When Chilean owner Juan de Dios Ortuzar opened Hostal Caracol in 2005, he wanted it to reflect the artistic, bohemian heritage of his adopted home city of Valparaíso. He transformed the abandoned, dilapidated old building into a charismatic guest house that certainly succeeds in capturing that character.

The hostel has an arty, eccentric style that comes from special touches like the refurbished, original tin ceilings and hardwood floors, unique window and door framing and original artwork on the walls that double as a gallery for local artists. Even the bright color scheme is tastefully done in a way that is subtle rather than loud.

Staff is exceptionally friendly and helpful, and you are likely to find everything you need at the hostel or in the wonderfully charming Bellavista neighborhood where it is located.

There are six rooms at Hostal Caracol. A large dormitory features seven nice, single beds that cost 8,000 CHP per person. The other rooms are private and are named after the main color they are decorated with. The Red and Blue rooms are matrimonials that cost 26,000 CHP. The Yellow and Green rooms cost the same and are doubles with two single beds. The Orange Room is a triple with three single beds, which is priced at 33,000 CHP. All rooms feature private bathrooms.

Included in the prices are breakfast and Internet/secure WiFi service. The hostel also features a common kitchen, living room with cable TV, DVD library and fireplace, and a backyard with patio and barbecue grill.

Laundry and taxi service are also offered, and staff is very helpful with travel information. Maps, brochures and details about Valparaíso are provided, and city tours can be arranged.

Most backpackers will arrive in Valparaíso by bus. A taxi can be taken to the hostel from the bus station for 3,000-5,000 CHP, but you can also do a fun route via bus/ascensor (Valparaíso's famous elevators)/foot.

In front of the bus terminal, catch a bus bound for Plaza Victoria; the fare is about 300 CHP. Get off there and find the Ripley department store. To the right of the store is an alley you should walk through to go behind the store. Turn right on the street behind the store, and you will find the Espiritu Santo ascensor on your left. Take it up to the Bellavista Hill. When you get off the elevator, walk straight up the stairs, following the curved road uphill until you get to Hector Calvo Street. Turn left, and the hostel is about a half-block more uphill on the left.