LAST EDITED ON 04-Aug-10 AT 10:45 AM (PST)
in my Colombia phase about 5 years ago, you ALWAYS flew. Now, security has returned in large measure so land travel is less risky IN TERMS OF FARC (but the dangers of the road remain omnipresent,not a small danger given frequency of drinking and driving and Latin machismo when behind the wheel). Flying remains MUCH safer statistically speaking. The road to the coast from Medellin had a particularly bad reputation for mischief.
Depending on budget, I liked the FourPoints which is adjacent to Oviedo Mall (Poblado). Used to get it for about $70 but with appreciation of the COP etc im guessing at leasta hundred by now. A few blocks over is Mercure (European chain)which I also used and like. The cheaper place was called like Plaza Rosa, forgot exact name as it has been so long. Try the lonely planet listings is my suggestion.
For BOG you must be careful what area you stay in. I suggest staying VERY close to the Atlantis shopping center on Calle 86. DO NOT get a hotel on a Calle lower than 80!
As a first timer with limited Spanish skills, you might consider Cartagena instead of Cali or Medellin.
In Cali I like Torre de Cali, run by DHL group from Sopain. Cheapera nd right in the action is the Hotel Don Jaime, about $40 but a bit older and noisy.
PS Im impressed you spelled it correctly. Shows some research.
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I probably should ahve mentioned we do plan on hobbying but we also want to see the place and live the life of Colombia