Destination One

Closer to the Stars

by Richard McColl

Bogotá, Colombia’s capital city, reaches new cultural and economic heights.

Bogotá, dubbed the “Athens of South America” for its well-educated and polite citizenry, is statistically a safer city than Madrid — at least according to the Colombian Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators. The organization is more than eager to push tourism to new plateaus, aiming to improve on the record number of visitors to Colombia in the past two years — more than 1 million in 2006 and 2 million in 2007. Despite predictions and fears of a global economic slowdown in 2008, Bogotá, Colombia’s capital city, is projected to continue growing.

As Bogotanos will inform you, the city high up on the altiplano is 8,530 feet closer to the stars and is considered the cultural, financial and tourist heartbeat of Colombia. More secure than Caracas and more accessible than Quito, Bogotá is reveling in its contemporary importance.

Increased stability — the obvious work of the mano dura (literally “hard fist”) campaign of President Alvaro Uribe in his second term — looks to be bearing fruit, at least on the surface. His conservative policy of zero tolerance, backed by the U.S. government and President Bush, has its detractors, but there’s nothing like a safe city to boost a president’s ratings. After hitting record highs last summer, Uribe’s approval rating, according to Gallup estimates, leveled off at 78 percent in September.

It is Bogotá’s internationally recognized academic institutions, tourism boom and AAA financial qualification that are making the capital so attractive to foreign investors. Projections show the city increasing year on year beyond the 7.5 percent growth of the Colombian economy in 2007 and the million tourists who visited Bogotá in the past two years.

Bogotá has it all and has it in quantity: the lofty heights of the chapel at Monserrate, the high-rise buildings of the international business centers, the colonial rooftops of the Candelaria district and, beyond, the invasiones where families displaced by the long-running internal conflict have taken up residence on the edges of the city.

If the numbers of foreign tourists seeking quality and affordable cosmetic surgery and those attending international events such as the Iboamerican Theatre Festival continue to climb, this Andean city just might become the key international and cosmopolitan focal point of northern South America.

LODGING

HOTEL CASA DE LA BOTICA
This affordable and largely undiscovered addition to Bogotá’s boutique hotel scene is located in La Candelaria, just a stone’s throw from the curiosities in this area. High beams and cozy brick walls adorn all 10 of the guestrooms. Despite its downtown location, the hotel is a mere 15 minutes from the airport. Internet access is available all through the building, so you can easily withdraw to one of the verdant courtyards with your laptop. The hotel is planning an expansion that will include 12 suites and a spa.$$
HOTEL CASA DE LA BOTICA
Calle 9 No. 6 – 45, La Candelaria
tel 57 1 281 0811

HOTEL CASA MEDINA BOGOTÁ
Despite its location on one of the capital’s busiest thoroughfares, as soon as you step into this regal establishment all thoughts of the hustle and bustle are left at the door. Choose the level of accommodation to suit your needs — the 58 elegantly decorated guestrooms range from the standard deluxe room to the far more extravagant suite with a fireplace to ward off the Bogotá evening chill. All guestrooms are equipped with WiFi and cable television. $$$$
HOTEL CASA MEDINA BOGOTÁ
Cra 7 No. 69A – 22
tel 57 1 217 0288
www.hotelescharleston.com/casamedina

HOTEL DE LA ÓPERA, BOGOTÁ
One block from the seat of Colombian power and the Plaza de Bolívar in the colonial center known as La Candelaria, La Ópera is a triumphant display of style and substance. Two colonial-era mansions have been combined to create one of Bogotá’s most opulent establishments. Unrivaled views of this unique area are offered from the hotel’s El Mirador restaurant. For those needing further R&R, La Ópera specializes in spa treatments. Internet is available in the rooms.$$$
HOTEL DE LA ÓPERA, BOGOTÁ
Calle 10 No. 5 – 72, La Candelaria
tel 57 1 336 5285
www.hotelopera.com