Best Hostal in Colombia?

Peter (Moderator) says on May 23, 2008, 05:53:

I personally think Parque Lleras is a pretty boring location in Medellin, but that may just be me :) Also, Gucci and Armani? I don't travel to buy suits...

Poor but snappy

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el flaco says on May 23, 2008, 06:09:

I'm not a hostel man but I enjoyed my stay at the plantation hostel at Salento.

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paulr says on May 23, 2008, 06:19:

Have you tried www.pitstophostel.com

"paulr threatens me with death !" pobrecito

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gorgonabob says on May 23, 2008, 06:51:

remember theres a big difference between a hotel and a hostel. backpackers dont necesarily need quality. i think the most important things are a good location, cleanliness, an owner whos around most of the day and especially for colombia an owner whos travelled around the country a lot because i tell you most travellers who come to colombia dont know much about the place and the guidebooks arent telling you anything. a hostel thats more like a home thats what they want id say. the comforts of home. and a big kitchen thats pretty important. the more homely a hostel feels the longer people will stay.. id say the best hostel in Colombia is the Casa de Felipe in Taganga.. its just a really nice place to hang out and pass the days. Also great is the Platypus in Bogota as a meeting place for backpackers and a place to find out where to go next. If I had not stayed at the Platypus when I first arrived eight years ago i would not have gotten around the country much either. The owner of the Platypus, German, has been pretty much everywhere and he was a mine of information to me about the secrets of Colombia. I've had countless adventures setting off to remote parts of the country after having long talks with German about the Colombia's hidden gems. Without his advice I doubt I would have strayed off the gringo trail so much.
In Medellin theres eleven hostels now and one or two more opening up soon. People have got a lot of choice which is not a bad thing I suppose.

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morphus says on May 23, 2008, 07:03:

I'm opening up a hostel in Downtown Medellin. It will be cheaper and better quality. We are going to a have a free mini bus taking guests back and forth to Parque Lleras every hour.

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gorgonabob says on May 23, 2008, 07:26:

enjoy

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bradenmiami says on May 23, 2008, 08:22:

I'm with Peter on the Parque Lleras...not my cup of tea...but I have been to Tiger Paw to have a drink and shoot some pool with Brian and the place is really nice.

The "lovemedellin website" is a piece of crap made by some moron who has only been to Medellin once...you'd be better off reading the Lonely Planet advice from a guy who never even came here!

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bogotabrian says on May 23, 2008, 08:26:

Thanks J and I don't mean to sound unappreciative, but I have to agree with Gornabob on this one. Location is the key and was my primary concern when researching the hostel. Gornabob's hostel (Blacksheep), Pitstop, Casa Kiwi, and mine have their own pluses and minuses.

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bogotabrian says on May 23, 2008, 08:27:

Oh, I forgot Casa Mayde and Tamerine which are close to mine. Both of these have wonderful owners which I've meet, and nice, clean hostels.

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gorgonabob says on May 23, 2008, 09:37:

yup second brian.. there are a lot of pretty good hostels in medellin. imagine six years ago there was not one... i stayed in the centre for two months 13000 pesos with private bathroom and cable a night..good but not much happening there... people stay in hostels to meet people. thats there advantage. good competition is good for those that are coming... six years ago there would have been 1 max backpacker arriving here every day, now that number would be more like 40-50..

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durito says on May 23, 2008, 10:42:

when i backpacked through colombia the first time in 2003 i think the only hostels in the entire country were casa vienna in cartagena, palm tree in medellin, platypus in bogota, and iguana in cali.

i spent a couple weeks in medellin without even visiting poblado.

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gatogris says on May 23, 2008, 11:02:

If you like wierd, and I kinda do, go stay at the Atlantis Organic Farm, a cult commune run by Jenny James, an Irish expat matriarch.

Here's the commune's website with instructions how to get there:

http://www.atlantiscommunity.thinkhost.net/atlantis2.html

And here's a compelling and grim story about it:

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/screamers-cultist-mee...

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Alma del Norte says on May 23, 2008, 11:09:

Gato. hey you know Atlantis too !

When were you last there? I'll be heading up again in a few weeks. Who is on the farm at the moment?

La vida es una rutina

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gatogris says on May 23, 2008, 11:24:

Alma, its been a little while so I couldn't tell you who's up there right now, but I think its time for me to head back pretty soon and recharge, ya know? Let me know how it goes.

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bickerss says on May 23, 2008, 11:25:

Any new ones in or near Zona Rosa Bogota planned?

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Alma del Norte says on May 23, 2008, 11:38:

"Alma, its been a little while so I couldn't tell you who's up there right now, but I think its time for me to head back pretty soon and recharge, ya know? Let me know how it goes."

I will do. You know what they are like - they can be quite elusive from time to time! I think Ed and Anne are back in Ireland, in Ed's case the first time in twenty-odd years and I think Jenny is now back on the farm. Nice reminder to try another e-mail.

La vida es una rutina

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gorgonabob says on May 23, 2008, 13:43:

An Australian guy is opening a hostel in Bogota in the next week... Nice guy, should be a good addition to the hostels in Bogota

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Atrevido says on May 23, 2008, 13:53:

Platypus may be one of the oldest but still one of the best. That´s where I always stay when I go to Bogota. I doubt anyone has better Colombia travel info than owner German.

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Medellin Traveler says on May 23, 2008, 14:31:

Anyone ever stay here?

It looks like a nice place in a great location.

El Club Hostel - El Rincon, San Jeronimo de Antioquia, Colombia

Tel: 0057 4 858 0343 - 0057 301 297 1900 - 301 441 4634

http://www.elclubhostel.com/elclub_english.htm

"Huevos Rancheros en Medellin, No Quiero Taco Bell." - www.medellintraveler.com

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gorgonabob says on May 23, 2008, 14:57:

i had the guy who owned the above place stay with me for a few months whilst setting up the place. i was thinking all along that is just not going to work.. about three months after opening the place was closed down. he made the mistake of renting the property, the owners kicked him out. well eventually he would have closed anyway... he was also trying to persuade those staying with me to stay with him for a night. an argentine guy, still owes me three nights

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Medellin Traveler says on May 23, 2008, 15:06:

gorgonabob says, "he made the mistake of renting the property"

Is this a bad idea all together?

I was under the impression that Colombian laws protect the renter, as long as there is a contract involved. ???

"Huevos Rancheros en Medellin, No Quiero Taco Bell." - www.medellintraveler.com

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tejasmarcos says on May 23, 2008, 15:12:

how does one rent a hostel? i'm confused and besides that i do not understand what you are talking about...

trying to walk a straight line on sour mash and cheap wine...

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papiChulo says on May 23, 2008, 15:14:

And yet another hostel in MDE... http://www.vicahostel.com/eng/index.php

I think it opened last month, its in Laurelles

I'm not greedy I just want a lot.

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Cheers Terry says on May 23, 2008, 15:17:

The owner of the Black Sheep rented for a long time before he finally bought the place...

Cheers,
Terry

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Alma del Norte says on May 23, 2008, 15:20:

I am sure gorgonabob knows that - lol!

Perhaps that has some bearing on his stance.

La vida es una rutina

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tejasmarcos says on May 23, 2008, 15:22:

i see - the owner of the hostel (proprietor) rented the property that was to become the hostel.

clear as mud now! thanks!

trying to walk a straight line on sour mash and cheap wine...

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Cheers Terry says on May 23, 2008, 15:23:

No, he rented the property, built the hostel, operated it as a hostel for quite some time, then finally bought the place.

Make sense now?...

Cheers,
Terry

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Medellin Traveler says on May 23, 2008, 15:26:

And yet another hostel... Porto Belo

My friend's aunt, whose parents own La Habana Vieja, just opened this place a few blocks from Parque Lleras.



I LOVE the place!

DAMN! Too bad I missed out on that freakin' 13 bedroom home a few months back!

"Huevos Rancheros en Medellin, No Quiero Taco Bell." - www.medellintraveler.com

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Cheers Terry says on May 23, 2008, 15:32:

Funny story, I took a photo of the La Habana Vieja Hotel in Medellin and showed it to my Cuban pals in Habana Vieja, Havana. They went insane trying to figure out where this hotel was that I found in their town... Jeje...

Cheers,
Terry

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papiChulo says on May 23, 2008, 15:35:

medellin traveller, how much was that 13br casa. I remember looking at the fotos?

I'm not greedy I just want a lot.

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Medellin Traveler says on May 23, 2008, 15:43:

The fotos can be found here.... http://poorbuthappy.com/colombia/post/laureles---33-nightlife-area--pr...

I do not remember the price because I was looking at many homes in a short period of time, but can say that I was looking at homes between $2oo/3oo thousand USD.

It was PERFECT!

"Huevos Rancheros en Medellin, No Quiero Taco Bell." - www.medellintraveler.com

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bickerss says on May 23, 2008, 15:48:

bog - where will the australian hostel be? Near to Zona R p/93 or Candalaria?

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tejasmarcos says on May 23, 2008, 15:50:

Porto Belo looks SUPER NICE!

thanks for the explanation, CT.

did you go by and have a looklast time you were in town, MT?

trying to walk a straight line on sour mash and cheap wine...

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Medellin Traveler says on May 23, 2008, 15:54:

tejasmarcos,

YES!

I took the picture.

It's the best freakin' hostel/hotel/apartment I've found in Medellin to date, hands down.

That's how I want to decorate my place...........

"Huevos Rancheros en Medellin, No Quiero Taco Bell." - www.medellintraveler.com

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tejasmarcos says on May 23, 2008, 15:56:

MT - what were the rates?

trying to walk a straight line on sour mash and cheap wine...

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papiChulo says on May 23, 2008, 15:58:

gracias mde traveller... yea that place has many posibilities.

I'm not greedy I just want a lot.

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Medellin Traveler says on May 23, 2008, 16:12:

If I remember correctly, somewhere between $30/40 per guest.

I was really impressed with the whole set up.

The owner, Sandra, is pretty cool........

"Huevos Rancheros en Medellin, No Quiero Taco Bell." - www.medellintraveler.com

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tejasmarcos says on May 23, 2008, 16:15:

$30 for a private room. if so, that is a correct rate for these parts.

trying to walk a straight line on sour mash and cheap wine...

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Medellin Traveler says on May 23, 2008, 16:23:

They offer different rates for different rooms; single, double, bunkbeds, with private or shared bathrooms.

"Huevos Rancheros en Medellin, No Quiero Taco Bell." - www.medellintraveler.com

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Medellin Traveler says on May 23, 2008, 16:52:

It's really unbelievable how many rooms are available for tourist in Medellin.

Seems to me that the locals also have a plethora of apartments to rent.

Is there room for a new bed and breakfast?

"Huevos Rancheros en Medellin, No Quiero Taco Bell." - www.medellintraveler.com

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tejasmarcos says on May 23, 2008, 16:57:

you will need to do something to separate yourself. theme hotels are getting big these days, micro hotels as well - or just kick everybody's butt marketing.

trying to walk a straight line on sour mash and cheap wine...

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gorgonabob says on May 23, 2008, 17:00:

the Australian hostel is called the Cranky Croc and should be open within the week, its around the corner from the Platypus... also German the owner of the Platypus should be opening his hotel within a month. its going to be a great place he deserves all the success that place will bring him.

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Medellin Traveler says on May 23, 2008, 17:30:

There's a hotel in Medellin with 28 rooms, restaurant/bar available for a turnkey investment.





It's ready to go.........

"Huevos Rancheros en Medellin, No Quiero Taco Bell." - www.medellintraveler.com

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Atrevido says on May 23, 2008, 17:34:

There´s a hostel in Coveñas run I think by a German/colombiana couple. Anybody been there?

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gorgonabob says on May 23, 2008, 17:45:

Tolu, Villa Babilla...

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Medellin Traveler says on May 23, 2008, 17:49:

For Sale: $3.200.000.000

Is there a demand for all these places?

"Huevos Rancheros en Medellin, No Quiero Taco Bell." - www.medellintraveler.com

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adrimm says on May 23, 2008, 18:20:

The best hostel (in any country) has

1) a welcoming atmosphere (clean, comfy)
2) spaces for guests to sit & chat, reflect & exchange stories, make new connections, spaces to sit and quietly catch up on journals, spaces to sit and reflect in peace upon the amazingness of travel.
3) honest & well-informed staff with pre-prepared information resources.
4) comfortable and & well made furnishings (age & mismatch can add character)
5) good connections to the local community
6) a decent ratio of bathrooms to beds ( I *hate* the institutional rows of bathroom stalls found in many purpose-built hostels).

Beyond that the distinction vary according to guests.

For me (I don't party, but I don't mind a drink in the evening):

1) Location depending on what i am in the region to see. I travel to see *culture*, so I usually am after something in an older historic/traditional area.

2) Comfortable & quiet sleeping conditions. I despise rickety tube bunk beds.. If I could choose, there would be 10 pm centrally controlled lights-out in dorms (as long as there is a reading light).. nothing worse than the rest of the room storming in laughing drunk at 3 am and turning the lights on - having it dark keeps everyone quieter. Carpet (while maybe impractical in Colombia), helps to muffle sound in bedrooms.

3) Maps - I love maps.

4) Library wall - I like to read.

5) Alcohol - administered with discretion (like at Platypus).


Places like Brian's are unique in a sea of traditional hostel, they will appeal to many backpackers would feel the need for a change, to feel a bit of extra plushness. While I usually prefer the rustic, staying somehwere super nice can be a welcome break.

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papiChulo says on May 24, 2008, 02:06:

If anybody has or is thinking about a hostel anywhere I would cut and paste adrimm's post. Thats somebody who is a traveler... thanks for sharing adrimm :)

I'm not greedy I just want a lot.

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bogotabrian says on May 25, 2008, 19:12:

You are exactly right Adrimm. I tried to have the rustic feel with the brick, flooring, and traditional Colombian wood bar stools, tables, and chairs. Spaces to mingle, read, and just be in quiet are important too.

The books and the character just take time. I admire Casa Kiwi for that bit of charm though they could improve in other areas like all the hostels can. I am finding this business to be tuff but also rewarding. One month and I've already met a life-time of great people.

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Man Tequila says on May 25, 2008, 20:49:

Still never made it to the Platypus, so not in a position to judge.

But I did like the Anandamayi Hostel in Bogota. Good location in La Candelaria, beautiful and cheap rooms. But not a party hostel.

Aunque no me creas/ si me lo propongo/ lograre olvidarte/ porque a fin de cuentas/ no soy tan cobarde./ Y termino todo una de estas tardes/ no sera dificil buscar algún sitio donde refugiarme/ donde nunca mas vuelvas a encontrarme. (Polo Montañez)

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adrimm says on May 26, 2008, 06:00:

Aww thanks papiChulo... I try.

Brian don't worry,about capturing rustic too much - for those that want it there is plenty of it to be had... in the smaller communities or town. Cities are cities and from what I can tell you are in a modern neighbourhood so being unabashedly contemporary is being honest to your location.

Here's an idea: Textiles tend to absorb sound & add warmth, Colombia has those neat woven wall hangings, maybe keep an eye out and see if you buy a few used ones here or there. Maybe have a chalkboard behind the front desk with a quirky "quote of the day".. post horoscopes, etc.

I've only stayed at 2 hostels in Latin America, but expect like elswhere in the world they sometimes lean a bit to dingy... (it can be a fine line between character and dingy). Having the option to stay somewhere plush (ie the "hotel hostel") can be a fabulous change... that's what Globetrotters was to me and what I think Tiger Claw may be for many.. I can't wait to see it one day!

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papiChulo says on May 26, 2008, 10:49:

adrimm... if I ever open a hotel/hostel will you be my partner? LOL you have great ideas that make a lot of sense. The thing is I don't have the patience... jajaja

I'm not greedy I just want a lot.

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cartersback says on May 27, 2008, 17:40:

Was this forum just started for people to advertise there own hostels???

better get in on it then
jaja

best hostel depends on alot of things
the type of backpackers coming to Colombia have changed alot, some are looking for the biggest screen TV and the best collection of DVDs others are looking for people who can tell them how to climb the Cocuy mountains. Some want a place that keeps them as far from the locals and feeling like there back at home as possible and others want as much connection to Colombia as possible. Some people just want to get pissed and laid

whenever i recommend a hostel to foriegners travelling to medellin it always depends on the person. There is no one hostel there that would be the BEST for all the types of people travelling to Medellin.

I say choose a section of the market and build a hostel aimed at them whether it be plush, party, touristy, cultural, adventurous, looking for women, good place to smoke weed etc.

As a traveller arriving in colombia I found Platypus fantastic and I believe a large amount of the 2nd wave of hostel owners (those starting up between 2003-2006) might not have started up if it wasnt for German. I think the originals did alot of work to put backpacking in Colombia on the map and make people feel safe here, the 2nd gen and the new hostel owners opening on there doorsteps and riding on the wave owe a fair bit to them. I think there hostels are great because they were built on hard work and a good converstation with one of the owners can be a highlight of your stay. For me they hold a lot of good memories of my first trip in Colombia.

Back to rating the best hostel.
I think Casa de Felipe is the hostel that appeals to the largest amount of people and for that he gets my vote

Platypus is the place that Ive always enjoyed staying most

In the end you'll find the majority of people rate the best hostel on the people they met there and the time they had. You could have the best hostel in the world but if its full of wankers its going to be rubbish.

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cartersback says on May 27, 2008, 17:52:

Of course my hostel is really the best,

I set up aimed at travellers looking for adventure, culture, good information, a sociable place both amongst backpackers and contact with locals.

Im not a party hostel but there is always people enjoying a beer and a laugh,
Im not plush but I have good mattreses and a great view. so those groups enjoy my place to but never rate it at as the BEST.

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papiChulo says on May 27, 2008, 18:07:

hey cartersback I'll see you next early year I have always wanted to paraglide up your way and Bucarrmanga. I've flown outside of Cali and a couple of sites around Medellin so far.

hey how about plugging your place with a link? no harm in that I reckon

I'm not greedy I just want a lot.

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adrimm says on May 29, 2008, 00:10:

Carter.. you know I drove within a few blocks of you in November. I met some of your guests in Barichara (the day the President was there in November) and swore up & down I'd stop in to say "Hi" .. and still never made it.

Next time.

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paisa29 says on May 29, 2008, 05:54:

Brian...
Congratulations!
I liked very much your hostel.

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morphus says on May 29, 2008, 06:24:

Paisa29, having fun in Parque Lleras again?

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paisa29 says on May 29, 2008, 12:27:

sure

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Man Tequila says on May 29, 2008, 18:29:

Are Bogota J and Bogota Brian the same guy? You ever been to a hostel in your home town? ;)

Aunque no me creas/ si me lo propongo/ lograre olvidarte/ porque a fin de cuentas/ no soy tan cobarde./ Y termino todo una de estas tardes/ no sera dificil buscar algún sitio donde refugiarme/ donde nunca mas vuelvas a encontrarme. (Polo Montañez)

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cartersback says on Jun 5, 2008, 11:59:

Adrimm

In San Gil and never stopped in and said hi??

damn that presidents got cheek

www.macondohostel.com

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