Santiago Backpackers

The private room was tiny, basically a closet with a bunk bed, especially for the price. The cleaning staff chose 10 am to clean the bathroom while we were trying to check out. The staff were otherwise friendly enough. We were ten minutes late for breakfast and got no understanding from them about the food. We were all mixed up by the time zones and had booked this place specifically for breakfast.

A nice hostel, though maybe a little too quiet for a family place. The rooms are clean and slightly fancy, and the staff are attentive and polite. The older crowd, some with small children, was a bit annoying. A good spot if you’re checking out the center for a day or two...

Natalie at reception was kind and helpful. I’d been emailing with her and some of the other staff when the riots broke out in Santiago, and they reassured me that the city was returning to normal. Everyone here has been friendly. My flight from LA got me in very early, after more than ten hours with hardly any sleep, but they let me nap in the living room and kept my backpack locked in storage. The hostel is only a few blocks from where protesters marched while I was out for lunch. Apart from ugly graffiti on the walls, the area feels safe. The protests and riots have marred what otherwise feels like a calm city. Summer is nearly here, so the greenery is coming back, and the old buildings and architecture are lovely to look at. I’m still here as I write this, leaving early tomorrow for another town. I’ve included a few photos from nearby.

I kept coming back here, four times, and it started to feel like home in Santiago. There’s a great social atmosphere, and I made friends each time. The breakfast is really nice, with crepes. The metro is only a short walk away, though some stops are currently closed. Laundry is the best and cheapest I’ve found: you just load your clothes into the big washer and dryer yourself for very little money. Finally got everything washed.