17th March - 21st March, $50,000 COP for a double with shared bathroom
vibe
Fatima is a huge hostel, probably one of the biggest we've stayed at. It's friendly enough but the rooms are pretty basic and the entire place could do with some TLC. It's also somewhere where you'll need a couple of extra layers - the large space means that it's often quite chilly.
location
In central Candeleria, the location is excellent for those looking for the social scene of Bogota. A 20 minute taxi ride from the bus terminal will cost somewhere between 16,000 and 20,000. There is also a big Exito supermarket about a 15 minute walk away.
best thing
On arrival you are given a garishly coloured arm band entitling you to a free cocktail at the bar next door as well as reduced price food.
Although not the best we've had by a long shot, there was also a free breakfast provided.
worst thing
We were staying in one of the many rooms around the large dining area which was also home to the kitchen which provides food for their bar/restaurant next door. Unfortunately, this meant that if you spent any time with your bedroom door open, or if we chose to work at one of the tables, within 30 minutes we would smell a little like we had been working in a fish n' chip shop! It would also be very loud with staff from early in the morning.
The guest kitchen was far too small for the number of guests that were staying there and this would be a real pain if you were here for more than a few days.
The biggest bugbear however was that their bar/restaurant was right next to our room and a number of others. On a couple of nights, they had loud music and karaoke going until 1 or 2 a.m. with the sound carrying right through to the hostel, which is extremely inconsiderate for paying guests.
value for money
We spent a long time wandering around Candeleria in an attempt to find cheap accommodation - Hostal Fatima was by far the cheapest. It's not great by any stretch, but it's a decent option for those looking to keep costs down.
recommended for
Although people certainly do stay here long term, we wouldn't recommend it. Instead, use this as a base if all you need is somewhere cheap in a good location to see Bogota's sights. Anyone looking for something a bit more comfortable should look elsewhere.
amenities
Outdoor space, 24 hour reception, TV room, kitchen, hot showers, kitchen, free breakfast, wifi, English spoken, tourist information, pets.
top tip
If given the option, consider one of the rooms furthest away from the dining room.
would we recommend it?
It depends what you're looking for. On a tight budget? This is probably your best bet in the area but if you've got a little more cash to spare, consider elsewhere.
