On both trips I stayed at the following:

HOTEL PLAZAS LAS AMERICAS
Calle 21 N No. 3n-34
Santiago Del Cali, Colombia
Tel-680-1010
Fax-660-3225
email:hotel@plazalasamericas.com


I actually liked this place, very clean, quiet with nice big rooms, kitchenette, living room, and a large bed. The hotel itself is rather small, but it's in Versailles, which is a nice, quiet area of North Cali. The service is excellent and they're very flexible with having girls over and taking them up. If the girls stays over night or more than 3 hrs, then they charge 40K pesos.

Best of all, it is literally about 2 blocks from Floras Frescas (4th and Calle 20) and about a 5 minute walk to the 2 Faraon places, and if ambitious, about 10 minutes walk to Kaliente or Avenida Sexta Bars in the opposite direction. Chipichape mall is about 5 minutes by taxi, and there is an internet/phone call service about 1 block from the Hotel. A couple of minor things in disrepair, but can't beat the price of about $45.00. No room service however, or pools, and the hotel seems less than busy both times.

Call them to reserve, they have a gal that speaks English during the daytime.

Only unusual thing is that they have a communal safe in the lobby. They will inventory all your valuables and give you a receipt. It was unusual, but safe.

IMO, you definitely want to stay in North Cali. South Cali is a 15-20 minute ride to all the great attractions.

Lots to update here.

I stayed 5 nights here. I really liked it, but did have numerous "small" problems. Not sure if they are sufficient to make me not say here - it's that nice (see the IC Topic to understand my preferences when it comes to a hotel).

First, to update Merlin's posts:
- I was told pool will be completed in 2 months
- Some rooms have safes
- Room service breakfast is available

Lots to explain regarding the hotel!

I changed rooms after one night. They had a ton of construction and it work me up all morning (9a-noon I'd guess). They told me that the construction was next door, and not much they could do... makes sense as their pool will be next door... but they are currently remodeling the 2nd floor... I requested they move me to the opposite side of the building, and higher up. No problem, and my new room was cozy quiet all other mornings.

My first attempt at a shower (1st room) there was no hot water. I called and they opened a different room for me to use that shower. Mine was hot by the time I returned... but my second room also had no hot water at first, and I waited 30 minutes for them to fix it (central heater I guess). I told them I wanted 24/7 hot water, with no phoning required, and they apologized and said that 24/7 is the norm, and I never had another problem.

My first room had normal central AC with control, but I canged and had a room with no AC control. I told them to leave it on 24/7, whether I was there or not, and they complied. The room got a little cold at times, and once we even called to request it turned off (as they told me I could call 24/7 as needed regarding AC on/off).

My first room had no safe, the second did... not large enough for a laptop but otherwise the standard smaller size... digital 4-digit settable passcode.

Thus, there were many small problems, and some quirky things, but still I have to give the place a thumbs up. I asked the manager for a discount on my first night due to noise and no hot water, and she agreed but the bill at check out (4a!) didn't show it... they promised an adjustment.... The staff is way way friendly, and happy to help you. All the front desk and bell staff are young.

The place is super new, with remodelling of all rooms in process or completed. Each room has really clean and nice enough tile, fresh paint, floor to roof marble (fake marble?) tile in the bathroom, and every room is a suite. Here are some photos and a video of my room:




The bathroom was wide enough that I couldn't fit it in one shot - you'll have to visualize splicing these two bathroom photos together:

Great follow-up, I too will not mind staying there again, great location. It's also good to hear that they will get a pool built and also that the actually have the breakfast service, although I need to discipline myself to wake up for it. It appears that once they get the little quirks fixed, this place will turn out to be an outstanding choice, especially given that their service was so consistently good.

BTW, I stayed at this place twice, and I didn't have problems with hotwater, it just took a few more seconds for it to come out. There were no brownouts, as I see often in Cambodia or the Phillipines. I consider the minor things in disrepair par for the course for destinations like Colombia.

I agree with you Merlin - par for the course.

Still, the type that must have the Marriott or Sofitel in Rio would IMO prefer the IC. The type that gets an apartment in Rio will love HPlA.

I am staying at the hotel at the moment and I like its atmosphere, it looks as good as the pictures above.

I am here for 19 days, I just turned up without a booking and asking them to show me their rooms.
With cash, they offered me a 1 bedroom suite for 70,000 pesos a day, which I agreed on.

I noticed that the shower was only warm on my second day, so I told reception and they told me the pilot light had gone out the boiler for that room, probably a similar problem with FLhobbyer room, had no problems since.

They said the new restaurant and pool will be ready in about 4 months or so.

Here is a link to their webpage:

http://www.hotelplazalasamericas.com/


Thanks Merlin and FLhobbyer for recommending a good hotel.

Hunter

70.000/day? is that a single rate? even so, they'll probably only charge for a guest by upping you to the double rate (meaning pay the double, guests are not charged extra). still, their rack is 100.000, so you're getting a great deal.

i know they have a lower rate if you commit to an extended stay... i don't remember if that means 20 night or 30 nights... i read it somewhere.

the staff is really nice there, too. i really like that place.

One thing to add to the list of the hotel amenities.

There is a computer in the managers office, which guests can use wether she is working in the office or not. If the office is locked up the reception will open the office and allow you to use the computer.

Hunter

Hunter, you got yourself a great deal. 70K is awesome and I'm going to insist on it next time.

Also, thanks for the great additional info about the hotel, it really gives us all a better picture of the place. I'm looking forward to them putting in the pool and restaurant, and I'll definitely have to check out the computer room next time.

Wow, 19 days is a lot of time, I hope you post a TR.


(Message edited by merlin on June 21, 2004)

Regarding the guest fee, I didn't ask about it, but I think that this could be negoitiated for longer stays down to nothing.

I will update some info on the Clubs, but any trip report would be very boring, I am not planning on sleeping with any Calenas or checking out P4P scene, just here to practice my salsa.

But who knows.

Hunter

Update from November:

There is serious construction going on here! I will not stay here again until they complete their construction. And the building next door completes its construction. I can not recommend it for now... as beautiful as the rooms are... and as friendly as the the staff is.

I was given a comp day on my stay as they woke me up on a Saturday at 7:45a. There is no construction on Sunday mornings.

The hot water was a shade better than warm.

It's dissapointing, as I think these are the nicest rooms in Cali at the best location, at the best rate (107.000,00 for a couple). If you can't resist the nice suites at low rates, get a room away from construction (3rd or 4th floors as construction is on 1st and 6th floors... east side as construction is on west side) and you may be ok.

I went to give this place another shot - and they are closed for remodeling (explains all the construction from last year).

I don't remember when they said they will re-open (July or December?) but they will then have a pool and restaurant.

I've been using the Sheraton 4 Points over the last half-year.

Fl,

Any idea when they are re-opening?

Thanks

I can't remember if they said July or December (but I think it was one of those two months) - you'll have to give them a call, they're still working and answering the phone... it's just not open to guests (too much construction)

(Message edited by FLmonger on May 29, 2005)

Called them today wrt my upcoming trip. They will be opened Dec 15. I will be intereted to see what they have done!

Sandy