Bogota Hostel

jonas says on Feb 3, 2008, 22:53:

yes, it is in the Candelaria district. Definitively make a booking since they are fully booked all the time. Hostal Sue is another good one.

What I have, I do not want to lose, but Where I am I do not want to stay, but those I love, I do not want to leave, but those I know I no longer want to see, but Where I die, I do not want to go;I want to stay where I have never been

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miamimike says on Feb 4, 2008, 03:01:

Great Place at a Great Price! A Great Value in Bogota!

"Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C.

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travelgoddess says on Feb 4, 2008, 06:01:

Great price, dunno, but the resources that are available there are fantastic! As for safe, its not the best and not the worse, just use your street smarts at night and you will be fine. Their wifi rocks also!

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static says on Feb 6, 2008, 08:27:

The problem with Platypus is that it is very, very run down. However, the owner is great. I have also stayed at Hostel Sue which I like a bit better. With hostels, it all depends upon who is staying in your dorm. If it is filled with a bunch on 20-something, coked-up, drunk guys, then forget sleeping.
Bring earplugs no matter what you do.

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adrimm says on Feb 8, 2008, 10:38:

I poked my head in to say hi to German a few months ago, and it didn't look too different from when I stayed there iearly in 2006. It was basic, but clean and lots of colonial character.

"coked-up" -> Really? That's wild. Drunk was about all we had (the hostel norm).

"20-something" -> that's the hostel demographic.

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Sam Salmon says on Feb 8, 2008, 13:57:

It's a bad neighbourhood-step carefully.

' a la orden!'

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ecco says on Feb 11, 2008, 12:09:

I stayed there a few months ago and agree with what's been said. A few people had reportedly been mugged just going between the three houses in the week I was there- (which are only about 30 metres apart). Maybe they weren't paying attention- not sure on the details. I always looked both ways before stepping out properly and shutting the door behind me to be on the safe side- like crossing a road I suppose.

It is pretty noisy and the rooms are really really basic as was the shower shed out the back. I also stayed there for my last night in the country but had a much better room upstairs in the main house and it was really quiet. Good location for the main sights etc. The owner and the staff are excellent and helpful.
Next time I'm back I will check out Hostel Sue next door though, or somewhere completely different.

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jonas says on Feb 12, 2008, 21:27:

the neighborhood has become a lot better in recent years, I live very close to Platypus. I guess one of the reasons why German doesn´t advertise the place with any signs besides the platypus is exactly what you describe, thieves hanging out in la calle to get some gringo-travel-funds...
Anyway, stay at one of his other places or at hostal sue or where ever... I just love my Candelaria and security has improved here loads over the past years.

What I have, I do not want to lose, but Where I am I do not want to stay, but those I love, I do not want to leave, but those I know I no longer want to see, but Where I die, I do not want to go;I want to stay where I have never been

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