first trip

[tommy b]

This is my first post and also will be my maiden voyage to Colombia and Medellin. Flying from US via Denver-Houston-PTY-MDE. I have extensive travel experience in SA (i.e. nine times to Peru) and three weeks off so plan on spending the first week in MDE with a side trip at end to Santa Fe. I will probably spend the final week or so on isla San Andres y Providencia but have not decided on my middle week if I want to visit some of the colonial towns north of Bog such as Balchira and San Gil or go south to Manizales.

A few questions for the board: I have basically decided to stay at Global Hostel on Calle 35 in El Poblado. Nice website and reasonable price for a single private room with bath of $70,000 COP. Anyone familar with this place? I am also considering what appears to be a very nice apartment in El Poblado that is listed on AIRBnB but it's quite a bit more -- about $80 per nite.

Also, will take spanish classes and notice that Black Sheep Hostel offers classes plus it appears they have a nice bar and tv for socializing.

Any other recommendations or comments about MDE (private spanish instructors) or other COL locations I should consider would be appreciated.

PS: I plan to look into ESL opportunities in MDE or elsewhere if anyone has any thoughts on that option.

[tommy b]

Hello:

I am coming week after next on my maiden voyage to MDE and Colombia. Been to SA dozen of times or so but never here.

I have narrowed it down to two housing options for my one week stay, which may stretch to two weeks. One is an interesting looking posada/hostel on Calle 35, which appears to be a dead end street from the map, and close to Lleras, etc. A private room with bath is $40 US and the website appears nice.

The other is a beautiful looking, new, and modern one bedroom apartment for $80 US. However, that is located on 8th on the opposite side of Rt.25 from Lleras. It is adjacent to the new SF mall, large book store and grocery store in the area called Golden Mile.

Not being familiar with the city, I am uncertain which lodging to select. Not much of a mall fan and don't want to constantly cross a busy highway to get to Lleras as it seems most of the activity is there.

Any thoughts from MDE vets?

[DennisLevy]

TommyB

The Global hostal is nice...with a nice modern front........I stopped by a while ago to check on rooms and they showed me one. For 70,000 a single, its a good deal and you can roll down the hill ot the center of Parque Lleras if you want.

In the heart of Parque Lleras around the corner from the Cafe Bon is a 4 room hostel owned by an American, Tom Winter. One of his 4 rooms is an outstanding value, 60,000 pesos a night but with an enormous bathroom.....the bathroom is probably 120 square feet.....But on weekebd nights it can be pretty noisy. if you decide to stay there-----he will treat you very well......there is no extra charge for laundry, tip if you wish......

If you have additional questions, contact me.......dennisianlevy@yahoo.com

[tommy b]

Thanks Dennis. How do I get ahold of Tom Winter about his place?

I also came across another upscale hostel called Hostal Ram. They have a nice pool, some private rooms and suites, and are on Calle11a so its right in the center of El Poblado. It also has dorms for backpackers. Probably a young crowd so not sure how comfortable that environment might be but the web site looks fantastic. Unfortunately, they have not responded to my emails regarding reservations.

I might stay at the Global Hostal to start and check out other places if it is not to my liking. I booked my flight today and will arrive from the US next Wednesday evening.

Originally Posted by DennisLevy

TommyB

The Global hostal is nice...with a nice modern front........I stopped by a while ago to check on rooms and they showed me one. For 70,000 a single, its a good deal and you can roll down the hill ot the center of Parque Lleras if you want.

In the heart of Parque Lleras around the corner from the Cafe Bon is a 4 room hostel owned by an American, Tom Winter. One of his 4 rooms is an outstanding value, 60,000 pesos a night but with an enormous bathroom.....the bathroom is probably 120 square feet.....But on weekebd nights it can be pretty noisy. if you decide to stay there-----he will treat you very well......there is no extra charge for laundry, tip if you wish......

If you have additional questions, contact me.......dennisianlevy@yahoo.com