Accommodation will always be one of your biggest travel expenses…but what if it wasn’t? What if you could reduce the cost of your accommodation to zero while still enjoying the comforts of home? That’s what house swaps promise. House swaps have been around for decades. It was the entire premise of the movie The Holiday (starring Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet). They became all the rage but then were soon eclipsed by sites like Airbnb. But as travel prices skyrocketed post-COVID, more and more people have turned back to house swaps as a means of saving money while they travel while still getting a local experience (but without the hassle of an Airbnb). House swaps are exactly what they sound like. You sign up, list your home, and then swap with someone else in another city. They stay in your place and you stay in their place. The biggest and most popular platform for swaps is HomeExchange . And, in this post, I’ll go over everything you need to know to get started with a house swa...
Posted: 6/4/24 | June 4th, 2024
Most travelers only spend a day or two in Bogotá. It’s not considered a highlight of Colombia and usually gets overlooked by most travelers.
I think that’s a mistake.
I actually loved my time in Bogotá. The city hasn’t seen as much gringofication as other cities in the country, so it felt the most Colombian to me. I even ended up staying longer than intended because I liked it so much!
However, where you stay in the city (and the hotel you stay in) will greatly impact your trip. Not all parts of the city are safe, and not all hotels here are created equal.
To help you make the most of your visit, here’s my list of the best hotels in Bogotá:
1. Magdalena Guest House
This affordable guest house is in La Candelaria, the city’s historic center. The place is really homey, with a little garden area and inner courtyard, a comfy lounge, resident cat, and lovely hosts who go out of their way to make you feel at home in Bogotá. There’s a kitchen that guests can use too.
The rooms are basic and minimally decorated yet cozy, with parquet floors and unique art on the walls. The bathrooms are where the rooms really shine though. I love the brightly colored tiled floors and walk-in showers. The water is always hot and has good pressure (not always the case in this neighborhood). There are free toiletries too, and the beds are really comfortable. All of the main things to do in Bogotá are within walking distance, so if you want to spend a lot of your time seeing the sights, stay here.
2. HAB Hotel Bogotá
Situated on a quiet residential street in trendy Chapinero, this chic four-star hotel offers luxury amenities at mid-range prices. I love that it’s set in this grand historic mansion. The entire place is incredibly stylish and offers an outdoor terrace filled with plants, a rooftop patio, and a 24/7 fitness center. It even has its own farm-to-table restaurant/bar that serves a delicious breakfast in the mornings and great cocktails in the evenings.
The spacious rooms have hardwood floors and huge windows that let in a lot of light (though I appreciate that there are blackout curtains for when you want to block it out). All rooms feature high-quality mattresses, a desk, minibar, flatscreen TV, and a safe. The sleek bathrooms are covered in stunning black tile and include complimentary luxury toiletries. It’s a calm oasis in one of the city’s coolest neighborhoods.
3. Casa Legado
Located in Quinta Camacho, the five-star Casa Legado is an exceptional hotel that’s beautifully designed in a mid-20th century style. Each of its 13 rooms is unique; some have balconies, and others garden views. All rooms have a fun and playful vibe, with accents like brightly colored wallpaper, leafy plants, hardwood floors, fireplaces, and beautifully tiled bathrooms with large walk-in showers. The bright and spacious rooms also have a desk, flatscreen TV with streaming services, and a safe.
I especially love all the perks here. There’s complimentary breakfast, bikes for guests’ use, a tranquil inner courtyard, and a tour desk to help you organize activities. I’d stay here if you’re a foodie looking for luxury, as this neighborhood has the highest concentration of fine-dining restaurants in the city. It’s also one of the safest districts.
4. Avani Royal Zona T Bogotá Hotel
This four-star hotel is in the heart of Zona Rosa (also known as Zona T), the city’s main shopping and entertainment district. It’s a stylish, modern property with spacious rooms that embrace a minimalist design. The beds are large and comfortable, and rooms also include a minibar, minifridge, flatscreen TV, coffee/tea maker, and desk. The rooms are also well soundproofed, which is a plus since you’re staying in a popular area known for its nightlife. The bathrooms are on the smaller end, but the water pressure is decent and there are complimentary toiletries.
There’s also a fitness center; a mouthwatering buffet breakfast with fresh fruit, bread, meats, and granola; and a very attentive staff who will ensure you have a comfortable stay. It’s also pet friendly and has free on-site parking. You really can’t beat the combination of amenities and location here.
5. Hotel 5 Elementos Apartasuites
Combining the benefits of staying in a hotel with renting an apartment, all units at this three-star property are full apartments with their own kitchens. While I find the decor a bit dated, there are gorgeous hardwood floors throughout and rooms also have a seating area, desk, flatscreen TV, coffee maker, and even a laptop safe. The bathrooms aren’t huge but the showers are a decent size and feature colorful tiles (as well as good water pressure).
The complimentary breakfast is great, and I especially like that they make eggs to order. There’s also a fitness center on-site, as well as a business center and a relaxing outdoor garden. It’s not a super central location, but it’s easy to get downtown and to the airport from here. Overall, it’s a great choice for families or groups who want more space.
6. Grand Hyatt Bogotá
If you’re looking to really splurge (or maybe you have some Hyatt points to spend), you can’t get any more luxurious than this five-star hotel. The Grand Hyatt is home to the largest urban spa in Latin America, featuring a stunning indoor pool, a sauna, a hot tub, treatment rooms, and a fitness center complete with personal trainers. There are also two restaurants, a cocktail bar, and a grab-and-go market. There’s an exceptional breakfast available in the mornings too.
The rooms and suites are bright and airy thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows. I love that every room has an epic view, either overlooking the Andes or the city itself. They boast a contemporary, minimal design, and include a desk, Nespresso coffee maker, minifridge, 50” flatscreen TV, and a safe. The bathrooms are huge, with double sinks, a marble bathtub, and a shower with excellent water pressure. The only downside to this hotel is that it’s a bit far out of the historic center (it’s located in the business district about a 20-minute Uber ride away). But if you want luxury, this is the hotel for you.
Bogotá is one of my favorite cities in Colombia. It’s worth taking the time to explore. And by staying in one of the hotels above, you’ll ensure you have a fun, safe, and affordable stay in Colombia’s vibrant capital city.
Book Your Trip to Colombia: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
- Safety Wing (for everyone below 70)
- Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
- Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)
Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.
Want More Information on Colombia?
Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Colombia for even more planning tips!
Photo credits: 2 – Magdalena Guest House, 3 – HAB Hotel Bogotá, 4 – Casa Legado, 5 – Avani Royal Zona T Bogotá Hotel, 6 – Hotel 5 Elementos Apartasuites, 7 – Grand Hyatt Bogotá
The post The 6 Best Hotels in Bogotá appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.
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