I will only recommend staying in the North side of town for any foreigner tourist. There are other places to stay, but if you want to be safe it might be worth paying a little more. This is probably not a useful travel review for backpackers. Trust me, leave the backpacking adventure for Europe instead of South America. I have said this many times but I will say it again: don't take the cabs on the street, always call for a service. If you don't have a phone, ask the front desk at the hotel or a cashier/waitress at a restaurant/store to call one for you. A common crime is "el paseo millonario" where a fake taxi picks you up, then the cab driver picks up someone else who is armed to take you to different ATMs in the City. I have several friends that have been victims. This is not just a bad press story. Also, be extra careful with your purse, wallet, camera. Avoid walking alone or at night. We have a saying that I use all the time "No de papaya" (don't give papaya) which means don't make it easy for someone else to fool you. In this case to rob you. I have read many times that Washington DC has a higher crime rate than Bogota. Use your common sense: don't show cash in public, carry your money in different pockets, be careful with ATMS, don't take candies from strangers, if you get sprayed or pinched run for help it is probably scopolamine (burundanga), and always call a cab. I might sound scary, but this is the only way to develop a common sense that you don't have when you grow up in a safe place. I have never had a bad experience, but I tend to be extra careful and maybe a little too careful.
Hotel Morrison
Located in my favorite area of town. This hotel is close to 3 shopping malls and the "T" which is a district full of restaurants and bars. You can see the location of the hotel here. I found a rate for August of USD 215.00. This rate varies depending on the type of room and if you do a 21 day advance purchase. The hotel is located next to a park. I might be paranoid, but please do not walk by the park after dark. All the parks that I remember when I lived in Colombia were scary after dark. Just imagine homeless, drugs, and no security. The rule to be safe when you travel is not to let people take advantage of you. Basically don't put yourself at risk.
Hotel Casa Medina
This is the hotel that most diplomats prefer to use. It is close to the embassies and it is also close to the "G zone" where you can find lots of upscale restaurants. The price is around $350 per night depending on the day. Weekends are usually lower since most guest are visiting Bogota for business. My friend Andi stayed here once, and I remember that the bedrooms were simple yet comfortable. They have drivers available (at an additional cost) to take you to the airport or around town.
Hotel Boheme Royal
This hotel is very well located and the rate is a little lower than the others (Around $160 per night).
Hotel La Fontana
This is a traditional hotel in Bogota. It is located north of the City. Probably as far north as you will go. It is close to Unicentro mall. The rate is around $170 per night.
Other recommended hotels:
Hotel Casa Dann Carlton
Average price found using www.hotels.com = $125
Hotel Santa Barbara Real
Average price found using www.hotels.com = $89 including breakfast.
Windsor House
Casa de la Opera
Located in the downtown district. Looks like a beautiful hotel. A friend recommended this place and she called it "magical". The downtown area is very nice, but I would prefer to stay somewhere else since most of the bars and restaurants are located in the north side of the City.
**If you find a good deal and you want to send me the address and the hotel name, I will be happy to help.
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