Villa Candelaria Hostel

It’s a quiet, clean, beautiful hostel, and ours was a lovely room upstairs. The staff were so helpful, even keeping our bags after checkout and letting us know which areas to avoid. It’s not a party hostel.

We had a really cozy stay, with clean rooms, comfortable beds and breakfast included. The hostel is in a great spot in la candelaria, about 20 minutes from the airport, and the staff were lovely and friendly. I’d stay here again if I came back.

The staff made our stay, especially Adriana. We needed COVID tests before our onward flight and were stressed about arranging them. She organized a nurse to come to our room, then even helped from home by coordinating with the staff on duty and the doctor when we worried about getting the results in time. They came through in about 34 hours, so we could sleep peacefully on our last night. She also explained in clear, simple English how to take public buses to the Salt Church at Zipaquira, which was a huge help since we speak little Spanish. Everyone was helpful, and there was usually a hostel dog, Anni, on day shifts, loudly greeting new arrivals. We missed our dog at home, so that was a nice touch. We spent four days in Bogota, and La Candelaria Hostel worked really well as a base. It’s on a quiet street, close to restaurants, bars, two little grocery stores and two bus stops, with lots of graffiti to discover around the neighborhood. The street itself is a good photo spot. Parque Periodista and the visitors center at the base of the Bolivar statue are less than two minutes away. On Sunday the area became a big flea market. The Botero and Gold Museums are a 5-10 minute walk, Plaza Bolivar about 20 minutes, and the Telerferique at Mounserrate takes around 15 minutes uphill. It was a bit strenuous, but we’re over 40 and 50 and managed fine. They offer an airport pickup for a small fee, dropping you right by the door, and we took the same reasonably priced shuttle back. Our room was cozy and clean, and the cleaning staff did a great job each day. There’s a small desk, wardrobe and tv, plus a great shower with hot water after a minute and strong pressure. Walls are a little thin if neighbors are loud, but people were generally quiet and respectful. Breakfast was simple, coffee, cocoa or tea with corn flakes, bread rolls, cut fruit and a banana, and it worked for us. Because of covid we couldn’t use the kitchen, though there was a fridge and microwave, and we could eat or hang out in the small courtyard. A couple of travel notes, neither the hostel’s fault: our Friday morning walking tour was cancelled because of protests, which I was told are more likely on Fridays. Sunday is great for Ciclovia, when Colombians come out in droves and many streets close to cars for biking and walking, with vendors and buskers around. We forgot to book bikes ahead and couldn’t find any to rent, though it looked fun. We walked and enjoyed the atmosphere instead. Carrera 7 and Calle 10 were our favorite car-free streets, and they meet at Plaza Bolivar.

The hostel was clean and okay, but I wouldn’t stay again. Nights are freezing, with no heating or AC in the rooms, toilets or showers. The water is about 12°C, damn cold. There is hot water, but once you finish showering the cold hits you hard.