Sazagua Hotel

A peaceful spot, though it’s a bit far from the Cocora valley if you’re heading there each day. There weren’t many sun loungers by the pool, which seems common at the small boutique places we visit. The hotel is lovely, the rooms are nice though the furnishings are a bit tired, and the staff are very friendly. All in all, a great place.

Breakfast was a little daily highlight: while we ate, staff fed the birds nearby, so we got to see lots of beautiful species up close. The grounds were lush, calm, and beautifully kept, and our spacious, comfortable room was thoughtfully designed. At the restaurant, the food was consistently very good, and Alejandro brought such warm energy to each meal. The waiters were attentive and professional too. The service made the stay especially smooth. We were added to a WhatsApp group at check-in, and questions or requests, from fresh towels and room service to help with logistics, got quick, proactive replies. Daniella was wonderful, offering thoughtful advice for our time in the Coffee Region and arranging a rental car at an excellent rate. The whole team made us feel genuinely cared for from the moment we arrived. Hotel Sazagua is a beautiful boutique stay in the Coffee Region.

The pool area should have been relaxing, but traffic from the nearby highway was hard to ignore. The food was repeatedly oversalted, and WhatsApp messages were sometimes ignored or answered in a passive-aggressive tone, depending on who was working. The building and rooms look beautiful, and being close to the airport is convenient. But we spent 15 hours without water, and the hotel's only response was a shrug and “not our fault.” That felt irresponsible, not just like bad service. They did offer a complimentary massage afterward, which was a decent gesture since two massages cost nearly a million pesos, though it came across as damage control. There’s plenty of style here, but I wouldn't call the experience luxurious. The hotel presents itself as a high-end retreat, yet the service and accountability fell short. If pressure brings out this kind of response, I’d look elsewhere.

The meal at Tributo could have been pleasant, but the big guy on staff made it feel intimidating instead. That experience put me off both the restaurant and the hospitality there. The hotel is a long way from Pereira, which may suit someone looking to do nothing. The rooms are basic, and planes overhead add an unexpected soundtrack. I wouldn't recommend it.