Colombia is home to an increasingly impressive array of creative hotel properties. Its sophisticated cities are an especially great place to check into hotels that have a decidedly artistic flair. As this South American nation continues to gain popularity with international travelers (arrivals are way up, year after year), we can likely expect to see more and more unique hotels in Colombia that cater to our most imaginative instincts when we’re globetrotting.
During my various reports, consulting work and visiting, I’ve discovered a bunch of interesting and cool places to stay. These aren’t your typical tourist-class cookie-cutter hotels, nor are they boring luxury hotels that could be anywhere. These are places that add to your visit, provide a sense of place and creativity, whether you’re on a Colombia vacation or a business trip.
Here are a few of the most interesting and coolest boutique hotels in Colombia.
Cool Hotels in Bogota
In Bogota, top choices include B.O.G., a member of the stylish Design Hotels consortium. Here, you’ll find interiors inspired by precious metals and gems, and the B.O.G. suite offers a panoramic view of the city. If you reserve directly through the hotel’s own Website and stay at least two nights, you can get a free airport transfer, too.
Another cool choice is Click Clack, which contrasts industrial decor elements with a 1950s-style burger joint and a lush vertical garden. This is the kind of place where you’d want to stay for a drink, to hang out and socialize.
Cool Hotels in Cartagena
This historic port city may be known for its landmark colonial architecture, but it’s also legendary for the quality of its boutique hotels. Consider a stay at Mansión Tscherassi, a fabulous hotel set in a restored 18th-century mansion in the historic city center. Its centuries-old architecture is well complemented by large, modern photographic works and plenty of artsy coffee table books.
More economically priced is Bantu Hotel by Faranda Boutique, which displays large artwork and lovely arts and crafts. Each of the guest rooms here is named, homey and unique.
Cool Hotels in Medellin
In Medellin, you can relax in interesting boutique hotels while enjoying the city’s famed perfect year-round climate. A logical choice for art lovers is the Art Hotel, where exposed brick is the backdrop for a variety of original modern art. Set in the upscale and tourist-popular El Poblado district, the hotel is well located for dining and nightlife.
Another noteworthy boutique hotel in Medellin is the Charlee, which has rooms with imaginative names and themes like “Aqua” (which has a Jacuzzi on the balcony) and “Spice” (where a Teppanyaki grill sits on the balcony).
In the neighborhood called La Candelaria, Hotel Gallery is an especially eye-catching choice for a Medellin vacation. In fact, a mural painting of giant eyes stare at you as you approach the building. The mural-covered facade is a hint at what lies inside. Most of this Medellin hotel’s guest rooms have oversized original art murals (with a different one in each room).
With so many interesting, artsy, hip and creative options in Colombia, why would you ever want to stay in a boring property? In this South American hotspot, it’s easy to make every visit special (even when you stay in Airbnb — check out my reviews of Colombia’s cool Airbnb apartments, too!).