Hobu Hostel Bogota: The Modern Co-Living Space in Colombia’s Capital

Hobu Hostel is an oasis for travellers in Bogotá, especially those that live and work on the road. The stylish décor and high speed Internet throughout makes this the perfect location to explore Bogota from.

The infobox on Hobu Hostel ⭐

Hobu Hostel Bogotá opened in 2016. Located in a former residential home, they have a strong focus on co-living and co-working.

Interested how Hobu Hostels compares to other hostels in town?

Read our brand-new guide to the best hostels in Bogota, Colombia. All accommodations compared and put on a map.

We are Hostelgeeks, your independent gateway to the world’s unique hostels, the 5 Star Hostels.

All official 5 Star Hostels awarded by Hostelgeeks cover all the criteria of being sustainable, great design, unique, social vibes, and top-rated staff.

Here’s our guide to the best hostels in Colombia (put on a map – for easier planning).

Around Colombia and South America, you can visit amazing hostels:

• Casa Pavo Real in Palomino
• Pipe House Playa Grande in Costa Rica

We did also create a guide for the…

• Best hostels in Cartagena
• top hostels in Medellín – including Los Patios Hostel
• best hostels in Santa Marta
• best hostels in San Juan, Puerto Rico

Find all 5 Star Hostels in South and Central America.

Hobu Hostel Bogotá in a review

Hostelgeeks writers Simon and Eshe travelled around South America and checked the hostel scene.

They visited Hobu Hostel and brought us a bunch of photos and impressions of this unique hostel in Bogotá.

1. Home from Home

When you arrive late at night into a foreign country after 20 hours of travel, to find your luggage has gone missing, you can suddenly feel a million miles from home.

It was the most welcome then when the team and the building itself at Hobu Hostel instantly felt homely.

In fact, it started before we even arrived.

The hostel team had arranged a driver to meet us, and he stood at the arrivals with our names on a sign and a big smile on his face.

Their pick-up service is a convenient way to get stress-free to the hostel after a long trip.

After a 20-minute drive from the airport and we arrived at Hobu Hostel, situated in the Chapinero district of the city.

Whilst a majority of Bogotá hostels are in the more busy and touristy La Candelaria district, Chapinero connects this area and downtown well and offers much quieter streets – meaning very little late night noise.

Chapinero was once a very high-class part of town, and today is still a mix of upmarket residential property and businesses.

Converted to a hostel in August 2016 the building boozes’ character.

Originally a private residence, it has also served as a home for nuns, a rehab center and a cultural office.

Most of the products used in the kitchen are bought at the local markets, as they aim to support local business.

Their fruits, eggs and vegetables, come from the countryside areas nearby Bogotá (particularly Cundinamarca and Tolima).

The cleaning products are toxic free, environmental friendly and biodegradable.

They do also only use environmental friendly products.

The staff is from Bogotà. They can help you to book tours around the city. They work with local suppliers as well.

Take advantage of that!

Their knowledge of the area is wide. Do not hesitate to ask any question you might have.

2. Comfort and Care

In a city that is still fighting off a reputation as being unsafe, security is a focus.

The reception is manned 24/7.

The entry to the small garden at the front of the building requires you to ring a bell. They will come and unlock the gate to let you in – even if you are returning from a late night of partying.

Walking into the reception felt like walking into a classic old English house, the kind that charge high prices as bed and breakfasts across much of Southern England.

The original record of the house is from 1950.

In 2016, the property was restored, trying to print an industrial-minimalist style in a British classic house.

They aim to combine past and present.

The ornate blue doors lead into the hall where rich dark paneled wood walls and a spiral staircase with a carved railing leads upstairs to the rooms.

A simple desk in one of the two lounge areas acts as a reception desk and if you need to wait you can relax on a pristine and super comfy Chesterfield couch and even watch TV.

There are often football matches from around the world playing.

Thirsty?

Grab a beer or soft drink at their small bar, but do not fear, this is not a party hostel.

Check out the 7 types of hostels.

A second lounge has equally stylish and comfortable couches to relax on but mixed with the classy styling are pieces of upcycled furniture.

A coffee table is made from an old pallet, as is a pretty swing seat on the patio in the garden.

3. For the modern day Hobou

The signs described Hobu as

‘Hostel But Unique’

But there is more behind the name than a clever acronym.

Co-owner Andreas explains the passion behind the brand that he hopes will grow to different locations across Colombia and Latin America.

Tourism is still new in Colombia and whilst the people are friendly, good quality service is not common.

“We want Hobu to be a place that is known for its service. A place not only for backpackers but also for those who live a life on the road.”

– Andreas, Co-owner

There are many ‘Digital Nomads’ who work from a laptop as they travel, and Hobu is designed to offer comfort as well as being a place to work and live.

Co-staying, Co-working, Co-Living adorns their business cards.

In fact, Hobu is one of the best hostels in Bogotá for Digital Nomads.

The name came from this type of lifestyle, but the modern-day traveler is not the ‘Hobo’ transient of the past, hence the O was replaced with a U.

With high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the building, as well as several quiet areas to read or work, including a computer for guests to use, it certainly delivers on this promise.

On that note, here is a list of 46 things that makes a hostel stand out.

4. I am not a number

The hostel currently has space for 27 guests, split between five private rooms and dorms.

Though they are planning expansion on the top floor of the building which will be able to host 40 guests.

Attention has been put into giving the rooms character with names replacing numbers and touches such as cushions and stained-glass windows.

The dorm bunks were specially designed and built by a local steel company.

Suspended from the ceiling and able to support up to two tonnes apparently – I’m not sure how they tested this though and probably best not to ask.

Here is a guide to different hostel room types.

Each bunk also has individual electrical sockets for charging up your gadgets, connecting with the rest of the world or zoning out with a movie.

Linen and towels are provided and all areas of the bedrooms, shared bathrooms and whole property are kept spotlessly clean.

What about breakfast at Hobu hostel?

Whilst a tasty breakfast of delightful locally sourced fresh fruit, eggs, bread, juice and tea, coffee or hot chocolate is included in all rates, a fully functional and well-stocked kitchen is available for guests to cook at any time.

This affordable accommodation in Bogotá has multiple social areas:

• The main lobby
• the living room
• the dinning room
• the terrace at the second floor
• another little living room at the second floor

In case guests bring friends, they are allowed to be in the first floor of Hobu Hostel.

The bar service is until 11:00 pm, but they can help you to decide where to go to party next, in case you need it.

They do also offer social activities:

Every Tuesday they take guests to a local club, a great place to meet people around the world, party, learn and practice Spanish, or develop new friendships.

On Thursdays, they provide guest free entrance tickets to one of the best clubs of the city. Time to party if you feel wild!

Hobu Hostel Bogotá is not a party hostel, but if you are looking for party, they will give you all the information you might need.

They do also have direct contact with local companies which offer:

• Bike tours
• Walking tours
• Graffiti Tour
• National Park Chicaque tour

Simply ask.

The team will provide you plenty of information, as well as personalized recommendations.

5. Smiley happy people

It is fair to say all Colombians seem to be warm and welcoming, but that certainly applies to the Hobu team.

From the ladies that served breakfast to the manager and all the reception team, you are warmly greeted whenever you enter a room and nothing is too much for them.

One important thing for Hobu Hostel when they look for new staff is

“The curiosity and interest in the tourism sector”

And you can notice the staff is interested in tourism and do like to talk about their beautiful city.

Organizing transfers and recommendations on what to do are likely expected, but the team took even the time to chase our lost luggage with the airline.

They also gave us insight into more local, less touristy things to do during our stay.

If a party hostel in the center of it all is for you, then Hobu Hostel Bogotá may not be the best option.

But if you want quiet, comfort, character and charm, you’ve come to the right place. After all, this is one of the best hostels in Bogotá.

Read: full guide to best hostels in Bogotá, Colombia – on a map

Promo Code for Hobu Hostel

Fancy a promo code for Hobu Hostel? Who doesn't?!

Now, there is no easy way to say this: Currently we do not have a valid discount for Hobu Hostel. We are working on getting more promotional codes for Hobu Hostel in Bogota, Colombia and all the other top hostels we reviewed for you.

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