WHERE TO STAY

W Bogota

This ultra-contemporary tower hotel opened in 2014 and looms over the Santa Barbara business district. Celebrating Bogota’s mythical links with the fictitious El Dorado, public spaces glow with bold golden art and sculpture. Rooms are funky and spacious and there’s an excellent spa. From US$280 per night. starwoodhotels.com

Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina

In a characterful 1946 building (below top) in the buzzing Zona G, this boutique-style property has elegant rooms with beamed ceilings, handcarved wooden furnishings and fireplaces. The financial district and myriad food options are close by. From around US$336 per night. fourseasons.com/bogotacm

BOG

Opened in 2012 in trendy Zona T in the La Cabrera district – which comes alive after office hours – this is one of the city’s few truly upscale boutique properties. Design is minimalist, and the atmosphere is somewhat corporate – but a big draw is the rooftop swimming pool. From US$170 per night. boghotel.com

Hotel de la Opera

If you want to base yourself in historic La Candelaria, this very good-value hotel – housed in a Republican-style landmark building – has lofty, graciously appointed rooms overlooking the pedestrianised streets below. There’s good Italian food served here, with hearty traditional eateries nearby just off the plaza. From US$122 per night. hotelopera.com.co

Sofitel Bogota Victoria Regia

Contemporary, comfortable and filled with light, the name of this Accor property (left) honours the Amazonian giant waterlily. It has a good informal French restaurant and bar and is five minutes’ walk from dining hub Parque 93. From US$164 a night. sofitel.com