Hotel Salento 1842

Being so close to Salento’s main square made it easy to reach cafes, shops, and transport to the Cocora Valley. Hotel Salento 1842 suited me well for exploring the town, and I’d happily recommend it for an authentic stay without overspending. It’s a characterful, modest place, not a luxury resort, so people after a pool, spa, or lots of parking may want a larger hotel. There isn’t much on-site parking, and some rooms face the main street, where town sounds carry in the morning and evening. My room was simple but well kept, with a private bathroom, hot water, and impeccable cleanliness. Through the window I could see colonial rooftops and a little of the mountains. I liked watching the town wake up, with a neighbor passing, street coffee in the air, and the old wooden floorboards creaking softly. Breakfast was served on the communal balcony: fresh juice, arepas, eggs, and coffee from Quindío. Sitting there with the distant palm trees and the mountains in view is a memory that’s stayed with me. Breakfast and free Wi-Fi are included, and there are family rooms. It’s a 19th-century house with its original woodwork and balconies, keeping the traditional coffee-region style. I appreciated the authenticity, along with the clean room, breakfast, and friendly welcome. For me, being in the heart of town, with the main street, valley jeeps, and cafes right outside, made all the difference.

Right beside Plaza Bolívar, the location is hard to beat. The hotel is lovely, the service is top-notch, and Pilar’s hospitality really stood out. She was incredibly helpful. I recommend it 100%!

We arrived at Balcones del Ayer and were rudely told we had no reservation. They later admitted the mistake, but could only put us up for one night, then sent us to this hotel. It was only slightly cheaper, yet the room was smaller, with a courtyard view and a curtain that didn’t work. The bathroom had fewer amenities, there was no hairdryer, and the shower was terrible. Breakfast had just one option, and payment had to be in cash. When we asked for our change, the person attending us claimed they didn’t have any. We went to change money ourselves, and then they found it.

They even arranged laundry service for us, and the room was great. The service was excellent too. If you get Pilar, you’re in luck, she’s incredibly kind and attentive.