Casa Newen, Santiago

This is a great B&B! Not only is it safe, clean, and in a location, the owners, Luis and Adda, are incredible friendly, helpful, and gracious. Luis picked us up from the airport and brought us to their inn, giving us all kinds of tips along the way. The only negative things I can say are that their Wi-Fi doesn't reach all the way to some of the rooms (we were staying in their newly-renovated back house), and the shower in the room is a little small. Those are minor inconveniences, especially considering the value we felt we got from staying there. The B&B is in Providencia, a safe and vibrant area of Santiago - we always felt comfortable there and in the surrounding neighborhoods. Taxis are always nearby and are easy to catch (and are very cheap). In all, I would definitely recommend staying here if you are looking for an affordable, nice, centrally-located, quiet, safe place to stay.

Luis and Ada were perfect hosts. They have a deep fund of knowledge about Chile and Santiago which they are more than willing to share. Their suggestions about what to see first, what could wait, restaurants, the metro, the bus system, museums, the city's barrios and art districts made the three days that we spent with them very rewarding and took away the anxiety and confusion that often accompany the first few days in a new city. The B&B itself is archetecturally interesting on a quiet side street between two main arteries into downtown Santiago. Taxis are cheap and easy to find. Our room was quite large, the bed comfortable and the shower a bit small for large Americans, but adequate. Breakfast was full continental, meats, cheeses, rolls, jellies, juice and cafe con leche. They also found us an excellent personal tour guide with the unlikely name of Michael the Pirate to take us on a walking tour of Valpariaso. He could not have been better. I am sure that if we had longer to stay and other requests, they would have been able to help us but as it was, I feel we got to see the important sights in Santiago. In short my wife and I highly recommend the Casa Newen. Beats the Hiltons and the Sheratons hands down.

What more could you ask for? You won't find Casa Newen linked to most of the Santiago hostel/hotel reference websites, and that's probably a good thing, because as word spreads it's likely to get harder to find a room at this cozy little B&B. Luis & Adda are wonderful folks and consummate hosts. Whether you travel the hostel circuit and want to step up from a bunk in the dorm, or are not impressed by impersonal 5-star hotel atmosphere and want some ambiance and interaction, then you'll find the perfect balance here. All this at a price that actually beats some of the high-end hostels. Transportation to downtown is not really the inconvenience you might fear; taxis & buses are plentiful & cheap, and you may need to walk off some of the excellent breakfasts they serve. Thanks again Luis & Adda for sharing your home and hospitality. John Rygh, Idaho, USA, Feb. 2007.

I'm so glad I found Casa Newen on the internet! This has been a wonderful welcome to Chile. From the moment Luis met me at the airport I felt well looked after. Thank you for the fantastic breakfasts, good hints + advice, and kind hospitality. This was the best possible start to my visit to Chile and will be the best place to finish as well. Lovely. Thank you so much for opening your home to us weary travellers. Best, Kecia McDonald South Africa PS: I love the decor and all the special touches. Thanks again