Thousands of sparkling new hotel rooms are glittering in Colombia, including high-end brands such as InterContinental, Hilton, Sofitel, Sonesta, Ibis and Wyndham. With its geographical location, favorable climate, and easy access to the United States, Europe, and the rest of Latin America, Colombia is a destination ready for discovery.
โIn recent years, Colombia has achieved international recognition as a tourism destination and also as an attractive place for tourism investment,โ said Maria Claudia Lacouture, President of Proexport Colombia. โBetween 2009 and 2011, the country opened more than 1,600 new hotel rooms with the most prestigious international chains, thus emphasizing confidence in Colombia and the hotel industry.โ
From luxury hotels that operate in exquisitely restored historic convents, to cozy, versatile boutique hotels, and state-of-the-art hotels in modern neighborhoods, Colombia is a mecca for Latin American hotel development. Here is a glimpse of the hottest hotel news in Colombiaโs cosmopolitan cities of Cartagena, Bogota, Cali and Medellin:
Cartagena
With the perfect combination of colonial charm and modern architecture, Cartagena is a destination full of new hotel openings and developments. Due to its qualified labor and well-trained professional staff, the city warmly invites incentive groups to its hotels and tourist infrastructure that accommodate every taste and budget.
Hotel News:
Chain hotels such as the Sonesta Seaway 935
Sonesta Collection announced the opening of its fourth hotel in Colombia, the 114-room Sonesta Hotel Cartagena
Other top hotels in operation include the fabulous Sofitel Cartagena Santa Clara
Top hotels continue to open and develop in Cartagena, as the city looks forward to the InterContinental
Other upcoming properties in Cartagena include MELIA, IBEROSTAR and Marriott in 2014 with 278 rooms.
Bogota
Deemed as the โCity with a Heartโ, Colombiaโs cosmopolitan and capital city, Bogota, is a popular destination for both business and leisure travelers alike. According to Travel Agent Central, it is forecasted that by 2014 there will be 2,253 new rooms in Bogota, up from 1,616 new rooms in 2009.
Hotel News:
Opened this past March, the much acclaimed Sonesta Bogota
Slated to open this October, the 245-room Bogota Hilton
Other hotels slated to open soon include Aloft Bogota Airport Hotel in November, Wyndham Bogota in December, and NH Parque de la 93
Hotels in the planning/development stages include a Hyatt property and a Wyndham Hotel Group property in Bogota.
Cali
Known as โThe Salsa Capital of Colombiaโ, Cali is the third largest city in the Colombia. Visitors fall in love the cityโs seductive energy and passion-filled streets.
Hotel News:
Debuting in late 2010, the fabulous Hotel Spiwak Chipichape
Celebrating openings this year include top hotel chains such as the distinctive. InterContinental
Future hotel developments include Marriot and Ibis properties scheduled to open in 2013.
Medellin
As the second largest city in Colombia, the city of โEternal Springโ- Medellin- is known for its friendless and warmth. As a city with a great gastronomic, commercial and tourist offer, it provides countless opportunities for leisure vacations and business.
Hotel News:
Four Points by Sheraton
Wyndham Hotel Group announced the opening for the Medellin TRYP; this is the first TRYP by Wyndham property in Colombia. The hotel’s 140 spacious guest rooms include junior suites and TRYP by Wyndham’s signature family rooms.
Announced future hotel developments in Medellin included MELIA Hotels & Resorts
Also worth highlighting is the opening of the tremendous Sonesta property in Barranquilla, Sonesta Hotel Barranquilla
The rise of top hotel chains in Colombia has been a major achievement of Proexport. The organizationโs hard work has allowed the increase of tourism development in Colombia.