Bogotá's BEST Apartments: Unbeatable Prices & Locations!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the heart of Bogotá with a review of Bogotá's BEST Apartments: Unbeatable Prices & Locations! And trust me, I’m coming into this with more baggage than a cross-country flight (metaphorically, of course, because who actually enjoys packing?). So, let's get this messy, hopefully-helpful, definitely-opinionated review started!
First, the Big Picture (and why I almost lost it):
They say Bogotá is a city that grabs you. Well, Bogotá's BEST Apartments grabbed me. Not in a sketchy "grab and go" kinda way, but more like a welcoming hug after a truly brutal eight-hour travel day. Seriously, after navigating the airport (which felt like trying to solve a Rubik's Cube in a mosh pit), the promise of "Unbeatable Prices & Locations!" sounded like pure salvation. And you know what? They mostly delivered. Mostly.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (and My Near-Fall Down the Stairs Story)
Okay, let's be real. Accessibility is crucial, and this is where things get a little… uneven. The elevator situation was… well, it existed. Sometimes. Let's just say patience is a virtue you'll cultivate quickly. The website said "Facilities for disabled guests," but take that with a grain of Colombian coffee. There were some ramps, but the hallways were narrow, and I definitely saw some potential trip hazards in one of the older buildings. Personal Anecdote: One time, I was hauling my suitcase (which basically thinks it’s a sentient being) down three flights of stairs, when I almost became one with the steps. Let's just say, a good handrail would have been a lifesaver. So, accessibility? Check it carefully before you book, especially if you’re reliant on a wheelchair or have mobility issues.
Wheelchair Accessible? Needs further exploration.
The Internet: My Digital Lifeline (and the occasional meltdown)
"Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" Praise the digital gods! Look, in today's world, internet is as essential as oxygen. And the Wi-Fi usually held up its end of the bargain. I mean, I streamed movies, video-called my mom (bless her heart), and even managed to (mostly) work without wanting to chuck my laptop out the window. Did it cut out sometimes? Sure. Did I occasionally roar in frustration when my Zoom call froze mid-sentence? Absolutely. But generally, the internet was reliable enough to keep me connected to the real world, and that's a huge win.
Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas: All generally functional, with a little bit of the Colombian charm of "it works… sometimes. It's Bogota, deal with it".
Unbeatable Prices & Locations: The Good Stuff!
Alright, let's talk about the "Unbeatable Prices & Locations!" part. This is where they shine. The locations were fantastic. I chose an apartment near La Candelaria, the historic district, and I was practically tripping over cobblestone streets and vibrant street art. The price? Seriously, it was a steal. I'm talking "I can actually afford to eat arepas every day" kind of steal. This alone makes it a strong contender.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax (and My Spa Fiasco):
Okay, here’s where things get a bit… ambitious. The website touted a "Spa," and let me tell you, my inner princess was thrilled. I pictured myself languishing in a Jacuzzi, being expertly massaged into a state of zen, all the works. The reality? Well, let's just say it wasn’t quite the Four Seasons. The "spa" turned out to be a small room with a massage table. The massage itself… Let’s just say the masseuse was enthusiastic but maybe not quite as skilled as my chiropractor. The body scrub? Felt more like I was being exfoliated with sandpaper. The sauna? It existed! It was very… sauna-like. But hey, at least I could relax, right? Well, sort of. After, I went to the pool with a view. It was a small pool with a view. The view was nice.
Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: They existed. That alone is a plus!
Fitness Center: Gym/fitness: I forgot to look. Whoops, I’m not a fitness guy.
Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Massage: The massage was the only notable entry, though it was a learning experience.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (and the Quest for the Perfect Arepa):
Okay, food! This is where Bogotá really shines. Now, the apartments themselves didn't have on-site restaurants. But the location more than made up for it. I was surrounded by amazing restaurants. I went on a quest for the perfect arepa. I tried almost everything. I'm talking A la carte in restaurant, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant.
Cleanliness and Safety: (and My Obsessive Hand-Sanitizing):
I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so this was key for me. The rooms were… well, let's just say they were clean-ish. Anti-viral cleaning products? Maybe? Daily disinfection in common areas? I hope so. I went through hand sanitizer like it was going out of style. They have First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment.
Available in all rooms, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens: They exist. Most were fine. The blackout curtains helped me sleep, but I loved having a window that opened.
Services and Conveniences (the Good, the Bad, and the Very Colombian):
Okay, here’s where Bogotá's BEST Apartments had a few more wins.
- 24-hour Front Desk: Yes, fantastic. Someone was always there, even at 3 am when my flight was delayed and I was a caffeine-deprived mess.
- Daily Housekeeping: Generally good, although sometimes they forgot the coffee.
- Luggage Storage: Super helpful because, as I mentioned, I travel with enough luggage to outfit a small village.
- Elevator: As mentioned above… it exists.
- Cash withdrawal: Good to know!
- Concierge: Helpful, but you might need to speak Spanish.
- Laundry service: Convenient.
- Business facilities, Meetings, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meeting stationery, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Xerox/fax in business center: These were available but I didn’t use them.
- Gift/souvenir shop: I didn’t see one.
- Food delivery: Yes.
For the kids, Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: I'm not a parent, so I can't speak to this.
Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms: I felt safe enough. There was security everywhere.
Getting around, Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service: All present and function.
And Now, the Big Question: Should You Book?
Look, Bogotá's BEST Apartments isn’t a five-star luxury resort. It's more of a charmingly imperfect experience. But, and this is a big but, if you're looking for a centrally located, affordable apartment with decent amenities, it's a great choice. Just go in with realistic expectations, a sense of humor, and a whole lot of hand sanitizer. And remember that those "Unbeatable Prices & Locations!" are worth a lot.
My Final Verdict:
Recommendation: A solid choice for budget-conscious
Escape to Paradise: Luxurious Malang Bedroom (10 Mins from BNS!)
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. We're going to Bogotá, specifically the Apartaestudios en Bogotá (Estandart) because, well, it was the best I could find on short notice and the reviews seemed okay. Let's see if I survive the experience.
Bogotá Bonanza (Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Altitude Sickness)
Day 1: Arrival and Apparent Chaos (and a Slight Panic Attack)
- Morning: Land at El Dorado International Airport. Breathe. Probably should have pre-booked a ride, huh? Cue frantic Google Maps search trying to figure out how to hail a cab without looking like a total gringo idiot. First impression of Bogotá? Smog. Lots and lots of smog. And the sheer number of people. Jesus.
- Afternoon: Finally, taxi (eventually!) arrives at the Apartaestudio. Okay, it's…cozy. A little smaller than advertised. The "kitchenette" is basically a microwave and a sink. But hey, at least there IS a view. Of another building. Progress! Commence unpacking, which quickly devolves into a chaotic jumble of clothing and toiletries. Stumbled upon a tiny, barely-there balcony - first sign of relief, like, "Okay, I can breathe!"
- Evening: Altitude sickness hits. Hard. Headache, mild nausea, the feeling of a tiny elephant tap-dancing on my chest. Decide against venturing out for comida. Instead, I crack open the bag of snacks I (smartly!) brought and attempt to watch some Colombian TV. It's all telenovelas. And the Spanish is…well, it's more than a little rusty. The café I made (instant, naturally) didn't help the caffeine-induced anxiety. This is going to be a loooong week.
Day 2: La Candelaria Charms (Eventually)
- Morning: Okay, altitude sickness is (mostly) under control, thanks to ibuprofen and a desperate prayer to the coffee gods. Time to brave La Candelaria! Find the Metro, which is already a victory. The sheer color and history of the streets are almost enough to wash away the city's urban smog.
- Afternoon: The Gold Museum! Holy moly. Shiny things everywhere! I swear I saw a few ghosts, but the gold was amazing. Stopped at a local cafe – THIS is the café I was looking for. Tried ajiaco (chicken and potato soup with a bunch of yummy spices) and almost cried from joy. Seriously, best soup of my life. The locals seemed to tolerate me when I butchered the Spanish, mostly because I kept fumbling and smiling at the soup. It’s a universally understood language, right?
- Evening: Get a little lost, which is almost routine by now. Ended up wandering through a back alley with some graffiti that was cooler than anything I’ve seen anywhere else. Found a tiny, authentic arepa stand. Best arepa I’ve ever had. Decided there are few things better than getting lost with an arepa at sunset. The people, the food, the color…it's starting to grow on me. The altitude sickness is still there, but I'm starting to feel like I might survive after all.
Day 3: Monserrate and Existential Dread (Plus Some Spectacular Views)
- Morning: Prepare for the climb! I'm not a religious person, but I'm praying the funicular is working today. It IS! Oh, the view from the top! Spectacular. And terrifying. The city stretches out below me, a sprawling tapestry. The thin air is just…brutally thin. Catch my breath, while staring out the skyline.
- Afternoon: Wander through the sanctuary on Monserrate. The air is different up here, thinner and full of people praying. The feeling is peaceful, almost reverent. Spend way too long staring at the little shops on the way back down, hoping to find a souvenir that doesn’t scream "tourist." A small wooden cross for my mom – perfect.
- Evening: Back in the apartaestudio, finally. Had a full-blown mental breakdown trying to figure out the laundry situation. End up washing a few things in the sink. Sigh. That little balcony is my only friend.
Day 4: Graffiti Tour & The Meaning of Life (Maybe)
- Morning: Graffiti tour! The guide, a lively young artist named Daniel, is amazing. The art is vibrant and raw. The stories behind the pieces are fascinating. And, the best thing? Daniel has a wicked sense of humor. He makes a lot of jokes about the government, which I appreciate.
- Afternoon: Get a little lost again (surprise!). This time, stumble upon a tiny, unassuming coffee shop in a hidden square. Best coffee in Bogotá, I swear. The owner, a kindly woman with twinkling eyes, tells me about her life, her love for the city, and the importance of simple things. For a moment, I'm not a tourist, I'm just…present.
- Evening: Thinking about the meaning of life, the universe, and everything while staring into the abyss of the microwave-and-sink kitchenette. Maybe I am starting to like this crazy city. And maybe, just maybe, I'm starting to figure out laundry…
Day 5: Salt Cathedral and A Monumental Headache (Literally)
- Morning: The Salt Cathedral! A marvel of engineering, and somehow, the air is even thinner down there. Beautiful and awe-inspiring. Feeling a low-grade headache, but I can't take it out on The Cathedral.
- Afternoon: The journey back takes forever, and I get stuck in some bad traffic. The headache grows, and I start to feel my stomach turn. Decide to go to a pharmacy to pop some pills.
- Evening: Back at the apartaestudio. The headache is raging. I've got a box of painkillers and a bottle of water, and I'm considering just collapsing onto the bed and waiting until it stops.
Day 6: Farewell, Bogotá (and the Miracle of the Washing Machine)
- Morning: The headache has finally departed. Pack. Take one last, longing look at that tiny balcony.
- Afternoon: The taxi ride to the airport is a blur. I see flashes of the city, the smog, the color, the people. A wave of sadness washes over me, which is surprising. I wasn't expecting to actually like Bogotá this much.
- Evening: On the plane. A small miracle: the apartaestudio did have someone available at the front desk who could do the laundry, and it was done!
Day 7: Back Home
- Day: I'm back. The world seems to change. The air is easier to breathe. The shower has water pressure. I’m going through my photos, remembering the food, the people, the chaos, the beauty. I’m already planning a return trip. I miss the altitude sickness.
Okay, so my trip wasn't perfect. It was messy. It had its ups and downs. But that's the point, right? It was real. Would I go back to the Apartaestudios en Bogotá (Estandart)? Maybe not. But would I go back to Bogotá? Absolutely. The city has a way of getting under your skin. Just bring a heavy-duty painkiller and a good sense of humor. And a lot of coffee. You'll need it.
Escape to Paradise: Unbelievable Mango Bay Resort, Phu Quoc!
Bogotá Apartments: The *Real* Deal FAQs (Because Let's Be Honest, Finding a Place Here is a *Nightmare*)
(And yes, I’ve lived the nightmare… more than once.)
Okay, Okay, Unbeatable Prices? Really? Spill the Beans. What's the Catch?
Alright, look, "unbeatable" is subjective, right? But I’m talking *compared* to other, let's be frank, overpriced options you’ll find online. You're not going to get a penthouse overlooking the Andes for $500/month. (Believe me, I've looked... desperately.) The "catch"? Well, it’s not always a gleaming, freshly renovated apartment. Sometimes you're trading off granite countertops for… functional counters. And maybe you'll have to climb a few stairs. Bogotá is, shall we say, *hilly*. But value for money? Solid.
My personal experience? Found this tiny studio in La Candelaria (historic center, super cool) for practically nothing. The building? Old. Like, *really* old. Cobwebs in the elevator old. The water pressure? Let's just say I developed a newfound appreciation for the phrase "trickle". But the location? Unbeatable. And the price? So right. I grumbled, I complained, I almost moved out after the third power outage (common here, FYI), but I stayed. Because, hello, affordable.
What's the deal with "Unbeatable Locations" ? Is it all just "trendy" neighborhoods?
Nope! Trendy is a factor, sure. Chapinero, Usaquén - they're popular. But "unbeatable" means it works for *you*. Maybe you want to be near your job in the financial district. Maybe you're a student and need somewhere close to the university. Or, like me, you just REALLY love the vibe of a specific barrio (neighborhood).
I’ve lived in both super-hip *and* kinda-sketchy areas. (Bogotá is a place of extremes, folks.) Think about your priorities! Do you value nightlife over peace and quiet? Easy access to public transport (which, by the way, is… an experience)? Being able to walk to a *good* bakery? (Essential.) Consider your lifestyle. Don't just follow the crowds.
How do I actually FIND these apartments? The internet is a wasteland of overpriced rentals!
Ugh, the internet. It's a trap. Seriously. Websites… let's just say their listings aren't always up-to-date. Facebook groups are better, but still, you're wading through a lot of fluff.
My *secret*? Walking around. Seriously. Hit the pavement! Look for "Se Arrienda" signs (For Rent) on buildings. Talk to the *porteros* (building concierges). They often know of vacancies before they hit the internet. And learn some basic Spanish! Trust me, Google Translate can only get you so far when charming a *señora* into renting her apartment to you.
Another pro-tip: Consider short-term rentals (like Airbnb) while you search. Gives you time to explore neighborhoods before committing. Plus, you can complain in a nice place while you look for a better one.
What should I be REALLY careful about when signing a lease? (Besides reading it, duh!)
Okay, this is critical. Number one: the *fiador* (guarantor). You’ll need one. Usually a Colombian citizen with property. It's a pain in the butt if you don't know anyone. I spent weeks running around, begging friends, until this kind old woman, who runs a tiny corner store, agreed to be mine. Seriously, she saved my life.
Number two: Deposit. Make sure you get a *clear* record of the apartment’s condition before you move in! Take photos of everything. And I mean EVERYTHING. The chipped paint, the tiny cracks in the tiles, the slightly wonky door frame. Because you WILL be charged for it when you leave if you don't. I learned this the hard way. A landlord tried to keep my entire deposit because of a tiny scratch on the floor that was *already there*! (Lawyering up is expensive… and stressful.)
And finally: Utilities. Ask if they're included, and how they're billed. Some landlords are… creative. Be vigilant!
Is it safe to live in Bogotá? (Be honest!)
Okay, look. Bogotá has a reputation, I'm not going to lie. It's a city of contrasts. There are definitely areas where you need to be vigilant. Petty theft is common. I've had my phone swiped (lesson learned: don't be on your phone on a crowded bus!).
The vast majority of people are lovely and helpful. But you need to be street smart. Stick to well-lit streets at night. Take authorized taxis (use apps like Cabify or Easy Taxi). Don’t flash expensive jewelry or gadgets. Trust your gut feeling. If a situation feels off, it probably is. It is the biggest lesson I learned - trust your instincts. I've had to run after a couple of people (not getting away, for the record), and had a few close calls.
I’m going to get emotional here: I *love* living here. The energy, the culture, the food… it’s incredible. But you need to be aware of your surroundings. You have to be careful. It's part of the experience, honestly--and a big reason why I eventually moved away.
What about utilities? Are they included? What's the deal with Internet?
Utilities vary. Some rentals include basic services (water, electricity… in theory). Others? You're on your own. Always ask. Electricity can be *expensive*, especially if you like your hot showers (trust me, you will!).
Internet... ah, the joy. Internet in Colombia can be... inconsistent. Expect outages. Expect slow speeds. Expect to pay more than you think you will. Shop around for providers, and don't be seduced by the "super-fast" promises. It is more about a steady connection than sheer speed. The worst (best?) Internet experience I had? I was paying for a connection of 100Mbits a second. One time, I was using a LAN cable and downloaded at the speed of 58k modem, I am not kidding. I thought it was the end of the world, and I started to cry. Eventually, I found another provider. Remember to keep track of your bills--they can sneak in. Be aware, be careful, and when it works, enjoy the ride!
