THE ARRIVAL: Bright, modern and airy, the AR Salitre, which opened in 2010, is one of the newest hotels in Bogota’s fast-growing Ciudad Salitre suburban area. It’s not within walking distance of much (and it’s a bit of a ride to the city center during the city’s infamous traffic jams), but it’s only about 10 minutes from Bogota’s El Dorado airport as well as the Corferias expo center. Huge windows, a stylish open fireplace and soothing colors and bright red accents set the tone in the lobby, where service is friendly and attentive.
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Guest rooms at the AR Hotel Salitre are spacious, with comfy beds. |
THE STYLE: The 199-room hotel is clean and bright; contemporary without being cold or overwhelming. My guest room was spacious and bright, with recessed lighting and a large window. I especially liked the hardwood floor, which adds to the spacious feel, and the sand and white colors, which are accented by a cheery, bright red chair. Space is used efficiently here, with a sand-colored desk and closet unit, a wall-mounted flat screen TV and a bathroom with large walk-in shower, divided from the sleeping area by an opaque glass wall. The bed was especially fluffy and comfy, and reminded me a bit of Crowne Plaza’s beds.
The bar at the AR Hotel Salitre sits next to the restaurant. |
THE AMENITIES: I enjoyed a satisfying and generously proportioned lunch of chicken breast, ripe plantains and baked potato in Kanka, the hotel’s sole restaurant. There is also a spa with a large relaxation pool (fee for usage) and a 24-hour gym, which is free for guests. I especially appreciated the complimentary WiFi, which works throughout the property (although when I lost service one night at 11pm, the on-site technician was already gone and no one could help me). I had difficulty ordering room service, as the number seemed to never be answered, although the front desk was able to take my order and send it to the restaurant for me.
The lobby at the AR Hotel Salitre. |
BEST FOR: Travelers looking for comfortable, modern accommodations near the airport, and business travelers looking for a well-equipped hotel with extensive meeting facilities (the hotel can host as many as 600 people in their convention space), or proximity to the Corferias expo facility.
RATES: $157.50 and up.
www.hotelesar.com