Expert: Garrett Fifer - 2/16/2009

Question
Hi Garrett, have you any advice on reasonably priced hotels in safe area of Bogotá?  I'll be there from 15-29 March, and am male British national who will be staying in hotel with my Colombian girlfriend.  Thanks.

Answer
Paul,
I can certainly help with this question, but of course it would be very helpful to know what is reasonable to you. There are dozens and dozens of hotels with more going up all the time. I've stayed at 4 different hotels and have visited 6 or 7 others. A good central area to focus on is between Calle 70 and Calle 101. That will keep you close to shopping and nightlife and most of it is reasonably safe.

I've stayed at la Boheme Royal, which was reasonable at the time and with good location for shopping and night life. Rooms were nothing special, but certainly good enough. The Andino Royal is virtually the same, perhaps a little better.

I've stayed at the Metrotel... I think the name is Metrotel Bogota Plaza Royale or something long and drawn out. It was very good. The location was ok. Safe, but you'll need a taxi to go out. It used to be the Hotel Von Humboldt.

I spent a night at the Intercontinental Tequendama several years ago and was not impressed.

I've visited the Embassy Suites, Bogota Plaza, Parkhouse 101, and Casa Dann Carlton and can recommend them all. There are several Dann Carltons in the city, but this one is on Calle 94. The Dann Colonial in the Candelaria I'm told is good, though a bit removed from the main nightspots.

Morrision Hotel is a 5 star hotel right in the Zona Rosa. I haven't been there, but it looks very nice. The location is good.

Casa Real Bogota is a nice and quiet place. It's also a few easy blocks from the Parque 93. I recommend it if its in your price range.

Most of these are in the area I suggested. I spend much of my time in the Centro, so if you need place in that area, I can give you more recommendations, though what I've given you are probably the best choices. If you go emerald shopping while you're here, I can introduce you to a trustworthy dealer I've dealt with several times.

Good luck and enjoy Bogota.