Abitare 56 Hotel

I'm an American expat who lives in Colombia and I've visited Bogotá many times. I'm also a blogger who has lived and worked in half a dozen countries on 4 continents so I've been around and understand what's on offer. In the past when I've visited Bogotá, my experiences with airbnbs and inexpensive hotels have been mostly negative. After staying 3 nights at the Arbitare 56, I believe I've now found a very reliable place that I will look forward to staying on my next visit to Colombia's high altitude capital. The location is very good, just south of the Chapinero business district with shops, restaurants and bars, and just north of the Santa Fe district which is home to some of the city's best museums. The hotel is located near the main Carrera 7--Bogota's prime north/south boulevard--but far enough away that you don't hear the traffic noise or have to breathe the exhaust fumes, both of which I'm very sensitive to. The staff at the front desk is very helpful, breakfast is quite good for only US $3 and I felt safe (as a male of course) walking alone to destinations both to the north and the south. As is true of Bogotá in general, it's best to take a taxi or Uber if you're going to be out late at night. I was also impressed by the comfortable mattress and nice, white cotton-satin sheets and duvet, little luxuries you don't often find in hotel rooms at this price. The rooms also have an area for hanging clothing, always useful when traveling in a place that experiences a lot of rain, plus there were shelves for unpacking toiletries etc. My room--a single so smaller than some--also had a built-in desk and chair. And finally, as another reviewer said, there was plenty of hot water for showering. All in all, the Abitare 56 is one bargain hotel I highly recommend to other budget-minded travelers.

Honestly, I didn't find any negatives with this budget hotel and that's very unusual for me.

The breakfast was great. The shower was large and the water was always hot. The hotel is in a great location with everything you need within walking distance.

The bed was very soft and small. They called it a double but in my country we'd call it one and a half. The room is a little small but there are lots of shelves for storage.