Morrison 114 Hotel

Morrison 114 Hotel is a boutique property with a blend of high-end style and business-hotel class. That much is clear upon setting foot inside the lobby, a dazzling space reminiscent of a trendy furniture showroom. Bright spotlights and a golden orb illuminate the herringbone parquet floors, while plush velvet, tweed, and leather chairs are set in a sleek seating area with multiple flat-screen TVs. Despite its showy aura, there are minimal details to balance it out -- exposed brick walls, a primarily neutral palette of browns and grays punctuated by little pops of accent color, the occasional potted plant. The overall feeling is stylish and distinguished, with a comfortable balance that makes the hotel a solid choice for both business travelers and families. Still, features are slim here, which does diminish the value of a stay here, especially considering that it's a bit far from the major destinations in Bogota.

The hotel is located in a safe, quiet residential neighborhood in the north of Bogota. The tree-lined street has a familiar suburban atmosphere -- enviable trait in Bogota's sprawl -- and there are a few casual restaurants and local shops within a five-minute walk. However, guests seeking more action will need to venture into the city by car. It’s about a 12-minute drive into the bustling business district. The plentiful shops and restaurants at Centro Comercial Hacienda Santa Barbara, a mall set in a colonial hacienda that was labeled a National Monument of Colombia, are 13 minutes away from the hotel. Alternatively, the cobblestoned streets and charming boutiques of historic Usaquen are about 15 minutes away by car, though it's only a 10-minute cab ride to the Usaquen train station. It can take up to an hour to reach the Candelaria historic district. El Dorado International Airport is a 40-minute drive from the property. Keep in mind that traffic is bad in Bogota, and drive times cary.

Sleek and simple, modern and streamlined, the rooms here still have a businesslike aesthetic despite the hotel's more charming first impressions. Blooming floral arrangements, vibrant abstract artwork, and deep purple velvet chairs add pops of color to the mix. Furniture comes in mostly dark wood veneer surfaces with clean lines. Standard features include 42-inch flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, iPod docks, and mini-fridges. The rooms aren't especially posh, but instead evoke a sleek, refined quality with a hint of coziness. Some rooms offer views of the leafy park below or Bogota’s eastern hills in the distance. The Penthouse Suite is immaculately styled -- understated and with a living room, dining area, and kitchenette. Bathrooms are spacious across the board; marble countertops and wooden shelves give them a minimalist-chic appearance that seems like something from a home decor magazine. All include glass stall showers, toiletries, and a  good amount of counter space.

The hotel does what it can to make up for the lack of social activities in the area. The only Greek restaurant in Bogota, Teo Estiatoria, is located here, and it looks the part of a specialty eatery. The dim pendant lights are plentiful, so the room is bathed in light despite the low wattage. Sleek wood-paneled walls are reminiscent of a stately library, yet the interior opens up to a covered patio that’s decidedly more casual. Ambiance comes second to the food, which is prepared by chef Theodore Lykos, whose fresh fish and classic Greek appetizers are locally popular. The free breakfast buffet is a tasty spread that includes Colombian specialties like tamales. Room service is also available. Guests craving a workout have free access to the local Bodytech Fitness Center, which is five minutes from the hotel by car. The hotel also offers secure underground parking and 24/7 airport transportation, and private cars are available for transport into the city. Four meeting rooms are also available for events.