Best Hostels in Chile Receive Awards for Excellence
This month saw the launch of HostelBookers’ Awards for Excellence 2012. HostelBookers, the budget accommodation specialist, recognizes excellence in the budget accommodation industry by celebrating the winning properties worldwide in categories such as Top Three Accommodations, Best Atmosphere, Best Location and Best Value Cheap Hotel.
Ritoquie Raices Hostel was one of the Chilean hostels to receive an award from Hostelbookers. Photo: Hostelbookers
SANTIAGO — A winner in the Top 3 Accommodation category for South and Central America is the eco-surf hostel Ritoque Raices. Situated 50 minutes from Valparaíso, this hostel is paradise for surfers as it is right on Playa Ritoque, Chile’s secret 17km beach! With a rating of 97.7%, Ritoque Raices believes in the importance of sustainable tourism with many initiatives in place such as using alternative energy sources and work only with local and independent partners with share the same values.
The Princesa Insolente Hostel (98.8%) scooped the award for Best Atmosphere. Designed for young backpackers and those who have an adventurers soul, this hostel offers a friendly and colorful stay for those in Santiago. They have on offer travel excursions and surfing expeditions for guests.
Another Santiago hostel Bellavista Hostel and Hostal Emalafquen picked up awards for Best Location. Centrally located in the heart of the city, Bellavista Hostel is just minutes away from all of Santiago’s cultural attractions, restaurants, bars and trendy boutiques. Hostal Emalafquen is close to local restaurants and only a 15 minute walk from the wonderful views of the lake in Pucón.
Other winners in South America include Pousada Guaraná in Paraty, Brazil was awarded Best Value Cheap Hotel and offers travelers a comfortable place to stay that is just a short bus ride from the local attractions like Trindade beach, Priainha beach and Paraty’s beautiful waterfalls.
For the full list of winners worldwide, visit www.hostelbookers.com/2012-
Daniel Boyle is an Australian living in Santiago. Daniel's main interests are sports, music and travel. He has a degree in Sports Management and is completing a Master of Arts (Writing). Daniel plays the sport of Freestyle Footbag and is hoping to spread it through Chile. 
