W Bogota

The W Bogota Hotel makes a dazzling first impression, with a sleek, glittery lobby whose walls seem to twinkle beneath warm gold lighting. It’s a fitting start for a hip property that scales the heights of artisanal modernity, though like all W properties, the over-the-top look won't be for everyone. There are a couple of silver nutshell chairs in the futuristic sitting area, but seating is otherwise pretty limited. A welcome rolling cart with hot coffee accoutrements adds a homey touch to the space. This bold, contemporary look continues throughout the hotel -- colors are minimal in some spots and wildly exuberant in others, but different variations of gold are the underlying theme. The hallways are a bit dim, in keeping with the luxe, club-like atmosphere that permeates throughout. It’s all very signature W -- a hotel with a vibrant personality to match Bogota’s buzzy city life. It’s a draw for young tourists and couples who don’t mind being a few miles out from the heart of the action. 

Set in the Santa Barbara business district, the hotel is set amongst clusters of buildings on a fairly busy commercial street. There are a number of shops, restaurants, bars, and businesses nearby, and this upmarket area of town is safe to walk. A 13-minute walk from the hotel, nearby Usaquen is one of the most impressive areas to take in some local history. It’s heavily occupied by bars and restaurants that retain some of their Old-World architecture, along with a charming center square and cobblestoned paths. Otherwise, get ready to take taxis across this sprawling metropolis. Colonial La Candelaria, home to the famous Botero Museum and Museo del Oro, about 35 minutes away by car. The nearest shopping mall, Unicentro Bogota, is an approximately six-minute drive, while El Dorado International Airport is about a 40-minute drive from the property. Keep in mind traffic, though, as it change these travel times considerably.

The W Bogota Hotel has rooms that are right in line with the chain’s exuberant style. Color palettes are a vivid blend of floral motifs and vibrant jewel tones. All rooms are air-conditioned and equipped with the usual amenities: smart TVs, Nespresso coffeemakers and kettles, iPod docks, mini-fridges, and minibars. Wi-Fi access is free for SPG members, though the program costs nothing to join. All have an exceptional open-floor plan, along with floor-to-ceiling windows that look out over the city skyline or the Los Cerros Mountains. Some previous guests have complained about the lack of power outlets by the beds. Known as Wonderful Rooms, the standard units range from 33 to 38 square meters (350 to 414 square feet) and have clean lines and mod accents. The aptly named Marvelous Suites measure 54 square meters (576 square feet) and are graphic works of art, with a vivid, diamond-pattern rugs, shimmering mosaic tiles along some walls, and patterned canopies that wrap around the ceiling over the bed. The sole Extreme WOW Suite comes in at 139 square meters (1,492 square feet) and offers a handful of additional extras, like a cappuccino maker, a foosball table, and a separate living room and dining area. The bathrooms share a similar “open” design as the rooms, with slightly translucent glass doors or sheer curtains serving as the only form of separation -- this might be fine for some couples, but may feel a bit too invasive for others. Otherwise, the bathrooms feature nice rainfall showers and Bliss Spa amenities, and some also include deep soaking tubs.

Expectedly, the W Bogota Hotel does not skimp on desirable features. It’s something the chain is known for, and the Whatever/Wherever service provides anything you need at your request, from escorted shopping trips to local guided tours to fresh flowers (all for a surcharge, of course). The property’s AWAY Spa offers a full range of face and body treatments, and is fresh and modern, with pristine whites, abstract decor, and a look that favors simplicity over glamour. There’s a bright, airy gym called FIT that overlooks the city and also has a hydrotherapy pool. Elsewhere, Market Kitchen serves up a farm-to-table menu of global dishes in a contemporary-meets-casual space adorned with shapely lights, sculptural tables, and hardwood accents. By Contrast, the spacious W Lounge is a sexy spot -- music thumps into the early morning hours as waiters serve signature cocktails like Ginger Margaritas and Lulo Mojitos. One wall is accented by a floor-to-ceiling motif designed by local graffiti group, Vertigo Graffiti, which gives the space a little street edge. Room service is also available, and Wi-Fi is free in the lobby and other public areas.