Hotel Villa real

Daniel was especially helpful on our first night, even walking with us to find somewhere to eat. Everyone on staff was really kind. The room had hot showers and a huge TV for Netflix or YouTube, and it was comfortable and central for a great price. We'll stay again next time we're in Bogota.

I went in planning to stay for two weeks, but left after one night. The front desk staff's attitude toward me was bad enough that I dropped any idea of returning to Colombia and staying there longer. When I asked to speak with the owner about how I was treated, the front desk said he was never there because he was busy travelling. I never got to tell him what happened. I suspect he wouldn't have been happy to hear how his staff treated me, and hopefully he'll read this. The way they dealt with me cost him my two week stay and my possible future business. The room was tiny, and there was no hot water all day. The manager said it wasn't their fault, claiming hot water came from the street while cold water came from a tank, and there was nothing they could do. I asked for two towels, as I'd done at every other hotel I stayed at in Colombia without a problem. The manager said their policy was one towel at a time and I'd have to go to the front desk for another. When I came back after going out, there was no towel or soap. I asked the 'camarera' for them, and she said clients had to go to the front desk for towels and soap. If you're Black or a person of color, you really should avoid this hotel. Again, I'm not commenting on the owner. The front desk staff didn't want me to speak with him. The owner needs to talk to his staff, aside from the security people, about how to address clients.

I told the cleaning staff not to enter my room, but they went in anyway. Then, just like that, my backup cell phone was stolen. Don't leave anything valuable in your room, even if you think it's private. They're thieves!

The hospitality was unreal, we're family now.