Hostal Irreal - Hostel

Avoid this place because of the owner. The hostel is okay, with spacious rooms, though they’re dusty. On my last day, my bus wasn’t until evening, so after checkout I sat on the sofa for five minutes. The owner then said we had to leave the hostel, which felt very unusual since travelers commonly stay around after checking out. We left without making a fuss. When we returned that evening for our bags, I went to the toilet and had been there for less than ten seconds when I heard banging on the door and shouting. I opened it right away and said sorry, I hadn’t realized it was such an issue, but he kept screaming furiously in my face like a lunatic and forced my girlfriend and me out. I had to repack my bags on the street. It was horrible, threatening and completely unnecessary, and a terribly short-sighted way to run a business.

The host is cordial and respectful, though not the friendliest. Following the house rules and schedule kept things fine. I liked the cat, who’s very affectionate, and the breakfast was delicious. The terrace has a lounge, ping-pong area, and a bar with a barbecue area. The building is old because it’s in Santiago’s historic center, but it’s pretty, and the creaky wooden floor is part of the experience. Rooms are clean and nice, with individual closets, a TV, a hand-held fan, and an emergency evacuation plan in each one. Each room is assigned a bathroom. They’re small but adequate, though the shower temperature is impossible to regulate, so I’d recommend cold water. The hostel is very close to the metro, a plaza and various bars. I’d come back.

The cat is gorgeous, and the location near the metro is good. The owner was erratic and hostile, though, and made me leave the building right after checkout. I left my bags there for the day since my bus wasn’t until evening. When I came back to collect them, I used the toilet, and the man screamed and shouted at me while banging on the door. It was frightening and incredibly strange. I was disgusted by the customer service. He also plays music very loudly. There was dust everywhere, the shower was awful, and the place had a dead atmosphere. Avoid!

I had some doubts after reading a few comments, but the place turned out to be very comfortable, with good privacy and a great price. It’s right next to Cumming metro, and breakfast was delicious. The manager was friendly and attentive with guests, so I disagree with the person who called him rude. My only issue was that summer heat made the rooms hot at night, and they could use more ventilation. Apart from that, no complaints.