Hostels
La Candelaria, Bogotá Hostels
A decade ago, La Candelaria had one backpackers’ hostel: Platypus. Today, there are dozens, including party-hardy places and (a few) more tranquil ones.
Fatima Hostel – Right around the corner from our shop, Fatima is big, friendly and fun. It has its own bar, sometimes with live music, and is just down the alley from La Plaza del Chorro, where Bogotá was founded.
Hostel Sue – Sue (which means ‘traveler’ in an indigenous language), has two hostels, on Carrera 3 just south of 14th St., and the other a few blocks down and around the corner on 16th St. The Carrera 3 hostel (Sue II), has its own bar.
The Cranky Croc Hostel – This relatively new hostel is owned by an Australian. The Cranky has a reputation for having good-quality matresses and other amenities, but it’s also a partying place, so you may want to bring earplugs.
Platypus Hostel – This is the grandaddy of hostels in Bogotá’s La Candelaria neighborhood. But you won’t see any platypuses or kangaroos around. Platypus has expanded down the block and around the corner, and even has pricey private rooms.
Destino Nomada – This new hostel on 11th St. has earned a good rep. and its own bar. But be ready to hike up the hill to get there!
Musicology Hostel – This new hostel, on 9th St., between 3rd and 4th Avenues, calls itself the ‘party hostel.’ But the rooms are arranged around grassy patios, and it seems rather peaceful.
El Baluarte Hostal – 12-74 4th Ave. Tel: 284-2085. El Baluarte is La Candelaria’s neighborhood newspaper. Its owners added a hostal to their business. It’s quite inexpensive and includes breakfast, use of the kitchen and wi-fi Internet.
La Casa de la Montaña – This inexpensive, non-fancy hostel is a favorite with artisans and street performers from neighboring nations. On the corner of 15th St. and Carrera 1-b (La Calle de las Brujas). Tel: 314-420-1648. (Near La Concordia market).
Posada del Sol – Also on 9th St., between 3rd and 4th Avenues, just a few doors down from Musicology. This Korean-owned hostal even offers Spanish classes.
Villa Candelaria - On 3rd Ave., right around the corner from La Plaza del Periodista, el Eje Ambiental and Transmilenio. Holds parties with music, usually live, every Wednesday night.
Martinik Hostel – 11-88 Carrera 4 Ave. Tel: 283-3180 Cel: 320-214-2099 or 321-205-6173 – A new hostal, located just around the corner from the Botero Museum and up the street from Plaza Bolivar. martinikhostel( @ )hotmail(punto)com; Facebook: Martinik Hostel
Hostal La Candelaria – Located on 16th Street, across the street from Platypus. This hostel is generally quiet and has rooms with private baths, so it’s more like a hotel.
Ivy Hostel – In La Concordia neighborhood, near Los Andes University and the Media Torta theatre. The same family has taken in students here for two decades, and the hostel has a family atmosphere. It’s also quiet, and potentially a good place to practice Spanish with the student lodgers. Many students from the neighboring Los Andes University stay here. Tel: 281-9099 Cel: 310-819-9158 E-mail: carmenzaccy505 (@) hotmail (.) com
El Cafecito – A ways north of La Candelaria, in the quiet La Merced neighborhood of English-style houses, this hostel is near the Parque Nacional and the Teusaquillo neighborhood. Sip a coffee in the fancy downstairs cafe.
Anandamayi Hostel – Seeking karma and quiet? This hostel on 9th St. between 2nd and 3rd Avenues, is known as Bogotá’s hippie hostel and the owner is into meditation and vegetarianism. 2-81 9th St. Tel: 341-7208 Cell: 315-215-5778.
Bed and Breakfast La Plaza del Chorro – One of La Candelaria’s few bed and breakfasts, located a block from the Plaza del Chorro. Just four suites and a great view from the top one. 57- 1- 1-53 13-b St. Tel: 57 (1) 342-6204
Alegria’s Hostel – ‘Cozy’ describes this small, friendly place on 2nd Av., between 9th and 10th streets. Alegria, the owner, likes partying, but she likes to keep her place fairly quiet, so you can get a good night’s sleep here or accompany her to a club in north Bogota. Alegria’s new place, a half block away, is a few notches above a hostgel and even cozier. 9-46 2nd Ave. Tel: 286-8047 Cell: 313-499-1288
Cacique Sugamuxi – You can’t miss this hostal, thanks to the colorful mural on its wall on 15th St. con 3rd Ave. It’s also got a cooperative restaurant downstairs and a grocery next door.
Ciudad Invisible -1-20 12th St. Tel: 286-5120 / 341-3147 This hostal is located near the entrance to the Externado University, a block from La Plaza del Chorro. Has both private rooms and a large dormitory, several with fireplaces. Also, a view of Monserrate from the patio.
Aventureros – 1482 Carrera 3 – Tel: 341-2711 Cel: 320-340-2951 – An inexpensive, not-fancy hostel located on the main drag, near La Plaza del Chorro and Jimenez Ave.
Hostal la Quinta – 1-23 Calle 13A – Tel: 284-7696 – Located just above La Plaza del Chorro, in a less-touristy corner of La Candelaria. La Quinta has a sauna and a mini-bar.
Casa McGeorgie’s 13-89 Carrera 3 – Tel: 286-0276 Cel: 310-495-7994 or 320-239-5587 – A small place with only private rooms, one of which has a private bath.
View of a rainy Chorro Plaza from Hostel Casa Quevedo
Hostal Casa Quevedo – Located directly on the Plaza del Chorro, this place isn’t luxurious but has nice views and is located alongside restaurants and bars, just steps from the spot where Bogotá was founded. Get there by 13th St, Second Ave or the Calle del Embudo. Cel: 320-445-1805 or 312-402-0810 .
Chocolate Hostel – Carrera 4 No. 13-18 Tel: Cel: 314-218-9861/311-233-9468
Casa de Ari - 2-54 Calle 10 Tel: 283-9725 . This hostal is one of several catering to Israeli backpackers.
Casa Locombia - 1- 49 14th St. – The name of this tiny, informal place is a play on words, meaning ‘Colombia Loca,’ or ‘Crazy Colombia.’ In addition to offering cut-rate lodging, they also put on music and theatre.
Casa Bella Vista – Located in the cobblestone Callejon del Embudo, just off of the Plaza del Chorro. Tel: 334-1230 Cel: 301-405-7202
