Stayed here in December 2010, and have been meaning to write a review ever since to say what an awful experience we had. The lady we dealt with was very rude, I assume she is the owner. It felt like we were an inconvenience to her and she would have preferred if we weren't there. At the time the hotel was undergoing renovations (badly needed!). The price was definitely too high for the standard of accomodation and service. Would definitely not recommend.

The Carande is listed in some English language guidebooks as the best option in town, which is a generous description, and not updated for many years. It occupies a large and rather rambling mostly wooden building in a good central location near both the main plaza (with Turbus office and bus stops for Santiago, La Ligua and Zapallar) and the main beach. It's also close to other restaurants and lodging options. We had a room for 4 people at the rear of the building for at a decent Ch$50000 including breakfast: the room was just big enough for the beds with some other cheap furniture. The beds were comfortable and clean, but the bathroom, whilst functional, was tired and a bit tatty. It was interesting to shower right next to a fixed clear glass window overlooking people's back gardens! Cleanliness was acceptable, but to improve the room quite a bit of money would need to be spent on it. Dinner in the restaurant was expensive with a limited choice, but breakfast was good and substantial, with fresh fruit, yoghurt and meats.
All the staff that we met were friendly and helpful, but overall I would only give this place an average score, rather than very good.