Hostel Platypus

The Location

Hostel Platypus is located in Central Bogota in the La Candelaria area and is close to the city centre´s main attractions including museums and famous squares. The location is safe at night and close to many bars. The hostel is run by an extremely helpful Colombian named Germann, who takes time to get to know his guests and offer them helpful advice on travel in Colombia. The hostel is secure and all guests have keys to enter. Otherwise the doors are kept locked. The hostel has a good reception area with internet access and a book exchange and the staff are very knowledgable. The hostel is located a fifteen-minute taxi drive away from the main bus terminal or thirty minutes by the Trans-mileno bus.

Rooms and Bathrooms

All three houses -- where the rooms are -- have kitchens, common rooms, and TV rooms for guests. The rooms are spacious and the hostel provides clean bed linen and towels. Blankets are also provided as the temperature is cool at night -- there is no heating system in the rooms. Rooms have private bathrooms but some of the showers have cold water only. There are security lockers in the reception area of the main building but you must provide your own lock. Quiet time is at 11 p.m. and the hostel has a beer fridge for guests to purchase beers. The hostel is run on a tab system, which is settled when you leave.

Common Spaces

There is a main common room in the main house which can be used by guests from all three houses and free coffee is always available in the main house. There is a good book exchange and much more travel information available in the reception.

Summary

This is an excellent hostel with clean rooms and a good location with excellent hostel facilities. Another high point is the hostel manager, Germann, who takes pleasure in helping his guests.

-- Exclusive Hostelz.com Review