Bogotá, the capital city and beating heart of Colombia, is a city that brims with culture, history and a vibrant cosmopolitan lifestyle. As it steadily becomes one of Latin America’s most exciting destinations, visitors are being spoiled for choice when it comes to accommodation options.
From high-end boutique hotels to budget-friendly hostels, this guide presents an overview of the best accommodations available in Bogotá across the neighborhoods most popular with tourists and foreign residents.
Each neighborhood in Bogotá offers its own unique take on the city’s vibrant character. And as you’ll see from this accommodation guide, my own favorite suburbs are Centro Internacional for short stays and nearby Teusaquillo for purchasing real estate.
Where to stay in Bogotá Colombia?
Navigating The Historic Heart Of Bogotá – La Candelaria
La Candelaria, Bogotá’s historic center, is often the first stop for visitors. This area is a vibrant blend of the past and present, with its colonial architecture, cobblestone streets and lively street art.
La Candelaria is home to some of the city’s best museums, like the Botero Museum and the Gold Museum, making it a cultural hub for locals and tourists alike. In fact in La Candelaria, there’s so many museums and art galleries it’s almost impossible to see them all.
If history and culture interest you, you’ll never run out of things to see and do in La Candelaria. And at night when the museums are closed, La Candelaria comes alive with bars, restaurants and a live music scene that’s sure to keep you entertained until the sun comes up.
Accommodation Options In La Candelaria
For budget-friendly travelers, hostels are the go-to accommodation option in La Candelaria. Offering a mix of private rooms and dormitory-style lodging, these establishments often serve as social hubs where travelers from around the world can meet and share experiences.
For a more upscale experience, boutique hotels offer a blend of comfort, style and historic charm. Set in beautifully preserved colonial buildings, these hotels offer a unique blend of traditional architecture and modern amenities.
My own favorite hostel in La Candelaria is the Fatima Hostel Bogotá because of its attached bar, comfortable beds and artistic vibe that best fits La Candelaria. You’re sure to make lifelong friends staying at Fatima Hostel Bogotá. I did!
Safety Considerations In La Candelaria
While La Candelaria is generally safe during the day, it’s recommended to exercise caution after dark. Some streets in La Candelaria can become quite deserted at night. And there is an impoverished area not too far away.
Stick to well-lit main streets and avoid venturing into dimly lit or deserted areas alone. Particularly if you don’t know where you’re going. Or do what I do and take an Uber, DiDi or InDriver between venues when not with a large group.
Embracing The Bohemian Vibe – Chapinero
Chapinero is Bogotá’s trendy, unconventional district, known for its eclectic vibe and diversity. It’s a paradise for foodies, boasting an array of bistros, artisan bakeries and gastropubs. Chapinero is also home to Zona G, a ‘gourmet zone’ that hosts some of the city’s most prestigious fine dining restaurants.
Accommodations Options In Chapinero
This area offers a range of accommodation options, from budget hostels to mid-range and luxury hotels. For digital nomads and backpackers, the hostels in Chapinero offer a community-oriented, design-forward environment with co-working spaces and organized social activities.
Mid-range hotels in Chapinero offer luxury amenities at affordable prices, while the five-star accommodations in the area are known for their sleek, modern rooms, high-quality mattresses and top-notch customer service.
My absolute favorite hotel in Chapinero is the Click Clack Hotel. It’s situated at the northern end of Chapinero and is only a 7-10 minute walk to Zona T. The Click Clack Hotel’s amazing menu makes this hotel a dream destination for foodies.
The Click Clack Hotel‘s eclectic decor makes for some stunning holiday photos. And my Colombian girlfriend couldn’t stop taking selfies in this hotel. While I kept myself busy at the bar.
LGBTQ+ Friendly Accommodation Options In Bogotá
Chapinero is also known for its vibrant LGBTQ+ community, with a lively nightlife scene that includes a variety of gay-friendly bars and nightclubs. The largest of which is Theatron.
Theatron is not only the largest gay nightclub in Bogotá but is the largest gay club in all of Latin America with over 5000 LGBTQ+ revelers every weekend. It has many smaller clubs spread over its 5 massive levels.
Located a short 10 minute InDrive ride away from Theatron is the LGBTQ+ friendly GHL Hotel Bioxury. Do take an InDrive from Theatron as InDrive and Uber are safe in Bogotá. Taxi’s aren’t safe, particularly when coming from Theatron.
GHL Hotel Bioxury is located in the upscale and super safe El Retiro sector within the larger Chapinero district. GHL Hotel Bioxury seeks to strike a balance between ecology and elegance.
Soaking In The Luxury – Zona Rosa (Zona T)
Zona Rosa, also known as Zona T for its T-like shape, is Bogotá’s entertainment district. This area is home to countless trendy nightclubs, bars and restaurants. As well as high-end shopping malls and designer stores. It’s a haven for fashion enthusiasts, with numerous designer boutique brands based in the area.
Accommodation Options In Zona Rosa (also called Zona T)
Budget accommodations in Zona Rosa are limited, but there are several mid-range and luxury options available. The area boasts some of the best hotels in Bogotá, offering upscale amenities like fitness centers, buffet breakfasts and attentive staff.
If you’re looking for luxury and you want individual attention, try the Sofitel Bogotá Victoria Regia in Zona Rosa for the perfect luxury getaway.
The Shopping And Nightlife Hub In Bogotá
Travelers seeking shopping and nightlife will find Zona Rosa to be the perfect base. The neighborhood is filled with upmarket designer stores, local and international retailers and a vibrant nightlife scene that attracts both locals and tourists.
Business And Luxury – Distrito Financiero
The financial district, the center of commerce in Bogotá, is a natural choice for business travelers. Though it doesn’t offer much in terms of entertainment, its central location within Bogotá and access to luxury accommodations makes it an attractive base for those on a business trip.
You would, in my opinion, be better staying more north in Chapinero or more south towards Santa Fe (but away from the ‘Tolerance Zone‘). The financial district (Distrito Financiero) is located around the intersection of Calle 72 and Avenida Chile.
As the name would suggest, there’s lots of banks, stock exchanges and coffee chains with a few restaurants thrown in for good measure. There’s the large mall Avenida Chile with a cinema, but not much else. It’s a safe area that does get very quiet at night.
Accommodation Options In Distrito Financiero
The hotels in this area cater to a more upscale crowd. And they typically offer top-end accommodations with spacious conference rooms and luxury amenities.
The Centro Financiero is well connected to the rest of the city by the TransMilenio public bus system, making it easy for guests to explore Bogotá’s other neighborhoods.
If Centro Financiero is where you want (or need) to stay during your visit to Bogotá, I would recommend the Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina. It’s got one of the best hotel bars in the area.
When you’re going for luxury business accommodations you might as well go big. And get the hotel where you can drink wine by an open fireplace. And as a bonus it has doormen and a concierge to keep the riffraff out.
Relaxed Family-Friendly Atmosphere – Usaquen
Usaquen, once a separate village, is now a part of Bogotá but has retained its colonial charm. It’s a picturesque neighborhood ideal for families. Usaquen is known for its Spanish-style architecture, local artisans, quaint cafes and upscale restaurants.
Accommodation Options In Usaquen
Usaquen offers a mix of hostels and boutique and luxury chain hotels. Despite being part of the sprawling city, it retains a relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere, making it an ideal base for those traveling with children.
Now, disclaimer here, I don’t have kids. So I love the W Hotel in Usaquen. It’s a great spot to take your wife or girlfriend for a romantic weekend away. But it might not be the best spot for you if you’re traveling with children. But then again it has a fantastic bar for you to drink and forget you have children. So, that’s a big W for win, isn’t it?
The Outdoorsy Escape – Teusaquillo
Teusaquillo, a neighborhood known for its diverse cultural and artistic hotspots, architectural heritage and green spaces, is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. It’s home to some of Bogotá’s largest parks and sports facilities, making it perfect for active travelers.
Teusaquillo is one of my favorite suburbs in Bogotá. Particularly around the southern end of Teusaquillo near Teusaquillo Park. It’s a 15 minute walk to Centro Internacional and about a 30 minute walk to La Candelaria.
The southern end of Teusaquillo is awash with craft breweries, upscale restaurants, old churches and is a day drinkers paradise. The bohemian feel of Teusaquillo adds to its flavor.
Accommodation Options In Teusaquillo
Teusaquillo offers a range of accommodations, from budget hostels to mid-range and luxury hotels. The accommodations tend to offer generous amenities, including onsite restaurants, spas, massage services and more.
The Grand Hyatt Bogotá, located in Teusaquillo not far from the US embassy, has the best pool in Bogotá. If you’re looking to be pampered or have children, the Grand Hyatt Bogotá is your best choice in Teusaquillo.
The Local Experience – Engativa
Engativa, a working-class neighborhood in the west of Bogotá, offers a chance to experience the local culture. While it doesn’t boast a rich tapestry of cultural landmarks, it offers affordable accommodations and a uniquely local experience.
Accommodation Options In Engativa
Engativa is perfect for budget-conscious travelers (i.e. extremely cheap travelers with no sense of danger), with hostels offering comfortable stays at a fraction of the price found elsewhere. It’s also conveniently located close to the El Dorado International Airport.
I would note however that it’s not an area where you should walk around at night. Even if you’re in a group. It’s not particularly safe when compared to other parts of Bogotá.
Engativa is also not particularly close to anything but the airport. And with Bogotá’s notorious traffic jams, you could chew up a large portion of your holiday just sitting in gridlock.
The Shopping Paradise – Chico And Parque 93
Chico y el Parque 93 is a more affluent area located within larger Chapinero. It’s got an even greater sense of safety and has very walkable streets. It’s a hub of nightlife, but it’s also a more placid alternative to the sometimes rough and tumble atmosphere of other party zones.
Accommodation Options In Chico And Parque 93
Accommodations in this area range from mid-range to luxury, with hotels offering top-notch amenities and services. It’s also well-connected to the rest of the city by InDrive, Uber, taxi and the TransMilenio public transport system, making it a convenient base for exploring Bogotá.
The Salvio Parque 93 Bogotá, Curio Collection by Hilton is set right in front of Park 93. It’s ultra modern and classy. And is a 2 minute stroll through the park to some of the best restaurants and relaxed bars in Bogotá.
The Cultural Hub – Monserrate
Centro Internacional and La Macarena offer a unique blend of natural beauty, history and culture. It’s home to one of Bogotá’s most iconic landmarks, the Monserrate Hill, which offers a spectacular panoramic view of the city.
Accommodations In La Macarena And Centro Internacional
While accommodation options are limited in Monserrate, it’s easy to find a place to stay in the neighboring districts in Centro International and Santa Fe. Particularly La Macarena and around Plaza Toros.
This area is perfect for those looking for a central location where, during the day, they can walk into La Candelaria. Or at nigh they can enjoy the many international restaurants in the area.
It’s the perfect location if you’re only in Bogotá for a day or two. And yet in saying that I should acknowledge the fact that I’ve lived in this area for the last 6 months. And I love it.
Centro International and the area around Plaza Toros has two main hotels. The Hotel Tequendama, Bogotá’s oldest 5 star hotel and the Ibis Bogotá Museo. Both are reasonably priced, in safe areas and provide easy access during the day to the main tourist attractions in Bogotá.
From either the Hotel Tequendama or the Ibis Bogotá Museo you can walk to all the main attractions in Bogotá in about 15 minutes. Removing the need for visitors to use Bogotá’s public transport system or catch an InDrive unless they’re heading out for a taste of Bogotá’s amazing nightlife. Or unless they’re wanting to spend their holiday visiting a mall in Chapinero for some luxury shopping.
You can read my personal review of The Hotel Tequendama here.
Bogotá’s diverse neighborhoods offer a myriad of experiences and accommodations to suit every traveler’s taste. Whether you’re a budget backpacker, a luxury seeker, a culture vulture, foodie or a nightlife enthusiast, Bogotá has a neighborhood just for you.
So pack your bags and get ready to explore this vibrant Latin American capital!
Safe Travels!
Where Can I Get More Information On Bogotá?
If you’re planning to visit Bogotá on your next vacation, or you’re simply interested in Colombia in general, you should read my Bogotá City Guide.
My Bogotá City Guide is updated regularly. And it seeks to answer all of your questions regarding Bogotá and Colombia in one place. Read my Complete Bogotá City Guide.
