Platypus Hostel, Bogota
Laura C. asked to see some pictures of the hostel I stayed in in Bogota. So here’s my review of the Platypus Hostel. I arrived at 11pm, tired from a long flight and somewhat nervous about what this place would actually be like. Especially since it was my first time staying in a hostel! Platypus is located in a somewhat deserted side street. After checking in, the desk clerk showed me to the room… which was outside and down the street! I was definitely not expecting that.
The door of the hostel room was directly on the street, which didn’t seem very safe. There were 3 locks on the door (hmm… not a good sign), and getting the door open was a challenge. It involved using one key to turn the middle lock to the left, and using your body to shove the top of the door open, and then simultaneously using a different key to turn the bottom lock to the right. Didn’t have a key to the very top lock!
Once inside, the room was spacious (more like a suite), but extremely dated and shabby. There was a small kitchenette, and a small bathroom (with icy cold water only!). I’m guessing the ladder led to an attic area, but I didn’t climb up.
The windows to the front were bolted shut. The windows in the back allowed light inside, but faced a small courtyard, which was at ground level. With noise coming in from the street and the courtyard, it was extremely loud. I heard a loud thump in the middle of the night and bolted upright – it sounded like someone was in the room! But it must have been someone in the room next door. Also, the next morning, there were several knocks on the door. Found out later that it was people selling things or asking for money, because they knew that tourists were in those rooms.
The blankets and sheets were extremely worn out. I was glad to have the sleep-sack that my mom made for me out of a sheet! Made me feel a little more comfortable. It was also quite cold. There wasn’t any heating, and despite the blankets, it was still cold enough that I wore stretchy pants and my fleece jacket to bed.
All that being said, I was surprised at how quickly I got used to it, and I wasn’t even in the room aside from sleeping. It would have been nice to stay in the main hostel for safety reasons, and also for the social aspects that come with staying in hostels. At 26.000 COP, or roughly $13 dollars, per night, I can’t complain too much! Staying in a hostel is probably not a big deal for a lot of people, but as someone with slightly germaphobic tendencies (ha), it was a big step for me. This definitely goes in the “outside my comfort zone” category, but I’m glad I did it!
Kavi360 
Sounds like you are having a blast! And glad your first hostel experience wasn’t too bad! I once stayed in a hostel room with 18 people… Talk about security concerns! Hope you are having an amazing time, and I’m loving reading about your adventures!
Thanks Jenn! I give you credit for staying in the dorm rooms! Haven’t tried that yet… baby steps 😉
I love your adventures! Sounds like a little bit scare but brand new experience! I heard
Hostels Bogotá is the best places to stay because it is cheap and offers you great services.
Take care!
haha thanks FeiFei! Like you said, it’s all about new experiences!
Well, at least it sounds like you did not have any of the :New York little creatures” joining you! hanks for th pics. Keep the updates coming!
lol, left those in the city 😉 Will do!
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