The Orchids Hotel

Breakfast was a highlight for my group. It came with the stay, and we could order as much as we wanted. The building is beautiful, and the rooms each have their own character, with a historic feel and modern bathrooms. Service was outstanding, especially Richard, who was always smiling and so nice. We walked to nearly everything we wanted to see. This was our first stay in Colombia, and it ended up being our favorite.

Our room was roomy, but the bathroom was awkwardly built into it: the door wouldn't shut, and the walls didn't reach the ceiling. The toilet barely flushed, so after eating beans and chicken we sometimes had to leave the room for 15-20 minutes to air it out, or use the bathroom downstairs by reception. The shower only got warm after about five minutes. The hotel is on a quiet street in Candelaria, in what seemed like a safe area. It's a lavish old mansion with maybe eight rooms. You need to knock to get in, but there's a 24-hour concierge inside, so that part was okay.

Francisco made the stay. In four decades of travel, I've never met a more kind and helpful hotel manager. He was welcoming, gracious, and amazing, and his English was perfect. The hotel itself is gorgeous: big rooms, lovely furnishings and paintings, thick carpet, and a large comfortable bed with plenty of pillows. My room had a modern bathroom and even a claw-foot tub, plus nice lotion, soap, shampoo, and conditioner. Breakfast was hot, quick, and delicious. We had to catch a taxi, so we ordered the night before and it was ready right on time. I only stayed one night and wish I'd stayed longer.

The included breakfast had plenty of choices, tasted great, and could even be delivered to the room. We also appreciated the noon checkout and being able to leave our bags there while we went sightseeing. The location is close to the main museums and tourist spots, and the room was spacious, quiet, and had a comfortable bed. We chose an interior room, so there was no view, but the quiet was what we wanted. The TV could play shows with English audio. Staff were very friendly and did what they could to help. We arrived late, and the gentleman on duty got us settled. Check-in was easy, and they arranged airport transport at a good price. It's an older, historic hotel, so it has a few quirks. Satellite TV could be spotty, and the shower took a few minutes to heat up and was fussy to adjust. My guess is old pipes, and I had to remind myself the showers aren't like the ones back home. I'd stay again if I return to Bogota.