Cali is a sultry metropolis that’s still off the beaten track. While travelers to Colombia often hit Bogota and Medellin, Cali is starting to make its mark. Located in the Valle de Cauca, the city is abuzz with youthful energy that melds colonial architecture with modern art and design.
Cali has more than its share of boutique and luxury hotels. Fortunately a 4-star luxury hotel doesn’t break the bank, and you can enjoy a great stay in Cali for a fraction of the cost of Europe or the US. We’ve researched Cali’s top boutique hotels based on price, location, amenities as well as design and atmosphere. Here’s what we found:
Movich Casa del Alferez
From $137/ night
For those who balk at the hyper-modern look and feel of most boutique hotels, the Movich Casa del Alferez was built for you. Set in a fully-renovated colonial building with old-wood floors and spiral staircases tastefully integrated with modern design and furnishings make the Movich Casa del Alferez a wonderful melding of the conservative and the avant-garde. Of course, you won’t be stuck inside all the time at this great location. Just a short walk from the Poet’s Park, La Ermita Church, Caycedo’s Square and Saint Peter’s Cathedral and the Mirador de Cali, Movich Casa del Alferez boasts an ideal location.
Hotel Colina de San Antonio
From $55/ night
Another melding of the conservative and the avant-garde, Hotel Colina de San Antonio leans toward the cozy, colonial side of the design spectrum. As the name suggests, the hotel is located on San Antonio Hill, which affords great views of the city in a charming neighborhood packed with fine restaurants. Hotel Colina de San Antonio also features full suites with kitchens, living rooms, balconies, master bedrooms and master baths with jacuzzis, making it a great alternative to Airbnb for an extended stay in Cali. If you don’t feel like cooking yourself, the hotel breakfast consistently gets great reviews.
Hotel El Peñón
From $41/ night
If minimalism and modern design gets you going, Hotel El Peñón is the place to stay in Cali. El Peñón doesn’t sacrifice space in the quest for minimalist design, with spacious, studio-style rooms and lots of open areas to relax in on the ground floor. Located just a short distance from restaurants and bars and the old colonial areas of the city, El Peñón is perfectly situated to explore Cali.
Now Hotel
From $90/ night
An up-and-coming boutique, Now Hotel is raising the standard for cool in Cali. Featuring a rooftop pool and bar with stunning views of the city and an on-site sushi restaurant, Now is hip and laidback. Now’s common areas feature vibrant colors and lots of greenery, marking a definite break from the black-gray-white color scheme that’s become the palette of choice of most “modern” boutique hotels. Each room features a unique layout and interior design with a private balcony.
AcquaSanta Lofts Hotel
From $250/ night
Featuring 6 lofts of between 1500 and 2200 sq. ft., you won’t want for space staying AcquaSanta Lofts. Outdoor areas with jacuzzis and sun decks and an on-site spa gives you plenty of opportunities to relax. Each loft features smart room control that interfaces with your device. All that luxury comes at a price. AcquaSanta Lofts is one of the most expensive hotels that made our list.
Hotel Stein Colonial
From $50/ night
Built in 1931 by French architects, Hotel Stein Colonial makes you feel like you’ve walked into an Austrian villa. High stone walls and an impressive gate separates this private retreat from the busy streets of Cali outside. Conservative décor, old-world elegance and a distinctly family vibe makes Hotel Stein Colonial a great choice for families on vacation. The architecture can be a bit imposing, but the hospitality of its owners is palpable.
Alko Hotel Boutique
From $110/ night
Just a short walk from Jorge Isaacs Theater, La Ermita Church, The Poet’s Park and Saint Peter’s Cathedral, Alko Hotel Boutique is located in one of Cali’s most charming neighborhoods. Touches like copper faucets, wicker lamps and aged-wood furniture add to Alko’s charm. The deluxe rooms feature balconies that overlook the hotel’s many green open areas. There is no onsite restaurant, but there is a buffet breakfast and many restaurants are nearby.