Grownup Accommodations

Unique and Boutique Accommodations in Colombia

Colombia has not yet exploded with tourism, thanks to its previous reputation discouraging North Americans in particular from visiting. But this is set to change soon, and with boutique accommodations like these which are unique to the country, it’s easy to see why.

MEDELLIN

SCORE! London Suite Apartment in El Poblado via FAR International, (Medellin, Bogotà, Cartagena, and Cali rental properties) www.apartmentinternational.com London Suite living area

It’s no secret that renting an apartment can go a long way towards making your stay in Colombia both more comfortable and more economical than a hotel room. So when I stumbled on FAR International, a realty investment company that rents our properties around the Colombia, I was thrilled. We found this perfect super-economical apartment in the centre of all the action in the best neighbourhood in Medellin, El Poblado. And since the staff at FAR are bilingual, we had no language difficulties at all with the entire process. For more details about our London Suite apartment, read our more comprehensive review.

STAY: HOTEL DU PARC, Calle 9, Medellin http://en.hotelduparc.com.co Hotel du Parc king bed

There’s no better place to call your home-away-from-home when exploring metropolitan Medellin than the Hotel du Parc. With its 5-star location only blocks away from Parque Lleras (the city’s nightlife hub), and Parque Poblado (the start of Avenida Poblano’s Golden Mile), you’ll find transportation, bars, restaurants, clubs and shopping right on your doorstep. And whatever you can’t find for whatever reason, the friendly staff at Hotel du Parc will be more than happy to help with. Read a more comprehensive hotel review here.

BARICHARA

STAY: HOSTAL MISION SANTA BARBARA, Calle 5 #9-08, Barichara www.hostalmisionsantabarbara.info

Mission Hotel Santa Barbara

Don’t let the name fool you – this is no youth hostel. Rooms are in a series of buildings that flank a series of courtyards (and even a pool). High-ceilinged rooms with thick walls and plenty of space to move around (except the bathrooms which are a little small), this inn is as charming as the cobblestoned streets of this little town (and little it is). An authentic and unique colonial treat that won’t break the bank.

PEREIRA

STAY: HACIENDA HOTEL SAN JOSE, Km 4 Via Pereira Cerritos, Pereira www.haciendahotelsanjose.com

The Isabel room has a walk-in closet to die for.

Not many people think to visit the city of Pereira, but given its position in the stunningly-beautiful Coffee Triangle, and the equally beautiful setting of this hotel, you might want to consider it. Located in an 1888 Spanish-style hacienda inside a gated community just outside the city, the grounds are lush, with centuries-old trees and plenty of green space. Inside the lovingly restored hacienda you are transported back in time with period antiques and beds that you could get lost in. And the al fresco bar/dining area and pool out back are modern complements.

ST. AUGUSTIN

SAVE: HACIENDA ANACAONA, near St. Augustin (contact on website) www.a nacaona-colombia.com

Anacaona also has a pair of spoiled resident macaws.

If you are planning to visit the archaeological sites near St. Augustin (and you should), this country-style hacienda is close enough to both the sites and the town to make it convenient for day trips or dinners in town, but without sacrificing peace and serenity. The rooms are furnished with Flintstone-like beds with heavy log-style headboards, and even the basic ensuites look like mini-haciendas with wood beams and clay roof tile construction. There are plenty of hammocks on the porches for relaxing, the gardens are beautiful and filled with hummingbirds and the restaurant feels like a country kitchen.

TAYRONA NATIONAL PARK

SPLURGE: ECOHABS SANTA MARTA, inside Tayrona National Park near Santa Marta www.ecohabssantamarta.com

Tayrona Park’s Ecohabs are deluxe thatched hut fantasy suites.

Set inside Tayrona National Park on the Caribbean coast near Santa Marta, these individual 2-story circular bungalows give you a chance to play Tarzan and Jane. With 360-degree shutters that open up to the ocean breezes, and doors that open to a Juliet Balcony overlooking the sea, you’ll be lulled to sleep by the sound of waves crashing on the beach below. Fluffy white robes are a treat (and necessary since the bathroom is located on the lower level via an external staircase), but don’t even think about turning the TV on – where’s your sense of romance, people! Hammocks in the room, and on the lower level provide the perfect place to indulge in a little relaxation, and or scout the grounds for one of several hot tubes perfect for nighttime stargazing.

VILLA DE LEYVA

STAY: LA POSADA DE SAN ANTONIO, Carrera 8 No. 11-80, Villa de Leyva www.hotellaposadadesanantonio.com

Library at Posada San Antonio

Allow yourself at least 2 nights to stay here, if only to take in all of the eclectic decor throughout this historic hotel. Interesting mixtures of modern art pieces with Spanish colonial artefacts and a courtyard-centric layout makes this hotel a feast for the eyes – every room is beautiful and unique, some with wood-burning stoves for a little extra warmth (or romance) on cool nights. There’s even a spa if you are so inclined. Located on a quiet square a block from the largest plaza in Colombia, the hotel is as beautiful as the town, a favourite with Bogota long-weekender visitors, so book ahead if you are staying over a weekend.