Colombia Travel Guide

Hotels & Accommodation

Complete guide to where to stay in Colombia — from luxury hotels to budget hostels and everything in between.

Where to Stay in Colombia

Colombia offers diverse accommodation options for every budget and travel style. Here's your complete guide.

Types of Accommodation

Luxury Hotels

  • Cost: $150-400+ USD per night
  • Best for: Special occasions, luxury travelers
  • Popular chains: Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, Four Seasons
  • Locations: Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena
  • Amenities: High-end furnishings, multiple restaurants, spa, concierge

Mid-Range Hotels

  • Cost: $60-150 USD per night
  • Best for: Most travelers seeking comfort and value
  • Amenities: Comfortable rooms, AC, private bathroom, pool, restaurant
  • Locations: Available in all major cities

Boutique Hotels

  • Cost: $80-200 USD per night
  • Best for: Travelers seeking unique, personalized experience
  • Highlights: Unique design, local character, personalized service
  • Popular in: Cartagena, Medellín, Salento

Guesthouses & Hostels

  • Cost: $15-50 USD per night
  • Best for: Budget travelers, backpackers, solo travelers
  • Amenities: Shared or private rooms, communal kitchen, social areas
  • Vibe: Social, good for meeting other travelers

Airbnb & Vacation Rentals

  • Cost: $30-150+ USD per night
  • Best for: Extended stays, groups, those wanting local experience
  • Advantages: Kitchen, space, often better value for groups
  • Platforms: Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com

Eco-Lodges & Farm Stays

  • Cost: $40-120 USD per night
  • Best for: Nature lovers, those seeking authentic rural experience
  • Locations: Coffee Triangle, Tayrona, Amazon region
  • Activities: Coffee tours, hiking, wildlife watching

Best Areas to Stay by City

Bogotá

  • La Candelaria: Historic center, museums, colonial architecture
  • Zona Rosa: Upscale dining, shopping, nightlife
  • Usaquén: Trendy, boutiques, cafes, weekend flea market
  • Chapinero: Bohemian, galleries, street art, alternative culture

Medellín

  • El Poblado: Tourist hub, restaurants, bars, nightlife
  • Laureles: Trendy, cafes, galleries, local vibe
  • Parque Bolívar: Upscale, parks, quiet

Cartagena

  • Walled City: Historic, romantic, touristy
  • Getsemaní: Hip, street art, boutique hotels, local restaurants
  • Bocagrande: Modern, beach, high-rise hotels

Santa Marta

  • Downtown: Budget-friendly, local experience
  • Beachfront: More touristy, restaurants and bars
  • Taganga: Nearby beach village, very laid-back

Salento (Coffee Triangle)

  • Town center: Colorful colonial buildings, walkable
  • Coffee farms: Stay on working coffee plantations
  • Vibe: Rural, peaceful, authentic Colombia

Budget Breakdown

Budget Accommodation

  • Price range: $15-40 USD per night
  • Type: Hostels, guesthouses, basic Airbnbs
  • Amenities: Basic room, fan or AC, shared bathroom
  • Best for: Backpackers, budget travelers
  • Popular chains: Casa Kiwi, Selina

Mid-Range Accommodation

  • Price range: $40-100 USD per night
  • Type: Mid-range hotels, nice Airbnbs, small hotels
  • Amenities: Comfortable room, AC, private bathroom, pool, restaurant
  • Best for: Most travelers

Luxury Accommodation

  • Price range: $100-300+ USD per night
  • Type: Upscale hotels, luxury resorts, high-end villas
  • Amenities: Premium service, multiple restaurants, spa, concierge
  • Best for: Luxury travelers, special occasions

Booking Tips & Advice

When to Book

  • Peak season (Dec-Feb, Jul-Aug): Book 2-3 months in advance
  • Off-season (May-Jun, Sep-Nov): Book 1-2 weeks ahead; better deals
  • Rainy season (May-Jun, Oct-Nov): Lowest prices but frequent rain

Where to Book

  • Direct: Hotel websites often have best rates
  • OTAs: Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com for comparison
  • Airbnb: Good for longer stays and local experience
  • Travel agents: Can negotiate better rates for groups

Money-Saving Tips

  • Travel during off-season (May-June, Sep-Nov) for 30-50% discounts
  • Use Airbnb for stays longer than 5 nights
  • Book hostels for social experience and budget savings
  • Look for package deals that include tours or activities
  • Stay in less touristy neighborhoods for better value

What to Check

  • Read recent reviews (check last 3 months)
  • Verify what's included (breakfast, WiFi, parking)
  • Check cancellation policy
  • Confirm location on map (distance to attractions)
  • Ask about any renovations or construction

Essential Accommodation Tips

Location Matters

Choose accommodation based on what you want to do. Tourist areas are convenient but more expensive. Local neighborhoods offer better value.

Read Reviews

Check recent reviews on TripAdvisor, Booking.com, and Airbnb. Pay attention to comments about cleanliness, noise, and staff.

Safety & Security

Choose hotels in safe neighborhoods. Ask staff about safe areas to walk. Keep valuables in room safe or at front desk.

Flexibility

Book refundable rates when possible. Colombia's weather and conditions can change; you may want to adjust plans.