La Casona Hostel

The staff seem to be told to open the window screen and curtain while you're out, so from 2pm to 8pm the room can become unbearable, especially from December through March. I wouldn't book rooms 2, 3, or 4. There's no fan or air conditioning, no towels, hot water that comes and goes, and plenty of creaking and echoing sounds, even from the doorbell. For similar prices, there are many other places nearby and around the city.

It's in a great part of Santiago, close to the metro, and the place was peaceful with no traffic noise. The staff were really kind and helpful with information, and they cleaned the rooms and made the beds every day. Comfortable beds, good Wi-Fi, and a good breakfast too. Nothing was missing for me. One of the best hostels I've stayed at so far, and I can definitely recommend it. Rock on!

The friendly staff and good location are the only real positives for me. Private rooms cost too much for what you get, and hallway noise can be disruptive. They don't provide towels, and this was the first place in Bolivia or Chile to ask for a 10,000 peso cash deposit. It's not as if we could have stolen towels. Our room got sauna-hot in the afternoon, with no air conditioning, and they wouldn't even provide a fan when we asked. Buying one would have cost maybe a quarter of a night's stay. Breakfast was very basic.

The desk staff were wonderful and considerate, but the administration wouldn't make an exception to the requirement that the first night's full cost be paid in advance. As a senior citizen, I effectively got turned out onto the street. Luckily, a nearby hostal treated me much more kindly.