Hotel Review: W Bogota
In 2014, Colombia welcomed its very first W property with the launch of W Bogota. During my latest visit to Bogota, I couldn't help but draw parallels between the W brand's dynamic and celebratory ethos and Colombia's deep-rooted heritage in gold. The harmonious blend of the W brand's identity with the nation's cultural and historical essence made staying at W Bogota an irresistible choice for me. I was eager to immerse myself in the hotel's unique storytelling. Despite its location being a bit removed from the various sites I explored in Bogota, my experience at W Bogota was thoroughly enjoyable. Here is my review of W Bogota:
W bogota is located at Ak. 9 #115 - 30, Usaquén, Bogotá, Cundinamarca, Colombia.
What Card(s) Should You Use to Book?
I earn tons of Marriott Bonvoy points by using my American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card. It currently offers a sign-up bonus of 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy points when you spend $6,000 within your first 6 months of card membership. The card earns 6X Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar when you book directly with Marriott, 3X points on dining and flights booked directly with airlines, and 2X on all other purchases. Paired with Marriott’s promotions and AMEX offers, it opens doors to endless points-earning opportunities.
The AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card has great benefits that can substantially offset its annual fee.
The AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card does come with a hefty $650 annual fee but offers tons of perks to significantly offset its costs. The card features the following benefits:
Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status
$25 monthly dining credit—$300 total in a year
$100 property credit when booked directly with Marriott and staying a minimum of two nights at Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis properties
An 85,000-point Free Night Award
Access to Priority Pass lounges
25 Elite Night Credits for chasing Marriott Bonvoy status
Even if you don’t stay at Marriott properties often, this card is still a must-have, in my opinion. It’s a true example of a keeper card that offers benefits that outweigh the annual fee.
If you’d like to apply for the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card, please consider using my referral link. It will continue to help fund my blog operations and help visitors make informed decisions to maximize their rewards. Thank you! Click HERE to access my referral link!
If you are looking for a Marriott Bonvoy credit card with a low annual fee, consider the Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card. It currently offers a sign-up bonus of five Free Night Certificates after spending $5,000 in the first three months from account opening. Each certificate is worth up to 50,000 points, totaling a potential bonus worth up to 250,000 points. I personally value Marriott Bonvoy points at 0.8 cents each, making the 250,000 points offer worth $2,000. The Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card earns 6X points per dollar when you book directly with Marriott, 3X points on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases every year on dining, grocery stores, and gas stations, and 2X points on all other purchases.
Be aware that 15 elite night credits from the Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card can’t be combined with 15 elite night credits from the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card.
The Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card’s annual fee is $95, and it offers useful perks to offset the cost:
Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status, the low-tier status offered in Marriott’s member ecosystem
A 35,000-point Free Night Award
15 Elite Night Credits that will help you achieve a higher Marriott Bonvoy status
Please note that you can’t combine Elite Night Credits from two Marriott Bonvoy personal credit cards, but you can stack Elite Night Credits from one personal and one Marriott Bonvoy business card. Thus, if you own both AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant and Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless, you would only earn 25 elite night credits.
If you’d like to apply for the Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card, please consider using my referral link. It will continue to help fund my blog operations and help visitors make informed decisions to maximize their rewards. Thank you!
The last Marriott Bonvoy credit card you could use would be the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Business card. It currently offers a sign-up bonus of five Free Night Certificates after spending $8,000 in the first six months from account opening. Each certificate is worth up to 50,000 points, totaling a potential bonus worth up to 250,000 points. Considering that the annual membership costs $125, you get paid to have the card! The card earns 6X Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar when you book directly with Marriott, 4X points on dining, U.S. shipping purchases, U.S. wireless telephone services, and at U.S. gas stations. All other purchases earn 2X points.
The AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Business card is the only Marriott business card on the market.
The AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Business card’s annual fee is $125, and it offers valuable benefits to justify the cost:
Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status, the low-tier status offered in Marriott’s member ecosystem
A 35,000-point Free Night Award
15 Elite Night Credits, which can be combined with 15 Elite Night Credits from other personal Marriott Bonvoy credit cards
As you can see, the card’s benefits are less substantial than the ones from the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card, but it is a great long-term keeper card due to its annual Free Night Award perk. Furthermore, it is absolutely necessary if you want to chase a higher Marriott Bonvoy status because it is the only Marriott business card that is on the market and will grant you an additional 15 Elite Night Credits. Lastly, even though it is a business credit card, it is very likely that you could get it approved. Check out my article on how to apply for a business credit card as a sole proprietor.
If you’d like to apply for the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Business card, please consider using my referral link. It will continue to help fund my blog operations and help visitors make informed decisions to maximize their rewards. Thank you! Click HERE to access my referral link!
Location
W Bogota is located in the Santa Barbara business and entertainment district in Bogota. The Santa Barbara district is known for its premium shopping malls, restaurants, and entertainment options and is generally considered a safe and upscale area, making it a preferred choice for tourists seeking a secure and comfortable stay. It’s important to note that popular tourist sites like the historic La Candelaria district, the Gold Museum, and Bolivar Square, W Bogota are situated away from the hotel. Thus, if you are interested in visiting major tourist attractions, I recommend considering some butter time on the road since traffic in Bogota can be notorious.
Lobby & Check-In Review
Upon my arrival at the hotel, a bellman promptly offered his assistance. The entrance area was modest in size since the main lobby was situated on the third floor. I was immediately struck by numerous golden butterfly decorations adorning a wall highlighted with gold accents.
The golden accent wall felt like stepping into a world where luxury and nature intertwined seamlessly.
The wall art resonated deeply with Colombia's ties to the legend of El Dorado and its status as having the world's most diverse butterfly habitats, making the accent wall very relevant. The welcome area was dotted with a few lounge chairs, and the golden butterfly theme was tastefully extended across the space.
The ground floor featured just enough seating to comfortably accommodate a brief wait—whether you were checking in or catching a taxi.
I was warmly welcomed by a receptionist stationed at a sleek, asymmetrical desk, who efficiently facilitated my check-in.
The asymmetrical design of the front desk hinted at the hotel’s bold, design-forward approach.
Having secured a Suite Night Award in advance, I was pleased to hear that my accommodation had been upgraded to a corner suite. She also took the time to outline the hotel's complimentary offerings and directed me to the elevators for my room. Reaching the third floor, I was greeted by the unmistakable presence of an oversized W sign.
The third floor served as the vibrant heart of the hotel, where guests gathered to enjoy the lively bar and chic restaurant.
The third floor was home to the hotel’s lounge as well as the restaurant, Jairo, and boasted an array of seating arrangements, from large group tables to smaller ones, all elegantly finished in gold.
Small side tables were thoughtfully equipped with embedded QR codes, offering guests the convenience of ordering bites and drinks from the bar with just a quick scan.
Each table featured a QR code, enabling guests to easily order food and drinks. The bar area stood out with its expansive graffiti wall art, reflecting Colombia's vibrant street art culture.
The graffiti art splashed across the wall vividly captured the essence of Colombia's dynamic street culture.
Above, golden threads hung from the ceiling, adding a chic and sophisticated touch to the setting.
Golden threads cascaded from the ceiling, a shimmering tribute to the city's deep connection to gold.
The artistic expression extended to the walls, where local artists showcased their gold-inspired works, underscoring the hotel's commitment to celebrating Colombia's golden heritage.
The walls became a canvas for artistic expression, adorned with gold-inspired creations by local artists, adding a touch of cultural richness to the ambiance.
The ambiance was both inviting and reflective of the country's artistic and historical richness. After exploring the lobby, I went up to the 10th floor, where my suite was located.
Bedroom Review
As I stepped into the room, I was greeted by walls adorned in gold-colored wallpaper, seamlessly extending the hotel's golden motif into the suite.
The upgraded one-bedroom suite was expansive, with an accent wall that extended onto the ceiling, adding a unique and stylish flair to the space.
The bedroom was elegantly merged with the bathroom and separated only by a translucent curtain and radiated both coziness and luxury. At the heart of the room stood a king-sized bed against a backdrop of a textured fabric wall that stretched from the bed's base to the ceiling, harmonizing with the dark accent wall and the room's gold accents.
The hotel’s design team remained faithful to its gold-themed vision, thoughtfully incorporating splashes of gold at every opportunity.
Gold-toned throw pillows and blankets added a touch of elegance to the bedroom. The bed was flanked by two large nightstands integrated into the bed frame, complete with 110 V outlets for convenience. Sadly, the suite lacked a central light switch. However, the hotel thoughtfully provided complimentary Hatsu-branded bottled mineral water on one of the nightstands.
The complimentary bottled water was a welcome convenience, especially with no corner stores nearby for a quick refreshment.
Moreover, the hotel generously presented welcome amenities on the bed—an artistic Colombia poster and two branded hats from W Bogota. The hotel thoughtfully provided a poster tube, allowing me to transport the poster back to the US undamaged.
The hotel delighted us with thoughtful gifts celebrating Colombia, and I was loved the patterns on the poster, beautifully showcasing the country's diverse regions.
The welcome gestures didn't stop there; a bottle of champagne, a bowl of artisanal chocolates, and a heartfelt handwritten card from the hotel staff made our stay even more memorable, with each chocolate savored.
The hotel pampered us with thoughtful gifts like champagne and gourmet chocolates, adding an extra layer of romance to our stay.
Opposite the bed, a smart TV was mounted on a golden pole, featuring impeccable wire management.
The TV was suspended from a ceiling pole, keeping the floor sleek and free from any wire clutter.
To the right, a minibar was stocked with snacks and Juan Valdez coffee pods. Juan Valdez is a premium commercial coffee brand with single-origin Colombian coffee, and it was nice to encounter genuine Colombian coffee in the room.
The minibar was thoughtfully stocked with an array of snacks and Juan Valdez coffee pods, offering a taste of premium single-origin Colombian coffee.
The minibar was complemented by a cocktail shaker, aligning with W's vibrant brand, and a concealed mini-fridge offered local beverages and spirits.
The W brand is all about embracing a vibrant party atmosphere, and the well-stocked minibar perfectly captures that lively spirit.
The corner of the suite was allocated for a work desk, which was equipped with various outlets and connectors, facilitating a smooth transition to remote work.
The suite featured a dedicated workspace with a desk, though it felt a bit cluttered with various peripheral accessories.
A small sectional presented extra seating, although its comfort was compromised by minimal cushioning.
The sectional sofa tucked in the corner of the room fell short on comfort, lacking the plush cushioning you'd expect for a relaxing spot.
Because the suite was positioned on the 10th floor, it delivered a panoramic view of Bogota; however, I must admit it couldn't rival the Andean vistas from the Grand Hyatt Bogota.
The view from the suite mostly showcased the residential neighborhoods surrounding Bogotá.
Overall, even though some furniture showed signs of wear, the decision to use my Suite Night Award for an upgrade was justified. The room's design and amenities successfully paid tribute to Colombia's heritage, and the hotel's exceptional hospitality left me thoroughly satisfied with my stay.
Bathroom Review
The bathroom was seamlessly integrated with the bedroom, featuring a double sink vanity set against gold-accented, back-lit mirrors.
The bathroom seamlessly flowed into the bedroom, creating a more open and spacious feel throughout the suite.
These mirrors were double-sided and designed to allow the vanity to extend, cleverly serving as a makeup stand. The efficient layout of the space was appreciated for its consolidation of toiletry storage.
Opposite the sinks, double-sided mirrors cleverly transformed the space into a makeup stand, maximizing the efficiency of the vanity.
The room was well-stocked with towels, and exclusive toiletries from Loto Del Sur, a luxury Colombian cosmetics brand, enhanced the experience. The bathroom also conveniently included dental and nail kits, sparing me a trip to the front desk for any essentials.
The toiletries were from Loto del Sur, a luxurious Colombian cosmetics brand, and I appreciated how the hotel incorporated this local touch into the overall experience.
Adjacent to the vanity, two separate enclosures housed a walk-in shower and a water closet, each decorated with glossy white and gold microtiles. The wall design not only paid homage to Colombia’s golden legacy but also aligned with the W brand's energetic aesthetic. Although the walk-in shower featured a rainfall showerhead, the low water pressure somewhat diminished the experience.
The walk-in shower featured gold-colored wall tiles, keeping with the overall gold theme, but the cleanliness left something to be desired.
Additionally, the presence of noticeable black mold in a corner of the shower stall was a letdown, especially since it was easily visible. While the bathroom's innovative design contributed to the suite's spacious feel without compromising functionality, the issues with the shower area's maintenance marred an otherwise impressive setup.
Gym & Pool Review
Situated on the fourth floor, the hotel's gym, affectionately dubbed FIT in line with W Hotels' global naming convention, operates around the clock.
For those interested in spa products, a selection is available for purchase on the fourth floor.
The gym was surprisingly spacious and was equipped with top-notch exercise machines. The space was energized by vibrant, club-like music that instantly motivated me to work out. The gym predominantly featured TechnoGym equipment, with strength training machines centrally located for easy access. A comprehensive array of machines, including chest and leg presses alongside a Smith machine and a selection of barbells, catered to a full-body workout.
The gym pulsed with loud, dynamic music that instantly energized me, setting the perfect tone for a workout.
Dumbbells were available in weights up to 28kg (approximately 57 lbs), and because of the floor's minimal padding, they required careful handling.
It was nice to have such a wide selection of equipment, ensuring I never had to wait for my turn to work out.
Cardio equipment like treadmills and ellipticals were thoughtfully placed along the perimeter, each fitted with a personal TV.
Having a personal TV for each cardio machine was a great perk, though navigating them was a bit tricky.
Instead of Peloton bikes, TechnoGym cycling machines were available, and a specially designed CrossFit area added a unique touch with its robust A-pillars and an assortment of fitness accessories like TRX sets and punching bags.
The A-pillar turned out to be surprisingly versatile, perfect for setting up various exercise gear like the punching bag and TRX machine.
The fitness center also housed a pilates studio, but you’d need to make an appointment at the welcome desk.
A dedicated Pilates studio provided guests with the opportunity to join Pilates classes.
It was evident that the hotel tried to utilize every available space effectively, even offering an all-in-one strength machine and additional cardio equipment in smaller areas.
The gym made the most of every nook and cranny, filling the space with additional workout machines to ensure a comprehensive fitness experience.
Adjacent to the gym, the indoor pool was open from 9 AM to 9 PM. It doubled as a hydrotherapy pool with hydromassage features. Echoing the gym's energetic ambiance, the pool area featured underwater lighting that reflected the vibrancy of the atmosphere.
The indoor pool showcased underwater lighting that periodically shifted colors, enhancing the pool's dynamic ambiance.
The jet streams were great for decompressing and massaging the body after a workout. Nonetheless, I wouldn’t recommend lap swimming in the pool since you wouldn’t be able to see the inside of the pool clearly. The pool featured submerged steps designed for sitting and lounging, yet the darkly tiled floor raised concerns about potential injuries for those swimming close by.
The only drawback with the dark tiled pool floor was the difficulty in seeing the bottom of the pool.
A limited number of lounge chairs were present, but they were constrained by the available floor space. For rinsing off before or after pool use, while guests had the option of using the locker room showers, the pool area also offered an accessible, open step-in shower.
Though there was only one, the onsite shower offered a convenient way to rinse off before and after a swim.
Overall, the FIT gym at W Bogota impressed me with its extensive, well-maintained equipment and dynamic atmosphere. It was slightly subdued by the matte gray flooring but was still reflective of the W brand's signature vibe. The addition of a hydrotherapy pool provided a delightful conclusion to a rigorous workout session, making the entire fitness experience at the hotel exceptionally satisfying.
Breakfast Review—Jairo
Breakfast commenced at 6:30 AM at Jairo nestled on the third floor. The restaurant's design offered a welcoming and refined atmosphere, distinguished by its expansive windows that bathed the space in natural light and its modern furnishings.
The restaurant's curved couches and intricate wall details elevated the atmosphere, giving it the elegance of a fine dining experience.
Contrasting with the W brand's typically bold and vibrant aesthetic, Jairo opted for a cozier ambiance with tasteful, colorful touches that echoed the W's luxurious flair. The setting was enhanced by wooden flooring and sinuous ceiling lighting, adding to the space's fluidity.
Wooden flooring and sinuous ceiling lighting enhanced the interior design of the restaurant.
Tables of various sizes were arranged to welcome individuals and groups alike, including a special room equipped with a grand table for parties of ten or more. The group table was beautifully accentuated by sophisticated glass art installations, contributing to a chic, art-forward dining experience.
Jairo's group dining room featured eye-catching pop art that captured the vibrant essence of the W brand.
Upon check-in, I confirmed that my breakfast was complimentary, thanks to my Titanium Elite status. As I was escorted to my table, a waitress promptly took my coffee order, and I opted for a cappuccino to kickstart the day. Positioned in a cozy corner of the restaurant, the buffet awaited an array of Colombian culinary delights that I was eager to explore. I loaded up my plate with a serving of Calentao—a hearty mix of rice, beans, potatoes, and meat, with bacon bits added for an extra layer of flavor. It was a delightful introduction to Colombian cuisine for a first-timer like myself.
It was my first time trying Calentao, and it was delicious—a perfect complement to any Colombian dish.
While I enjoyed familiar options such as scrambled eggs, I couldn't resist trying Caldo de Costilla, a soup with beef rib and potato.
The empanadas at Jairo were perfectly crispy, with a hearty filling that made each bite satisfying.
Although the soup's clear broth was a tad saltier than expected, the meat's tenderness and the fluffy potatoes made for a satisfying dish. The tangy cilantro and onion sauce balanced the richness of the soup.
The tangy cilantro and onion sauce was the perfect companion for anything fried, expertly balancing the richness with a refreshing zing.
The buffet also featured fried arepas and empanadas, complemented by the sweet yet savory Hogao sauce.
The arepas truly came to life when paired with the sweet Hogao sauce.
Among the fried treats, the Buñuelo, a dough ball with a unique, slightly chewy texture, became a favorite, especially when paired with tropical fruit jam. The cheesy and chewy Pan de bono was another standout, quickly becoming a crowd-pleaser.
Buñuelo instantly brought to mind the fun texture of fried mochi balls from Japan.
Jairo thoughtfully included gluten-free and vegetable-centric options for those with dietary preferences.
The restaurant thoughtfully catered to dietary restrictions by offering a variety of gluten-free and vegetable options.
The veggie wraps were filled with fresh vegetables and delivered a lighter breakfast choice to guests. There were open-faced veggie sandwiches as well.
I didn’t sample the restaurant’s vegetable dishes, but they looked fresh and inviting.
However, while the veggies were grilled nicely, the bread-to-topping ratio was unbalanced. Cold cuts of meat and cheese were left to be desired as they didn’t deliver the deep artisanal flavors I was looking for.
Maybe I had set my expectations too high for the cold cuts and cheese in Colombia.
Nevertheless, fresh-cut fruits and freshly squeezed juices were excellent. The juices were served in individually bottled glass containers, and I tried Lulo juice for the first time. I could instantly tell from its citrusy, kiwi-like flavor that it’s packed with vitamins.
It was my first time tasting lulo juice, and its tropical, citrusy flavor was incredibly refreshing.
The limited selection of fruits was impeccably ripe; Papaya was among the best, and its creamy texture was an excellent way to wrap up my meal at Jairo.
The ripe tropical fruits made for a fresh and healthy dessert, perfectly capping off my meal at Jairo.
My breakfast experience at Jairo was a delightful introduction to Colombian cuisine. While not every dish could claim to be authentic, those I sampled were both approachable and delicious. Greater detail in the descriptions of each buffet item would have enhanced my appreciation, but discovering new foods is part of the adventure.
Positives & Negatives
Positives
From my very first steps into W Bogota, the hotel's dedication to celebrating Colombia's illustrious gold heritage was unmistakable. The theme of gold was thoughtfully woven throughout the premises, from the bedroom and bathroom to the subtle artwork adorning the lobby walls. I valued the hotel's commitment to maintaining and reinforcing this golden motif consistently across various spaces.
The welcome amenities I received left a lasting impression, particularly the physical goods. The hotel's thoughtfulness in including a poster tube for easy transport of the poster was highly appreciated, and the hats stood out as practical gifts that could be enjoyed well beyond the duration of the trip.
The gym at W Bogota was impressively spacious and equipped with cutting-edge gear. Offering a diverse array of exercise equipment from CrossFit setups to barbells with weight plates, the gym provided guests with the opportunity to elevate their fitness routines to unprecedented heights.
Negatives
The positioning of W Bogota might not be the most convenient for first-time visitors or tourists keen on exploring Bogota's key sites. For instance, traveling by taxi from W Bogota to the Museo del Oro (Gold Museum) in the bustling La Candelaria district can take between 30 to 40 minutes under normal conditions. However, in peak traffic, the journey could extend to nearly an hour.
Discovering black mold in the corner of the shower booth was a letdown, falling short of the high standards I associate with the W brand. Furthermore, the suite's furniture bore visible signs of wear, including scruffs and dents.
Summary
As Colombia's inaugural W property, W Bogota beautifully integrated the nation's deep-rooted connection to gold with the dynamic flair typical of the W brand. The presence of shimmering golden hues was unmistakable throughout the hotel, and I valued the consistent thematic execution. Despite encountering some cleanliness issues in the shower, my upgraded corner suite was rich in character and thoroughly impressive. The gym featured state-of-the-art equipment, catering to a wide range of fitness enthusiasts, while the breakfast at Jairo offered a modern take on Colombian cuisine with fresh, quality ingredients. Although it's worth noting that the hotel's location might not be the most convenient for those looking to explore Bogota's main tourist spots, I would recommend W Bogota to both business travelers and tourists.
