipped kitchen. We could leave our bag while out of town, and one staff member was lovely. But the welcome from a staff guy called Pablo/Pedro was the worst I've had in more than 80 hostels across 40 countries. He was extremely unfriendly. He laid out a bunch of rules and told us we had to "fit the vibe" in a very unwelcoming way, then watched everything we did like a toxic manager. While I was just slicing vegetables and making burgers, he repeatedly told me "to keep the kitchen use minimalistic and not do high cuisine." He seemed like the sort of person who finds a problem with every solution. He also got into a major dispute with four tourists who considered renting equipment elsewhere, and told a girl he thought was "overusing the kitchen" to "go somewhere else" if she didn't like the rules. I could keep ranting, but that says enough. I hope things change, because this hostel has enormous potential.

The comfortable beds had plenty of personal storage space under the bunks, plus each had a small shelf, outlet, and light. We also found the kitchen solid and the staff really friendly. They were flexible with bookings, rental gear, and car renal, and helped make our time in puerto natales as smooth as possible, which matters in a region with so many logistics around getting to and around the park. We arrived knowing little about TDP, but experienced staff gave us lots of useful tips. We rented a great tent here too. The service was unparalleled.

We were close to town and the bus terminal, and could rent good bicycles. Staff were welcoming and friendly. Our private room was a good size, with a comfortable bed and a nice hot shower. The shared kitchen was well equipped and generally very clean, with free coffee, tea, and oats. Mornings could get a little noisy when people got up early for their day, but it didn't bother us. We stayed four nights.

The receptionist was friendly and quick to respond, which gave the place a welcoming feel. Getting around was easy from this location, and the room stayed warm. The shower also offered good privacy. Payment on site was possible in CLP or USD, but cards weren't accepted during my stay, and towels cost extra. The kitchen felt cramped and lacked a few basics, including paper towels and cooking oil. There wasn't a large lounge to relax in, either. Be careful on the top bunks, as they don't have side frames.