Bogota - hostels and places to stay Travel Guide
(This is an "approved guide", which means that we think it is very accurate and up to date. We've visited all these places personally, at least briefly, and checked the rooms, the cleanliness, the service and the prices. I stayed in quite a few of them. Written December 2006.)
Before you choose a place to stay, you probably want to choose an area where you want to stay. Most travellers stay in La Candelaria - the historic district. Other areas to stay could be El Centro and La Zona Rosa (for partying). We don't have a lot of hostels listed outside of La Candelaria yet - let us know of good ones!
To give you an idea of prices, the cheapest dorm beds in La Candelaria are about US$ 5, a cheap double with bathroom is about US$ 15. The good places fill up early, so you might want to make a reservation before arriving.
Budget hostels in La Candelaria.
Platypus (http://platypusbogota.com, tel 352 01 27 or 341 28 74, fax 352 01 27, Calle 16 No 2-43, platypushotel at yahoo.com), in La Candelaria, is probably the best traveler hostel in Colombia. If you want to stay here, make a reservation (by phone or email) at least a week in advance. Otherwise, you can just show up in the mornings around 9, 10am. You have like a 1 in 2 change for a dorm bed, or a 1 in 3 change for a double room if you check on any specific day itself. If you show up at Platypus and they're full, they'll still be very welcoming (free coffee!) and help you find a place to stay nearby.
Platypus has a great common area with tables, a kitchen you can use, a book exchange, hot showers, free wifi and internet and free coffee.
The rooms are basic but clean. Dorm beds 15000 pesos (US$ 6), double without bathroom 30000 pesos (US$ 12). Herman also has a few houses nextdoor where he can put you up if there is space and you want to stay a bit longer. It's also a good place to ask around for options for staying longer term.
The best thing about Platypus is its owner, Herman, who speaks more languages than you'd reasonably expect and has travelled to more countries than you can count. He also knows more than anyone about traveling in Colombia. If you have any questions about going somewhere in Colombia, Herman will know. Platypus is also incredibly social, and Herman works hard to keep it that way. I really can't say enough good things about Platypus.
Hotel Internacional (http://www.es.geocities.com/hotelinternacionalbogota/ Carrera 5 No 14-45, opposite the "Alcaldia Local", Tel 341 3151 or 342 3768 or 341 8731, hotelinternacionalbogota at hotmail.com) is a decent cheapie, dorm beds are 13000 (US$ 5) per person, rooms with bathroom are 20000 (US$ 8) for a single, 35000 for 2 people, 45000 for 3 and 55000 for 4. Popular with budget travellers. There's a kitchen to use.
Centro Plaza (http://www.hotelcentroplaza.com, tel 243 3818 or 286 15 80, Carrera 4 No 13-12, hotelcentroplaza at gmail.com) is one of the best choices, and a bit nicer/cleaner than Hotel Internacional. Dorm beds are 18000 (US$ 7), doubles are 45000 (US$ 20). The owner is Israeli and that's clear in the decoration of the hotel. There's a kosher restaurant and internet cafe attached.
Hotel El Dorado (Carrera 4 No 15 -00 (entry on the corner), Tel 334 399 88 or 281 72 71) is a decent option in a good location. The building is nice and colonial, and rooms are clean and large enough. A double with bathroom is 30000 pesos (US$ 12) - rooms at the street side can be a bit noisy on Friday and Saturday. Before you decide to stay here, you should know that they do rent out rooms per hour as well, which might turn you off.
Hotel Santa Fe (Calle 14 No 4-48, Tel 342 05 60, 1 person 27000 pesos, 2 people 41000 pesos, 3 people 54000 pesos) is one of two deliciously run-down hotels in La Candelaria. Rooms are big, have high ceilings, the hotel has a lot of wood and looks like it hasn't been rennovated since the 1920s, which in this case is a good thing. It's not super clean, but you get that old-school charm instead. Hotel Dorantes (Calle 13, between Carrera 5 and 6) is similar, it might even be more visually charming, but it's just as run down. Rambling wood and high ceilings, and great light to take some pictures. Hey, it'd be a good movie set, actually! 35000 for a single, 45000 for a double.
Hostal Sue (http://www.hostalsue.com, 16 # 2 - 55, Tel: 571 334 88 94, or 310 877 53 87 ,reservations at hostalsue.com) is a new budget hostal, right next door to the Platypus. Unfortunately, it doesn't have the love, socialness or atmosphere of the Platypus. A dorm bed is 14000 pesos, a single room is 25000, a double is 35000.
Hotel Avenida Jimenez (Av Jimenez No 4-71, Tel 243 66 85, or 286 7303) has small (some say claustrophic) but clean rooms with bathroom at 40000 (US$ 18) for a double, 50000 pesos for 2 double beds and 60000 pesos for 3 double beds (a great deal if you happen to travel with 3 couples that don't mind sharing a room?) It's a good place for a night if the great places are full and well located.
Mid-range hotels in la Candelaria.
Abadia Colonial (http://www.abadiacolonial.com, Calle 11 No 2 - 32, Tel 341 18 84, fax 342 26 72, abadiacolonial at gmail.com) is one of the few boutique hotels in Colombia. It is small and set in a beautiful colonial house. Rooms are clean with private bathroom and comfy beds, and they even have a heater in each room, something that can be handy in chilly Bogota but that you almost never find. Single rooms are 90000 pesos (US$ 40), doubles are 13000. There's a tea room too.
There are also a mid-range few hotels that are kind of boring, the kind of place a businessman on a budget or a family would stay, but they're ok and clean enough. Hotel San Sebastian (tel 334 60 41, Av Jimenez No 3-97) is a good example, it's large and clean, but not much atmosphere. Rooms with bathroom and television are 45000 (US$ 20) for a single, 65000 (US$ 30) for a double. Hotel Ambala (http://www.hotelambala.net, tel 342 6384 or 341 23 76, Carrera 5 No 13-46) is similar, but more colonial-styled than San Sebastian. Rooms have bathroom and tv (and a weird minibar), 46000 (US$ 20) for a single, 69000 for a double with 1 bed, 100000 for 3 people (2 beds).
I wish there were more interesting budget or mid-range places to stay in La Candelaria, let me know if you know of any!
Elsewhere in Bogota.
Hotel Villa Karina (Calle 30 No 17 - 47, Tel 287 14 45 or 287 53 09 or 287 12 98 or 285 65 47) is a good option if you want to stay close-ish to the Macarena area and live Colombian style: it's popular with Colombian businessmen on a budget. The service is friendly, and the restaurant serves decent cheap meals all day long (a dinner with soup and all for 4500 pesos!). You won't see any foreigners here. 50000 (US$ 20) for a double with private bathroom. There's a laundry place across the road.
Other options that I haven't checked personally (but they have websites): Hotel La Sabana (http://www.hotellasabana.com) charges US$ 35 for a double.
La Casona del Patio Amarillo (http://www.lacasonadelpatio.net) seems like a great budget option up north, and charges US$ 20 for a nice double. It's not the best located, but a nice athmospheric budget place to stay.
Real expensive.
I didn't visit expensive options these personally. Next time though!
Hotel Los Urapanes (http://www.hotellosurapanes.com.co website down right now) is a boutique hotel in la Zona Rosa, US$ 100 for a double.
Hotel La Boheme (http://www.hotelesroyal.com) is also in la Zona Rosa, about US$ 100 a double as well.
Hotel de la Opera (http://www.hotelopera.com.co, 336 2066) charges 100 US$ for a double in La Candelaria.
Long term stays.
If you plan to stay a few weeks or months in Bogota, it's relatively easy to find an appartment to share or rent. Just ask around in the Platypus and some of the other traveler hangouts. You should soon be set. There are a number of houses and rooms in La Candelaria that are rented out to travelers for longer periods.
Leave your experiences in the comments :)
Bad hotels.
I only list these because they're listed in some of the travel guides, and you might get the idea that they're ok.
Hotel Dan Colonial (listed in the Lonely Planet) is not recommended: rooms are overpriced and the service is rude.
We strongly recommend against staying in the Hotel Aragon, which is still listed in the Lonely Planet travel guide. Many travellers report that the place is now unkept and run down, it's not particularly cheap and the service is horrible. When I went there to check the hotel like I do with all hotels listed here (and before hearing these stories), I was treated like shit and almost got into a fight with the employees. A Japanese guy called the cops on them recently and it was a huge fight. Everyone we spoke to in Bogota had similar stories. Do not spend a peso in the Hotel Aragon, they really don't deserve it.
Your favourite hotel not listed? Or did you stay at one of these places and have comments? Leave a comment! We'll check new places listed in the comments in a few months, next time we're in Bogota.
Translations:
Nederlandse vertaling (Dutch translation)
By Peter (Moderator) on Dec 7, 2006, 14:43 in Travel tips.
|
Colombian Services says on Dec 21, 2006, 12:12: Bogota Colombia Lodging - Offering New Service Just want to let everyone know Bogota Colombia Lodging (www.BogotaColombiaLodging.com) has added a new location and a new service, Bogota Guest House. At Bogota Guest house we offer rooms with limited service while still offering free Internet and International phone calls to several countries. Bob - www.BogotaColombiaLodging.com - www.FlowersToColombia.com - www.Colombian-Services.com 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
milanojps says on Dec 26, 2006, 15:36: Hotel Cosmo Next time you are in Bogota, check out the Hotel Cosmo 100 (Calle 100 con Cra 15). About $65-85 per night. Just received five star rating..well worth it.
0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
Peter (Moderator) says on Dec 28, 2006, 15:27: mid-range hotels in the mid-range hotels in the north Poor but snappy 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
arequipito25 says on Jan 2, 2007, 15:34: Tolu, Islas San Bernardo Guest House GuestHouse in Tolu, Coveñas, Sucre Highly recommended
0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
marketingrep21 says on Jan 4, 2007, 13:34: I've stayed at Bogota Colombia Lodging several times and really enjoyed the stay and their services, really good prices and some good free services all in a very nice location.
0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
mykee999 says on Jan 8, 2007, 15:45: hotel dann colonial i just spent 3 nights at the dann colonial in candalaria. true, the place is past it´s prime and the place does not have a friendly atmosphere. however, i found the staff to be extemely helpful and not rude at all. my single room was very quiet and the black & white tv worked pretty well. seems like hot water is by request only
0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
Fix23 says on Jan 11, 2007, 14:54: Hotels Suites Real 85 and Suites Real 97 Manuel 310 308 3547 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
Lostgringo says on Jan 19, 2007, 15:21: We Love Bogota Lodging You may want to try this resource out in Bogota. A luxury 3 bedroom apartment with large Master Bedroom. The entire apartment can be rented or just a room. Very reasonable rates. High speed internet and cable with TV provided. You may get lucky and get the entire apartment for the price of one room! Your Home Away from Home www.welovebogota.com and www.apartmentinbogota.com "Luxury apartments and rooms Cheap" Only 2 blocks from the American Embassy! 24/7 hour security. 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
Paul Hofmann says on Feb 6, 2007, 06:31: Hotels in Bogota - Hotel Aragon I have staid several times at Aragon and can just recommend it.
0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
esperanzasnovio says on Feb 6, 2007, 22:11: Hotel Morrison (around calle 86) treated us like kings...I ended up buying about 40 lbs of wood furnishings for the house and I gave them a credit card. They took care of everything. Great place. Highly recommended although expensive.
0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
esperanzasnovio says on Feb 6, 2007, 22:13: Photos Anyone Anyone have photos from Flandes and/or Giradot? I found a couple of the web but not much. Thanks
0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
Paul Webb says on Feb 15, 2007, 07:40: Hotel Suites Inn Turisticas - Calle 63 I stayed here in Jan '07 (55,000-70,000 pesos) in a room with double & single bed, kitchenette, en suite & cable TV. Also secure parking & internet.
0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
tommyesq73 says on Feb 24, 2007, 13:40: Hotel in Bogota Anyone know anything about the following 4 hotels...and any recs?? looking for something nice and close to the airport and walking distance from malls?
0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
astroanne says on Mar 13, 2007, 17:34: New Hostel I am writing about a lovely new hostel that has just opened in the Candelaria on Calle 9 number 2 - 81 called Anandamayi Hostel. First I must warn ye all that this is NOT an objective review as I temporarily live and work here!(though I'm not the owner) However everyone who comes to stay falls in love with the place, so far without exception.
0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
M7 says on Apr 23, 2007, 14:13: overnight-near airport looking for a clean/safe hotel near the airport (medium range- not fancy and not a slum). i arrive at like 10pm and leave next morning at around 9a so not much time to play. just check in, get something to eat, maybe a drink (if bar close to hotel) then go to sleep. recomendations? the posts i see,, are listed by "barrio" -- i dont know which barrio is near the airport.. thanks.
0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
randdanr says on Apr 29, 2007, 02:00: residecias Tequendama This is a MUST stay at place in downtown Bogota. The hotel Tequendama is niext door, do not get confused. I am talking about the RESIDENCE of Tequendama. The staff are the best of the best. So helpful, so friendly and so welcoming. The suites are HUGE. Living area, dining area, basic kitchen, bathroom and MASSIVE bedroom. Last stay we, for some reason known only to them, were given a suite with 2 bathrooms. This place is basic but with the added benefit of the security and all the above, i would NEVER stay anywhere else in Bogota, Downtown Beautiful COLOMBIA.... LOL
0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
tommyesq73 says on Apr 29, 2007, 13:09: hotel near Embassy Can anyone reccommend a hotel near the US embassay in Bogota. Thanks Looking for a nice clea hotel...doesnt have to be 5 star..
0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
Tess says on Apr 29, 2007, 19:16: Information about Residencias Tequendama I would like to know more or less how much is the average price per room at this place. It sounds like a very good hotel to stay, close to everything: restaurants, entertainment, etc.
0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
Tess says on Apr 29, 2007, 19:25: Information on these hotels Does anyone know anything about Embassy Suites and Apartahotel Baviera in Bogota?
0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
MrBird says on May 5, 2007, 21:18: Extended Stay Bogota Chapinero For Community Minded Individ. Got a great house in Chapinero Alto, I'm looking to rent rooms to some great people looking for longer stays of 2 months or more for all the right reasons; individuals working for NGO's or along those lines, folks that enjoy community, enjoy bi-lingual and a multi cultural atmosphere, cooking, hanging out and bbq's, intelligent conversation, sport pick-up games and just going out.
0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
paulgillams says on May 21, 2007, 15:27: Hotel Aragon: An option in Bogota Peter, I don´t know why you said that about Hotel Aragon. I just stayed there. This site is clean, safe, and cheap. For the same price of anothers I got private room and hot water. I recommend this Hotel in Bogota.
0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
davidyamiga says on Jun 2, 2007, 05:09: Embassy Suites This may be a bit expensive for some, but for me it is the best hotel. It is a suite. Free complete breakfast. Free drinks from 5 to 7 pm. Great service. charges about $ 130.00
0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
goin_south says on Jun 16, 2007, 17:15: This has to be the most incredible hotel in all of Colombia: in Bogota: check this out.... of course, it's pricey, but... go look: Where do we go from here? 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
goin_south says on Jul 15, 2007, 14:02: I can't recall the name of the chap here on PBH who recommended the Hotel La Mansion, in north side of Bogota, but I have been wanting to send him a note of thanks. The manager is a very pleasant lady named Zuly. She was very accomodating. Not in a hurry. Takes time with their clients. Not an overabundance of rooms. An older Colonial hotel, with beautiful spanish courtyards, and chimneas in the rooms. Get up when you want, stroll down to the area for eating and order what you like. It will be cooked then, and in just the right time. Very tranquil and serene. It was exactly right for this visit to Bogota for me and Mi Amor. Where do we go from here? 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
More posts by the same author:
Less ads 4
A practical guide to vagabonding 2
India will mark Gandhi anniversary (today) with world's biggest smoking ban 0
Lots of windows and doors pictures, in Triplicane 0
Masroor (India) inspired Angkorvat (Cambodia)? 0
The Tonle Sap lake in Cambodja 0
Congoleze trying to leave the country 0
Classic travelers you've never heard of 0
Travel with kids: do not do it 2
Almost 10 years! 115
Americas: |
Africa: |
Asia:
|
Travel: Also: |
If you're not a part of this travelicious experiment just yet, just sign up here. It's free & easy.
About poorbuthappy | About the travel guides | Travel guide editing | Community rules | RSS feeds
© 1998 - 2008 Peter Van Dijck, all rights reserved.