Overview
A number of boutique hotels have sprouted in Colombia's Coffee Axis in recent years. Hacienda Venecia, outside Manizales, is perhaps the best-known, but there are many other great places to spend a night or two. You can also find cheery, boutique-type accommodation near Pereira, Salento and other towns.
Accommodation located on farms will often have a number of activities available, including horse riding. Breakfast is usually included in the price; you can expect to be served arepas, fresh fruit and other local delicacies. Of course, you can almost always expect freshly brewed cups of coffee sourced from nearby markets. This list includes accommodation in three price tiers: budget, mid-range and high-end.
Don Alfonso | Pereira Urban
This property was constructed in 1948 by Don Alfonso Jaramillo, a local architect who also designed and built many of the surrounding mansions in this sector of the city. Today the hotel is operated by the third generation of Jaramillos and offers you a high-end level of service and attention. "We treat our guests like they were visiting their grandparents," says general manager Diana. The rooms are appointed with antique beds, handmade blankets and city views. Each room has its own window and/or balcony. Breakfast is included according to diet and preferences. Amenities include Wi-Fi, event salon, an on-site restaurant and hot water.
- Where: Avenida Circunvalar #12 - 37, Pereira
- Contact: (6) 333 - 0909 | 311 301 7373 | www.donalfonsohotel.com
- Cost: Mid-range
El Lugar Nordico | Pereira Rural
El Lugar Nordico has a quiet pastoral setting for those looking to get away from the crowds. Beds are high quality (imported from Scandinavia) with fine linen and reading lights. Rooms feature temperature control options and hot water in all taps. You'll enjoy nice country views from your window.
In addition to the excellent rooms and personal service, the property features a Scandinavian menu and an on-site Danish chef. You can order gourmet cuisine any time, receive on-call spa services, or simply relax in a place that is quiet and serene. Languages spoken include Spanish, Portuguese, English, German, Swedish, Danish, Norwegian and some French.
- Where: Km 7 across from Castilla Super Inter, and next to the entrance to Bavaria, in the countryside west of Pereira.
- Contact: 321 558 4848 | www.hotellugar.com
- Cost: Mid-range
Hacienda Venecia Coffee Farm | Manizales
The well-regarded and well-known Hacienda Venecia is an elegant retreat on a rustic coffee farm surrounded by mountains and nature.
Visitors have two boutique options. The first is the Coffee Lodge, which is recently renovated and provides views of the coffee fields, river and mountains. You can also opt for the Main House, which is a more exclusive experience that stays true to its history and origins through the decor and amenities. We recommend the main house, especially for birdwatchers.
Rooms come with antique beds, storage options, windows, private bathrooms (except for three rooms that share a bathroom). Each night, a small water pitcher and glasses are placed at the bedside along with hard candies. Views include the mountains, the garden and pool area.
- Where: Via Chinchina leaving Manizales, plan for pick-up in Manizales or take a bus to the meeting point. Call for more info.
- Contact: +57 320 636 5719 | www.haciendavenecia.com
- Cost: Mid-range to high-end
La Casa de Lola Garcia Hotel Boutique | Salamina
Founded by the matron of family Garcia, Lola was a local philanthropist who worked with the less fortunate citizens of Salamina. Seven years ago, she rallied the pueblo to recreate itself as a tourist destination by encouraging other families to convert their family homes to hotels for visitors. After a two year renovation, La Casa de Lola Garcia opened to the public. Today it is still run by her family and offers high-end services and quality in northern Caldas.
Inside the hotel, guests will find beautiful woodwork, a patio with social spaces, a jacuzzi and well-appointed bedrooms decorated in the traditional style. Be sure to ask about the three different visitor experiences offered by the on-site concierge: "Cafetera," which focuses on local coffee production and preparation, "Urbano," with pueblo tours, history and cultural traditions, or "Wax Palm", where visitors can take a trip to nearby San Felix to visit a natural wax palm forest.
- Where: Calle 6 #7-54, in the historic center of Salamina.
- Contact: +57 312 864 1571 | www.lacasadelolagarcia.com
- Cost: Mid-range
Coffee Tree Boutique | Salento
The Coffee Tree has branded itself as a "Boutique Hostel", offering spacious rooms and a boutique-feel but with the communal atmosphere of a hostel. Rooms have comfortable beds and large balconies with hanging potted plants. On cold nights the hostel provides extra blankets for you to keep warm while you relax in the common areas.
Enjoy your morning coffee and a hearty breakfast with other guests, gazing out upon pristine mountain views. Breakfast includes milk, juice, coffee, cereal, fresh fruit and either pancakes and/or eggs according to your preference. It has a quiet location but is only a 10-minute walk from the busy streets in Salento.
- Where: Carrera 9 #9-06 - Call for directions or pick-up upon arrival. Airport transfers available for an extra fee.
- Contact: +57 318 890 6999 | www.coffeetreebh.com
- Cost: Budget to Mid-range
Casa de Adriano Guest House | Anserma
What happens when you mix the creativity of an artist and the whimsy of a writer? Casa de Adriano, is the result. It's a private guest house that takes small groups and gives a special culinary and sensory experience to open-minded travelers. Sleep in an environment that is peaceful and quiet, with a flair for color and ambiance. Wake up to birds, fresh coffee and scenery that goes on for miles. This place is a little-known destination that offers visitors a personal experience characterized by the attention to detail, gourmet food prepared with local and on-site produce prepared by a European chef.
There are two large bedroom suites. One with a double and single bed, the other with the king-size bed (pictured above). The upstairs suite comes with a jacuzzi tub, fully stocked kitchen (including espresso machine), terrace and sitting areas. The downstairs suite comes with two bedroom spaces, a full bathroom and sitting area.
- Where: Via Anserma - 4 miles outside of Anserma. Call for directions.
- Contact: Due to demand and exclusivity, visitors must make their reservation at least three months prior to arrival and arrange the details via email, [email protected], by phone +57 312 597 4969 or Whatsapp +44 7970 100 128.
- Cost: High-end
Casa Cardona | Aguadas
Aguadas, located in the northern part of Caldas, is an up-and-coming destination. Named as one of the 21 most beautiful municipalities in Colombia, it is famous for the "Sombrero Aguadeño," which is exported worldwide. Wander the streets, try the pionono a type of cake which is only made in this pueblo.
This self-service guest house is a great option for families and groups of travelers. It features a fully stocked, kitchen, meal prep service options, several bathrooms (both private and shared), a large common space for special events, hot water, patio and laundry area.
- Where: Aguadas, Caldas
- Contact: +57 321 639 3468 / +57 321 639 3443
- Cost: Budget
Hacienda Guayabal Coffee Farm | Chinchina
Hacienda Guayabal is a perfect spot for both birdwatchers and coffee drinkers. The hacienda is a pioneer in the concept of coffee tourism and was the first hacienda to show visitors the process of coffee making and also offer lodging. Today, it is a landmark in the Coffee Axis for both the quality of its coffee and a massive profusion of tropical birds. The rooms here feature orthopedic mattresses of high quality, food that includes fruits and vegetables grown in the kitchen garden, plus a great coffee tour.
- Where: N 4.95691 W 75.60664 - Chinchiná, Caldas
- Contact: +57 317 280 4899 | [email protected] | www.haciendaguayabal.com
- Cost: Budget and Mid-range
Hacienda Buenavista | Quimbaya
Hacienda Buenavista offers top-notch service and a touch of elegance in a beautiful location, 33 km south of Armenia. They offer a complete amenity package including an infinity pool plus jacuzzi with a poolside bar and views of the mountain scenery around Quindio. Rooms have modern furnishings, each one with its own unique décor. Air-con, wi-fi and cable TV are available.
You can relax in the library area with a book or work quietly before enjoying a gourmet meal. Guests can wander the gardens or even pick fresh fruit from one of the different varieties of fruit trees which are cultivated on-site. A 10 m high waterfall is located just a short hike away.
- Where: Quimbaya, Quindio. Call for directions, pick-up or bus information as we are 9 km from the pueblo.
- Contact: +57 317 657 6597 | [email protected] | www.haciendabuenavista.com.co
- Cost: High-end
Hotel Spa La Colina | Via Marsella
Hacienda Spa La Colina is set on the grounds of a protected forest, full of wildlife and a profusion of tropical plants. With a commitment to supporting the local economy, this site hires employees from the nearby community and serves mostly locally-grown foods in their dining room. Like many of their neighbors, they also have their own coffee plantation which focuses on practices which help to conserve the local environment.
In the spa area, they offer special packages for relaxing massages and a hydrotherapy circuit which includes a sauna, jacuzzi and a pool with a fun design that allows for privacy and relaxation. Rooms have sitting areas, nice beds and beautiful views of the surrounding rolling hills, distant mountains and forests.
- Where: Via Marsella between Pereira and the small touristic town of Marsella. Call for pick-up or directions.
- Contact: +57 310 394 8549 | www.fincahotellacolina.com
- Cost: High-end