Chilli Hostel Santiago

Chilli Hostel is an appropriately painted red bricked building about 5 minutes away from the funky neighbourhood of Bellavista. The hostel can arrange airport shuttles or you can get one yourself from the airport at around 4500 pesos. If you are coming by Metro get off at Salvador, it's about a five minute walk. It is a very safe area, even though the hostel is tucked away down a backstreet.

The hostel is spotlessly clean. The dorm rooms are very spacious with brightly coloured duvets and comfy beds. There are large lockers in the room big enough for your large backpack, but there are no locks on the doors of the dorms. The bathrooms are immaculate, although the toilet cubicles are a little small. In each corner of the shared bathroom are two shower cubicles. An odd layout, but everything functions so nothing to complain about.

The communal kitchen is a bonus especially in South America. Although small, it is adequate for cooking a nice meal, with a free standing oven and two fridges to store food. A free breakfast of toast / cereal and tea or coffee makes this the social highlight of the hostel, and a great way to meet new people. There is also a small funky TV Lounge and a patio to relax. The patio comes with an imaginative bath tub although no one was seen bathing in it.

There is free internet however there is only one computer inconveniently located in the hallway. Free Wi-fi however for those with laptops is a bonus.

The receptionists speak English and can advise on where to go in Santiago. There is no selling of tours here but a very small notice board with a few leaflets pinned up. The hostel could be improved by providing more information about Santiago and better maps for those who have just arrived.

— Informe exclusivo de Hostelz.com
April 2007