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Summary of reviewsHostal El Punto in La Serena receives high marks for its prime location, making it a convenient hub for exploring the city. Nestled between the bus station and city center, the hostel offers easy access to key attractions while being situated on a quiet street that provides a peaceful retreat. The charming hacienda-style setting and spacious outdoor common areas contribute to its inviting ambiance. Guests particularly appreciate the cleanliness, safe indoor parking and warm hospitality from the friendly staff, making it an ideal choice for both short visits and extended stays.
Breakfast at Hostal El Punto is consistently praised for its quality and service. Guests enjoy a substantial and tasty spread that often includes fresh bread, papaya jam and other delightful options. Despite a few mentions of simplicity and repetitiveness, particularly regarding fruit variety, the overall breakfast experience is positive and enhanced by the warm and friendly service of the staff.
The rooms at the hostel offer a mixed experience. Many guests find them spacious, comfortable and well-appointed, while some have raised concerns about room size and issues like cold temperatures, humidity and outdated mattresses. However, the cleanliness and coziness of the beds, as well as the friendly and attentive staff, add to the pleasant atmosphere.
Cleanliness is a strong point for Hostal El Punto with both communal spaces and private rooms frequently described as impeccably maintained. Despite minor issues such as occasional bathroom odor or dampness, the hostel is generally perceived as a very clean place, contributing to a comfortable stay.
The staff at Hostal El Punto are highly commended for their exceptional customer service and kindness. From arranging transport to assisting with bookings, the team goes above and beyond to ensure guests' comfort and satisfaction. Multilingual capabilities and additional conveniences, such as free luggage storage, further enhance the guest experience.
While the Wi-Fi at Hostal El Punto has its limitations, especially in private rooms where the signal can be intermittent or unavailable, the charming courtyard and early check-in options provide additional perks that guests appreciate.
The hostel's parking facilities are secure and private, offering peace of mind for those traveling by vehicle. Although the parking can be limited and tight, the safety and occasional availability of ample spaces are well-received.
Overall, Hostal El Punto stands out for its excellent location, cleanliness and dedicated staff. While there are areas for improvement, such as room conditions and Wi-Fi reliability, the hostel delivers a comfortable and welcoming experience for travelers visiting La Serena. Show more
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Categories
Cheap Hostel
Hostal El Punto is a simple hostel providing affordable lodging for travelers. Its basic amenities cater to budget-conscious individuals looking for a place to sleep while exploring La Serena.
Small Hostel
This hostel in La Serena provides a budget-friendly and intimate lodging option. The cozy atmosphere and convenient location make it suitable for travelers seeking a personal touch.
Hostel with Parking
Room Types
Quadruple Room with Shared BathroomThis room has 4 beds and lockers. Guests have access to a shared bathroom.
Double Room with Shared BathroomThis double room features a shared bathroom, a wardrobe, a barbecue as well as an outdoor dining area. The unit offers 1 bed.
Double Room with Private BathroomEquipped with flat-screen TV and towels. Daily cleaning services are also included in the price.
Triple Room with Private BathroomEquipped with flat-screen TV and towels. Daily cleaning services are also included in the price.
Double Room with Shared BathroomThis double room features a shared bathroom, a wardrobe, a barbecue as well as an outdoor dining area. The unit offers 2 beds.
Single Room with Private External BathroomThis single room includes a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a private bathroom as well as an outdoor dining area. The unit offers 1 bed.
Twin Room with Shared BathroomThis twin room has a shared bathroom, a wardrobe, a barbecue as well as an outdoor dining area. The unit has 2 beds.
Quadruple Room with Shared BathroomThis quadruple room features a shared bathroom, a barbecue, a tiled floor as well as an outdoor dining area. The unit offers 2 beds.
Double Room with Shared BathroomThis double room is comprised of a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a shared bathroom as well as an outdoor dining area. The unit has 1 bed.
Small Double Room with Private BathroomThis double room includes a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a private bathroom as well as an outdoor dining area. The unit offers 1 bed.
Double Room with TerraceThis double room is comprised of a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a private bathroom as well as a terrace. The unit has 1 bed.
Triple Room with City ViewThis triple room includes a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a private bathroom as well as a balcony with city views. The unit offers 2 beds.
Family Room with Shared BathroomThis family room features a shared bathroom, a barbecue, a sofa as well as an outdoor dining area. The unit offers 5 beds.
Guest Reviews
8.5
Very Good
Location
Hostal El Punto is nestled in an enviable location that makes it an ideal base for exploring La Serena. Guests repeatedly highlight its central position, situating you conveniently between the bus station and the heart of the city. This proximity allows easy access to the Main Square, the tourist center and numerous local attractions, making it an excellent choice for travelers keen on discovering the area without hassle.
The hostel is located in a quiet street, offering a peaceful retreat while still being close to bustling areas with restaurants, small markets and a mall. The tranquility of the surroundings, coupled with the hacienda-style setting, provides a serene atmosphere for guests.
Outdoor common areas are charming and spacious, contributing to the hostel's inviting environment. With safe indoor parking and a reputation for cleanliness, Hostal El Punto ensures comfort and convenience for all guests. The friendly staff, repeatedly praised for their warm hospitality, further enhance the welcoming vibe of the hostel.
In summary, Hostal El Punto's excellent location, delightful ambiance and top-notch service make it a standout choice for visitors to La Serena. Whether you're here for a short visit or an extended stay, this hostel offers a perfect blend of accessibility, comfort and charm.
Breakfast
Guests at Hostal El Punto consistently praised the breakfast offerings, emphasizing both quality and service. The breakfast was described as very good, substantial and served with kindness, often exceeding expectations with its variety and taste. Many appreciated the fantastic and excellent spread, noting the inclusion of fresh bread, papaya jam and other delicious options.
Some guests found the breakfast simple but sufficient given the price with descriptions ranging from basic to hearty and varied. The availability of packed breakfast for those leaving early was a notable plus. Despite a few mentions of modesty and repetitiveness, particularly regarding fruit variety, the overall consensus was positive.
The breakfast experience was often highlighted by warm and friendly service from the staff, contributing to a pleasant start to the day. Additionally, the option to prepare a vegetarian meal and the suggestion for more filling choices were noted as areas for improvement. Overall, the breakfast at Hostal El Punto is well-regarded and contributes positively to the guest experience.
Rooms
Hostal El Punto offers a mixed experience when it comes to their rooms with various positives highlighted by guests. Many found the rooms to be spacious, comfortable, clean and well-appointed, especially those featuring outdoor or patio areas. Several reviewers noted the coziness of the beds despite some mentioning that the mattresses could be improved. The atmosphere is described as pleasant and welcoming with friendly staff and meticulous attention to detail in the decoration.
Some rooms match the descriptions and photographs provided, which adds an element of trustworthiness. However, multiple guests expressed concerns with room size with some finding them too small and cramped. While the shared bathrooms are praised for their cleanliness and organization, there are mentions of rooms being cold despite the availability of a heating system on request. A few rooms suffered from issues like poor cleanliness, an unpleasant smell of humidity and dated or uncomfortable mattresses.
Overall, visitors are likely to appreciate the comfort and hospitality at Hostal El Punto, but should be aware of potential variations in room size and conditions.
Beds
Guests of Hostal El Punto have offered a mix of opinions regarding the beds. Many found the beds to be clean and cozy, offering a comfortable place to sleep with no unnecessary frills in the room. Some guests specifically noted the beds as comfortable and conducive to restful sleep. However, there are also several areas in need of improvement. Numerous reviewers pointed out that the mattresses and pillows were in poor condition, often describing them as old, worn-out and uncomfortable. Issues such as the beds being too hard or too soft, squeaky and having a musty smell were also mentioned. The general consensus indicates that while the bed setup is manageable for a short stay, there is a significant need for renovation to enhance comfort and ensure a more consistently pleasant sleeping experience.
Cleanliness
Hostal El Punto garners a strong reputation for its cleanliness, receiving high praise for meticulously maintained facilities and rooms. Guests frequently commend the clean and pleasant environment, noting that both communal spaces and private rooms are often described as impeccable, tidy and well-maintained. The bathrooms, both private and shared, generally receive favorable comments for their cleanliness and organization. The hostel is perceived as a very clean place overall with many highlighting the excellent service and comfortable atmosphere.
However, there are some mixed reviews. A few guests mention issues with bathroom maintenance, such as unpleasant odors and lack of daily cleaning. There are also sporadic remarks about insufficient room cleaning and occasional dampness or dust. Despite these minor inconsistencies, the predominant feedback reflects a positive and clean experience with commendations on the hostel's overall hygiene and comfortable environment.
Staff
Hostal El Punto consistently receives high praise for its dedicated and friendly staff. Guests frequently mention the exceptional customer service and kindness of the team. The reception staff and hosts are described as very friendly, helpful and always attentive to guests' needs. Not only do they facilitate bookings and arrange transport, but they also go the extra mile to ensure visitors' comfort and satisfaction.
Specific mentions appreciate individuals like Gina and Manuel, who are recognized for their politeness, attentiveness and overall pleasant demeanor. Guests appreciated the multilingual capabilities of the staff, noting that they spoke English and other languages, which made communication easier. The hospitality extends beyond the reception with the café and kitchen staff also receiving commendations for their helpfulness and kind service.
An added benefit highlighted by guests is the provision to leave luggage at no cost, demonstrating the hostel's commitment to convenience for travelers. The warmth and friendliness of the team, including the owners, create an inviting and caring environment, making the hostel a welcoming oasis whether for short or extended stays. Overall, Hostal El Punto is characterized by excellent service and a genuinely caring approach from all its staff members.
Wi-Fi
Hostal El Punto generally offers a positive and colorful accommodation experience with a charming courtyard perfect for relaxing outdoors. While early check-ins are a convenient perk, the Wi-Fi situation is less than ideal. Though some guests noted that the Wi-Fi worked great and there were good internet connections, many experienced issues with connectivity, particularly in the rooms where the signal often didn't reach or was intermittent. This seems to be a recurring problem with several reviews mentioning the absence of internet during their stay or that the connection was unstable or completely unavailable at times, especially at night. Improved Wi-Fi, especially in private rooms and common areas, would significantly enhance the overall guest experience.
Parking
Hostal El Punto offers several parking options that are generally well-received by guests. Many emphasize the secure and private nature of the parking, ensuring peace of mind for those traveling by vehicle. The courtyard adds a touch of charm to the parking areas, contributing to a pleasant overall ambiance. However, guests frequently note that the parking can be quite limited and tight. Although some find the spaces ample and spacious, others experience issues with availability, particularly in the evenings. The hostel operates on a first-come, first-served basis, which can lead to occasional difficulties in securing a spot. Despite these challenges, the indoor parking is appreciated for its safety and can accommodate vans. Overall, the parking situation at Hostal El Punto is a mix of convenience and occasional inconvenience with security being a consistent positive aspect.
No, Hostal El Punto doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Hostal El Punto.
No, Hostal El Punto doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Hostal El Punto.