Review: W Bogotá
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For the holiday season, we decided to return to Curaçao. A 16-hour layover in Bogotá on the way back turned into an opportunity to discover the Colombian capital for two days. Taking advantage of this option at a low cost is a great way to discover a place you might not necessarily have considered at first.
W Bogota – What We Liked and Liked Less
- Suite Upgrade: Spacious and well-equipped room, ideal for a family
- Exceptional Breakfast: Full buffet at Jairo restaurant, included for Platinum members
- Excellent Point Value: 31,000 points per night for a listed rate of $342 USD
- Usaquén Neighborhood: Trendy, safe, and full of great restaurants
- Warm Welcome: Attentive staff and easy communication via WhatsApp
- Renovations in Progress: The reception had been moved during our stay
- Certain Spaces Closed: The BBC Brewery and the café were not open
- Colombia Entry Tax: $85 CAD for Canadians, payable only by credit card
W Bogota – Booking and location
We used 31,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night to book the W Bogotá, located in the trendy and safe neighborhood of Usaquén. The cash rate was $342 USD per night, which represents excellent point value.
The hotel is about 30 minutes from the airport, and the staff can arrange transportation for approximately $30 USD (cash only). Fun fact: the hotel is located right across from the Canadian Embassy.
W Bogota – Check-in and Welcome
The hotel has two entrances: one on the ground floor for car arrivals, and another on the 3rd floor overlooking a large plaza. Upon our arrival, the hotel was under renovation and the reception had been moved. We were warmly welcomed with a glass of agua de panela.
As a Platinum member, we were upgraded to a suite and received free breakfast for four people at the Jairo restaurant. Communication with the staff was easy via WhatsApp.
W Bogota – The Suite
The suite was spacious and well-equipped: large shower, bathtub, separate toilet, kitchenette area with refrigerator, hot drinks, and snacks (for a fee). We requested an extra bed and additional blankets for the children, which were provided promptly.
W Bogota – Hotel Facilities
The W Bogotá has a large gym and a heated spa-style pool, ideal for relaxing. The W Lounge offers refined cocktails, while the Jairo restaurant is open for all meals. The BBC Brewery and the café were not open during our stay.
Breakfast
The breakfast buffet at Jairo is exceptional: fresh fruit, juices, cheeses, cold cuts, pastries, cereals… a true feast to start the day right.
W Bogota – Nearby Restaurants
The Usaquén district is full of great restaurants. Here are the ones we particularly enjoyed.
Canasto Picnic Bistró
Canasto is a very pleasant restaurant in the Usaquén neighborhood (near the hotel). Ideal for a coffee, a snack, or lunch, the interior is well-decorated, the staff is very pleasant, and the food is of high quality.
Legado — Cacao Experience
Since Colombia is a major cocoa-producing country, you must try the local chocolate. Legado, in the Usaquén district, is a small place offering a variety of cocoa-based drinks and desserts. They also explain the transformation from cocoa bean to the chocolate you taste.
Try the traditional hot chocolate; you won’t regret it. And if you have a sweet tooth, try the churros.
80 Sillas
80 Sillas, in the Usaquén neighborhood, is a restaurant that seeks to rediscover traditional Colombian cuisine, focusing on the pairing of sea and mountain. A very good, high-quality table.
San Alberto Coffee
Located just steps from the Gold Museum, San Alberto Coffee is renowned for serving some of the best coffee in the world. It is truly worth it. According to what they told me, there isn’t too much caffeine in Colombian coffee, so even children can drink it. They opted for a mochaccino.
Origen Bistro
Located in the historic district, Origen offers an excellent menu that you can enjoy on their interior terrace. High-quality traditional Colombian cuisine. The service is excellent and the historic district is pleasant to visit.
Activities in Bogotá
We were only there for two days and didn’t really know what to expect. In addition to walking around the city center, the historic district, and the Usaquén neighborhood near the hotel, several activities are available to you.
The Ascent of Monserrate
Rising to an altitude of 3,152 m, Monserrate offers a spectacular view of the city and surrounding area. At the very top is a sanctuary with its basilica, a major pilgrimage site. To get there, you can take the funicular, the cable car, or the hiking trail. It is recommended to buy your funicular or cable car tickets online, which will save you from having to wait in line when you arrive.
The funicular is very impressive. The steep climb up the mountainside allows us to admire a panoramic view of the Colombian capital. Once at the top, you can contemplate the view again and visit the basilica. You will also see that, like Mount Royal, Monserrate is very popular with locals, who come to walk with their families, run, etc.
For the descent, we took the nearly 6 km trail. On your way, you will encounter many vendors offering snacks. You’ll notice there are few junk food options; you’ll find fruit, juices, some pastries, water, and even homemade popsicles for $0.50!
The walk is truly worth it. At times, you can no longer see the city and you forget that just below, there are 12 million inhabitants, but you can’t even hear them.
The Gold Museum
Arriving at the bottom of Monserrate, we took the opportunity to visit the city a bit on our way to the Gold Museum. This museum houses an impressive collection of pre-Hispanic goldsmith objects.
You can get an audio guide in French that will allow you to learn more about the peoples before the arrival of the settlers, their traditions, etc. The museum is very well done, but perhaps less suited for children (or maybe it was just mine who wanted to do something else). The pieces on display are truly impressive.
The Emerald District
While you are in Colombia, you can also take the opportunity to bring back some emeralds. An entire district is dedicated to the sale of these stones. You can visit the various shops and compare quality, colors, prices, etc.
W Bogota – Points Strategy and Value
We used Marriott Bonvoy points to book our stay, obtaining excellent value (over 1.1 cents per point). For on-site payments, we used a card with no foreign transaction fees, ideal for expenses in foreign currencies.
- Annual fee
- $120
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$600Total$600$100 deferred bonus, excluded from the first-year estimate and not counted in this total.Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $600
- Welcome offerAfter $3,000 in 3 months
- Up to 70,000 points
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Bottom Line
Our stay at the W Bogotá was a pleasant surprise. The welcome, the quality of the facilities, the local cuisine, and the many nearby activities make it a destination worth discovering. We highly recommend this hotel for a comfortable and rewarding stay in the Colombian capital.
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W Bogotá Marriott Bonvoy — Frequently Asked Questions
How many Marriott Bonvoy points are needed for a night at the W Bogotá?
The W Bogotá cost 31,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night for our stay. In comparison, the cash rate was around $342 USD per night. This represents a value of over 1.1 cents per point, which is higher than the average value of a Marriott Bonvoy point (0.9¢).
Is the W Bogotá family-friendly?
Yes. During our stay with children, the staff provided an extra bed and additional blankets quickly. The suite offers enough space for a family. Additionally, the heated pool and the Usaquén neighborhood are pleasant for children.
Where is the W Bogotá located?
The W Bogotá is located in the Usaquén neighborhood, a trendy and safe area of the Colombian capital. The hotel is located about 30 minutes from El Dorado International Airport, and the staff can arrange transportation for approximately $30 USD.
What are the benefits of Platinum status at the W Bogotá?
As a Marriott Bonvoy Platinum member, we received a suite upgrade and free breakfast for four people at the Jairo restaurant. The welcome also included a glass of agua de panela, a traditional local drink.
What activities can you do in Bogotá in two days?
In two days, you can climb Monserrate (3,152 m altitude, spectacular view), visit the Gold Museum with its French audio guide, explore the emerald district, and walk through the historic district. The Usaquén neighborhood near the hotel also offers excellent restaurants.
Which credit card should I use for a stay in Bogotá?
To accumulate Marriott Bonvoy points, the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card is the best option. For on-site spending in Colombia, prioritize a card with no foreign transaction fees. Consult our selection of the best cards with no foreign transaction fees.
How to get to Monserrate in Bogotá?
Three options are available to you: the funicular, the cable car, or the hiking trail. It is advisable to buy your tickets online to avoid queues. The descent on foot is about 6 km and offers a pleasant route with local snack vendors.
Do Canadians need a visa for Colombia?
No, Canadian citizens do not need a visa for a tourist stay in Colombia. However, since November 14, 2023, an entry tax of $85 CAD applies. This tax is payable only by credit card.
Go further with Marriott Bonvoy
To maximize your stays and points earning, check our complete Marriott Bonvoy program guide and our best Marriott Bonvoy credit cards ranking. For personal use, see the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card. For business expenses, the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card earns points on every business purchase. And if a points purchase promotion is running, take advantage via our Marriott Bonvoy points purchase guide.