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Red Point Patagonia is a quirky hostel and bouldering agency in the outskirts of Puerto Natales, very close to the bus station. There is a relaxed, homey vibe, making the hostel a great place to chill out for a few days before or after your Torres del Paine visit.
The Location
Red Point Patagonia is located on a quiet road in the outskirts of Puerto Natales, five minutes’ walk from the bus terminal. There is a small shop on the corner (a two-minute walk) and a decent supermarket about seven minutes’ walk away. The centre of Puerto Natales -- where you will find shops, restaurants, and equipment rental agencies -- is about fifteen minutes’ walk away.
The street is mostly residential, but has a strangely high number of strip clubs (although it is not clear if these are in use as we never heard any noise from them or saw anyone go in or out). Despite the strip clubs, the area feels quiet and pretty safe. Although it is a little out of town, the location near to the bus station is very convenient, particularly after returning from a long hike in Torres del Paine.
Rooms and Bathrooms
There are several room options in Red Point. The main hostel contains two four-bed dorms and a private double. Out the back of the hostel is the six-bed dorm, which is housed in a separate building and is more basic/mountain-hut style.
Four-bed dorms contain comfy bunk beds with clean, warm bedding. The floor gets a little grubby at times, but in general the rooms feel acceptably clean. The rooms are a bit cold, but there are plenty of warm blankets to keep you warm at night. There is very little space for your backpacks, so the rooms can feel quite cramped. There are a few lockers but they are located outside in the backyard of the hostel.
There is one bathroom inside the property, and a few toilet and shower cubicles located in a separate building in the back yard. The cubicles are a little difficult to use because they are so small! Although very basic, the bathrooms are fairly clean and there is hot water in the showers. There is no soap, and toilet paper often runs out.
Common Spaces
There are plenty of indoor and outdoor communal spaces, providing comfy places to sit and to meet other guests. Everything is charmingly ramshackle, with lots of homemade and upcycled furniture.
The communal kitchen is of a decent size and is clean and well stocked. Breakfast is included in the price and consists of coffee, toast, jam, oats, and eggs cooked to order. If you pay at the hostel rather than booking online, you can ask to pay a reduced price for the six-bed dorm without breakfast, but this option does not seem to be available on the booking sites.
Camping equipment can be rented at reception. The rental prices are some of the best in town, but some of the equipment is a bit old and mismatched. If you know what you’re looking for and are willing to search a bit, you can find decent equipment at a bargain price. The hostel also houses a bouldering wall, which guests are free to use.
Summary
Much of this hostel has been homemade by the enthusiastic owner, and this gives the place a charming, slightly eccentric feel, which some people will love! Some of the facilities are a bit basic, but this is more than made up for by the warm, friendly atmosphere. This is highly recommended as a base before hiking in Torres del Paine, since it is just a few minutes from the bus terminal and you can rent all your equipment here for a bargain price.
Photos taken by the Hostelz.com reviewer — Genuine photos you can trust.
+4
DondeScarlet
Hostelz.com Staff Reviewer
Published on Feb 4, 2019
Location and Contact
Location
• From the Bus Terminal of Puerto Natales on foot: • Cross Avenida España • Walk down 1 block on Esmerald • Turn right for 1 block on Mclean • Turn left for 1 block on Bernardo O'Higgins • Red Point Patagonia