Staying at Platypus and going out at night

adrimm (☼Travelguide writer) says on Feb 11, 2007, 23:28:

Lostgringo says on Feb 12, 2007, 03:50:

Different Accommodation Hi Kev:

If you want to make more of an impression on you girlfriend you may want to check our place out. Our prices are reasonable and there are many attractions nearby like the largest shopping mall in Colombia and the American Embassy is only 2 blocks away. Have a good time in Bogota.


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.http://www.monsterrakebacks.comCome gamble and get money back!

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aztec says on Feb 12, 2007, 06:29:

I would not want... ...my sister staying at the Platypus hostel and coming back in late at night. Try to find a place closer to where you want to play.

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Gator says on Feb 12, 2007, 07:16:

Both... DonGrino and aztec offer good advice, Personally I would look for accomodations a little further north. Be sure any taxi you take has the telephone number like 2222222, 3333333, 6666666, etc on the side. If you want to be very sure about the cab call and give the dispatcher you request for a pickup and a code word for the driver to give you when he arrives-that way you know the company dispatched the cab. We also live on the north end and it is relatively safe-I would not recommend wandering about La Candelaria after dark unless you are with a crowd.

Cab should take 20.30 minutes that time of night. Be aware the cabs charge an addition rate after dark.

"Brevior Sltare Cum Deformibus Mulieribus Est Vita!" .

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ja122375 says on Feb 12, 2007, 08:08:

was just there... A couple weeks ago i was hanging out with some friends at platypus and then at Zona Rosa, Zona T. Both are a good choice for a place to stay and a place to go have fun and a taxi ride for 2+ people is economical and convenient at all hours in my opinion. --Jason

--Jason

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cali373 says on Feb 12, 2007, 08:12:

The gringo fear factor is quite high on this post. I have stayed at in a low-proced hotel in el centro before and survived. Hell I even walked out at midnight to get something to eat. It is not the safest thing to do though. Once I stayed at the Humboldt, which is on the zona rosa but my friends and I went to some other area near Candelaria to hang out. I survived tha tone too. However, I am Colombian and speak spanish (with an American english accent) and my friends were from Bogota. you will be alright staying at the Platypus and taking taxis. Another thing to keep in mind is that if you feel you have founds a reliable taxi driver, or one that has been recommended by locals. Consider asking for his cell number and if it Ok for you to call them when a taxi is needed. I did this in Bogota and Cali.

Smile if you are a thinker!

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kevfeng says on Feb 12, 2007, 08:14:

Names of places Thanks for the feedback guys, so now does anyone know of names of places that are in Chapinero (or further north) that are a pretty good deal? Doesn't matter to me if it's a hotel or hostel, thanks.

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aztec says on Feb 12, 2007, 08:51:

Fear has nothing to do with it. cali373 I subscribe to the theory that "discretion is the better part of valor".

Attempt to keep the statistical odds in your favor.

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Mr. Hollywood says on Feb 12, 2007, 10:11:

KevFeng You really need to tell us more about what you're looking for to get good advice about lodgings and entertainment. Candelaria is extremely cool but not for the completely faint-of-heart. The Zona Rosa can be really fun but is also just like almost any similar zone in any major global city. One is funky, boho and a little bit dangerous. The other is upscale, throbbing and expensive by Colombian standards. Both are cool in their own ways.

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cali373 says on Feb 12, 2007, 10:24:

"I subscribe to the theory that "discretion is the better part of valor".Attempt to keep the statistical odds in your favor. "

I could understand that. Make alot of sense.

Smile if you are a thinker!

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adrimm (☼Travelguide writer) says on Feb 12, 2007, 11:42:

adrimm (☼Travelguide writer) says on Feb 12, 2007, 11:48:

Also While I'm the first person the fess up that I wouldn't head out in La Candelaria alone after dark, anyone staying at Platypus will have an instant groups of the most fascinating people to head out with.

These are hardly travel neophytes that are going out blindly - it's very good mix of people. Most with plenty of experience in SA - tons from other countries in SA, varying levels Spanish (and English), some already knowing Bogota, some with weeks there. Almost every continent was represented in the people at Platypus while i was there.



Maybe diversify the audience you are targetting and get some input from the LP Thorntree too: www.lonelyplanet.com

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Lostgringo says on Feb 12, 2007, 13:40:

HOTEL SAN SIMON I had a friend stay at this hotel and I have visited there. A real nice hotel and great place to stay. Like it is mentioned above you are in the heart of Zona Rosa and hey, you do not need to spend time and money on a taxi, especially at nigtht. Also they have 24/7 security. You may have to pay 5 or 10 dollars more but don't you think it would be worth it for the comfort and peace of mind?


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.http://www.monsterrakebacks.comCome gamble and get money back!

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miamimike says on Feb 12, 2007, 13:44:

Adrimm, I've stayed at the Platypus in my Visits and presently have a Senior AYH Hostel Membership I can use worldwide. I agree 100% with your post. I throughly enjoyed myself at this Hostel and the Area with its historical buildings and met a lot of great people whose primary interest is traveling and the culture/people of a country. Guess it depends on the objectives of your visit and what type of person you are, your comfort zone. I like the Hostels because, otherwise then saving a Ton of Money, they are Secure and clean. Also You also have the opportunity to meet a wide range of people from all over the world. I doubt many North Americans would enjoy this Hostel as No Overnight Guests for starters plus the Early Door Closing curfew. Its NOT the place for late night partying, better go to some Expensive $50/night hotel if thats your Aim. If one really is a traveler, this won't bother him/her as they want to be in Bed and up early to eat and get out for the day's adventure. I also have stayed in that Old Church(converted to an Inn)in the Candelaria for 2 weeks and it also was an enjoyable experience. If you ever get the chance, check out the AYH Hostel in NYC at $28-$32 nightly,,,

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adrimm (☼Travelguide writer) says on Feb 12, 2007, 20:00:

kevfeng says on Feb 12, 2007, 20:53:

cool Well, thank everyone for their great advice. I think we will be staying in Bogota for 3-4 days before heading out to Cartagena for 3-4 days (at least that's the plan, have yet to get the tickets) and since we're not exactly hardcore party-goers, I think the Platypus experience will be fun to try.

Once again, thanks to all who helped out, I really appreciate this forum and chances are you'll be hearing from me again pretty soon.

Cheers.

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miamimike says on Feb 12, 2007, 22:46:

Adrimm, here's that link to the NYC Hostel I mnetioned In my earlier post. And I made a mistake, the rooms are $29/nightly(I was off by $1, lol) so that won't break the budget I would think. Actually there is a Mid Winter special at $22 per night until March 8) Think of all the Bucks you saved on Lodging you can now blow on shopping, Broadway show tickets and meals. LOL

http://www.hinewyork.org/

BTW, if you ever get to Florida, check out some of hostels located in our state.We have a nice one in Florida city right at the entrance to the Everglades and also one in Key West at $29-not bad at all pricewise for the Keys. We now have two Hostels in South Beach-one located at Al Capone's Old Haunt, the Clay Hotel and a newer one on Collins just a block back from the Ocean. I had to laugh at those Super Bowl Fans who were shelling out $300+ per night for a Fleatrap when the Superbowl was played here in Miami while those staying at the Hostel payed under $35 per night--all had the same Ocean Water, same nightlife, same sights! LOL

http://www.floridahostels.info/

Avatar Legend: Bush "If any of you Reporters are wondering, it was a Size 10"

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bickerss says on Feb 13, 2007, 02:35:

The small room in Hotel St Simon is 124,000 incl tax for 1 person - good hotel. On 15th street with 85 or 86 are some serviced apartments, last time I stayed there they were 140,000, but incl breakfast, had two rooms, CD, sat TV, kitchen, and a washing machine (big bonus in Colombia where washing costs are outrageous ie 5000 or 6000 a kg) You are also right next to Carulla. On this same street nearby are some hotels which last time I checked were 66,000 pesos for a single.

Unless u especially want to hang out with backpackers etc, or want super cheap accom, I would stay in Zona Rosa over Candalaria anytime.

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Peter (Moderator) (Trustee board) (Dev team) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Feb 13, 2007, 07:02:

Peter (Moderator) (Trustee board) (Dev team) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Feb 13, 2007, 07:07:

kevfeng says on Feb 13, 2007, 09:02:

Clarification DonGringo, thank you for your insightful comments. So what are the differences between the people in Canalaria and those in Zona Rosa? I'm assuming a lot may be based on wealth/status.

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podborski says on Feb 13, 2007, 10:36:

I'm a zona rosa guy for sure but I recently stayed at the platypus for something different.

First thing I will say is I was a bit shocked at how, oh guess I'll say, basic it was. I have to say, the bathrooms were close to disgusting, really not clean at all.

Beds, pillows, linens (hah!) are about as low quality as it gets. Some nice warm wool blankets though (not very clean), that were desperately needed at night (no heat).

BUT, if you are used to hostels it probably is not bad,it's certainly cheap, and German is great and you will definitely meet lots of interesting people to hang out with.

But even in a group I can't see where you would walk around to? Now I was there after Christmas and a lot of places were closed, so maybe there is more activity other times?

I walked around alone a bit after midnight, a bit tipsy, and had no problems but got creeped out after a while and so went back close to the platypus and stumbled into a couple of interesting spots, including one that had a big bonfire inside and dozens of young kids dancing like demons around it. As you might imagine, it's a young crowd, too young for me. But if you are 20 something, it's probably the right place.

During the day candelaria is fabulous to walk around, take photos, hang out with the locals who will just stop you on the street to chat.

Everyone will tell you to be very careful showing any money or an expensive camera. My friend and I walked around with 2 big digital cameras worth about a year's salary and we got a LOT of looks, but never any problems.

I asked the guy who showed me my room if it was safe to wander around at night, and he said 'up to a certain time' and added 'whatever you do, don't go up the hill' which starts about 1 short block from the front door of the hostel.

Botero museum is a treasure, don't miss it. Gold museum is a bit over rated I'd say. I liked it, but how many little gold men can you look at?

In all i'd say absolutely you should stay at the platypus, but make sure you bring your own towels, flip flops, and maybe a clothespin for your nose for trips to the wc.

Taxis to and from zona rosa are not cheap, like 13,000 to 16,000 depending on the taxista.

Oh, one last thought, there is a gorgeous and expensive Hotel de la opera in la candelaria too...

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Mr. Hollywood says on Feb 13, 2007, 11:56:

Good points above I agree totally with the advice by DonGringo that if you want to hang out at the Zona then stay near the Zona. If you think you want the more boho experience of a hostel and Candelaria, then stay there. But it's not that easy to get between the too, or safe. It's 20 minutes if traffic is light. Often, with more traffic, it's almost an hour. Late at night it's just plain a bad idea.

I'm a big fan of Candelaria and, in fact, have been known to book a hotel there and take a mini-vacation from the N. of Bogotá. They're that different. Both are cool. Both will surprise you in good ways.

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adrimm (☼Travelguide writer) says on Feb 13, 2007, 17:22: