Colombia (Lonely Planet, 5th Edition) - Jens Porup [56]
Hotel de la Ópera (Map; 336 2066; www.hotelopera.com.co; Calle 10 No 5-72; r incl breakfast COP$297,000-371,000, ste incl breakfast COP$434,000; ) La Candelaria’s poshest hotel – named for the leotard shows at Teatro Colón next door – features gracefully restored rooms of two historic Spanish-colonial townhouses enveloping two courtyards (it’s ‘totally colonial!’ to quote insistent staff). Higher-priced rooms get small balconies; the suites are sprawling with ornate details. Surprises include a tucked-away spa and swimming pool, and the superb top-floor Mirador restaurant. The hotel plans to add 15 more rooms by the time this book’s published.
CENTRO INTERNACIONAL
The center’s grubby loud blocks have several hotels – some pleasant enough – but we’ve focused on the nicer areas to the north in the Centro Internacional.
El Cafecito (Map; 285 8308; www.cafecito.net; Carrera 6 No 34-70; dm/s/d COP$20,000/30,000/50,000; ) Bogotá’s lone hostel outside La Candelaria is set up in a quaint neighborhood of red-brick English-style townhouses, nice but rather removed. The six dorms, a lone double and lone single have wood floors – all have shared bathrooms. There’s a nice 1st-floor restaurant too.
Hotel Baviera (Map; 320 3564; www.hotelbaviera.com.co; Calle 32 No 13-32; s/d incl breakfast COP$148,000/187,000; ) In a tower amid more towers, the friendly Baviera has 40 spacious apartments, with slightly dated furnishings, each comprised of a step-in kitchen, sitting area with balcony and small bedroom. There’s a communal gym and sauna for guests to use.
Residencias Tequendama (Map; 381 3700; Carrera 10 No 27-51; old/renovated apt incl breakfast COP$290,000/385,000; ) Peso-per-quality-point, the towering Residencias’ apartment-style rooms get our nod over its more famous cousin Tequendama next door, despite a bit of a hodgepodge vibe that may stem from its owners: the military. Only go with renovated rooms.
Hotel Tequendama Crown Plaza (Map; 382 0300; bogha@interconti.com; Carrera 10 No 26-20; s/d from COP$445,000/890,000; ) Bogotá is in love with this historic, overpriced hotel, with 578 rooms. We’re less smitten, but it’s fine.
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Northern Bogotá
If you understand ‘per diem’ without blinking – ie are here on business – or are used to the high life, you may be best served by the hotels scattered north of Calle 65, many of which are within walking distance of the lively scene of Zona G, Zona Rosa or Parque 93. There are many more not listed here, on and north of Calle 100 (aka ‘the financial district’) as well as the swank chain Hoteles Royal (www.hotelesroyal.com).
ZONA G
Casa Falcon (Map; 211 0941; jcartagena64@gmail.com; Calle 69 No 11A-64; s/d incl breakfast COP$72,000/103,000; ) Steps from the TransMilenio ‘Flores’ stop – and a rare cheapie up north – the OK 12-room Falcon is a bit like the dated budget hotels of La Candelaria.
La Casona del Patio (Map; 212 8805; www.lacasonadelpatio.net; Carrera 8 No 69-24; s/d incl breakfast COP$95,000/127,000; ) This lovely guesthouse has eight rooms with a TV/computer room overlooking the cute namesake ‘yellow patio.’ Rooms are pleasant with wood floors and picture-themed for area attractions. Avoid ‘Monserrate’ though – it’s above the neighboring restaurant, which gets loud on weekend nights (no sleep till 2am!). No laundry service.
Casa Medina (Map; 217 0288; www.hoteles-charleston.com, in Spanish; Carrera 7A No 69A-22; r incl breakfast COP$600,000-660,000, ste COP$700,000-840,000; ) Set up in a richly colonial style building – only built in 1945 (with a slightly less-atmospheric ’90s annex in back) – Casa Medina’s mix of 58 rooms make it easily one of Bogotá’s finest hotels, with a chic tweak to colonial gems like ornate wood-carved wall panels and ceiling beams. Try for suites with fireplaces.
ZONA ROSA & PARQUE 93
Hotel Charlotte (Map; 218 1625; Carrera 15 No 87-94; s/d incl breakfast COP$207,000/256,000; ) Between Zona Rosa and Parque 93, this recently spruced up 50-room mod-styled hotel overlooks a leafy CicloRuta path and has three cozy cafes