Islanet Hostel & Bar — Hotel in Puerto Montt

Basic hostel, clean and comfy. Despite what the name suggests there is no bar! Nor was there ever. In fact, there aren't even really any social areas apart from breakfast. I was the only one staying here in October, so it was definitely not social. Breakfast is fine, the usual eggs & bread affair. They closed the kitchen at night though & lock the door, so if you are leaving early before Breakfast you can't even use the kitchen to fix a quick snack or coffee :( there is no reception and no way to enter without them here so you need to be really clear about your arrival time or you won't be able to get in. 2 guests we stuck waiting for 30 minutes to check in. You also can't store your bags before or after check out it seems which is quite inconvenient. Room was clean and yes it's cold but there was enough blankets on my bed to keep 5 people warm so I slept very well! The shower has a mind of it's own though and will go from scalding hot to freezing cold without touching it. No towel provided

Edit to the owner: no I was not aware that the kitchen would be closed before 8.30, only at 11pm. I was also not aware that it...

I made my booking here but I did not eventually stay here after my arrival, largely because of the host.

The host did not respond to my check-in time requests (7pm - 8pm, which would be reasonable and allowed per their listing on Booking) and when I arrived I found no one with no instructions for check-in. Nobody answered the doorbell and I had to wait in the rain… Eventually I had to ask a guest to let me in who was sitting in the kitchen. Finally the host came after half an hour, and she then quite rudely accused me of being unkind and disrespectful for asking her to return from her shopping and to do the check-in.

The host didn’t let me know in advance of any of these changes, and as a hostel not a homestay she has quite insisted on the guest following her schedule that is not agreed upon in advance, or has been conveyed to the guest in any form. I did not find myself comfortable with that and I stayed at an alternative hotel eventually.

The location is alright and very close to the promenade and...

Marco is an incredibly kind and hospitable person. It's a hostel yes but it's also a place to call home. I had a really good time.

The kitchen is a little small but if you respect others and cook quickly, it's perfect and well equipped. Same story for the bathrooms which are only 2 but just a little respect for the timing and everything will be fine.

Coffee, tea, hot water and fruit are always available. The breakfast is really delicious and rich (always prepared by the good Marco).

Marco works practically alone (apart from when there are some volunteers) so sometimes he is not available at reception but in any case you just need to call him on the phone and he is super helpful. Even though I didn't book he managed to find me a bed (even when I added extra nights).

If I come back to Puerto Montt I will definitely book this hostel again....