Getting there
Flying from Spain to LATAM on points is typically best with the national carrier, Iberia. There are many flights from Madrid and I decided to fly to Bogota in business class. Using a 50% off promotion I was able to secure a return flight for only 42.500 points + 260 EUR in taxes.
I started the experience in Iberia´s Business Lounge in Madrid´s Terminal 4 which is very spacious with lots of good options in terms of warm and cold food, snacks and a nice wine section. Took a shower there to be fresh for the flight and went to board. Iberia is flying A350 which has a decent business hard product with full-flat seats providing decent comfort so that you can get a good sleep which is the most important thing for me. The configuration is 1-2-1 so lots of options for a solo traveller and the single seats can have a small separation from the aisle so you get some sense of privacy despite not having a full closing door. Besides that the food and service was fine but nothing too outstanding. Considering that Iberia´s Business is in general one of the cheapest ones in the market, the value corresponds to the price so do not expect white-glove service. However, more than good enough to have dinner, a good glass of wine while watching a movie before getting some sleep prior to arriving at the final destination.
Staying there
My favourite part of Colombia was Eje Cafetero which is inland and very genuine, calm and full of amazing nature and people. But for the sake of this article where our objective is “travelling for free”, I will highlight just some hotels where I was able to stay on Marriott points at least partially.
W Bogota
First of, right in the capital, I stayed in W Bogota. The room was great, but not very practical, as is often the case with W, it was all about glamour and not much practicality. A sink mirror where you cannot really see yourself makes the point here. What was great is that in the evening, there was a selection of free drinks and food which was nice and what really stood out for me was the breakfast – lots of fresh, healthy and innovative options. The check-in and especially check-out was not very smooth where I feel they were trying to charge me more than they should. Considering everything above and that the location is not the most central, I would not stay again.
First of, right in the capital, I stayed in W Bogota. The room was great, but not very practical, as is often the case with W, it was all about glamour and not much practicality. A sink mirror where you cannot really see yourself makes the point here. What was great is that in the evening, there was a selection of free drinks and food which was nice and what really stood out for me was the breakfast – lots of fresh, healthy and innovative options. The check-in and especially check-out was not very smooth where I feel they were trying to charge me more than they should. Considering everything above and that the location is not the most central, I would not stay again.
Ermita Cartagena
Next was the Ermita Hotel in Cartagena, part of the Marriott group as A tribute Portfolio Hotel. Located a short walk from the historical town, this hotel was completely new/renovated/rebranded. The hotel was charming, right in front of the sea, and in general well designed. The staff was trying to take care of us, but considering it was newly opened, it was not as smooth as it could be. I would stay again perhaps, but the beach in front was not really swimmable, you might get noise from traffic in your room, and in general, Cartagena did not make it to the top of my list in general so again probably I would pass on this one in the future, but it was a very good value on points!
Next was the Ermita Hotel in Cartagena, part of the Marriott group as A tribute Portfolio Hotel. Located a short walk from the historical town, this hotel was completely new/renovated/rebranded. The hotel was charming, right in front of the sea, and in general well designed. The staff was trying to take care of us, but considering it was newly opened, it was not as smooth as it could be. I would stay again perhaps, but the beach in front was not really swimmable, you might get noise from traffic in your room, and in general, Cartagena did not make it to the top of my list in general so again probably I would pass on this one in the future, but it was a very good value on points!
Santa Marta Marriott Resort Playa Dormida
This brings us to the highlight of the trip, at least hotel-wise. This was also a very new hotel in a quickly developing area of Santa Marta, very close from the local airport. The hotel itself is quite large and faces the sea with its own beach as well. I got upgraded to a sea-facing suite with a huge balcony and a jacuzzi, cannot complain about that! Also, the staff was generally very attentive and provided a very calm and enjoyable stay. Definitely, a great place to relax, and recharge and also a good value both on points and cash. A place to come back to!
This brings us to the highlight of the trip, at least hotel-wise. This was also a very new hotel in a quickly developing area of Santa Marta, very close from the local airport. The hotel itself is quite large and faces the sea with its own beach as well. I got upgraded to a sea-facing suite with a huge balcony and a jacuzzi, cannot complain about that! Also, the staff was generally very attentive and provided a very calm and enjoyable stay. Definitely, a great place to relax, and recharge and also a good value both on points and cash. A place to come back to!
