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Best hostels in Cali, Bogota, and Cartagena

Hey I am planning a trip really soon to Cali, Bogota, and Cartagena. I wanted to know what people on here thought were the best hostels in these three cites.

I want to hear are honest opinions from people who have been there and liked it and not friends of hostel owners or association buddies, etc. As some of you know, I own the Tiger Paw Hostel in Medellin.

I have been to a few and have some suggestions from guests but I wanted to see what people here thought.

Thanks!

Brian

By bogotabrian on Mar 18, 2009, 17:27 in Friendly Talkzone.

durito2 says on Mar 18, 2009, 17:30:

platypus in bogota of course

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billyb says on Mar 18, 2009, 17:45:

If money is not an issue, in Cali two of the better ones are the Inter and the Dan Carlton, just a block apart, along the river.

"All I want to know is where I'm going to die, so I never go there" Unkown (at least to me) wise man.

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Miguel_Clavo says on Mar 18, 2009, 17:49:

Dan Carlton Hostel and the Intercontinental Hostel??

..i think this post seems more like an advertisement for the TPH by the OP.......nice

Lets hear it for the new PBH Experts on Colombia! DrPhilinamillion, KY, and Darloops!!!!!!! We Salute Your Valuable Contributions to This Forum!

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billyb says on Mar 18, 2009, 17:52:

Oops, I misread, thought he was talking about hotels.

"All I want to know is where I'm going to die, so I never go there" Unkown (at least to me) wise man.

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bogotabrian says on Mar 18, 2009, 18:00:

Miguel, certainly this is not an advertisement. The Beer Pong stuff, sure, but I just wanted to check out the hostels that people on here really like for obvious reasons. I am not talking about Medellin hostels.

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bogotabrian says on Mar 18, 2009, 18:33:

haha...no Clyde, not that at all. You can check out the photos from last week at http://tigerpawhostel.com/wordpress/. It is a beer drinking game played on a ping pong table.

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bogotabrian says on Mar 18, 2009, 21:01:

It is 3 cordillaras, a local mico-brew in Medellin. It is the only one of it's kind in Medellin. Basically it is a pale ale, a red ale, and a blond. Good beer. They have tours every thurs in Medellin in the factory. We are going tomorrow. If you want to go then email me.

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bopenyan (☼Travelguide writer) says on Mar 19, 2009, 08:51:

I can recommend as a hostel, in Salento, Plantation House. Tim is an affable generous spirited host/owner, and is a fount of useful information. The prices are competitive.

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adrimm (Moderator) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Mar 19, 2009, 17:26:

You should tell people what sort of hostel experience you like becuase that will help you find one that is "good" by your preferences. Good is different for everyone - some people are partiers, others are more into relaxing.

I'm definitely more of the non-party relaxer - I value good sleep (solid comfy quiet bed), and have a chance to chat with other guests (great gathering room), and exchange of knowledge.. comfort, quality matter.. A secure, relaxing base from which I can easily head out to explore or enjoy the destination's history and culture.

Anyhow it has been a few years since I was last there, but in Bogota I really liked Platypus. When I was there it had a laid back, 'chill atmosphere, great conversation, great international mix.

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bogotabrian says on Mar 19, 2009, 18:33:

I have been hearing that the Platypus is need of some upgrading from some of the guests here, especially the beds. I don't know, I have never been there. Are there any other hostels that people have experience with in Bogota? From online reviews the Cranky Croc seems like a decent place. I am thinking about booking that one.

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Cheers Terry says on Mar 19, 2009, 19:23:

The Platypus has slipped recently (German, the owner, is way too busy with his other real estate holdings) but if you've never stayed there you should once simply because German is a bloody institution. Definitely track him down for a beer. The Cranky Croc is excellent though, the Aussie owner really knows what he's doing.

In Cartagena it's kind of the same situation as the Platypus... the Casa Viena is an institution as well. Nicely managed with a long history. You have to drop by there too.

I've never found a good hostel in Cali. Good luck.

Have fun on your travels.

Cheers,
Terry

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Cheers Terry says on Mar 19, 2009, 20:29:

One other place you should see... drop by the Hostal Fatima in Bogota. It's a short walk from the Platypus. Perfect example how a great space in a good location with some attractive trendy design (and a super hot co-owner) can be screwed up by poor management. Besides German I've never found a well managed hostel owned/operated by a Colombian. The Fatima is yet another perfect example of a good idea going bad in Colombia.

Cheers,
Terry

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adrimm (Moderator) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Mar 20, 2009, 12:48:

Well Brian, you and I both know that few hostels in Latin America can compete with Tiger Paw in the beds dept.. what Platypus offers physically is definitely a more basic standard, but it has (did have) other assets as Cheers Terry has pointed out. I could never compare Platypus to Globetrotters in that department - Globetrotters is as elegant (I daresay refined) as can be in nearly every aspect - hence making it feel and behave closer to what most deem "*nice* hotel" in terms of comfort and atmosphere.

I do admit that I am somewhat surprised if a stay at Platypus wasn't part of your initial research.

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elchantajista says on Mar 20, 2009, 17:12:

Intercontinental Hotel if money is no object cali plaza if it is ,also take a trip to juanchito on the weekend if you can it's just out side of cali.

anda de parranda al Juanchito "Vicente"

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GregYohn says on Mar 21, 2009, 01:51:

Casa Viena is the place in Cartagena!

When they are full, they tell you where you can stay at their competition! Expect to visit the competition, but go back for the nice internet cafe there!

12VOIP.com gives free calls to Colombia.Greg

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shazam (☼Travelguide writer) says on Mar 21, 2009, 21:18:

Fatima is the new 'hot' hostal in Bogota. Blows the Platypus away. It's newer, obviously, has a kitchen, bar, restaurant with weekend entertainment, a turco/suana, a great solarium TV room...etc. and when they do throw parties, it's in the house attached next door, not right in the middle of the actual hostal to protect guest rooms from noise and 'visitors'

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bogotabrian says on Apr 1, 2009, 11:30:

I would have to agree with shazam. I really liked Fatima. The owner was super nice when I met her. I also liked Cranky Croc. It also had the bar - common area separated from the hostel by a thick wall for the noise issue.

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StevStef says on Apr 3, 2009, 05:26:

Hostel Fatima is a great if you dont like to sleep at night...This is a party hostel and the kids there sleep during the day and party at night. Know respect for the hostel rules. Just a bunch of annoying Americans who choose to hang out with other annoying Americans and not see Bogota.

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