Community engagement in Colombia: Hotel Casa Deco's pursuit of a brighter future
In the country of Colombia, in the city of Bogotá, in a neighborhood called La Candelaria,
a small boutique hotel is working toward big changes.
a small boutique hotel is working toward big changes.
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Not long ago, Colombia wasn’t a country for tourists. And not long ago, La Candelaria was definitely not an area for tourists. Situated on the edge of the struggling Egipto neighborhood in Bogotá's historical city center, it was home to both poverty and gang violence. But in recent years, with increased police presence and an influx of new business, the neighborhood, which is considered Bogota’s cultural and historic center, has been reborn. A sprinkling of hotels, hostels, and trendy restaurants have moved into the colorful colonial buildings that straddle the narrow cobblestone streets and beautiful murals have been graffitied against the empty storefronts in between. It’s an area still in transition, home to Bogota’s best museums and attractions, but with an earned reputation that takes time to overcome.
University buildings with Cerro De Monserrate in the distance
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The streets of La Candelaria
For visitors, the evolution of La Candelaria has provided an opportunity to stay in an eclectic bohemian neighborhood in the heart of Bogotá. For locals, the reaction to these changes has been mixed. Students from the nearby university provide young energy and support the new restaurants, bars, boutiques, and galleries. But some established community members oppose the influx of tourists, the noise, and potential draw of more crime that often comes with an increase in tourism.
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Enter Casa Deco Boutique Hotel. This small but established business is working to bridge the gap as an advocate for both tourism and the Candelaria community. An organization called La Rescate del Centro Historico y Tradicional de Bogotá has been formed to help shape the community during this period of rapid growth and members of the Casa Deco team are working hard to open the lines of communication and compromise. As an integrated member of La Candelaria, Casa Deco has also established community outreach programs.
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Hotel Casa Deco in the La Candelaria neighborhood of Bogotá
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The hotel donates its recyclables to local families for redemption, sources food from local markets, and collects gifts for community children during the holiday season. Every employee (part time and full time) receives health insurance, paid holidays, flexible hours, and English lessons.
“We’re trying to instill a sense of pride in working for the hotel and living in La Candelaria,” says Lina Mejia Baldión, who manages the hotel’s sustainability program.
“We’re trying to instill a sense of pride in working for the hotel and living in La Candelaria,” says Lina Mejia Baldión, who manages the hotel’s sustainability program.
Narrow cobblestone streets with trendy boutiques and galleries found in La Candelaria
“In a large city like Bogotá that attracts people from all over, it’s easy to lose ownership," says Mejia Baldión. "We believe the first step to a positive future, both environmentally and socially, is for our employees to have pride and ownership in where they live and work.”
Hotel Casa Deco serves as a reminder that sustainable travel is more than a lengthy list of environmental initiatives. It’s also about social responsibility: community support, employee education and the commitment to find creative solutions within the confines of an existing system. And in Colombia, it’s people and organizations like this that are driving communities like La Candelaria toward a brighter future. |
With a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, Hotel Casa Deco was recently awarded the TripAdvisor Green Leaders certification and the Certificado de Conformidad con Sello Para Servicio through the Colombian Ministry of Tourism. As part of Colombia’s efforts toward revitalization, the government has required all hotels and hostels to incorporate basic sustainability initiatives (such as recycling) into their operations. The Certificado de Conformidad con Sello Para Servicio certification is for those hotels which exceed these basic requirements. Hotel Casa Deco has been committed to the environment since the day it opened in 2008. All lights in the hotel are CFL’s, bed sheets and towels are only changed upon guest request, and recycling bins sit in each guestroom. Within the next year they will be changing all lights to LED's in an effort to further reduce energy consumption. Still, the focus on environmental sustainability and social responsibility is met with equal effort.
Brightly colored vibrant street art among tired buildings
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About Hotel Casa Deco
> Hotel Casa Deco opened in 7 years ago in a historic art deco style building that was built in the 1940’s
> The boutique hotel features 21 rooms, each themed with a different color
> Rates start at $67 USD/ night and include a delicious breakfast with fresh fruit juice
> For more information, visit www.hotelcasadeco.com
> Hotel Casa Deco opened in 7 years ago in a historic art deco style building that was built in the 1940’s
> The boutique hotel features 21 rooms, each themed with a different color
> Rates start at $67 USD/ night and include a delicious breakfast with fresh fruit juice
> For more information, visit www.hotelcasadeco.com
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