Bogotá Hotel Casa Marly

For the price, I expected more than what feels like a boarding house, especially given the location. There are hardly any chairs or shared spots where guests can relax and meet each other, and it doesn’t feel like much of a dorm either. I’ve stayed in cheaper hostels that clearly put thought into the layout and atmosphere, making the place pleasant and giving travelers a chance to connect. Here, the beds seem old and not well looked after. My room had no phone socket at all, and the light switch was tucked away in an awkward spot. Check-in was at 3 pm, but when I arrived at 5 the beds still weren’t ready. I don’t think the price is justified.

The service was excellent, and the hotel is a great choice in the heart of Chapinero. It’s only three blocks from the TransMilenio bus rapid transit system, so getting there is easy. The one thing that could use attention is the hotel’s exterior. There was sometimes rubbish on the street.

I wouldn’t recommend this cold, unpleasant place to anyone. The service made me feel like I was being treated like a dog, and the whole stay felt like a rip-off. They told me breakfast and laundry were included, but neither was. The manager, an older woman with a very lively Paisa accent, said they offered laundry, so I handed over my clothes. She took them to a local laundromat, where they quoted her one price and charged me another. She took twice what it actually costs. I don’t understand how this place is still operating.

The owners don’t seem very welcoming to students. It feels better suited to people passing through for a short stay, maybe 1-4 days.