Bogotá
Bogotá is a city of great contrasts, where skyscrapers sit among colonial buildings. Zona 1 Norte is home to most of the restaurants and nightlife. Zona 5 Centro is where the government is anchored.
Sleeping
La Fontana. Quietly elegant, La Fontana wins kudos for its first-rate staff. The location is away from the action but the hotel runs its own cab service so getting around safely is no problem. Amenities include highspeed Internet. Rooms from $130. www.hotelesestelar.com
Charleston. This sister property to Casa Medina is a class act on a quiet street. Top end rooms have exercise bicycles. The business center is complemented by a number of extras: cell phone rental, massage service, Internet connections and a gym. www.hoteles-charleston.com
Royal Bogotá. This Radisson wins for its location beside the Trade Center Corporate Complex. There’s a business center, two bars, three restaurants, a spa and a pool. Plus free Internet service. www.bogotaroyal.com
Sofitel Victoria Regia. Highspeed Internet, a 24-hour business center, a free airport shuttle, currency exchange and a gym are just the beginning of the extras at this lovely hotel. The 11 suites designated for executives feature additional amenities.
www.sofitelvictoriaregia.com.co
Hotel de la Ópera. Two beautiful colonial homes have been converted into this intimate hotel just two blocks from the Plaza de Bolívar and right across the street from the Foreign Ministry. Rooms start at $100. Its name comes from its location beside the city’s 110-year-old opera house, the Teatro Colón. www.hotelopera.com.co
Relaxing
Charleston Cartagena. You have to pop over to Cartagena to stay in this refurbished 17th century monastery, but why not? The fortressed city by the sea is a real gem. This hotel in the colonial section of the city has been magnificently restored and, like its sister in Bogotá, it has outstanding service. From $215. www.hoteles-charleston.com
Eating
H Sasson Wok & Satay Bar. Also known as Harry Sasson, in reference to its well-known owner, this restaurant is right on the money if you like Asian fusion food. One of the best kitchens in the city. Calle 83, No. 12-49; phone: 57-1-616-4520.
Anticuario Santa Barbara. This eatery sits in an old colonial house and it specializes in local cuisine. The kitchen must know what it’s doing because it’s packed at lunch (reservations are highly recommended). The antiques surrounding you as you dine are for sale. Only open midday. Calle 9, No. 3-27, phone: 57-1-243-3691.
El Son de los Grillos. Few power-lunchers here, but you will find good santafeño food. This is a sweet little eatery tucked into a 250-year-old colonial house. Only lunch is served. Calle 10, No. 3-60.
Taurus. The Argentine steakhouse right next store to H Sasson is a carnivore’s dream come true. Calle 83, No. 12-29; phone: 57-1-677-2106.
Matiz. Fusion food is featured at this pretty little restaurant with a sleek bar. Open for lunch and dinner, the outdoor patio has teak tables under big umbrellas (and heaters for when the temperatures drop in the evening). Calle 95, No. 11A; phone: 57-1-520-2006.
Drinking
Pravda is a great place for drinks and its location is perfect, right at “La T” – the intersection of two pedestrian streets and the hot spot for several well-known restaurants and bars. The Bogotá Beer Company branch at Parque del 93 and La T offers a more relaxed atmosphere, as well as good microbrew lagers and pilseners. Nearby, the disco divas head to Gótica. Another dancing option is the appropriately named Dancetoria, also near La T.
Shopping
Bogotá is an exceptional city for books. A new generation of Colombian novelists has emerged, discarding the magical realism of Gabriel García Marquez in favor of dark urban stories. Look for titles by Jorge Franco, Mario Mendoza, Santiago Gamboa, Juan Carlos Botero and Hector Abad at bookstores like Lerner and cafes like Oma Cafe y Libros.