During my recent visit to Bogota on assignment for Passport Magazine, I stayed at the Sofitel Victoria Regia, one of the top luxury hotels in Colombia‘s capital. This is a review of my stay. Be sure to check out the hotel tour video I made with my iPhone — it started out well but ended in disaster as I exploded a giant glass candle holder in the lobby! (Video also appears below.)
THE AMBIANCE: Classic elegance runs throughout this upscale Bogota hotel, which is named after a Colombian flower. The elegant style is immediately evident when you pull up to the handsome brick building, greet the top-coated doorman and view the grand staircase that dominates the main lobby. Located near the popular restaurants and nightlife of La Cabrera and Zona T, yet far enough to be peaceful. Service here is polite and attentive. Named after a Colombian water lily, the Sofitel Victoria Regia is graced with fresh flowers in public spaces and guest rooms, and has only 102 rooms, providing an uncrowded, tranquil refuge from bustling Bogota.
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GUEST ROOMS: I stayed in room 204. Rooms are not overly large but are handsome, tastefully decorated and well equipped. My room had a large, wall-mounted TV, a work desk, bottled water, safe deposit box, hair dryer, iron, iPod dock, and an open-washroom concept, with sink open to the sleeping area, and a separate water closet that’s lined with marble and has a large shower. Guest rooms are accented with reproductions of gold artifacts, similar to what you see in Bogota’s world-famous Museo de Oro (Gold Museum). It’s a very nice decorative touch that’s especially appropriate here, since the gold museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city.
For extra luxury, splurge on the Club Millesime or Club Sofitel rooms, which provide additional benefits including access to the Club Lounge.
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HOTEL FEATURES: The lobby of the Sofitel Victoria Regia is the undisputed central feature of the hotel, and hosts original art exhibitions, which change every two months and debut with an opening reception. The artwork also extends into the small and attractive restaurant, which serves three meals a day. I enjoyed a delicious daily breakfast there, which included especially good fresh bread.
Guests can also join the hotel’s “Jazz y Vino” (jazz and wine) event, which takes place every Tuesday and Thursday.
On the far side of the reception desk is a small library lounge, which is lined with books and has comfortable seating and a computer as well. Meeting rooms are just down the hall.
The Sofitel also has a small but well-equipped gym and spa, and plans to open a new rooftop terrace later this year.
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BEST FOR: Upscale travelers looking for elegant style, good service and an enviable location in La Cabrera, within walking distance to various dining, nightlife and shopping options.
WEBSITE: http://www.sofitel.com/gb/hotel-0561-sofitel-bogota-victoria-regia/index.shtml