Palafito 1326 Hotel Boutique Chiloé

Tourists photograph the old rickety houses on stilts as they cross the bay on Chiloe Island. Look again. Amongst these sometimes dilapidated, always interesting old buildings are a few that have started to gentrify. Palafito 1326 has been restored, preserving its charm and the top deck little restaurant is glorious. We dined on fresh local crab and salmon, each served as art works. Get there soon because in maybe 10 years the rickety will have become commercially successful, fashionable and known.

Staying in a Palafito over the water is definitely something to try in Castro. The website tells you that parking is extra but in fact you can park for free on the street, one less thing to worry about! The staff are all very welcoming, informative and lovely. The building is of course all made of wood so when people are walking in the common areas you can hear them, but there seems to be good soundproofing between the rooms. The bathroom fittings were modern and worked well although the water ran a bit hot and cold sometimes. We had a side stilt house view room which had a comfortable bed and a patio door but to a shared fire escape so you couldn’t leave the window open. Also the window was right next to the chimney for the fire of the house next door. It was cool enough at night if the radiator stayed off. Breakfast was at a communal table which is sometimes a little bit awkward especially when you are all different nationalities. But it was freshly prepared and served with a smile by two very helpful ladies. There is a restaurant on the top floor which we didn’t use. It does however mean that during restaurant opening hours there are footsteps and chair moving noises from above and people coming to and from the restaurant don’t respect the fact it’s in a hotel. It did go quiet at night though and I certainly slept well. Bear in mind this is on the water and the town is on the hill so there can be a lot of steep up and down walking to get anywhere.

I have not stayed in this hotel. But I have interacted with its front desk while having dinner in the beautiful restaurant above. Despite not being their guest, they helped me solve a problem my hotel had caused me. The staff was remarkablely kind, patient, and extremely helpful. If I would go to Castro again, I would definitely stay here. The willingness and ability to help that the front desk had is a demonstraion of the excellence of the service they provide.

I was lucky enough to have a room overlooking the estuary and spent hours watching the birds and water coming and going. Such a peaceful place to stay. All the hotel staff are friendly and welcoming and breakfasts are generous and tasty. Also recommend the restaurant which has food to match the wonderful views.

The service was excellent, We all enjoyed our food and wine. Great atmosphere , very friendly staff . They explained the menu .The lay out of the restaurant was very appealing .we will definitely go back on our next visit to Castro.

A perfectly located place to stay while exploring Castro and the surroundings. What my sister and I liked: --We were able to walk into the "downtown" Castro (warning: it is a steep uphill walk) and explore the shops and market. --The kitchen area is available for personal use. -- Sitting areas are cozy and comfy. --Helena, the receptionist provided superb service to us. We had rental car issues and her English/Spanish were invaluable in helping us deal with the problem. --Dinner upstairs in the restaurant was outstanding (have the tuna). --There is also a restaurant conveniently located next door that had good food. Very small complaints: --We stayed one night on the street side of the hotel-a little noisy with a barking dog. So try to get the water side. Views are grand and super quiet. --Restaurant has limited seating and hours so hard to get into. Definitely would stay here again!