I can safely say that after traveling extensively through South America, PataPata has to be one of the best hostels i have ever stayed in. I expected to stay two nights but ended up staying a week. The environment was perfect for solo travelers; not too big, very welcoming. And the staff was out of this world helpful. From the second I walked through the door I felt like everyone who worked there was an old friend. They even introduce all the people staying there to immediately facilitate socializing. It would be impossible not to feel at home.

And they weren't even trying to sell me something. They invited me too accompany them to various tourist sites, all free. They are proud of the city and want to show it off. And why wouldn't they be? Valparaíso is a beautiful cultural center unlike any place I have been.

The breakfast is fantastic as well: fruit salad, tostadas, coffee, toast. Normally I leave a hostel breakfast still hungry or sick of eating the same stale bread with butter or jam, but this one was way better.

The rooms are cozy and not overcrowded. In response to the most recent comment below this, I don't know how your things were stolen, because there is a locker for everyone. If someone stole something, it's your own fault for not locking it up.

Would recommend this place to anyone, especially those traveling solo.

When I first walked in, the woman who greeting me and showed me the place was so nice I forgave it for its many short comings (paper-thin walls, uncomfortable beds, dirty bathrooms with little hot water). The location is great and Valparaiso is an amazing place so I extended my stay. After being shuffled around from room to room, having things stolen from me (the owner did not care at all) and having a sore back from the terrible beds I was asked to pay. The owner was trying to charge me more than the rate I was quoted the day I walked in. When I insisted on paying the rate I was initially quoted (for each night - not just the first night) he blatantly insulted me and told me this was his house and I should leave.

The bottom line is that there are at least 15 other hostels within 4 blocks of this one, and you would do much better to be at one of those.

We had such a perfect time staying at this hostel. The family-run atmosphere means staff are caring, friendly, and interested in making sure you have the best experience in beautiful Valpo. While we were there, the local walking tour guide Bobby lived at the hostel too - for a couple of bucks you can get a half day walking tour, which is a really unique and fun experience; Bobby is a legend. The kitchen and outdoor patio is beautiful for sharing a meal and a drink and the rooms and bathrooms are clean, quaint and comfortable.
You have to stay here, it's brilliant, we had the best time!

This is one of the best hostels we have stayed in South America. The owner Alejandro and his wife Karen are great hosts. They were so helpful and informative about Valaparaiso and Vina del Mar. The breakfast is brilliant, beautiful Colombian coffee, fruit,eggs,toasted cheese sandwiches and fresh bread. They have two guest kitchens for cooking and a really comfy tv room with lots of dvds. We had a private bathroom with a really comfy bed. We had to share a bathroom but all the bathrooms are cleaned thoroughly each morning. Alejandro was very kind and booked our bus tickets to our next destination on his own credit card. Their friend Bobby does a really nice walking tour of Valaparaiso.