The hype
Travelers love the massive breakfast buffet and the rooftop vibe, but many note the rooms feel stuck in the early 2000s.
Dann Carlton Bucaramanga Hotel & Spa
$70-100/ night
Book this if You want the reliable 'Grand Dame' experience of Bucaramanga with a killer rooftop pool and a 1 PM checkout.
Why People Love It
- Rooftop pool with 360-degree city views
- Generous 1:00 PM checkout time (rare find)
- Located in Cabecera, the city's most upscale district
Quick Take: A solid, spacious classic that feels a bit like a wealthy aunt's house—luxurious bones, but the bathrooms and decor are showing their age.
Reviewed by @cvvergara1: I spent my birthday weekend here and honestly, the service blew me away. From the surprise dessert in my suite to watching the sunset from the rooftop jacuzzi, everything felt so special. If you're visiting Bucaramanga, you have to stay here for the views alone.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The '5-star' rating is a local designation; expect a solid international 3.5 to 4-star experience.
- You need a reliable business hotel with good Wi-Fi and workspaces
- You love a heated pool with a view
- You appreciate old-school service and bellhops
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.8
- Housekeeping: Daily and thorough, though they sometimes miss dust on high ledges.
- Bathroom hygiene: Clean but aged. Grout is scrubbed, but old stains on mirrors and worn tiles make it feel less pristine.
- Maintenance: Functional but showing wear. Expect scuffs on furniture and older carpet in hallways.
- Linens & towels: Fresh and crisp, though towels can be on the thinner side.
- Odors & scents: Generally fresh, with a signature hotel scent in the lobby, but some hallways can smell faintly musty.
Sleepability™
7MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Motorcycles and traffic on Calle 47
- Hallway noise due to older door gaps
Before you book
Good to know
- Check-out is officially 1:00 PM, which is incredibly generous.
- Foreign tourists are exempt from 19% VAT but must show their passport/stamp at check-in.
- There is a small, mandatory 'hotel insurance' fee (approx $2-3/person) common in Colombia.
What to pack
- Universal travel adapter (outlets are Type A/B, but older rooms lack USB ports)
- Light jacket for the 'Eternal Spring' evenings (low 70s°F)
- Swimsuit for the heated rooftop pool
Room Genie
Best picks
- Junior Suite for separate living areas and better sound insulation
- High-floor rooms (7th floor and up) facing the mountains for less noise
Rooms to avoid
- Lower floor rooms facing the street (traffic noise)
- Rooms near the elevator (hallway noise)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would appreciate a room on a high floor (7th+) facing away from the main street for quiet. If possible, a renovated room with updated bathroom fixtures would be preferred.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the neighborhood safe?
Cabecera is one of the safest, most upscale areas, but 'motorcycle snatch-and-grab' theft is a risk. Take Ubers at night rather than walking.
Is breakfast included?
Yes, and it's a highlight—a large buffet served on the rooftop City View restaurant.
Does the hotel have a gym?
Yes, a functional fitness center, though equipment is standard hotel grade, not Equinox level.
Is the pool heated?
Yes, the rooftop pool is heated, which is perfect for Bucaramanga's mild, breezy evenings.
Can I bring my dog?
Proceed with caution. Third-party sites say 'Yes' for a fee (~$35), but the official site text says 'No'. Call +57 (7) 697 3266 to verify.
How far is the airport?
Palonegro International Airport (BGA) is about 35-45 minutes away by car, depending on traffic.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'City View' restaurant on the top floor has a better view than the food—go for a sunset drink, then eat elsewhere.
- ✨
Service animals are exempt from the pet fee if you have documentation.
- ✨
The lobby café often has better coffee than the breakfast buffet.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Hotel Insurance' fee is mandatory even if you have your own travel insurance.
💡The hot tub was recently closed for renovations (early 2026)—check if it's back open.
💡Mirrors in the bathrooms often show 'desilvering' or age spots.
💡You might need to ask for extra blankets; the AC can be aggressive.
💡The elevators can be slow during the morning breakfast rush.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Dann Carlton Bucaramanga Hotel & Spa is located and what's nearby.