JW Marriott Hotel Bogota in Colombia [In-Depth Review]

Each year, I find myself drawn back to Colombia, my parents’ cherished homeland and the vibrant place where I spent my summers growing up. I have a deep cultural connection with my Colombian roots, and I work hard to instill that same fervor in my daughters.

During the kids’ Thanksgiving 2024 break, we stayed at the JW Marriott Hotel Bogota after spending several nights in Pereira, part of Colombia’s famed coffee region.

Let’s look at our 3-night stay at the JW Marriott Hotel Bogota and see what awaits when you visit.

Booking the JW Marriott Hotel Bogota

The JW Marriott Hotel Bogota stands out as one of the city’s most luxurious hotels, providing comfortable accommodations with premium rates to match. Nightly rates usually fall between $400 and $600, making it an ideal opportunity to redeem Marriott Bonvoy points.

Fortunately, I was able to avoid paying those cash rates altogether. I earned lots of Marriott Bonvoy points from the welcome offer on my Marriott Bonvoy Business^® American Express^® Card to cover my stay.

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Marriott Bonvoy Business^® American Express^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A great option for business owners who stay in Marriott hotels and want automatic elite status.

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Marriott Bonvoy Business^® American Express^® Card

A great option for business owners who stay in Marriott hotels and want automatic elite status.

Welcome Offer

Earn 3 Free Night Awards, valued up to 50k points each for a total value of 150k points, after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

3 Free Night Awards

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,050

Annual Fee

$125

APR

19.99% - 28.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

Business travelers who opt for Marriott as their hotel chain of choice will definitely want to consider the Marriott Bonvoy Business^® American Express^® Card. The card offers great benefits to cardholders like a complimentary hotel night once a year, complimentary Gold Elite status, and multiple point redemption options.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 6x Marriott Bonvoy points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy^® program.
• 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
• 2x points per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

• Moderate annual fee of $125 (rates and fees)
• No premium perks like airport lounge access

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Card Highlights

• WELCOME OFFER: Earn 3 Free Night Awards after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in eligible purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Each Free Night Award has a redemption level up to 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® points, for a total potential value of up to 150,000 points, at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy^®. Certain hotels have resort fees. Terms apply.
• Receive a 7% discount on eligible bookings as a benefit of being both a Marriott Bonvoy^® member & a Marriott Bonvoy Business^® American Express^® Card Member when you book directly with Marriott through an eligible channel for a participating property under the Amex Business Card Rate.
• 6x Marriott Bonvoy points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy^® program.
• 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
• 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
• Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy^®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
• Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Marriott Bonvoy Business^® American Express^® Card.
• Terms apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.99% - 28.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Marriott Bonvoy

However, I had an expiring Marriott Bonvoy 35,000-point certificate available, so I topped it off with 5,000 points to get 1 free night at a cost of 40,000 points and then used points for the other 2 nights.

During my stay, a deluxe guest room with 2 double beds cost 40,000 points per night. So, in total, I redeemed 85,000 points plus the 35k-point free night certificate for my 3-night stay.

Since cash rates were about $500 for my dates, I was able to redeem my points for roughly 1.25 cents each. I was ecstatic to use my Marriott Bonvoy points this way, especially since we value Marriott Bonvoy points less than half of that, at 0.7 cents per point.

I contacted the property ahead of my stay because I was looking for a bit more space for my family. I requested an upgrade to a Junior Suite, which we’d had during our previous visit to the hotel. I was graciously offered an upgrade for an extra $98 plus taxes per night. This upgrade gave us more space and access to the executive lounge, as well as breakfast downstairs or in the lounge, whichever we preferred.

Hot Tip:

Marriott free night certificates can be redeemed at various luxury and boutique hotels, including JW Marriott hotels. Look at our guide to the best hotels to redeem a Marriott Bonvoy free night certificate at for maximum value!

JW Marriott Hotel Bogota Location

Having spent quite a bit of time in Bogotá, I can say that one of the main draws of this JW Marriott is its exceptional location.

Its location is much better than another well-known upscale property in the city where I stayed in June 2024, the Grand Hyatt Bogota, which is near the airport and quite a distance from the more upscale shopping, dining, and entertainment spots.

The JW Marriott Hotel Bogota is just a short stroll away from Parque de la 93, a trendy area known for its shopping, nightlife, and delightful restaurants, as well as the sought-after Zona G gastronomy district. Moreover, Monserrate, one of Colombia’s most famous tourist destinations, is just a 20-minute drive from the hotel. The location is truly perfect for both business and leisure travelers.

The JW Marriott Hotel Bogota is about 9 miles (14 kilometers) from Bogotá’s El Dorado International Airport (BOG). Depending on the traffic, it should take 35 to 60 minutes to reach the property by car. A taxi from the airport to the hotel usually costs between $10 and $15. Keep in mind that this can vary a bit depending on the time of day, as Bogotá traffic is notoriously heavy.

Fortunately, you won’t need to rent a car to explore some of the city’s famous landmarks, like the Monserrate cable car or the Museo Botero, as taxis and Uber are easily accessible, making your travels more convenient.

The hotel has its own taxi service with prescreened drivers. Although it costs a few dollars more (we paid $25), the hotel’s proficiency in ensuring guests get to their destinations with trusted drivers provides peace of mind. This is how we chose to get around during our 3-night stay, as taxis in Bogotá can sometimes be unreliable.

Check-In

Upon arriving at the airport, we picked up our luggage from the checked bag carousel and headed outside to meet the private transfer I had arranged through the hotel.

After a 45-minute ride, we arrived at the hotel, and we were all thrilled to see a familiar place. We had a wonderful stay here just 18 months prior, and my daughters were eager to return.

We quickly discovered that each and every time we walked by the front door, the staff greeted us warmly with a hand on their heart, saying things like “Good morning” or “Welcome back.” We received the same greeting upon our arrival.

As we made our way to the check-in desk, a friendly desk associate greeted me with a warm welcome back to the property and thanked me for my Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status.

I gave him my passport and credit card to keep on file and then went through the check-in process. He kindly confirmed that I had upgraded to the Junior Suite through email and reiterated the agreed-upon price of $98 per night plus taxes. I used my Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card for incidentals, which offers 2x points on general travel purchases, including hotels.

We were really hungry, so as soon as we got our keys, I headed up to our assigned sixth-floor Junior Suite with the bellman to drop off our things while my wife and daughters popped over next door to Crepes & Waffles, one of our favorite spots in the city, to kick off lunch.

Elite Benefits

Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elites are typically eligible for the following benefits:

• Complimentary in-room internet access
• Late checkout of 2 p.m.
• In-hotel welcome gift of points
• Enhanced room upgrade (based on availability)

Junior Suite

The JW Marriott Hotel Bogota offers 25 suites, including Junior Suites. These 785-square-foot suites feature a roomy design ideal for families. They showcase beautiful dark wood furnishings, vibrant accents, and Colombian-inspired art.

Living Room

As I stepped into the room, I noticed the spacious living area, featuring 2 rollaway beds set up right in the middle, ready for my twins to settle in that evening. There was no additional fee for the rollaway beds, which I coordinated with the hotel via email before my arrival.

The living room featured a convenient half bath, a huge plus for families on the go.

There was a lovely round table with chairs, creating a perfect spot for in-room dining or, in my case, for my daughters to enjoy some time on their iPads before we headed out to explore the city.

In the back of the living room, there was a spacious work desk accompanied by a comfortable office chair.

A cozy couch next to the tall window offered views of the city.

A TV was positioned adjacent to the rollaway beds. It had streaming capabilities, making it perfect for the kids. Below that were some drawers where we could store clothes.

Lastly, in the living room, there was a spacious counter filled with a variety of amenities, including snacks and drinks available for purchase, a minifridge, a Nespresso machine, a minibar, and even an ice bucket.

Master Bedroom

In the bedroom, there was a cozy king bed that occupied a significant portion of the space.

This is when I discovered that not every Junior Suite is the same. The reason is that the Junior Suite we booked in 2023 had a cozier living room area but a more spacious bedroom. This one had the reverse: a spacious living room with a bedroom that felt slightly more compact than the last one we experienced.

Despite this, it proved to be perfectly comfortable for us, as it also accommodated a pack-and-play beside our bed, which the hotel provided complimentary.

As you might expect at many hotels in the Americas, the nightstands beside the bed came equipped with Type A and Type B electrical outlets, as well as USB outlets, for charging devices.

The bedroom had a dresser for clothes storage, a flat-screen TV, and a small vanity area with a mirror beside it.

The bedroom was the only place with closet space, but it was roomy enough for us to store our belongings, especially since my daughters had plenty of room in the living room for their luggage and other items. Inside were 2 hotel-branded robes, slippers, and an iron and ironing board.

Master Bathroom

The full bathroom showcased beautiful marble all around, complete with a lovely deep soaking tub.

The tub was perfect for bathing our youngest daughter.

Bottles of water were complimentary and were located in the bathroom and scattered around the room.

The shower featured a rain showerhead and handheld spray option, delivering strong water pressure and hot water — just the way I enjoy it!

The bathroom toiletries came from Aromatherapy Associates, a U.K.-based brand celebrated for its therapeutic essential oils and spa products, which partners with JW Marriott hotels.

The main bathroom included a separate toilet room.

Overall, the Junior Suite was perfect for what we needed, and at $98 more per night, I could double my space and enjoy access to the executive lounge, which felt like a fantastic deal.

Amenities

Although big city hotels may not offer as many amenities as a resort, the JW Marriott Hotel Bogota has some standout features that are definitely worth highlighting.

Indoor Pool

The indoor lap pool at the JW Marriott Hotel Bogota, part of its wellness and spa facilities, is absolutely my favorite feature of this hotel, for a few reasons.

First, Bogotá is similar to New York City in that most hotels don’t offer an on-site pool for guests.

Additionally, it’s very uncommon for big city hotels in South America, especially in a cold-weather city like Bogotá, to include a pool among their on-site amenities.

We’ve really enjoyed our time at this heated indoor pool on multiple occasions, and the lovely hot tub has been a fantastic addition as well.

The indoor pool is available to all hotel guests daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Fitness Center

The hotel’s fitness center is open 24 hours a day and offered modern equipment such as elliptical machines, treadmills, weight machines, and free weights.

It’s located in the spa and wellness area, 1 floor below the lobby, just steps from the indoor pool.

While I didn’t formally work out at the gym on this trip, I have in the past, and it’s equipped with everything you’d need to complete any workout you’d like.

Spa

Although I promised myself I would indulge in a massage here before the trip began, I ultimately didn’t take the time to treat myself (I will next time!). However, The SPA at JW Marriott Hotel Bogota offers an array of spa treatments, including massages and facials, and is geared toward relaxation and wellness.

The spa boasts steam rooms and saunas, hydrotherapy pools, and relaxation lounges. You can also prebook yoga sessions and meditation workshops.

The spa embraces local Colombian traditions, using ingredients such as Amazonian oils and Colombian coffee to create unique experiences for its guests.

Wi-Fi

The JW Marriott Hotel Bogota offers complimentary Wi-Fi for Marriott Bonvoy members throughout the hotel, including guest rooms, public areas, and event spaces. I experienced consistent service without any interruptions or slow upload times. My kids also enjoyed watching content on their iPads at night without any issues.

Parking

The JW Marriott Hotel Bogota provides free parking for its guests, making it super convenient for anyone traveling with their own vehicles. The parking garage is conveniently located on-site, so you can quickly retrieve your car whenever you need it.

That said, I would strongly discourage you from renting a car and driving in Bogotá. The city’s roads are often gridlocked, and driving in the city can be … an adventure (I’ve experienced it many times, and it’s rarely a pleasant experience).

If you’re thinking about venturing out of the city to explore towns beyond Bogotá, consider hiring a driver for a day or 2. It can really help you avoid the stress of navigating the capital’s streets yourself.

Food and Beverage

While there are literally hundreds of restaurants and dining options within a 10-minute walk of the hotel, the on-site options are excellent if you choose to stay in.

The Market

The Market is the hotel’s lobby-floor restaurant and the main spot for breakfast on the property.

In the morning, the open-kitchen restaurant offers an extensive buffet breakfast featuring a variety of Colombian and international dishes.

The breakfast buffet costs between $25 and $30 per person; however, diners can also order from an à la carte menu.

I particularly loved the beef broth soup with short rib.

The Market offered the obligatory made-to-order omelet station.

You could also order eggs with your server. I thought it was pretty cool to see my plate decorated with a “good day” message written in ketchup!

Colombian treats such as empanadas and arepas were replenished every few minutes — they went fast at breakfast time.

There were also plenty of kid-friendly favorites, such as pancakes and waffles.

Yogurts, donuts, and other baked goods were plentiful.

Freshly squeezed juices and an assortment of fruits were also available to kick up the health quotient of the first meal of the day.

On Sundays, The Market serves up a vibrant brunch that draws in a well-to-do local crowd.

The Market is open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., making it a perfect spot for business lunches and relaxed dinners. Its all-day à la carte menu features Colombian delicacies alongside American favorites like burgers, pizza, and sandwiches, and every dish is crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients.

Circo Terraza

Circo Terraza, which literally translates to Circus Terrace, is a charming open-air restaurant situated just a few feet from The Market. You can order delicious wood-fired thin-crust pizzas topped with an array of imaginative ingredients.

The menu featured a selection of Italian-inspired dishes along with some comforting favorites.

During both of my stays, I haven’t had the chance to experience dinner at Circo Terraza, but I must say the outdoor space looks inviting.

I can only imagine how lively and enjoyable it must be when there’s a live music performance or DJ adding to the atmosphere.

Circo Terraza welcomes guests from Tuesday to Saturday, from 4 to 11 p.m. It is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Tanoshii Japanese Cuisine & Bar

Tanoshii Japanese Cuisine & Bar is a sushi bar and lounge located just past the front entrance.

As the name suggests, the emphasis here is on Japanese food, such as sushi, sashimi, and other Japanese delicacies.

The sushi bar lounge also serves a handpicked range of sake and Japanese-inspired cocktails to complement the cuisine.

We had friends staying at the hotel with us, and when they wanted a break from the Colombian food they had been eating for a week, they had sushi at Tanoshii and raved about the quality and flavor of the sushi rolls.

Tanoshii Japanese Cuisine & Bar serves lunch and dinner from 12 to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and is closed on Saturday and Sunday.

Executive Lounge

The Executive Lounge is located on the ninth floor and is open 24/7.

Guests can visit the lounge at any time of day for snacks, refreshments, and coffee, although it is fully staffed for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. However, in my experience, breakfast downstairs at The Market offered more variety.

The breakfast buffet here included made-to-order items like omelets, eggs Benedict, and fresh juices.

There was a stocked fridge with sodas, Gatorade, beer, and water bottles that guests could help themselves to at any hour of the day.

Alcoholic beverages were also available, but they had to be ordered from a lounge attendant who would then prepare your drink of choice. Note that each guest was entitled to 2 complimentary alcoholic beverages.

A coffee machine and a filtered water machine were conveniently positioned over the drinks refrigerator.

In the evening, the lounge was set up with cold and hot dishes, including meatballs. Desserts were also available.

Fresh fruit is always available at a quality hotel in Bogotá — that was no different in the Executive Lounge.

The Executive Lounge has a lovely terrace that boasts stunning views of the city, though seating was a bit limited. It became my go-to spot on a pleasant day to relax and enjoy a glass of wine.

To access the Executive Lounge, you can either book a room type that includes entry in the rate or pay to upgrade at the front desk. This upcharge can vary, depending on demand.

In addition, if you’re a Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite member (or higher), you can get complimentary access to the Executive Lounge, regardless of the room type you booked.

As I mentioned, we upgraded to a Junior Suite, which included lounge access, for $98 plus taxes. If you’re traveling with your family and can upgrade for around that price, it could be a good deal, considering how extensive the lounge offerings typically are at this property.

Service

Service plays a vital role in shaping a guest’s hotel experience. I really believe in this sentiment. Even if I adore all the other features of a hotel, if the service isn’t up to par, I just won’t go back.

Returning to the JW Marriott Hotel Bogota, especially since my daughters were so eager to come back, really highlights just how impressive the service is here. Once again, it truly stood out as top-notch. That’s what makes JW Marriott Hotel Bogota one of the most posh properties in the capital.

Final Thoughts

At this point, I can’t imagine staying anywhere else in Bogotá during my annual visits except the JW Marriott Hotel Bogota. The hotel’s perfect location is incredibly convenient as it’s near all the places we enjoy visiting in the city, such as malls, restaurants, and tourist attractions.

The rooms are beautifully furnished, the service is friendly and refined, and the indoor pool is a major highlight. These strong features make this hotel my go-to choice whenever I visit Colombia’s charming capital.