Property
Located right in the center of historical Bogota (La Candelaria), just two blocks from Plaza Bolivar. The colonial homes which were converted into the Hotel de la Opera once housed the personal guard of Simon Bolivar. The building and its courtyards are lovely and have been beautifully restored.

Location
La Candelaria is the colonial center of Bogota. Plaza Bolivar, the Cathedral, the Gold Museum and Botero Museum are all just steps away from the hotel. Many more hotels are located in Bogota’s northern suburbs, where many tourists prefer to stay. The colonial center has changed dramatically in the past years. Security is high and security forces are ubiquitous. We felt very safe traveling as a family with young children, and preferred the charm of the colonial center as our base.

Sleeps
Hotel rooms are normal size and you can request an extra bed. Children 5 and over pay an additional fee to sleep in the parents’ room.

Highlights
Staying in the colonial center. The pool was lovely for a dip after very long, very busy days. My younger son turned three when we checked into this hotel and he was thrilled when room service surprised him with a (delicious) piece of chocolate cake.

Good to know
We were very pleased with our choice and loved exploring the colonial architecture and seeing all the renovation work being undertaken in Bogota’s historic center. However, this is not a classic “family” hotel. Breakfasts, included in the price, are more quiet and elegant than what we would normally choose when traveling with our kids. Likewise, the pool is fine for a quick dip after a busy day, but is not really an environment in which children can run and play. That being said, the staff were great with our children and our children enjoyed our stay as much as we did. Bogota is at a very high altitude (2600 meters from sea level). Be sure to relax and get lots of rest on your first day to let your body adjust to the altitude. Take the cable car up to Monserrate for the spectacular view over the sprawling city.

Contact
http://www.hotelopera.com.co

March 27th, 2009 | by Kimberly Sullivan