Hostel Bendito — Hotel in Bogota, Capital District

I’ve stayed 150-200 hostales over 10 years of travels in South America- many of them in places with the same kinds of safety concerns as Bogota. I have never been to a single one that would not simply allow me to check in at reception. Upon arrival at Bendito, they refused to allow me to enter the hostel until I’d made a reservation, claiming that it had to do with security issues. Telling a potential guest to take out their phone in the street to book a stay, in an area which they themselves consider unsafe, puts the guest at risk of having their phone snatched. It is also just an unwelcoming way to treat someone looking to stay at a hostel, and completely unnecessary considering that in every other hostel I’ve stayed in, including ones in high security ones located in risky areas, I’ve never encountered a policy like this. That being said, what bothered me was the condescending tone and attitude of the receptionist throughout my interaction with her. I also found it odd when she later came into my room and accused me of locking the door (which it was wasn’t, and it wouldn’t make sense that it was, given that I was sitting inside the room), telling me that the door must remained unlocked at all times so others could freely enter the room. Given their claimed concern with security, it came off as hypocritical and concerning that they insist that doors remain unlocked, rather than providing keys to guests…there are many hostels in Bogota I’ve stayed at with non-condescending receptionists that manage to keep guests and luggage safe without making guests feel like potential criminals, which are located in more interesting areas than this one. I’d suggest Chapinero and Candeleria. If you do choose to book a stay at Bendito, make sure you do make a reservation-that way, should you encounter the same things I did, you’ll at least be allowed to leave a negative review on the site you...

PROS|-The location is pretty good. It’s easy to get to from the airport(30k in a taxi) and also a good distance from the bus station (15k). Around the corner is a Transmillenio station where you can easily get a bus into La Candelaria. There aren’t a great amount of food options around the hostel but you can find some if you are willing to walk 5–10 mins.|-The hostel is safe - there is a gated door to the property and the rooms have locks/lockers. The local area is safe to walk in during the day. At night the surrounding streets are a bit quiet so be observant.|-The hostel is SUPER CLEAN, bathrooms are cleaned and restocked multiple times a day.|-Decent Wifi available throughout|-A number of common areas to relax in - including a patio, games room, lounge and bar area. There is also a generous sized kitchen.|-Staff were really helpful when asked about transportation, activities, booking taxis etc. You do have to ask though (in Spanish) rather than this information being given freely||CONS|-The hostel was quite cold in the common areas and in my room. I had to wear all my layers to feel warm at night.|-There isn’t much of an atmosphere here, people keep to themselves. No organised tours or activities. But this may be a reflection of it being just after the pandemic.|-There’s no breakfast here, you’ll have to walk 7mins plus to find a bakery or supermarket|-My 1st floor private room was quite loud - I could hear everything happening in the street as well as downstairs in the common areas. It wasn’t a problem for me as I can sleep through most things but might be for others.||Would stay here again but would probably explore other hostel...

Fabulous hostel in an old house that combines historic elements (like the grand wood staircase) with modern design. The neighborhood is residential but conveniently located a couple blocks from a Transmilenio stop, and there is a Tembici (city bike) also a couple blocks away. The dorm beds have curtains for privacy and feature lights and outlets in each bunk. The WiFi is reliable. The kitchen is well-appointed. It is quiet and relaxed. It’s definitely not a party hostel, and there are surprisingly very few organized activities. If you’re independent and self-directed this isn’t an issue, but if you are looking for group activities organized by the hostel this isn’t the place. Good for digital nomads and more mature travelers. I really like the location between Chapinaro and the historic city center (Candelaria, etx). The showers have very hot water, and the bathrooms are very clean. The bathrooms are also quite small. The staff is very friendly and helpful. I left my wallet in the common area, and one of the staff found me in the kitchen to give it to me. I extended my stay 3 times, spending nearly a week here in total. Great hostel...