Bogota-first time

[RK]

Hi everyone;

Same guy that posted about going to Cali for the first time. I explained what happened about not making it there in that post.

I will be flying to Bogota this weekend, after work on Friday, to visit a lady there. I've chatted with this girl online a few times, had a phone conversation, and we agreed that I would visit her. No, she didn't offer for me to stay with her  She lives with family members...sister and mother, not sure who else. She is divorced (from an American guy-he lives in the US), 28 yrs old, and has a two yr old daughter. Not sure why the divorce, etc. at this point. I assume I will get the scoop on that this weekend.

Again, never been to Colombia, although I thought I would have this past weekend! Any thoughts, feedback, etc. on Bogota would be greatly appreciated. I plan to follow the same MO as Cali and stay in a hotel and follow the collective advice of all of you that posted on the Cali topic. Any feedback on recommended areas to stay, hotels you know about, etc. would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks again and I look forward to your thoughts.

[Researcher]

   North Bogota is probably the best place to stay.I usually stay at the Raddison but I don't know if you can get a deal last minute.I'll send you a link to another place if I can find it.Take a jacket with you.The weather there is going to be cooler than Cali.


   Researcher

[raycjs]

Reach out for Dennis he lives there. well worth the PM or phone call and when you are there meet him for a cup of coffee


best of luck to you

Ray

[RK]

Thanks Researcher. I've also read good things about the Embassy Suites and Lancaster House. Do you know anything about either of those? Please send the other link if you come across it.

Ray...I'm pretty green here so can you PM me who Dennis is and his contact info? Or post it here if allowed. Whatever works best. Thanks for you feedback.

[whitey]

You may want to consider staying at Charlie's Place, a small well-located hotel in north Bogota affiliated with the dating agency Latin American Introductions.  It's just been newly renovated.

A good friend of mine just stayed there and was very happy.  It's a good soft landing for a newby gringo as they are used to catering to gringos.  You don't have to be a client of the agency to stay there.

Here's some more info: http://www.mylatinadventure.com/aboutus/Hotel.asp

Whitey

[RK]

Thanks, Whitey.

[whitey]

De nada.  I forgot to mention ... I think the rooms vary in price between $US 55-75 which I understand is good for north Bogota.

[RK]

Two questions...one, does anybody have an idea how much it costs to use the internet at an internet cafe in Bogota, on average? Two, are the taxis on the up and up for the most part at the airport? Thanks.

[raycjs]

RK
I sent Dennis levy and email so he should stop by the board and give you a shout.. if not go to the search box above and type in his name (dennislevy) then hit search it will show his post click on his name and it will take you to his profile.. PM him direct...
i have been to Bogota 3 times and every time i use the taxi at the airport and never had a problem. The internet cafes are cheap a few dollars goes a long way....

i would reach out for Dennis he will be a big help to you and like i said he lives there full time he can show you the ropes and keep you safe.


best of luck

Ray

[rocky1359]

Hello this is Rocky and I am here know in bogota.  I am staying in an apartment with 3 rooms
When I got here there was 2 other americans nice guys. But they left monday. The place has 2 rooms vacant.

I pay only 19 dollars a night.  And right now I have the whole place to myself. kitchen 2 baths.  very nice view.
The girls love the place and its only 15 minutes from the airport.

This is my 6 time here in bogota.

to stay her call Alberto or his mom Martha. 311 892 9242

the address is calle 22 No 48-65   

the phone in the apartment is 368 2467   The girls call you.  no need to look for phone be there is several across the street.

Everything is here.  close. even an agency to book a flight to another city.

[RK]

Thanks, Rocky, but I already have my hotel booked. Otherwise, it would have been a great thing to consider. Where are you from?

Does anybody have an idea about what a 25 minute cab ride from the airport to the hotel should cost?

I assume I can buy a sim card at the airport. Is that correct? What company is a good one to get a sim card with there? Can I buy prepaid cards to add money as I go along?

Thanks in advance for any feedback.

[Researcher]

   RK, my apologies for not getting the link to you.I can't find it at this moment but the name is Travellers Suites.They have several hotels in Colombia but the one I always used was Suites Gold in north Bogota.

   If you stay at the Raddison the internet access in the business center is free.I also stayed at Charlie's Place.Its good too.The cheaper rooms are OK if you don't mind sharing a bathroom but for a little more you can get a private bath.The internet was free there also.

  Good luck on your trip....take a jacket!!!


   Researcher

[rocky1359]

I am from los angeles. and I  live 10 minutes from the beach in a town called long beach.

First thing to do at the airport is change dollars to pesos. They give you the best rate  there.  The cost for a trip that long is about
20.000 pesos

It has been  a little warm. here in bogota. but  that changes  quick.

[RK]

Researcher, no problema. Thanks for the name...I will keep it for a future reference.

Rocky, thanks for the feedback. Interesting the best exchange rate would be in the airport. I'm glad you mentioned that.

Does anyone know if sms'ing (text messaging) is popular in Colombia, as in a primary means to communicate?

[JR33]

   Hey RK,

                I have stayed at a hostel or two in Bogota.I can send you the names if you want.They are great for travelling on the cheap, if you don't mind sharing.

[raycjs]

RK

texting is very normal once you have spoken on the phone or face to face first...
the girls are very up to date on tech.....


good luck

Ray