La Casa Roja is popular in Santiago with a good reputation amongst travelers. Therefore, the crowd you will find here is very international with a high concentration of English-speaking people. The main downside is that the hostel allows smoking, so there is a smoky odour throughout the corridors, but not in the dorms as they are nonsmoking. The colonial high ceilings and wide corridors also contribute to the charming feeling of this hostel.
The Location
La Casa Roja is located in the popular Barrio Brasil. If arriving from the airport, it's close to the metro station Heros, where the airport shuttle drops you off. If arriving in Santiago by bus, get the metro to the station Republica. Good walking directions are on the website of La Casa Roja. It's within walking distance to a medium-sized supermarket, close to a little park with a few cafes and a launderette (discounts for a slightly further away launderette are available at reception), and opposite a Shell petrol station.
Rooms and Bathrooms
The building has very high ceilings throughout, which gives it a great atmosphere. The dorms are a good size with comfortable bunk beds and lockers. The bathrooms/toilets are located in the hallway and are plenty for the number of guests this hostel can accommodate. Both rooms and bathrooms are also cleaned daily, which is always great. The showers are functional, with a bit of changing space, a soap dish, and a hook for your towel and/or clothes. Rooms all have a door key.
La Casa Roja also has a few private double or twin rooms, some with balcony onto the street, some locked into the building (warmer in the winter, than the ones on the outer walls of the building), some with possibilities of en-suite. In any case, a selection of breakfast dishes is available for a fee, so see the menu at the reception.
Common Spaces
The common spaces are great, with not only comfortable common rooms with many sofas and coffee tables, but also sofas and little sitting areas along the wide corridors throughout the place. Every corner is a place to socialise with the hip crowd that comes here. Sadly for the nonsmokers, smoking is allowed in those nice sit-down lounges. There is a book exchange on the ground floor, along with a travel desk and many brochures to help you plan your travel. On the ground floor you will also find free locked luggage storage (the rule is, if you stayed one night, they'll store your bag one week), internet, and a vending machine of soft and alcoholised drinks and a few snacks.
Also on the first floor is the large communal kitchen and eating room with wooden benches, and out the back, the garden and pool with its poolside bar, which operates only in summer. On the first floor, you will find the TV room and many more places to sit on a comfy sofa.
Summary
La Casa Roja is a really awesome place to meet fellow travelers, especially English speakers but also French and Spanish to name a few. Although it is smoky, the atmosphere compensates. The high ceilings and colonial architecture give it a great old-style look. This is definitely a good place to put your bags down in Santiago.
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
August 2008
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