Most travelers only spend a day or two in Bogotá. It’s not considered a highlight of Colombia and is overlooked by most travelers.
I think that’s a mistake.
I really enjoyed my time in Bogotá. The city hasn’t experienced as much gringofication as other cities in the country, so it felt the most Colombian to me. I even stayed longer than planned because I liked it so much!
Where you stay in the city (and which hotel you stay in) will have a big impact on your trip, though. Not all parts of the city are safe and not all hotels here are the same.
To help you make the most of your visit, here’s my list of the best hotels in Bogotá:
1. Magdalena Guest House
This budget-friendly guesthouse is located in La Candelaria, the historic center of the city. The hotel is really cozy, with a small garden area and courtyard, a cozy lounge, a resident cat, and lovely hosts who do everything to make you feel at home in Bogotá. There’s also a kitchen that guests can use.
The rooms are simple and minimalistic, but still cozy, with parquet floors and unique art on the walls. The bathrooms are what really make the rooms stand out. I love the colorful tile floors and walk-in showers. The water is always hot and has good pressure (which isn’t always the case in this area). There are also free toiletries and the beds are really comfortable. All of the major attractions in Bogotá are within walking distance, so if you plan on spending a lot of time sightseeing, stay here.
2. HAB Hotel Bogotá
Located 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 housed in this large historic mansion. The entire building is incredibly stylish, with an outdoor patio full of plants, a rooftop terrace, and a 24-hour fitness center. It even has its own restaurant/bar with ingredients from its own production, serving delicious breakfasts in the morning and great cocktails in the evening.
The spacious rooms have parquet floors and large windows that let in plenty of light (though I appreciate that there are blackout curtains if you want to block out the light). All rooms have high-quality mattresses, a desk, a minibar, a flat-screen TV, and a safe. The sleek bathrooms are lined with stunning black tiles and include free luxury toiletries. It’s a tranquil oasis in one of the coolest neighborhoods in the city.
3. Casa Legado
The five-star Casa Legado in Quinta Camacho is an exceptional hotel, beautifully designed in a mid-20th century style. Each of the 13 rooms is unique; some have a balcony and others have a garden view. All rooms have a fun and playful vibe with accents like colorful wallpaper, green plants, hardwood floors, fireplaces, and beautifully tiled bathrooms with large walk-in showers. The bright and spacious rooms also include a work desk, flat-screen TV with streaming services, and a safe.
I especially love all the extras here. There’s a free breakfast, bikes for guests, a peaceful courtyard, and a tour desk to help you organize activities. I would 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 neighborhoods.
4. Avani Royal Zona T Bogotá Hotel
Located in the heart of Zona Rosa (also known as Zona T), the city’s main shopping and entertainment district, this four-star hotel is a stylish, modern property with spacious rooms that feature a minimalist design. The beds are large and comfortable, and the rooms also include a minibar, mini fridge, flat-screen TV, coffee/tea maker, and work 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 small side, but the water pressure is fine and there are free toiletries.
There’s also a fitness center, a delicious breakfast buffet with fresh fruits, breads, meats, and cereals, and very attentive staff to ensure you have a pleasant stay. Pets are also welcome here, and there’s free parking onsite. The combination of amenities and location really can’t be beat here.
5. Hotel 5 Elementos Apartasuites
This three-star hotel combines the benefits of a hotel stay with those of an apartment. All units are full-fledged apartments with their own kitchens. While I find the decor a bit dated, there are gorgeous hardwood floors throughout, and the rooms also include a sitting area, desk, flat-screen 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 free breakfast is great, and I especially like that they make eggs to order. There’s also an on-site fitness center, as well as a business center and a relaxing outdoor garden. It’s not a super central location, but it’s easy to get to downtown and the airport from here. Overall, it’s a great choice for families or groups who want more space.
6. Grand Hyatt Bogotá
If you really want to splurge (or maybe spend a few Hyatt points), there’s nothing more luxurious than this five-star hotel. The Grand Hyatt is home to the largest urban spa in Latin America, with a stunning indoor pool, sauna, hot tub, treatment rooms, and a fitness center with personal trainers. There are also two restaurants, a cocktail bar, and a snack bar. They also serve an exceptional breakfast in the morning.
The rooms and suites are bright and airy thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows. I love that every room has stunning views, either of the Andes or the city itself. They boast a modern, minimalist design and include a desk, Nespresso coffee machine, mini fridge, 50-inch flat-screen TV, and safe. The bathrooms are huge and have 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 from the historic center (it’s in the business district, about 20 minutes away by Uber). 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 the city, and by staying at one of the hotels above, you can be sure you’ll have a fun, safe and affordable stay in Colombia’s vibrant capital.