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Hotel Rate Shock

My wife and I are going back to Colombia in September for the first time in 2 years. When I checked the hotel rates on the places I used to stay I got a real sticker shock:

Radisson was $125.00/night now $200.00

Zona Rosa hotels like Morrison or Hamilton Court

were $80.00 now $140.00


Peso/Dollar ratio would only account for about half of this increase, I would say.

Also, it seems impossible to use SuperSaver miles on Delta. They want 70,000 miles. The 35,000 is NEVER available.

Vanwely

By vanwely on May 31, 2007, 06:12 in Friendly Talkzone. AddThis Social Bookmark Button


fernando21 says on May 31, 2007, 12:24:

I HAVE A SUGGESTION DEAR VANWELY

WHY TO GO TO THOSE EXPENSIVES HOTELS , WHEN YOU CAN ENJOY AN ENTIRE APARTMENT IN ONE OF THE BEST AREA OF BOGOTA, FOR A VERY VERY FAIR PRICE. BESIDES, WE HAVE ANOTHER SERVICES THAT IT WILL MAKE YOU FEEL LIKE IN YOUR OWN HOME. CONTATC US FOR MORE DETAILS.

fernando21 57-1-2863286 fernandohotel@gmail.com

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lochdhu says on May 31, 2007, 13:43:

screw hotels they charge to much, you are better off renting an apartment or house for 1/3-1/2 of what you'd pay for a hotel, plus you have more room, and in most cases more anemities and freedom, except in the case of my last rental

www.SantaMarta.com

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panthdave says on May 31, 2007, 14:47:

Oh Yeah Don't stay in Hotels..... No way...Find an apartment or bed and breakfast..

panthdave Miami

panthdave Miami

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lochdhu says on May 31, 2007, 14:51:

and if your really on a budget you can get a hostel that only charges 10-12k pesos per night.



www.SantaMarta.com

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Man Tequila says on May 31, 2007, 15:05:

I stayed at Hotel Morrison a couple years back. Not bad. Internet rate was $120, but it was $80 (Canadian, now $.93 US on the dollar) at the hotel itself. Probably much cheaper for a Colombian. I prefer apartments if staying a week, but it's not worth it for a day or two.

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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miamimike says on May 31, 2007, 16:10:

No way Jose,,, would I ever pay those sky high prices,,,a couple of PBH guys like "We love Bogota" and Bogota Lodging have nice places for a fraction of those prices you listed. Here's a Tip--stay away from the Zona Rosa, its a high priced tourist trap to lighten american wallets without adding anything of real value,,,

"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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Man Tequila says on May 31, 2007, 16:17:

I know this now, but did not during my first trip to Bogota. I had never heard of this site, knew nothing about Colombia and assumed the Zona Rosa was safer than other parts of the city.

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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miamimike says on May 31, 2007, 16:41:

Man Tequila, I always use "Footprints" Handbook" as a resource guide(also known as the south american handbook)on my first trip to a country in the Americas. Its a real detailed small travel book(gold standard guide of many south and central american travelers). It gives some great Unbiased advice just on this subject as well as detailed advice on other aspects useful to a traveler. In fact Today I just ordered the latest 83rd edition(2007)from Amazon.com so it will be interesting to see the price changes and recommendations they offer in this latest edition. Mine is used ($23+ $4 shpg)new they are like $40 but well worth every penny. I have my 74th edition for sale for $7+ $3 shpg. They have the "Footprints" Guides for Mexico and Central America also. I also have a Senior International Membership to the American Youth Hostel System($25 yearly)so as a back-up I can always stay at a Hostel for a few days until I find something reasonable if that is my objective. In Bogota the Platypus Hostel by the Casa Nariño(white house for prez urribe)charges around $4-$7 nightly, maybe a little more with the CP surge.

Footprints South American Handbook:

http://www.amazon.com/South-American-Handbook-2007-Footprint/dp/1904777686/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-2535515-8353401?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1180655097&sr=8-1

"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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Man Tequila says on May 31, 2007, 17:03:

I had the Lonely Planet guidebook. I am reasonably well travelled and have found them helpful. Their Colombia edition is kind of strange -- with some good advice but a lot of surprising lapses (e.g. terrible maps of Medellin and other major cities, where many of their recommended sites are off the crappy maps they do show). Their accomodation sections are weaker than usual in the Colombia edition. They do a good job with smaller towns.

I didn't have much money while putting myself through years of schooling, and so I have stayed in many hostels around the world. In many ways hostels can be preferable to even five-star hotels (and I'm not sure Colombia has many of these), you meet so many more people; good times! My first visit to Colombia, however, was a study vacation where I needed to do eight hours of work a day. I wanted more quiet and privacy, which are not guaranteed in many hostels. The Morrison served its purpose -- it's a nice hotel. It would not have been worth it to me at that time to save a couple hundred dollars but not get some important work done. On subsequent trips I have stayed in some hostels, and cheaper hotels.

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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arthur brode says on May 31, 2007, 18:41:

. These luxurious rooms are located in a secure highrise downtown Cali.The nightly rate is 85,000 pesos(U.S.$45)They include A/C,hot water,maid service,cable tv,24hr security,free local calls.Plus,a romantic rooftop resturant with paronamic view of the City.Classy place.I recently refered someone from PBH there and he was very pleased.For reservations contact arthurbrode at aol.com








http://www.calirentals.net/

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miamimike says on May 31, 2007, 20:23:

AB Nice Rooms but way too Expensive for my Cheap Wallet Arthur by the way-How is your Cut for the referal?? LOL MT-what happens a lot in Bogota is that many Colombians think all Americans visiting want to stay at a luxury 5***** Hotel and that isn't the case with many travelers or all Travelers. I have noticed that if some Americans or Canadians ask a Bogota Native for advice on where to stay, they automatically try to steer them towards some $100-$200 night Hotel room. I'm not sure the reason for this maybe they are trying to collect a Commission for their effort(finder's fee) like the Taxi Drivers get for dropping off a customer or what the deal is. DO they feel all Northamericans live this lavish lifestyle that nothing less then a $100 per night Hotel will suffice? What they don't realize is that many of us here hit the Motel 6/Scottish Inn types when traveling and they suffice very well. Even if someone from Miami is going to Disneyland they can get a $35 per night Clean motel room in Kississmee which is just 10 minutes by Van from D-Land so why would someone traveling to Bogota go for some $100-$200 night Hotel room to sleep/entertain for 6-8 hours? Crazy...

"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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goin_south says on May 31, 2007, 20:49:

supply & demand..... Not just the tipping, now the Colombian guest services skyrocketing. Maybe that won't last so long, before they find out they aren't quite in that high a demand, just yet.

Or, Am I wrong again?

Voy para del Sur

Where do we go from here?

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goin_south says on May 31, 2007, 20:49:

Don't kill the gringos that bring the golden eggs. No muerte por los gringos, por favor, UTC.

Voy para del Sur

Where do we go from here?

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goin_south says on May 31, 2007, 20:50:

Colombia succumbs; American (North, of course!) GREED SETS IN.

Voy para del Sur

Where do we go from here?

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arthur brode says on May 31, 2007, 22:02:

$45 bucks for a nice room with A/C,hot water,and view expensive? .

http://www.calirentals.net/

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goin_south says on May 31, 2007, 22:06:

I don't think anyone can complain about that, Art Voy para del Sur

Where do we go from here?

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goin_south says on May 31, 2007, 22:06:

but, since we're on pbh, I'm sure someone will Voy para del Sur

Where do we go from here?

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markiev says on Jun 1, 2007, 02:26:

hotel la mansion While visitng my girlfriend(who is now my wife) in Bogota I always stayed at la hotel mansion which is a small but very nice hotel and located very well..It's on transversal 17a con el 102. It is across the street from a bodytech gym and an upscale grocery store..also it is within walking distance to the transmileno...I believe I was paying about 90,000 pesos a night...here's the phone number: 257-8017.....Markiev

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Lostgringo says on Jun 1, 2007, 06:43:

Cost of Renting in Bogota Thanks so much for your comment regarding our place MiamiMike. I have noticed lately that some places have increased their rent. Based upon, (I think), the devalued US dollar, the rising cost of administration fees and water. We rent out rooms or our entire 3 bedroom apartment. The cost of water can be very expensive. My girlfriend who owns the apartment wonders why Gringos take showers for so long lol. We have not raised our rents but it may be necessary in the future to do this. Renting an apartment or rooms with kitchen facilities is a great alternate to traditional hotel rooms. We often rent out a room and the person has the entire apartment to themselves (if the other rooms are not rented). Personally, shelling out $80 and up for a room would not make me very happy.


welovebogota.com "Luxury Apartment and rooms at reasonable prices"

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.

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cayita says on Jun 1, 2007, 06:46:

most those gringos staying at the high price hotels are business travelors. They are on an expense account and don't want to be bothered with price shopping in a forign country.

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felipe.galindo says on Jun 1, 2007, 09:16:

Solution I can get you really good rates at 5 and 4 star hotels in Bogota, please write me to felipe.galindo at colombiaquest.com.

Felipe

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miamimike says on Jun 1, 2007, 16:07:

Felipe what price range are you talking when you say "really Good rates" ? Any Discount for Gringos? LOL

"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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goin_south says on Jun 1, 2007, 23:00:

markiev can you give a little more descriptive information about that La Hotel Mansion in Bogota?

cayita,...not so.

Voy para del Sur

Where do we go from here?

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markiev says on Jun 2, 2007, 03:58:

give them a call It's probably 20 min from the airport and very close to el parque 93. It's on the street mentioned above which has that upscale grocery store that for the life of me I can't remember it's name. It porbably has about 20 rooms and again it is a very nice place with very good staff....the clientel I noticed were professional in their 30's to 50's....Hope this helps...markiev

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Lowell says on Jun 2, 2007, 11:52:

Helps to barter The other week I went to a very nice local hotel. The offered price was 108K mil pesos. After telling them I didn't need breakfast, mini-bar, gym...., only the pool and a room, I got a very nice large room with fridge and air for 45K. It helps to communicate (in Spanish).

Alfred E. Newman. "What. Me Worry?"

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goin_south says on Jun 2, 2007, 17:08:

markiev, ... Lowell....todos.... Would most agree? (I am wondering, based on what I have read here for the past 2 years) Most here report that there is more 'intellectualism' in Bogota, so I am wondering if there is more true 'bilingualism' in Bogota? More people who also speak english, and you can really understand them?

Voy para del Sur

Where do we go from here?

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goin_south says on Jun 4, 2007, 08:54:

? Voy para del Sur

Where do we go from here?

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orestesdd says on Jun 7, 2007, 13:47:

Are these apartments for rent less than $80 USD a night? Question in the subject, thanks. And how does one get a reservation? Someone here posted a place where you are required to make a reservation (a deposit using your credit card), but the web site did not provide me with a secured page (encrypted page) to submit my information. I cannot do that. Btw, I may want to do this on my trip to Bogota.

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