Although it was not my first time in Bogota , a vibrant 72 hours in the capital of Colombia they ended up convincing me that I should come back…and soon. Because this metropolis, which boasts of embracing its visitors with unmistakable joy and unbeatable warmth, is not only about Botero Museum , from the views of Monserrate Hill , or the graffiti who conquer in Candelaria.
In recent years, Bogota has flourished like never before, and the wide range of artistic aspects, along with its myths, legends, nightlife, bars, and culinary proposals most precious, are just some of the nuances that make it unique.
Even so, there is much, much more, since the people I met, everything I tasted, and, in particular, the luxury hotel most disruptive and creative in the city, ended up immersing me in a panorama of passion, constant learning, and appreciation, all thanks to a stay in a unique place based in Saint Barbara , between embassies and the picturesque area of Usaquen.
W Bogota is based in Santa Bárbara, near the picturesque area of Usaquén.
The starting point to plunge into one of the essential cities of Latin America? W Bogotá , that hotel which, of course, is not just a hotel , but it is the perfect place where the most fascinating atmosphere converges, full of music, design and fashion that inspires Bogota , and I dare to say that the W it is also characterized by deeply inspiring the city.
Here are my 27 reasons to travel to the Colombia's capital Y staying at W Bogota:
1. IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE MYTHS OF THE CITY
It is not surprising that the first reason has a significant link with the history of the Latin American country, since said hotel , which is part of the portfolio of Marriott International and opened its doors eight years ago, has become the most intrinsic reflection of the legend of Eldorado.
The mysticism that surrounds the Guatavita Lagoon , where it is believed that a cacique poured all his Prayed so that the gods will forgive him after having murdered his wife's lover, was the main source of creativity to put together a magical, mysterious and even captivating canvas in the heart of the W Bogotá.
Every nook and cranny of W Bogota has found inspiration in the legend of El Dorado.
two. FOR THE EVOCATIVE SYMBOLS OF THAT LEGEND
From the first moment, its interior design surrounds you, and not only because of the golden butterflies that take hold as a nod to the legend, and that in turn "are transcendental for the writer Gabriel Garcia Marquez ”, as expressed by Ana Méndez, marketing manager, in an interview with Condé Nast Traveler; the dark corridors that lead to the rooms invite you to experience the discovery of the legend , with a luminosity that, in addition to contrasting with each corner of the hotel , fall in love after an instant.
3. A SMALL PIECE OF THE GOLD MUSEUM
Can curious souls be inspired through an elevator? In W Bogotá it's possible. Conceived from the last room of the exhibition of the gold Museum —and one of the must-sees, in fact—, the stay at the hotel and the allusion to gold falling into the lagoon that invites you to take endless videos in the elevator, is the prelude that will guide our feet to an emblematic museum of the city.
Four. NOT ONLY HISTORY...
If you love unraveling even the smallest details in art galleries or keeping up with new artists, you'll love admiring the works that elevate the W Bogotá , and especially the recent mural by the artist from Medellín, Paula Toro.
He himself is in 'The Cafe' , a creation in association with Nespresso that is decorated with a goddess of coffee, and although this does not exist, it is another of the indisputable nods to the myths and legends that abound in the country.
Of course, gold is their flagship drink there, and with a menu designed between Nespresso and Jeisson Caro (Bar Manager of W Bogota ), coffees, mocktails, and coffee-based cocktails await to be tasted along with healthy alternatives.
Aren't you staying there? No matter, 'The Cafe' It has an independent entrance, so you can succumb to a cup of coffee while you admire the artist's work, work (they have plugs at each station) or chat with friends.
5. COLOMBIAN SPACES WITH DARINGNESS
Since the W mark was created in 1998 in New York, a disruptive and distinctive concept began to spread throughout the hotel environment of the cities. Y Bogota was no exception.
Disruptive and distinctive, W Bogota imbues us with the local essence.
That thread of W has become staunch, permeating each of the rooms with the passions of the brand and that undoubted local flavor, which crystallizes from modern textures, details of the typical Colombian backpacks , and in a restaurant thought as if it were the petals of a flower. "The colombian flowers they are very important, an export product par excellence”, adds Ana Méndez.
6. ROOMS THAT ARE ALSO ENJOYABLE
When booking a hotel, on more than one occasion we value the location, and perhaps the breakfast above the rest of its qualities, since we will only sleep there... right? However, the 168 rooms of W Bogota they are spaces to feel, to live, they are spaces in which your favorite moments in Bogota.
What has conquered us? The size of its bed, the views that open to the city through its colossal windows, its sofa to rest on when you return exhausted, its design details and the spaciousness to experience the most creative side of the Colombian city.
Rooms to enjoy, such are the spaces of W Bogota.
7. CELEBRATE LOVE
Commemorating LGBTQ+ Pride Month during June 2022, and for the first time in Latin America, W Bogota has created a Pride Suite in alliance with MAC Cosmetics . This action reaffirms the values of inclusion, diversity and pride that have governed the company from the beginning (and that also become exceptional in the future). W Bogota , because one feels that one can be who one really is).
It should be noted that not only love is celebrated, since a part of the profits will go to the REAL LOVE foundation of Bogota responsible for supporting homeless people, many rejected by their families. The Pride Suite It will be available for groups of a maximum of 6 people, on Fridays and Saturdays in June, as well as on July 1 and 2, 2022.
8. IN-ROOM VINYL MENU
There are plenty of reasons why the vinyl lovers are attracted to the ‘In-Room Vinyl Menu’ experience . What is it about? Those staying in a suite will only have to dial 0 to be surprised with a music session paired with cocktails inspired by each artist/genre.
“Through a partnership with sony colombia , you can access the pairing of the album with a cocktail, or wait for the experience in your room, ask for the album you want, and they bring you a cocktail with it”, says María Alejandra Mihaljevic, sales director of W Bogota.
9. THE LUXURY OF GETTING GROOMED IN A UNIQUE ENVIRONMENT
For those of us who enjoy every step of the beauty and makeup ritual, without a doubt we appreciate a room that comes to show us that it is possible to have the best mirrors and lights.
But not only that, the decoration amazingly in keeping with the legend of Eldorado , is innovative and seductive, so much so that you won't want to say goodbye to its attractive design when your stay is over.
W Bogota studio suite.
10. SMALL BIG DETAILS
Not all sites surprise their guests with great little details. Nevertheless, W Bogota It is that place that shines for its pampering, where you want to return to room after exploring the neighborhoods of the city to see your tastes materialize in a gesture.
Your daughter's favorite birthday cake? An essence that will make you feel better after an operation? Your favorite macarons? If he w team will think about how to please your most intrinsic desires.
eleven. THE MUSIC THAT ALIVES EVERY CORNER
We have come up with a hotel whose best kept secret is a music curator. So it's time for you to meet Nicholas Saavedra , that talented Colombian artist and DJ who is in charge of providing an unmistakable style to the W, choosing both the songs that are played from morning to night, as well as regulating their volume to magnify the plans of the hotel . Definitely without music there would be no W Bogota.
12. MAKE WAY FOR JAIRO
After opening its doors in June last year, the Jairo restaurant —located inside the hotel but open to all those who wish to eat there- has blended perfectly with the environment and with the legend of Eldorado in pursuit of pouring all his magnetic passion on the decks.
Jairo, the restaurant that captivates in Bogotá.
the executive chef, Sneider Molina , was one of the architects of the menu together with the chef Ivan Chain , guarding a menu with local ingredients , and hand in hand with farmers and suppliers of Bogota.
“Jairo is a proposal where we bring Colombian flavor , we want to represent Colombia in another way. For the Colombian client, it is to connect him, through flavors and dishes, with memories, with his family or with his roots. And for the foreigner it is to tell a different story from Colombia ”, he expresses Sneider Molina.
13. BORONÍA AND AVOCADO TACOS
Wow, what a treat. How not to have a section with the boronia and avocado tacos , an unmissable proposal in which aubergine, ripe banana, small pieces of avocado and pickled onion come together, crowned with coriander and lemon. What do you say?
Other recommendations that champion the humility, honesty and simplicity of the restaurant? The guava salad , a mix of lettuce and celery, walnuts, blue cheese and truffle vinaigrette. "The guava is a fruit that is everywhere, mixing it with different ingredients is what we wanted to do in Jairus ", Add Sneider.
14. ROAST CHICKEN, AND TO FINISH, COLOMBIAN COFFEE
In the heart of a lunch we cannot put aside the typical asadero chicken from Colombia , accompanied by chimichurri and coastal serum chili with paprika. Oh, and don't lose sight of the cornbread with a dip (one of the most delicious I've tried).
To finish, a 100% Colombian coffee , or perhaps the Doña Elvira cocktail, low in alcohol content and ideal for midday. In fact, there are two cocktail menus, one at noon and one at night, the latter paying tribute to slightly stronger cocktails.
fifteen. LIVE MUSIC SESSIONS
Since music has become an ideal component since W landed in Bogota , on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. live music sessions in a space that transports us to Candelaria , and with its golden environment that is a success.
This is where the live music sessions take place at W Bogota.
“Everything has a reason in this hotel, we wanted to bring the culture of La Candelaria and graffiti , the music, the experiences. All the time we try to bring new and different things”, he mentions Gustavo Lovera , general manager of W Bogota , to Conde Nast Traveler.
16. AND LOCAL BEER
We can say that not everything is cocktails, and BBC , the first beer brand local of Bogota he proves it. Immortalized next to Jairus and with one W's own kitchen Of course it is different from any other BBC , with an offer of hamburgers, milanese, salads, snacks, large televisions and an unmistakable rock identity.
17. LINNER
One of the most suggestive proposals of the W Bogota comes from your concept night brunch , the one that has become one of the indisputable of the city. It should be noted that from the first day his brunch stood out as infallible, and four years ago they were pioneers in offering a Night Brunch on Friday nights (later Saturday was also added).
With a capacity for 200 people, the format ‘All you can eat, all you can drink’ reveals his unique identity again. And they have decided to change the name to Linner (Late + Dinner) , maintaining its opening hours at 7:00 p.m., and with transformations in the lighting, the atmosphere, the music —always with Nicolás Saavedra as music curator of the event—and the food…
18. GETAWAY TO WORLDWIDE STREET FOOD
The culinary stations of the Linner what will seduce you? The Mexican for its quesadillas, the Colombian for the ribs and the hot dog with onion or pineapple, the sushi station with Peruvian and Japanese influence, and the wraps with salads.
So the Linner , which constitutes one more space within the bogota scene promises to conquer with his street food world-inspired, between shawarma, hummus, tomato and onion in its vegetarian facet, a dessert station with milkshakes based on ice cream and ice cream with toppings, and a ritual at 9:00 p.m. brandy shots.
19. AN ODE TO THE PERFECT FUSION
Although in the Jairus Market (which we will talk about later) predominates the charm of the premises, in most of the hotel proposals Travelers from all over the world mix with people from the city and the rest of the departments. What more do we need for a true local experience?
twenty. FOR A FRIENDLY FUTURE WITH THE ENVIRONMENT
As its marketing manager has expressed, its responsibility policy promises to deepen in the coming months, avoiding unnecessary plastic packaging and more actions that will take care of the environment.
Massages with views at AWAY SPA.
twenty-one. IN SEARCH OF THE BEST MASSAGES
No matter all the thoughts that haunt us, if you're looking to forget about the world, AWAY SPA It is the place you will want to go. Also inspired by the legend of Eldorado and on the fourth floor, the spa delights with its views of the city, both from the reception and from the four treatment rooms , including one for couples.
Besides of Gym and one hydrotherapy pool , the three types of massage pave a solid proposal. The detox It is done with a very soft pressure and with the essence of the Lotus of the South; Swedish massage requires medium pressure and longer strokes for greater relaxation; while the deep tissue massage It is used to relax the muscles.
22. A CONNECTION OF TWO
"The couple massage It consists of a four-hour treatment session, with body exfoliation to remove dead cells, massages with a tropical essence soy candle, and culminates with a Southern Lotus mask of coffee, green tea and spirulina, to detoxify, drain, and ensure cell renewal”, says Angela (whom you can't help but meet at AWAY SPA).
The Bachue ritual , on the other hand, uses the legend to launch a body scrub with sea salts from the dead sea, a gold body wrap and a gold face mask to hydrate.
23. JAIRO MARKET
The Jairo Market is the Sunday plan at W Bogotá.
the traditional Sunday brunch at W Bogota fascinates with its new bet: Jairus Market . And although there are waffles, pancakes and eggs on the menu, it has become more Colombian than ever, with typical fruits of the region, arepas , chicken with guacamole, and the typical dessert that is wafer with arequipe . Pet friendly terrace, cocktails and an irresistible family plan.
24. COCKTAILS WITH JEISSON CARO
There is no doubt that the cocktail bar is part of the stamp W Bogota , and it is precisely the lunch, the very stylish bar that has taken over Jeisson Caro with his talent, the heart of hotel . On Wednesdays expect to be surprised with a special cocktail menu, while on Thursdays they also offer different alternatives to see the bands live.
Do you want to prepare your own cocktail? The experience find your El Dorado cocktail value the traditional ingredients with the stories of Bogotá in a master class.
Cocktail classes with Jeisson Caro.
25. DISCOVER THE SQUARE OF PALOQUEMAO
If you decide to embark on the Pink Jackets Table experience or purchase a package that includes it, you will have the opportunity to go with up to 10 people to the Paloquemao Square . After immersing in the Bogota local market and the vast riches of ingredients that reside there, await the chef's table to prepare the meal.
The experience is offered any day of the week, although mainly on Saturdays and Sundays. And 15% of the proceeds goes to the foundation The Bronx Banquet.
26. IF YOU DON'T HAVE TIME TO GO TO THE COFFEE REGION...
With a minimum of two night stay, ‘Hacienda Coffee experience’ takes us into a magical destination in a coffee farm near Bogota . In Trinidad Coffee Plantation you will explore the coffee plantation, a tasting and a lunch to deeply connect with the local culture.
27. EXPLORE THE CHAPINEROS NEIGHBORHOOD
And we have reached reason number 27, the one that particularly invites you to let yourself be seduced by the gastronomic apogee of the Chapineros neighborhood , where the restaurant frank table conceived by Ivan Cadena hides tasty dishes orchestrated by Creole flavors and native techniques.
W Bogota is waiting to be discovered in Colombia.
And there I was, saying goodbye to the W Bogota , the living legend of The Golden , and each of its nooks and crannies designed to embark us on an even deeper journey through the leitmotif of Bogota.
What are you waiting for to reveal the secrets of this Colombian city?