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Best Hotels in Colombia

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About Colombia

Colombia has a diversity of landscape, climate and culture which should make it one of the world's most popular travel destinations. Its jungles, including large swathes of the Amazon, are some of the world's least explored places, hiding ancient temples and astounding ruins, while its cities offer both the grace of their colonial heritage and the vibrancy of modern South America. This variety is reflected in Colombia's hotels, posadas and hostals - from luxury through boutique and budget - there are a range of great places to stay in Colombia for every taste.

Its mountains, too, are magnificent - perfect for both trekkers and skiers, and its beaches wouldn't seem out of place in a Caribbean travel brochure, with whale watching, diving and surfing opportunities. In short, Colombia is a paradise. The deterrent for most visitors has been its history of drug cartels and violence, but this is changing, so use our guide to the best places to stay in Colombia and take the opportunity to experience this paradise before it becomes too mainstream!

If you find the climate of Bogota a bit too fresh, drive for an hour down the mountains to where it's warmer. Lower still are the lush jungles, coffee plantations and the Reserva Natural Canon de Rio Clara, just one of many beautiful Colombian reserves. This is a great spot for anyone who wants to get into Colombia's great outdoors and do some hiking or kayaking. The coastline is tropical - almost right on the equator, and things are naturally more languid here and happen at their own pace. Beautiful Cartagena is probably the country's best known destination, and it remains one of the best places to stay in Colombia. Once an important and wealthy port on the gold and silver trade routes, Cartagena boasts a wealth of colonial architecture and a charming walled old town, amply deserving of its Unesco World Heritage status.

Colombia's cities and towns

  • Bogota, Colombia's capital, is a huge place. And like most major cities, you can find most of the top attractions in the central area. As well as all the cultural sights, Bogota has stunning botanical gardens and a lively cafe, bar and restaurant scene.
  • Many claim that Cartagena is the jewel in Colombia's crown, and we'd certainly recommend a stay here! In addition to its stunning UNESCO World Heritage Listed old town, you can also take advantage of its location on Colombia's Caribbean coast. There are some excellent colonial townhouse hotels to stay in here.
  • For wild, joyful partying, Cali is the place to be. Warm, tropical and full of salsa and dancing, in Cali it's considered reasonable to want to dance until dawn every night of the week - perhaps one of the best places to stay in Colombia for an inpromptu party! There are a couple of chic places to stay we can recommend here.
  • Manizales is a student city with a lot of universities and not only has some beautiful public artworks lying scattered around, amazing coffee, but some of the coolest nightclubs in Colombia.
  • Just to the south, Pereira is a fast-paced commercial centre that also has a thriving bar and club scene. Though it has few attractions, it is near thermal springs, colonial towns and the Los Nevados National Natural Park.
  • Villa de Levya is great for exploring the pre-Colombian past of the region, the Muisca Civilisation: there are burial mounds, sacred sites and ancient monuments on the outskirts of town that are worth exploring, and the town itself seems as if caught in a time lapse of the 16th century.

Rural Colombia

  • If you want to escape to the countryside, then Anapoima and Nobsa should be high on your list. An Arcadia used as a weekend escape by wealthy Colombians, Anapoima has a lovely climate, rolling foothills, some amazing gourmet restaurants, golf clubs and an incredibly friendly community. Nobsa is a charming little town, surrounded by mountains. It is the spiritual home of the "ruana" garment, traditionally worn by the Muisca peoples, and they manafacture it here to an extremely high standard working only by the loom.
  • If you want adventure sports and the great outdoors, Tobia is a great choice. Though often overlooked in favour of San Gil, it is quickly making a name for itself as the capital of adventure sports in Colombia: whether it's white water rafting, rappelling, hiking, absailing or mountain biking. There's an excellent riverside guesthouse we recommend here.
  • If you're looking for Colombia's colonial charm, look no further than Mompos. Though it is a trek getting there, down dirt tracks that wind through jungle, it is perfectly preserved in time, where colonial buildings far outnumber anything remotely modern. Indeed, mule-driven carts still outnumber cars here! There's a good choice of historic and colonial properties to stay in here.

Colombia's beaches

  • For wide white-sand beaches, you have a great variety to choose from. Buritaca and Santa Marta both lie on the Caribbean Sea and are great for lounging with a cocktail and bathing in the sunshine. Both are near the Lost City, known as Ciudad Perdida, built by a civilisation that preceded the builders of Machu Picchu, where you can trek with a professional guide through the jungle. Between them they offer a choice of laid back beach cabana resorts and townhouse boutique hotels.
  • Providencia, however, is without a doubt the place to be. A tiny island that's essentially a tropical paradise, it is laid-back, unknown by the tourist industry and has some of the best places to go snorkelling in the region, if not the world, owing to the fact that it lies just by the world's third largest coral reef.

Use our guide to the best places to stay in Colombia and start to plan your South American adventure!

The Best Places to Stay in Colombia

City vibes - Bogota

  • B.O.G. Hotel is in the historic centre and is well situated to all the major attractions of Bogota, from the Gold Museum to some of the cities best cafes. Plus it offers a great restaurant and fabulous roof top terrace with bar which serves great cocktails!
  • The design-led Casa Legada hits the nail on the head with simple elegant interiors, bold splashes of fab wallpaper, warm welcoming communal areas, and an excellent breakfast. The owner is also the interior designer - she's done an excellent job.
  • La Colina Hotel Cottage is an adorable cottage offering boutique accommodation with sustainability at its core. Decor is traditional with black Andean slate floors and wooden ceilings. All five rooms are lovingly decorated with contemporary artwork.

City vibes - Cartagena

  • Situated right in the heart of Cartagena's old town, you'll find that most of the city's best bits are easily walkable from Amarla Boutique Hotel. This seven room, intimate hideaway is also great for romantics with its adult-only policy, rooftop pool and terrace and excellent onsite Colombian restaurant.
  • Casa Pestagua is a palace of a hotel, built for an 18th Century Count, and it's often referred to as 'the most beautiful house in Cartagena'.
  • Nearby the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara used to be a convent, but with four bars and the largest pool in the city, it makes for a lovely stay.
  • Another highly popular place to stay here is the Hotel Aguamarina. The rooftop pool and terrace are very private, and with just four rooms, you may have it to yourself. With more of a traditional feel, the rooms have four-poster bed, high ceilings, and original features.
  • Hotel LM is an excellent small luxury hotel in Cartagena's most exclusive district. Housing just seven individually styled rooms, it's a beatiful mix of colonial charm and contemporary style. A picture pretty courtyard, complete with pool, is the perfect hangout, and the kitchen serves up excellent regional fare.

City vibes - Medellin

  • 574 Hotel is an excellent and great value hotel located in the heart of the El Poblado District. Rooms are bright and simply dressed with white linens and wicker accents; the best suite offers a private indoor jacuzzi. Enjoy a traditional Colombian breakfast at the hotel's Caimán Café terrace. A great city hotel choice.

Colonial time warp

  • The Portal de la Marquesa is in Mompos, set in an old colonial building overlooking the river, and just a few steps from the historic centre.
  • The Hotel Casa Terra in Villa de Levya, one of the best preserved colonial towns in Colombia, is a charming place with traditional and spacious rooms and a lovely garden.
  • The excellent Casa de Alba Hotel in Cartagena is located in a magnificent old colonial townhouse, fully renovated, its 12 rooms are bright and spacious, most boasting a spacious terrace or balcony. The historic sights are on your doorstep, as well as a great range of excellent places to dine.
  • Another Cartagena hotel highlight is Quadrifolio, a lovely and romantic manor house in the heart of the old town. Traditional understated elegance is the focus throughout the suites, with stone floors, wooden furnishings and all the mod cons. Great pool, spa and restaurant. Calm, simple and sophisticated. With just 8 rooms, it needs booking early.

Beach life

  • Eteka is a tropical island paradise 10 minutes boat from Cartagena. Popular with day-trippers, the beach lounge and hotel offers quaint cabanas to rest your head; think ethnic rugs, locally-made furniture and sea-blue shutters. Enjoy city views across the sea from a tree-house or hammock. Boho beach-resort.
  • With its own private beach, the Merecumbe Hotel in Buritaca makes for a delightful stay. Comprised of chic cabanas, it has an amazing restaurant and is the near the regional parks.
  • Another good Buritaca option is Gitana Del Mar. It's a secluded spot wedged between the jungle and a white sandy beach. Charming bungalows are all bamboo, white washed walls and simple, yet refined, design.
  • The Hotel Boutique Don Pepe in Santa Marta has elegantly refined rooms styled in a minimalist design, and guests have access to a fabulous spa and the hotel itself is short walk from the beach.

Hideaways

  • The six room Acqua Santa Lofts Hotel, just south of Cali, features contemporary, designer lodges offering great views. Each loft enjoys its own area of green garden space and there's also a salt water pool and spa treatments.
  • Casa Barichara combines two lovingly decorated holiday homes, offering guests privacy and the space to relax in traditional homes set in large gardens. Both homes come with outdoor swimming pools. Located in the town of Barichara, restaurants are within walking distance.
  • Hacienda Buenavista enjoys a rural setting in Quimbaya and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Enjoy privacy and space when you stay in one of their five individual suites and curl up in the library with a good book after a day out exploring. A first-rate countryside escape!

For an apartment or villa

  • Our partner Booking.com has a wide range of villas and apartments in Colombia.

Travel information

  • For international flights, Bogota and Cartagena are the best places to fly to. There are airports throughout the country for domestic flights. Buses regularly go from the airport terminals, even to far-flung places like Villa de Levya and Mompos, though some can only be reached by truck - which you can rent at the airport.
  • Many of the regions have their own specific microclimates, varying on altitude. As a rule of thumb, you should miss the rainy season, so travel during between December and March, particularly in the Andes region. Luckily, the weather remains fairly constant throughout, so the temperatures do not drop.
  • If you want to rent a car, contact our partner Rentalcars.

Still not sure?

See all » 45 hôtels in Cartagena

  • Oz Hotel Cartagena (Bocagrande) 55 rooms from £46

    Beach Life  -  Well positioned just a five minute stroll from El Laguito Beach and Bocagrande Beach
    Value chic  -  With chic modern rooms and good amenities, you are getting a lot for your money here
    Sights nearby  -  Located a 15-minute drive from the famous Castillo de San Felipe
    Restaurant  -  International and regional cuisine is served in the restaurant
    Air conditioningRestaurantDisabled access

    A smart modern hotel located just moments from the beach and within easy access of the historic centre. Rooms and suites are simple and stylish with soft hues, large windows, and clean lines. A restaurant serves regional and international cuisine. A well-priced and convenient stay. See More

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  • Hotel la Artilleria Cartagena 23 rooms from £67

    Local exploring  -  Well positioned to access sights such as Cartagena's Gold Museum, San Felipe de Barajas Castle and Bolivar Park
    Beach nearby  -  The beach is just a minutes walk away and the hotel provides beach towels
    Sights nearby  -  Go explore Bolivar House, Santo Domingo Square or the city walls-all of which are just a short walk away
    Swimming Pool  -  Indoor/outdoor
    SpaSwimming PoolNo pets

    This hotel is centrally located in Cartagena de Indias. It features incredibly spacious and simple white rooms and even has its own rooftop pool as well as a terrace. Make the most out of the fabulous location to explore every inch of this historic city. A great value stay with very friendly staff. See More

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See all » 7 hôtels in Bogota

  • La Colina Hotel Cottage Bogota (Suba) 5 rooms from £62

    City Style  -  Savour the atmosphere of one of Latin America's most exciting cities, Bogota, from this prime location
    Active Holiday  -  Explore the surrounding mountains from your hotel
    Sights nearby  -  Get to know the most iconic sights of Bogota via a walking tour
    Views  -  Great views from hotel
    SpaRestaurantGardenViewsParking

    An adorable cottage offering boutique accommodation with sustainability at its core. Decor is traditional with black Andean slate floors and wooden ceilings. All five rooms are lovingly decorated with contemporary artwork. The restaurant serves signature regional cuisine from a clay oven. See More

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  • Click Clack Hotel, Bogota Bogota (Bogotá) 60 rooms from £84

    City Style  -  An uber chic hotel complete with sleek bar and hip restaurant.
    Sights nearby  -  Take a tour to the famed Salt Cathedral.
    Designer  -  Uniquely designed interiors.
    Views  -  Great views from hotel
    RestaurantGardenViewsParkingNo pets

    An achingly hip hotel with an enviably central location. Rooms boast spectacular views from the floor to ceiling windows and design is chic yet light hearted. Boasting a trendy cocktail bar and superb restaurant this property is a step above other uniform hotels in the city. See More

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See all » 5 hôtels in Santa Marta

  • El Cactus Santa Marta 8 rooms from 82

    Local exploring  -  El Cactus serves as an ideal base from which to explore Santa Marta
    Romantic Break  -  This idyllic setting and adult-only hotel is perfect for couples
    Sights nearby  -  Discover this traditional Colombian town with many sights in walking distance including the ornate cathedral
    Swimming Pool  -  There is an indoor pool and an outdoor pool
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenNo pets

    A gorgeous boutique hotel with spacious rooms the best of which come with sun terraces and stunning views of Santa Marta. The decoration is bright and contemporary with whitewashed walls, crisp white linen and bathrooms featuring rain showers. The courtyard pool is the perfect place to relax. See More

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  • Casa Carolina, Santa Marta Santa Marta 25 rooms from £69

    Local exploring  -  Boasting a fabulous location next to San Francisco Monastery in Santa Marta's historic center.
    Restaurant  -  Eli's offers international dishes with a Colombian twist.
    Diving  -  Take a scuba diving course at nearby Taganga.
    Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor pool.
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenDisabled accessNo pets

    A boutique hotel boasting a quiet location in the historic centre and just a short walk from the beach. Characterful rooms feature exposed stone, beamed ceilings and brightly dressed beds. A fabulous spa will fulfil all pampering needs. The perfect jump off point to explore this wonderful region. See More

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See all » 5 hôtels in Medellin

  • 574 Hotel Medellin (El Poblado) 15 rooms from £32

    Local exploring  -  Located in the heart of the trendy El Poblado District, this hotel is in a great spot for local exploring in Medellín
    City Style  -  With chic, contemporary interiors and a pretty terrace, this hotel has lots of local style
    Romantic Break  -  Book the hot tub suite for a couple's getaway with added luxury
    Great walks  -  Wander through Pueblito Paisa, a replica of a typical turn-of-the-century Antioquia town located on located on Cerro Nutibarra
    Air conditioningRestaurantNo pets

    This boutique hotel is located in the heart of the El Poblado District in Medellín. Rooms are bright and simply dressed with white linens and wicker accents; the best suite offers a private indoor hot tub. Enjoy a traditional Colombian breakfast at the hotel's Caimán Café terrace. A chic city hotel. See More

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  • Sites Hotel Medellin (El Poblado) 60 rooms from £55

    Local exploring  -  Set in a quiet neighbourhood with close proximity to Medellín's main attractions, this hotel is a good base for local exploring
    Families  -  The self-contained apartments at this hotel are great for parents travelling with children; kids love the roof terrace pool, too
    City Style  -  Set in a stylish property in an attractive residential district of Medellín, this hotel has reams of city charm
    Sights nearby  -  Visit Pueblito Paisa, a replica of a traditional Colombian pueblito or little village; enquire at reception for a transfer
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets
    Recommended by  -  Great Small Hotels

    This contemporary hotel offers guests the opportunity to live like a local in one of Medellín's residential neighbourhoods. The purpose-built property offers lofts and apartments with chic wooden floors, a cosy sitting room and kitchenette, plus city views. Unwind at the rooftop pool; a smart hotel. See More

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See all » 5 hôtels in Villa de Leyva

  • Hotel Meson de Los Virreyes Villa de Leyva 30 rooms from £50

    Total relaxation  -  Relax in this gorgeous wellness centre offering a range of innovative massage therapies
    Romantic Break  -  Premium suites come with a private hot tub, the perfect place for a romantic getaway
    Sights nearby  -  The gorgeous lake, Pozos Azules, is a short walk away as is the town of Villa de Leyva
    Great walks  -  The stunning Iguaque National Park is nearby and has a range of great walks
    Air conditioningSpaSwimming PoolParkingNo pets

    A gorgeous colonial-style building with a traditional courtyard. Rooms are bright and spacious and some feature a balcony. There is an indoor and outdoor pool as well as a fully-equipped spa and gym. The restaurant serves regional cuisine in a romantic setting. See More

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  • Hotel Casa Terra Villa de Leyva 8 rooms from £65

    Sights nearby  -  Check out the Museo del Carmen which is situated in an old monastery and features a range of paintings and religious objects
    Local markets  -  Go visit the bustling farmer's market every Saturday morning in the centre of town
    Great walks  -  Hike around the absolutely stunning Iguaque National Park which is 5 miles away
    Full of character
    GardenParkingNo pets

    Hotel Casa Terra is located in the historic colonial town of Villa de Leyva. It features spacious rooms decorated in a traditional manner and a fabulous breakfast is served each morning. Relax in the garden with a book or take a leisurely stroll around town. An utterly charming and no-frills stay! See More

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See all » 4 hôtels in Mompós

  • La Casa Amarilla Mompós (Bolívar) 10 rooms from £47

    City Style  -  Situated in a heritage property in the colonial town of Mompós, this hotel has lots of local city style
    Romantic Break  -  Couples love the romantic suites at this heritage hotel; book a master suite for a private terrace
    Local exploring  -  With a prime, riverside location, this hotel is perfectly placed for local exploring
    Great walks  -  Explore the picturesque streets of the city with a riverside stroll; the hotel will happily provide an itinerary for you
    Air conditioningGardenPet friendlyViewsParking

    This hotel has a privileged riverside location in the historic Santa Bárbara Plaza in Mompós, Colombia. Guestrooms boast king-size beds, exposed beams and heritage-style furnishings; book the master suite for a terrace with river views. Unwind on the hotel's roof terrace; a charming heritage hotel. See More

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  • Hotel La Gloria Mompós (Santa Cruz de Mompox) 14 rooms from £52

    Local exploring  -  Set just two blocks from the historic centre ( a UNESCO World Heritage Site) — this is a convenient choice for city exploring
    Families  -  Family rooms easily accommodate four people with twin beds and a double bed while kids will love the outdoor pool
    Value chic  -  With chicly styled modern rooms and rates starting around the $60 mark — this is a reasonably priced stay
    Sights nearby  -  Visit striking historic sites such as the churches of San Francisco and Santa Barbara
    Air conditioningSwimming PoolParking

    A small modern hotel set just a short stroll from the historic centre. Rooms vary in size from twin rooms to spacious family suites. Each is simply styled with pale wood furniture, private balconies, and local artwork. There's a large outdoor pool and pretty courtyard areas. A well-priced crashpad. See More

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See all » 3 hôtels in Cali

  • Leclerc Hotel Boutique Cali 11 rooms from £39

    Business meetings  -  Leclerc Hotel Boutique offers meeting and banquetting facilities for businesses looking to host an event in Cali
    City Style  -  Sample the energy and atmosphere of Cali, one of Colombia's most populous cities
    Sights nearby  -  Discover the sights of Cali, Saint's Peter Cathedral, the Pan-American Park and many more, are within walking distance
    Lively area  -  In the thick of the action.
    Air conditioningGardenNo pets

    Leclerc Hotel Boutique offers guests cosy rooms with traditional furniture as well as modern amenities such as coffee machines. There is a garden and sun terrace to relax in and an exceptional buffet breakfast. A good range of restaurants and bars are within walking distance. A charming stay. See More

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  • Casa del Alferez Cali 62 rooms from £71

    City Style  -  A hip hotel complete with terrace bar close to the lively centre of Cali.
    Value chic  -  A great stylish stay at a great price
    Sailing  -  Take a river cruise, starting right from outside the hotel, and admire the city's architecture.
    Romantic  -  Good for couples.
    RestaurantDisabled accessParkingNo pets
    Recommended by  -  Small Luxury Hotels

    A chic hotel well located in the heart of Cali. Elegant rooms feature polished wooden floors, sash windows, light hues and contemporary art. A hip terrace bar is the ideal start to an evening. Feast on exquisite fare in the fine-dining restaurant. The perfect base for exploring the city. See More

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