The Hostelz.com Review - Genuine, independent review you can trust.
El Arbol II - Playa is conveniently located in between the beach and the bus station. Set within a beautiful garden, it has a quiet, calm atmosphere and makes a good base for those looking to relax and enjoy the nearby beach.
The Location
As the name would suggest, El Arbol II - Playa is located on a road leading to the beach (playa). The beach can be reached by following this sandy road for no more than fifteen minutes, past numerous hotels and beach apartments.
Conveniently there is a huge supermarket and mall just a five-minute walk away, as well as a bus stop that will take you to the historical centre (also walkable in half an hour). The bus terminal is a twenty-five-minute walk or short taxi ride away.
The area feels safe in the day but could feel dodgy at night, since it is right next to a large sports field (deserted at night) and there are not a lot of people around.
Rooms and Bathrooms
Dorms and private rooms are available, almost all with en suites. They are simple and a little dated but are kept clean. Dorms have bunk beds, which are on the small side, but are comfortable enough. Windows allow in natural light and rooms feel cheerful and bright. There is good security; guests receive keys to the room and the front gate. Dorms contain lockers for valuables (bring your own padlock). There is a lack of plug sockets in dorms.
Dorms have en suites and there are also two communal bathrooms available (there's a decent number for the size of the hostel). The bathrooms are clean and in good working order. The showers are great, with hot water and decent pressure.
Common Spaces
The hostel is comprised of a number of buildings set within a beautiful garden, so there are lots of lovely outdoor spaces to enjoy. There is a large, well-organised communal kitchen. Breakfast is not included but tea and coffee are served in the morning. The hostel is fairly quiet and there is not much atmosphere, but the communal kitchen provides a space to chat with other guests.
The use of the kitchen and showers is prohibited after check-out at 10 a.m., which seems a little unnecessary particularly outside of high season when there are only a handful of guests.
Reception staff are knowledgeable: they have maps and can advise on nearby sites of interest. They can also organize tours. A few alcoholic beverages are available for purchase at a reasonable price.
Summary
El Arbol II - Playa has beautiful common areas, particularly its gardens which provide seating areas and hammocks where you can enjoy the sun. It is conveniently located with the beach, historical centre, mall, and bus terminal all within walking distance. It lacks atmosphere, but is great for relaxing and enjoying the beach.
Photos taken by the Hostelz.com reviewer — Genuine photos you can trust.
DondeScarlet
Hostelz.com Staff Reviewer
Published on Jan 9, 2019
Location and Contact
Location
From the Bus Terminal, walk to the highway (Ruta 5 ) and turn left. Walk by the sidewalk along the highway, until when you pass the big Shopping Center 'Mall Plaza La Serena'. Cross the street 'Huanhuali', and continue walking until you see the store 'easy'. In front of it, there is a footbridge over the highway. Cross it and you will get to a football field. Continue walking straight through the path along the football fields (200 mts.or about 3 minutes) and you will get to a bigger dirt road. Walk some more steps and on your right you will see a wooden gate with a wooden sign that says : El Arbol , Parcela 34 Sitio 10.