Colombia - Epic Bucket List Adventures

Bogotá Bliss: A Week of Luxury at the JW Marriott Hotel

Spending a week at the JW Marriott Hotel in Bogotá, Colombia, was a delightful experience that truly lived up to its reputation. Located between the vibrant T Zone (tourist) and the G Zone (gourmet), this hotel provides easy access to some of Bogotá’s best restaurants and bars, all within walking distance. Here’s a detailed account of my stay, highlighting the exceptional amenities and services that make this hotel a top-rated choice on TripAdvisor.

JW Marriott Lobby in Bogota Colombia — Marriott Lobby Source: Marriott.com

Arrival and Check-In

Upon arriving in Bogotá, I was provided with transportation to the hotel, located about a 30-minute drive from the airport. The taxi fare for the trip runs around $10. Check-in at the JW Marriott was swift and hassle-free, setting the tone for a pleasant stay. The hotel’s impressive five-star ranking listed on TripAdvisor is well deserved. The hotel is currently listed as #17 out of 322 hotels.

Executive Lounge at JW Marriot in Bogota. — View of the Executive Lounge

The Room

My accommodation was on the sixth floor of the ten-story hotel, with my Platinum Premiere membership granting me access to the exclusive Executive Lounge on the ninth floor. The elevators require a room key for operation, ensuring a secure environment.

My king room was nothing short of opulent. Upon entering, I found the spacious bathroom to the left and the minibar and coffee service to the right. The bathroom was particularly impressive, divided into sections with a private room for the toilet, a large, deep shower stall, and a separate bathtub. It was stocked with complimentary toiletries, including shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, bath salts, and various grooming items.

Bathroom in hotel room at JW Marriott in Bogota

The room itself featured a large flat-screen television, a work desk with ample charging options, and a luxurious king-sized bed that provided excellent sleep. The exterior wall was mostly window, offering a view of the outdoor bar area below. I didn’t have an opportunity to watch television, but availed myself of the other amenities.

View from sixth floor room at JW Marriott in Bogota Colombia

Dining and Entertainment

The hotel’s dining options were impressive. I enjoyed breakfast at the indoor restaurant and had lunch at the outdoor bar, which featured live music. The bar offered a variety of local and international dishes, and the prices were quite reasonable. For instance, beers were priced around $3 each, a pleasant surprise compared to other Marriott locations.

Executive Lounge

Access to the Executive Lounge was one of the highlights of my stay. The lounge was among the nicest I’ve visited, offering a constant supply of snacks and sweets, as well as full meals at breakfast and dinner. The coffee machine was particularly notable for making excellent mochas, albeit small in size. The staff in the lounge were attentive and accommodating, enhancing the overall experience.

Executive Lounge meal at JW Marriott in Bogota.

Additional Amenities

While I didn’t have time to visit the fitness center or pool, I heard positive feedback from other guests. One of my peers enjoyed a sixty minute massage at the spa. While there is a full menu of options at the spa, a typical massage will set you back 376,000 Colombian Pesos (around $90). Not an outrageous price for an hour-long session.

Surrounding Area

The hotel’s location in a pleasant area of Bogotá made exploring easy and enjoyable. The T Zone and G Zone are known for their lively atmosphere and excellent dining options, offering a perfect mix of local and international cuisine.

Historical and Cultural Insights

Bogotá, the capital city of Colombia, sits at an elevation of 8,660 feet, giving it a unique climate and character. The city’s rich history is reflected in its architecture and cultural sites, such as the Gold Museum and the historic district of La Candelaria. The JW Marriott’s proximity to these attractions makes it an ideal base for exploring the city’s heritage. A trip to nearby Monserrate is highly recommended.

Final Thoughts

The JW Marriott Hotel in Bogotá stands out to me not just for its luxurious accommodations but also for its exceptional service and strategic location. Whether you’re in Bogotá for business or leisure, this hotel offers a perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and style.

For those planning a visit to Bogotá, I highly recommend staying at the JW Marriott. The combination of top-tier amenities, attentive staff, and a prime location makes it an excellent choice for travelers seeking a memorable and comfortable stay in Colombia’s vibrant capital.

Culture in the Clouds: Unveiling The Scenic Charm of Monserrate

A visit to Bogotá wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the iconic Mount Monserrate. As a central terrain feature and major tourist attraction, this mountain offers breathtaking views and a rich cultural experience. Though the weather was less than ideal on my visit, Monserrate proved to be an unforgettable adventure.

Monserrate: Ascending the Mountain

Visitors to Monserrate can choose to hike up the mountain, which rises over 10,000 feet above sea level. However, I opted for the tram, as the high elevation of Bogotá was already affecting me. Two round trip tram tickets cost 25,000 Colombian Pesos, roughly six dollars—an excellent deal for avoiding the strenuous trek.

View looking down from the Monserrate tram.

A Rainy Day Adventure at Monserrate

Our visit in October was marked by rain and dense fog, obscuring the panoramic views typically enjoyed from the top. Despite the weather, the vistas were still spectacular. The tram ride alone offers a stunning overview of Bogotá, and I could only imagine how magnificent the scenery would be on a clear day.

Exploring the Summit of Monserrate

Upon arriving at the top, we were greeted by a charming market area. Unfortunately, due to the rain, many shops were closed, and the trails were slick and unsafe for hiking. We ventured a short distance up one of the trails, snapped a few photos, and decided to explore the shops instead.

Radio Tower along the hiking trails atop Monseratte in Bogota.

An Unplanned Drill

Our exploration was briefly interrupted by a nationwide drill at 9:00 am. We were guided to a fitness area below the tram station and waited for the “all clear.” This unexpected event added a unique twist to our visit, making it even more memorable.

First responders and visitors gathered into a park during a national drill in Bogota.

The Heart of Monserrate

Beyond the shops and eateries, Monserrate is home to a historic church and numerous statues depicting scenes from the Gospels. The walkways are beautifully paved and adorned with intricate gardens and water features, creating a serene, park-like atmosphere. The well-maintained tram area, with its tiled water troughs and bamboo retaining walls, reflects the care taken to preserve this iconic site.

Well and stone paved pathway on Monserrate in Bogota.

Gardens, decorations and a small statue at Monseratte in Bogota.

Small ponds and flowers at Monserrate in Bogota.

Statue of Jesus being nailed to a cross at Monserrate in Bogota.

A Memorable Visit

I spent about an hour and a half at the top of Monserrate, including a ten-minute interruption for the drill. Even with more shops closed and the less-than-ideal weather, the visit was enjoyable. With a tour guide or better weather, one could easily spend more time exploring the gardens, statuary, and dining options.

Historical Significance of Monserrate

Monserrate has been a significant pilgrimage site since colonial times. The church at the summit, officially named the Basilica Sanctuary of the Fallen Lord, dates back to the 17th century and holds a revered statue of El Señor Caído (The Fallen Lord), attracting pilgrims from all over the country.

Wide view of church, gardens and paths at Monserrate.

Practical Tips

The mountain is accessible daily, and the tram operates from early morning until late evening. A round trip costs about three dollars per person, making it an affordable and worthwhile excursion. Due to the high elevation, it’s advisable to take it easy, stay hydrated, and be prepared for potential altitude effects.

View of building on a distant hill at Monserrate.

Small pools at the base of the Tram leading to Monserrate.

Conclusion

Monserrate is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Bogotá. Despite the weather challenges, the experience was enriching, offering a glimpse into Colombia’s history, culture, and natural beauty. If you’re planning a trip to Bogotá, make sure to set aside time for a visit to this majestic mountain retreat.

Sign showing directions to attractions at Monserrate.

So, whether you’re a seasoned hiker or prefer the ease of a tram ride, Monserrate promises an adventure filled with stunning views, historical intrigue, and serene landscapes. Don’t miss the opportunity to see Bogotá from its most iconic vantage point.

Discovering Central Cevicheria: A Surprising Culinary Delight in Bogotá

Shrimp and potatoes menu item at Central Cevicheria in Bogota.

There’s an old adage that you don’t order steak at a seafood restaurant (or did I get that backwards…?). However, exceptions to every rule exist. When my friends suggested we visit a cevicheria while in Bogotá, I couldn’t dampen their enthusiasm. Being fairly easy to please, I went along for the ride, confident I’d find something appealing on the menu.

Map showing the location of Central Cevicheria in Bogota taken from Google Maps.

Our destination? Central Cevicheria, located at Cra. 13 #14, Bogotá, Colombia. Although it was technically within walking distance of our hotel, we opted for a taxi.

As expected, the menu had a heavy focus on ceviche but offered a variety of seafood options. My companions delighted in shrimp dishes and lobster, most of them trying and loving the ceviche. For those less inclined towards seafood, the menu didn’t disappoint. My eyes were drawn to the Lomo Saltado, a Peruvian dish I had enjoyed during a trip to Peru. It’s a delightful combination of potato, onion, tomato, and beef in a flavorful broth. Priced at 36,900 Colombian Pesos (about twelve dollars), it was quite reasonable. Served with a side of rice, though the hearty potatoes and beef left me too full to touch it, this dish was flavorful and satisfying. I’d definitely order it again.

Image of Saltado Loma dinner I ordered at Central Cevicheria along with an order of rice.

To complement my meal, I started with a non-alcoholic drink, mango biche, akin to a mango smoothie, for 6,900 COP (about two dollars). Following that, I enjoyed a couple of Club Colombia beers, priced at 7,000 COP each (just over two dollars). For those who prefer imported beers, Stella and Corona were also available. All in all, I enjoyed a great meal, a refreshing drink, and a couple of beers for about twenty dollars. Not bad for a night out.

Image taken from Central Cevicheria website showing their selection of smoothies.

If you’re looking for a good spot for ceviche, you’ll have to rely on the word of my friends, as I don’t eat it. But they seemed thrilled with their selections at Central Cevicheria. As someone who doesn’t typically eat seafood, I’ve been to many restaurants that offer little for non-seafood eaters. Here, I was pleasantly surprised. The Lomo Saltado was on point, and the price was right. Alongside a delicious, affordable meal, the service was excellent. While not as fancy as some other places we visited in Bogotá, the food at Central Cevicheria was superb.

The accompanying photos are sourced from Central Cevicheria’s website, with the Lomo Saltado photograph being my own.

Visiting Central Cevicheria was a delightful experience, one that I’d recommend to both seafood lovers and those who prefer land-based dishes. If you find yourself in Bogotá, give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite dish.