At one time, Colombia was synonymous with illegal narcotic trade, killings and corruption. Not anymore! In recent times, the nation has cleaned up its image and now welcomes over 2.5 million visitors annually. These days, there are modern resorts such as Hotel Bs Kiu to make your stay more comfortable.
Last year Lonely Planet named this South American destination the second best country to visit in 2017. This endorsement surely boosted the country’s expanding tourism industry.
Its landscape is regarded as one of Mother Nature’s wondrous creation.
It has everything from the Caribbean beaches in the North to Pacific surf in the West with lush tropical forests and snow-capped mountains in between.
The urban settlements are colourful and vibrant with colonial heritage oozing out of a grand ensemble of architectural marvels.
Bogota
Bogota is the nation’s main international gateway. Cradled by the Andean Peaks, the cityscape is nicely sketched with old and new.
Most visitors spend time in the cobblestoned La Candelaria area, which is anchored by the Plaza de Bolívar – the epicentre of the historic downtown. The buildings crowding the domain dates from 16th to 19th century.
Highlights of the neighbourhood are some popular museums which grant an insight into the nation’s art, culture and history. Most appealing is the Museo del Oro, the world’s largest and finest gold museum.
The stunning display gold from every major pre- Colombian culture in the region at the time of Spanish conquest makes one believe the legends of El Dorado. The other that can’t afford a miss is Museo Botero which houses works of the nation’s foremost artist Fernando Botero.
One of Colombia’s most fascinating attraction is the Salt Cathedral, tucked inside an underground salt mine near Zipaquira, a small town located 50km north of Bogota.
An interesting option of reaching there is by taking a tourist train which makes fascinating return trip from Bogota on weekends.
Hotel Bs Kiu
After a long day of exciting sightseeing in and around Bogota, stay at the Hotel bs Kiü provides a great experience of blending new with old.
It’s located in the north of the city in an upper class neighbourhood dotted with parks, shopping outlets and hordes of restaurants and cafes.
Popular addresses like the World Trade Centre, restaurant hub Parque de la 93 and the glittering Andino Shopping Mall are all within walkable distances, while El Dorado International Airport is only 30 minutes away.
This boutique hotel offers 60 rooms and 2 suites, each of which features a spirit of contemporary urban sophistication.
Tastefully decorated with elegant designer furnishings, all sunlight flooded rooms include working desks, LCD flat screen television, alarm clock with iPhone / iPod connectivity, minibar, electronic safe and coffee making facilities.
The toiletries in the bathroom are of high quality. The pillowtop beds with180-thread-count linens allow comfortable sleep. Wi-Fi service is complimentary and available throughout the hotel.
Breakfast at the ground floor restaurant adjacent to the modest but elegant lobby features a wide selection of hot, cold and heart-healthy breakfast options and eggs cooked to order.
There is a fitness centre as well in the hotel for the healthy mined to lose the few extra kilos if gained from Colombian epicurean indulgence.
Finally it’s the perfect service and friendliness of all hotel staff that brings the ultimate difference and makes the stay memorable for every guest.
This hotel is a member of the elite Preferred Hotels and Resorts group and aptly fits in with their high standards.
Sandip Hor stayed as an invited guest of the hotel.
Discover Bogota
Address: Carrera 9A No.98 -03, Chico, 110010 Bogotá; Phone: + 571- 7468044; www.hotelbskiu.com
Compare room rates for Hotel Bs Kiu here
How to get to Bogota
Bogota is well connected through several airlines with many cities in USA, Europe, and South and Central America. From Australia, one option is to fly with Qantas/Latam via Santiago in Chile.
How to get around Bogota
Trans Milenio which operates buses through major thoroughfares on their own dedicated path offers a very efficient public transportation network, however for visitors taxis are a better option. They are safe and cheap.
What is the currency of Colombia?
Colombian Peso (COP), 1 AUD = 2270 COP
Do I need a visa to visit Columbia?
Australian passport holders don’t require visa to enter Colombia
Salt Cathedral Trip
A great way of visiting the Salt Cathedral in Zipaquira is by taking the classic train journey which provides the unique experience of seeing Colombia beyond Bogota. It’s possible to board the train from Usaquen Station which is close to Bs Kiu Hotel.
Plan Your Trip
Rent A Car – Find the best car rental rates at Discover Cars. They compare car hire companies to provide you with the best deal right now.
Find A Hotel – If you’re curious about this article and are looking for somewhere to stay, take a look at these amazing hotels.
