First, its web site is http://chilloutbeachhouse.com/. The Chileans will refer to it as Hostal La Ponderosa.

We stayed two nights there in November in order go bird watching at the Rio Lluta Bird Sanctuary, which is just a moderate walk away. The place was a little disorganized but more than adequate for what we needed. They were in the process of expanding (building a dormitory and a common room/kitchen) and the restaurant wasn't fully open. We pretty much had the place to ourselves. The manager (Fernando, if I remember correctly) made us breakfast, lunch and a dinner and is quite a good cook. We enjoyed our beach view and breezes from our room's front window and balcony. The room was spacious but could have been a little better provided; for instance, I had to ask for soap. Judging by the website, the Ponderosa is almost over its growing pains, but I would check on the details before I booked: is the dormitory open yet?, etc. This place should appeal to a budget traveller who wants to enjoy some quiet beaches, or the bird watcher who wants to overnight near the bird sanctuary so they can visit it in the early AM. Note that the place is somewhat isolated. There is a restaurant nearby and, if I remember correctly, a small store.

One thing I want to note and praise is the personal attention we received from Fernando. He helped us out on a number of occasions. The key event was when our taxi to the Tacna border crossing didn't show up. Fernando drove us to the border and helped us navigate the bureaucracy and hire a Peruvian taxi driver to take us to the Tacna airport.

Feel free to contact me if you want to know more: Rick and Lorie

Our room was large and airy with high ceilings and a full wall window facing the ocean, as well as a deck. The bathroom was large with a hot, high-pressure shower. My boyfriend and I liked that it was few kilometers from town. It was so peaceful and quiet and great for long walks on the beach. They have a restaurant right on site with great food and good prices, so we didn't have to go to town much. There is a nice large guest kitchen as well. We were given rides to town when we needed them to do some shopping so we could cook for ourselves when we wanted to. When we arrived to Arica, the taxi driver tried to discourage us from coming "this far" from town. We were so glad we didn't listen! We could have called the hostel for a free ride from the bus station but we'd forgotten to write down the number. Great stay overall! Too bad we weren't into surfing, because this would've been a great spot. Everyday we saw surfers all along the beach.

I really enjoyed this beach house inn right next to the Rio Lluta Bird Sanctuary. Upon arrival I threw open the windows in my room facing the Pacific... Never slept better than with the roar of waves and a sea breeze. The hot water and electric lights are powered by solar panels. As you shower the drain water is diverted to water plants. Planting of salt resistant varieties speaks of the gardens to come in part as habitat for the ample bird life. I was really impressed with what is there and with what is to come. In using the kitchen provided for guests, I was asked to reserve the organics as they´ve a full composting program underway. Great sensibilities in the fragile environment of the Atacama, everything´s in place to coax a sanctuary out of the desert. Transfer service to and from the terminal went off without a hitch! I only wish I had had more time there facing the ocean and walking the bird sanctuary! Superlative experience!