If you're browsing AirBnbs in Santiago, stop now - you've found the place!
I've lived in Santiago for four years and found myself in need of a temporary residence for a handful of months. I found Lorena's apartment at the last minute, and boy was I lucky. It is located 5 minutes away from two metro stations on Line 1 (a real 5 minute walk, not the 15-minute "5-minute walk"), and you have practically everything you need within two blocks of the apartment! A vibrant community, endless mom & pop bodegas and fruit and veg stores, two larger supermarkets, numerous restaurants and bars nearby, and just an overall great vibe in Barrio República will make for an unforgettable stay in Santiago.
The apartment itself is simple, but well-equipped for long stays. It is clean and comfortable, and the furniture has been thoughtfully selected for the best experience possible. As far as the kitchen goes, I usually had everything I needed to cook for both myself and guests, and I love to cook. But, if I needed anything, I could just head to the giant Asian supermarket by Metro República and buy anything I needed dirt cheap - think giant dollar store. Overall, 5/5. Couldn't ask for anything more in a 1-bedroom apartment! (Oh, and the view is GREAT)
The location and apartment are both great, but Lorena is really the difference-maker. She went out of her way to make sure I had absolutely everything I needed, and communication was always prompt and crystal clear. For example, when I arrived, I realized that the internet connected was antiquated and very slow. This was an issue, as I planned to work from home for the 2.5 months I was staying here. I simply contacted Lorena and she canceled the old service and contracted a new one with a different company. Within 2 days I went from download speeds of 5 Mbps to 250 Mbps!
In summary, just do it. It's a great location, perfect apartment, and Lorena is a great host. You'll be happy you stayed here - I know I am.
**Quick Note About Noise: The apartment is on the 9th floor and there are no buildings blocking the view. it is incredibly quiet for the most part. That said, there are occasional noises that some visitors might want to be aware of. 1) There is a school next to the building, and the children usually go out for recess at around 9:30 - 10:00 am. School was usually not in session for me while I stayed because of covid-19, but this could be a nightmare for those planning to sleep in during the week. 2) Same goes for a car workshop next to the school. Not too noisy, but they had a habit of using the power washers first thing in the morning. Not an issue for me, but I could see it being frustrating for some people. Overall I chalk it up to normal city noise. If you're concerned, bring some earplugs and you'll be fine!