On a sunny morning in Santiago, Chile, I walk through the tranquil streets of Providencia. Autumn has just started in South America but it still feels like a summer morning. Soft sunlight pours through the dense green leaves on the trees that line the neighborhood’s walks.

I turn a corner and continue on down Condell Street, stopping in front of the red gate of Alma Hostel. After an overnight flight to Chile from the United States, the cozy white home is a welcome sight, and I will soon discover that the B&B is a welcome refuge during my travels.

Alma Hostel in Santiago

Alma Hostel is run by two sisters, Silhi and Paz Concha Amolef, who come from the South of Chile. They came to Santiago 12 years ago and last September opened up a B&B in a family home in Providencia, an upscale neighborhood that is known as being one of the safest areas to stay in Santiago. The hostel is located on a residential street, making it a nice place to experience what life would be like actually living in one of Santiago’s finest neighborhoods (if you could afford it).

The hostel also happens to be in Barrio Italia, a neighborhood within Providencia, that is one of the hotspots in the city. The neighborhood was founded by Italian artisan immigrants in the 19th century and today is home to a collection of Italian restaurants and shops. It’s a great (and again safe), place to explore on foot.

Alma Hostel has ten rooms that can sleep one to four guests. I stayed in an individual room that overlooked the garden area. The twin bed was super comfortable and the room had everything I needed including a heater, fan, and hair dryer. To get to my room I climbed a charming twisted staircase. A shared bathroom with a shower is down below. Wifi, cable Tv and breakfast are also included with every stay.

There is a spacious garden in the back of the property which includes hammocks, tables and chairs. There’s also a common room in the house which has couches and nooks for reading, trip planning and getting to know other travelers. The front of the property has another garden with seating as well.

When staying at a B&B it’s important the staff are people you want to spend time with. I had the opportunity to meet Paz. She was friendly and welcoming, spending time with me in the garden and sharing her story, giving me maps and directions to city sights, and checking in to make sure I was comfortable.

In addition to the cozy rooms and welcoming atmosphere, I also really enjoyed the location of the property. Being in such a safe neighborhood I felt very comfortable walking around at night. It is a quick walk to many restaurants and just a short metro ride away from the major sights of the city including La Moneda Palace, Plaza de Armas and the Museum of Memory and Human Rights.

At night, guests sit with Silhi and Paz around a table in the garden. They are enjoying a traditional Chilean barbecue complete with carne, wine, flowing conversation and laughter. I drift off to the sounds of their happy conversation and fall into a deep sleep. A step inside Alma Hostel in Santiago, Chile is a step inside a world of tranquility and peace.

Note: I received a complimentary stay at Alma Hostel. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own.