Hotels in Bogota

I did a little research on hotels in Bogota...being our 3rd adoption, staying at 2 places, meeting other families at different hotels, talking to our Representative (through Bethany and Children's Home) I want to share with you what I have come up with (for Bethany or Children's Home families) because I think adoption agencies rely solely on adoptive families telling other families where to stay (and I personally think that the adoption agencies could do a much better job educating families on this). This is a long stay, whether 3 or 12 weeks, you want to enjoy this experience as much as possible!! The hotel is one of the biggest parts of your experience...and every family has different needs, telling each family to stay at the same place makes no sense...so, you need to ask yourself a few questions...

What's important? Fellowship with other families? Location? Luxary? Food? Amenities? Space? Good communication and time with your Representative? Cost?

Let's talk luxary...if this is the most important thing...I recommend Hotel Halifax or La Fontana. Halifax is located near park 93, has a nice little court yard, it was just remodeled so the rooms are very nice, the eating area very pleasant, many Danish families stay here. Park 93 is an awesome location, one of the better parks, walking distance to an upscale mall, American Resturaunts (TGI Fridays, Subway...) and you also can walk to Park El Chico which is one of the best parks in Bogota for kids. The negative...it's very loud at night, on a busy street with a lot of prostitution taking place. You will never see your Representiave (if through Bethany or Children's Home) because she does not like to drive and it is a ways away from her work/home. To me, the Halifax is overrated...but, if you want all the "Adoptive family" amenities of laundry, meals, room cleaning, and a newer place to stay, in a fun location...this would be your choice!

LaFontana is VERY nice! In a great location! But, you have to make all your meals, do your own laundry...if you want your space and do not want to connect with other families, this would be a good choice. The negative, your Represenative will have a difficult time connecting with you, as it's hard to get through the phones there, and if your stay goes longer than 6 weeks, I guarentee this is the most expensive option. Our Representative shared how a family recieved Sentencia and it took her 2 days to get a hold of them...

Hotel Paris is my personal favorite and our Representative's favorite for families to stay. If you want a convenient location that is quiet (er), I would strongly consider this. If you are looking at all for luxary, probably not your place. The staff is very experienced, having been here for years. It has great space compared to the other hotels, the food is top notch (unless the cook is on vacation), you can walk to anything from groceries, to play areas, to a great park (with sand boxes), the malls, if you stay here, you are guarenteed to see your Represenative more often, it is walking distance for her, and she is very good friends with the owner. The negative, it is one of the older hotels, but, although old, it is clean, and from the exterior it has no curb appeal. Like all the other hotels, some rooms much bigger than others, and you really have no say in what room you get if it's somewhat full. If you choose to stay here and have a toddler just crawling or learning to walk, I would try and request a room on the main floor...the flight of stairs is steep...

Hotel Zuetana (now have 3 of them) has a "homey" feel. We stayed their for 4 weeks with Silas. It, too, is in a good location to walk to resturaunts, grocery stores, parks...etc. It is smaller than the Paris and Lenthana but, the staff is very warm and genuine. The negatives...they have some issues with rain and mold...they had them 4 years ago and now. The kids play area is very small, and kind of gross. The food is very average, although their hot chocolate is top notch. It is more difficult for your Represenative to get to, so you will not see her as much, or have as much contact with her. It's on a busier street, so, you will hear cars and horns at night. They seem to offer a lot of amenities on their website like pedicure,nails, massage, etc...this you can get at any of the hotels if you ask.

Hotel Lenthana has a new owner. The previous owner was the Hotel Paris owner. It was known to be a place where all the Dutch stayed. It is smaller, more like Zuetana. The staff is newer, as Children's Hope Represenative just took it over, so, you would be staying with many families from the states and France. It's been updated, so, it will have a newer feel. The location is average, convenient to walk to groceries, parks, etc...but the mall may be a bit more of a hike. I've heard good things about it, but, I am the least educated on this hotel. Like Zuetana, you may seldom see your Represenative.

There are many more places, like Refugio, Betty's place, etc. All have a similar feel to Zuetana. Cost wise, Zuetana "appears" to be the cheapest. But, we learned when we were there that they have all these hidden costs, like bottled water, beer, "snacks." We found that we spent the exact same amount at Hotel Paris, and all drinks, whenever you want, all food, is included no extra charges on your bill. So, in the end, all the hotels probably would be within a few hundred dollars of each other, except La Fontana, between groceries, probably eating out more, laundry, even if the rate is cheaper up front, you will end up spending more)...

It may not sound fair that staying at a certain hotel you will see your Representative more, but, I understand why. She needs convenience. She is a very busy woman, working with many families at a time, it makes her life much easier if you are close by, and she knows she can contact you at any time. But, if this is not important to you, then stay at the place you want to stay...it's your journey with your little one (s)...you are spending all this money...choose the right place for you! Your Represenative will be totally fine with that! Hope this helps!!! Google these places and see for yourself!