Discover Bogotá’s Pay-by-the-Day Lodgings: Accommodation from 10,000 Pesos per Day

In Bogotá’s urban landscape, pay-by-the-day lodgings are a housing solution for many people. These accommodations offer affordable rates starting at 10,000 pesos a day. However, residents’ quality of life is marked by numerous challenges.

The situation of people who live in these spaces is alarming. An estimated high percentage of them eat only twice a day, raising serious concerns about food security.

Visits have been made to several parts of the city, including Santa Fe and Chapinero, to learn about the conditions in which these residents live. These visits have brought to light stories of struggle and survival.

Inside Bogotá’s pay-by-the-day lodgings: Rates can be as low as 10,000 pesos a day

According to District figures, 74% of people living in these lodgings eat an average of two or fewer meals a day. This includes a significant number of children and older adults living in vulnerable conditions.

A report by the City TV channel clearly shows the realities faced by people who choose to live in pay-by-the-day lodgings. During its visit, the team interviewed Elvia, a Venezuelan woman who earns a living by selling goods on public transit. She shared her experience, saying that she pays 10,000 pesos a night for a place to live in the Santa Fe district.

Images of Elvia’s room paint a bleak picture: the space is small, lacks amenities and has little more than a closet for her belongings and a small area for cooking. Everyday life here is a constant challenge, with each day crucial to survival.

Elvia says her daily menu is quite basic: “I eat twice a day because I get up early. I make myself chicken soup or soup with giblets, with some bread and a cup of black coffee. Whatever is left over from lunch, I have for dinner.” Her account shows how she adapts to a difficult situation in which food becomes a luxury that is often out of reach.

Pay-by-the-day lodgings are more than just places to live; they reflect a broader problem in which poverty and a lack of opportunities are intertwined. A study by cadastral engineers Dana Núñez and Indira Cubillos of Universidad Distrital found that low levels of education and a lack of access to formal employment are the main barriers preventing residents of these places from finding more stable and secure housing.

Living conditions and everyday challenges

Living conditions in many of these buildings are poor. As a reporter noted in the report, the buildings “smell of damp and cigarettes,” and the images shown reveal the clear deterioration of the walls and common areas. These factors not only affect residents’ quality of life but also their physical and mental health.

The reality of pay-by-the-day lodgings shows how Colombia’s economic and social crisis affects its most vulnerable citizens. As the cost of living continues to rise, these accommodations are becoming increasingly common among people who cannot afford to rent a conventional apartment.

• Limited space: Rooms are usually tiny, with little space or in the way of amenities.
• Hygiene: A lack of maintenance and general deterioration are evident.
• Inadequate nutrition: Most residents cannot access enough nutritious food.

The phenomenon of pay-by-the-day lodgings is not limited to Bogotá; it is also found in several other cities across the country, where the housing crisis is worsening by the day. This highlights the need for public policies to improve these communities’ living conditions by promoting access to decent housing and creating employment opportunities.

What the future holds for pay-by-the-day lodgings

The situation surrounding pay-by-the-day lodgings in Bogotá demands urgent attention. The combination of a high cost of living and low wages makes these accommodations an option for many, despite the difficult conditions they face. Improving the quality of life of those who live in them is essential to the future of these people and the city as a whole.

The story of Elvia and other residents of pay-by-the-day lodgings should serve as a wake-up call for the authorities and society at large. In a country where inequality and poverty are plain to see, it is vital to put effective strategies in place to help these citizens move toward a more dignified life.

Meanwhile, the daily struggle of people living in pay-by-the-day lodgings continues. Each person has their own dreams and aspirations, and hopes that one day they will achieve the stability that remains out of reach today. These temporary housing spaces are more than just a place to sleep; they reflect human resilience in the face of adversity.

It is therefore essential to encourage discussion and raise awareness about pay-by-the-day lodgings and their residents, in order to bring about real and lasting change in the lives of these people in Bogotá and other cities across the country.