Arrayán Bed & Breakfast

I stayed here for almost a week in March while travelling alone in south Chile. I passed through many different towns and stayed in numerous hotels and hostels, and I can honestly say that this was my favourite. It has the best beds and bedding in Chile (from my admittedly limited experience), plus delicious breakfasts, a great central location and friendly owners, who gave me a warm welcome and made me feel at home for the whole of my stay. The hostel is in a very quiet side-street just off the tree-lined main road Avenida Alemania, which is bustling and ideal for a stroll, giving a perfect balance between peace and quiet and access to city life and entertainment. It is a stone's throw from the Museo de la Araucanía, cafés and tearooms, restaurants, banks and shops, as well as good public transport. It is also in the university district, with a lively atmosphere and nightlife. As if all this wasn't enough, there is a beautiful and totally unexpected patio/outdoor space available at the hostel for guests, with a hot tub (!) and furniture made of native woods by the owner himself. If you have your hammock and a good book, this could be close to Heaven... I am originally from Chile but I've lived in the UK for several years. This was my first time back home for a while, and it was a very strange and sometimes unsettling experience to rediscover my country as a lone tourist. Nicole, Fabiola and Sebastián made me feel comfortable and welcome. I hadn't realised how much this had been lacking from my travels, but it was enormously appreciated and made my stay here all the more enjoyable. They are also very knowledgeable about the city and surrounds, and can help a visitor to plan activities in this beautiful region. I understand that they are extending the hostel for the coming summer season and I wish them the best of luck. The hostel is worth every penny, and I recommend it highly.