You'll feel like you're in a hostel in one of the private rooms at Happy Buddha Boutique Hostel.
The words “glam” and “hostel” don’t seem to mix, but Happy Buddha Boutique Hostel, located in the heart of Poblado, does just that, aiming to please travelers who seek luxury and style, but who are also frugal-minded.
It is the first place in Colombia that mixes your favorite qualities of a hotel and a hostel, in one location.
This 3-year-old renovated boutique hostel features:
Dorms start at 30,000 pesos (about $16) per night per person. Private rooms start at 110,000 pesos (about $57).
The price at the Happy Buddha also includes a great breakfast — eggs, toast and sausage, and on the weekends, calentado, the popular mix of rice and beans that’s a staple in Colombia.
Tree Bar is actually what drew me to the hostel in the first place. This fun bar is open to everyone, whether they’re staying at the hostel or not.
The bar overlooks Via Provenza, one of the trendiest streets in Medellín that is home to or near some of the most popular locales in the city, such as Bogotá Beer Company and the Santo Baile dance studio.
As I sat there, I noticed how clean and organized the hostel is, so much so that there is a shine to it.
Some people were playing pool, some playing beer pong, others just enjoying a drink and getting to know the locals.
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There is a blackboard near the reception area that spells out events for each night, everything from a free salsa class (with free shots for those who dance) on Wednesdays to unlimited happy hour drinks if you wear a costume on Thursdays. Only on Sundays is there a day of rest.
The staff, dressed in sharp uniforms, is really friendly and makes you feel right at home.
I later learned that the employees receive full benefits and were trained by a seasoned hospitality veteran on how to handle the 100-plus savvy travelers who fill this place nightly.
Maybe the best part of the Happy Buddha is this: as great as it already is, it’s going to only get better.
Another Happy Buddha will open this year in Guatapé, with over 80 beds, a floating lakefront bar, a massive infinity edge pool, and a vast array of water sports. (Editor’s note: Book your stay at the Guatapé location here.)
The hostel was inspired by Luna’s Castle, a hostel in Panamá City.
The owners noticed a trend of boutique hostels in Europe, the United States, and elsewhere, and they wanted to bring that to Colombia.
As they like to say: “We’re pioneering a new segment in the hospitality industry.”
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This post was brought to you by Happy Buddha Boutique Hostel and Tree Bar.
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wow nice boutique hotel! Do you recommend to book in advance ?
The Happy Buddha declined my request for accommodation on 02/11/16. I am a man of African decent, but born in the UK.I had requested accommodation for 03-07 November. The man at the reception told me that the 10 bed dorm was not available for that period. This was contrary to the hostel booking websites, and what I was told by a person that is currently staying there. I am trying to obtain the head office contact details to gather their views, but I have not had any luck. Therefore I have 2 questions is, does the Happy Buddha have a colour bar, and is this something of what anyone has been aware, and the other question, is, does anyone have any idea where the head office is located?
Thanks in advance