Where To Stay In Cali Colombia: 5 Best Recommendations

Are you wondering where to stay in Cali, Colombia, on your next trip? Here are a couple of recommendations–- best-value hotels and deluxe guest rooms to book for you to have a wonderful time in Cali.

Cali is considered one of the most dangerous cities in the world, so if you plan to book your next getaways in this city, ask for hotel recommendations from friends and family, and consider checking online reviews.

The article will give you a rundown of the best places to stay in this Salsa Capital of the World to make your vacation safe, comfortable, and memorable. Read on.

5 Best Places To Stay In Cali Colombia

Cali Colombia can be one of the best places for travelers if you know where to stay. The city might not be famous for its tourist spots, but there are plenty of things to do in Cali that make your visit worthwhile. 

However, if you plan a visit to satisfy your Inner Explorer, whether you want to stay at boutique hotels, beach hotels, or a luxury hotel with an infinity pool, we recommend you 5 best places to stay at Cali, Colombia:

El Peñón

El Peñón is one of the best areas to stay in Cali, known for its hospitality, and it is located west of downtown. Parque El Peñón is the main highlight of the place that offers many activities and places to spend your time and find relaxation, such as restaurants, cocktail lounges, art, and boutiques. 

There are other places, such as Parque de los Gatos, San Antonio church, and the Cali Zoo, which you can visit during your stay. These places are within walking distance from Parque El Peñón, so you can plan your visit anytime you want.

El Peñón is a safe and family-friendly neighborhood, as it attracts many tourists. Security there is better, with guards ensuring the safety of people visiting from all around the world to experience this sensational place. 

Best Hostels and Hotels in El Peñón

Since El Peñón receives a lot of tourists, the hotels here are far more luxurious than in other parts of the city. Some high-end hotels offer free wi-fi and breakfast and are close to the business center.

Here are some of the best accommodations that we highly recommend for you. Check rates that are provided.

• Hotel Intercontinental Cali
• Hotel Obelisco
• Hotel El Peñón 
• Kingbird Hostel 

Best Airbnb-style guest room in El Peñón

There aren’t many good Airbnbs in El Peñón, but there is one that we highly recommend.

• Casa Ruta Sur

Centro – Caicedo Square

Centro is the heart of Cali, and, as the name suggests, it is located at the center of the city. The architects have worked tremendously to preserve the colonial architecture. Some areas are modernized, while some still reflect the city’s past. 

We recommend visiting Centro because of its marketplace and food; it offers one of the most delicious cuisines in the country. The culinary scene in this place is good!

Also, it is better to visit the market during the day when the Mercado is still open, and there’s plenty of food for you to try.

You can also walk to areas like Madrevieja Videles Wetland and National Palace as they are quite close to this central location. If you are interested in visiting historical places, head to Templo de La Merced, only a few kilometers away from the center. 

However, the city’s main highlight is Caicedo Square, a park filled with mesmerizing trees in a peaceful atmosphere where you can unwind.

Best Hostels and Hotels in Centro – Caicedo Square

Centro is one of the ideal places to stay in Cali. The list of some amazing hostels and hotels is as follows.

• Alko Hotel Casa Nispero 
• La Vaina Cali
• Hotel Farallones
• Faranda Collection Cali

Some of these city hotels and hostels have a shuttle service from the airport, free wifi, an outdoor pool, and private bathrooms. 

Best Airbnbs in Centro – Caicedo Square

Unfortunately, there aren’t any Airbnbs in this area worth staying in. Mainly due to the reason that it is a marketplace that primarily consists of commercial areas.

If you’d prefer an Airbnb over a nice hotel room, we recommend staying in another neighborhood close to the Centro. 

San Antonio And San Cayetano

If you want to experience the authentic culture of the Colombian people, San Antonio and San Cayetano are the places to visit. You will see a lot of graffiti and murals on the walls of the streets that showcase the locals’ creativity. Definitely, a great place to unwind and do sightseeing.

Most of the people living in these areas belong to middle-class families, so don’t expect to see a lot of parties and crowds enjoying their nights out in discos and clubs. However, there are some excellent restaurants, bars, and nightclubs available here. 

The art here is the main highlight of San Antonio, whereas the quiet and peaceful atmosphere is of San Cayetano. Both these places are ideal for you to stay in If you want an escape from noisy crowds. 

Some places nearby, such as the San Antonio church, are worth visiting at least once during the stay. You can also visit parks nearby the river where you can meditate or exercise to keep yourself active for the adventure waiting for you ahead.

Best Hostels and Hotels in San Antonio and San Cayetano

Looking to stay in a peaceful atmosphere, here are some of the best hostels and hotels in San Antonio and San Cayetano:

• Hotel Puerta de San Antonio
• Hostal Ruta Sur 
• Moonshine Boutique Hostel
• Viajero Hostel Cali & Salsa School (I’ve personally stayed here. They have a pool to relax during the day and salsa classes for you to enjoy at night, I highly recommend it!) 

Best Airbnbs in San Antonio and San Cayetano

One of the best Airbnbs in San Antonio and San Cayetano is located 0.8 miles from Jorge Isaacs Theater. It is known as Magic Garden House, with a terrace and garden for you to relax.

Check availability at the widget below:

Versalles, Granada and Juanambu

Versalles, Granada, and Juanambu are very close to each other, located North of Cali. There are a lot of luxury hotels, bars, and restaurants in this part of the city. 

Although this area is full of activities and a great nightlife experience, most tourists avoid coming here, making it one of Cali’s underrated places. The area is filled with boutiques from designers who make some fantastic outfits.

The price here reflects the luxury and quality they provide, so be ready to spend some cash if you decide to do some shopping. 

Hotels in Granada are a bit more expensive than in other parts of the city. You can get the best experience of this place if you don’t mind some serious shopping.

There are plenty of beautiful hotels and hostels in the area, whether you’re looking for a small or grand hotel. There’s something for everybody, including upscale hotels with a jacuzzi, trendy cocktails, or balconies overlooking the city. 

As far as safety issues are concerned, these areas are completely safe because people belong to upper-class or upper-middle-class families. However, if you travel late at night, we would still advise you to use taxis instead of walking your way back home. 

Best Hotels and Hostels in Versalles, Granada, and Juanambu

The best hotels and hostels include:

• Cali Marriott Hotel
• Now Hotel
• Castellon De Juanambu
• Hotel Granada Real
• Sonesta Hotel Cali 
• Travelers Suites Juanambu

San Fernando

If you want to enjoy some of the craziest atmospheres in Cali, San Fernando is your place. It is the best place for you to start your salsa dancing career or just to show your moves at the salsa clubs. 

Moreover, the food here takes this place to a level way above others, and it is where most people come to make a name for themselves in the cooking industry. 

If you are a food lover, this place is a must-visit. You will find everything from modern spices to local cuisines. 

San Fernando also offers an opportunity to visit Parque del Perro, meaning the dog’s park. It was named after a dog named Teddy, who was poisoned in the 1950s, and a statue of him was made in the park that enhances its beauty. 

Another benefit of staying in San Fernando is its cost. There are many hotels and hostels where you can stay at a very affordable price. Plus, they provide some amazing food, making it a great holiday package.

Best Hostels and Hotels in San Fernando

Some of the best hostels and hotels in San Fernando are as follows

• Hotel Piaro
• Hotel Karlo
• Hotel Parque del Perro
• Ding-Dong Hostel

Best Airbnb-style in San Fernando

• San Fernando Suite 201 San Fernando Suite 201 (Livin Colombia)

For more accommodation options, you may click on the map.

Is Staying In Cali Safe?

While I personally didn’t feel unsafe while staying in Cali, it is still considered one of the most violent cities in the world. 

Sticking to the right neighborhoods is the key to an ideal Cali vacation. We advise you to stay away from Siloé and east of Autopista Simón Bolívar (the highway) as there are no landmarks or anything in those neighborhoods. This is to protect yourself from unwanted situations, as you’d probably have no reason to end up there anyway. 

You can find cozy, budget hotels around Cali with rooms and suites perfect for you. Book online so you can use their hotel offers and check for the best price, and know if there are inclusions like free breakfast, free parking, or wi-fi.

You will also know if rooms are available and immediately rest once you reach the city. It’s also safer than waiting and finding on the spot.

Of course, when you’re traveling, basic safety rules still apply. Avoid going out at night alone, even if what you need is within walking distance. Don’t flash your phone around, and be careful. That was enough for me to stay safe as a female solo traveler in her early 20s.

How To Stay Safe In Cali Colombia?

Here are some general tips to help you stay safe:

• Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Pay attention to your environment and the people around you, especially in crowded places like markets, bus stations, or festivals.
• Avoid Flashy Displays of Wealth: Like many places, displaying expensive jewelry, gadgets, or large amounts of cash can make you a target for theft.
• Nightlife Safety: If you’re going out at night, go with a group if possible, and stay in well-lit, populated areas. Always keep an eye on your drink to avoid drink spiking.
• Additionally, consider protecting yourself with travel insurance such as SafetyWing, which can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen incidents during your stay. Use the widget below to snag the perfect policy for your needs and travel with peace of mind knowing you’ve got your back covered, no matter what adventures come your way!

Frequently Asked Questions – Where to Stay in Cali Colombia

Is Cali Colombia Worth Visiting?

Cali is the third-largest city in Colombia. The Cali Colombia nightlife combined with amazing landscapes makes it one of the most incredible places to spend your holiday. Still, safety is the question most people ask when traveling here.

Tourists should avoid some areas in Cali due to security issues, but the ones we have mentioned here are entirely safe for your visit. If you stick to these tourist-friendly locations, your trip will be completely worth it. 

[Related Read: Medellin Colombia Nightlife: 2022 Guide To Best Bars and Clubs]

What Areas In Cali Should I Avoid?

The neighborhoods in Cali that you’d want to avoid are Siloé and east of Autopista Simón Bolívar (the highway). There are no landmarks or anything there, so you’d probably have no reason to end up there anyway.

Where Should I Live In Cali Colombia?

To pick a place for you to live, we recommend a residential area with more locals than tourists. This will help you get along with Colombian culture in less time. 

We would advise you to live in San Antonio, where you can experience authentic Colombian culture. It is also considered the safest place in Cali, so that is another reason why you should pick San Antonio for living.

What Is The Safest Area In Cali, Colombia?

Cali Colombia has a bad reputation when it comes to safety, but, over time, it has improved a lot as a tourist-friendly location. Some areas are still dangerous, but some are now safe enough to plan your trip.

Travelers believe that San Antonio and El Peñón are the safest areas to travel to in Cali, Colombia, and they are also the tourist’s first choice for nightlife. 

Conclusion – Where To Stay In Cali Colombia

For party people and salsa enthusiasts, it would be best to stay in places like El Peñón or San Fernando, near the pulse of the vibrant nightlife. 

Those looking for peace and quiet or a more traditional Colombian ambiance could opt for San Antonio or San Cayetano. 

Northern neighborhoods Versalles, Granada, and Juanambu would appeal to those with more upscale tastes and security concerns.

With safety as a prime consideration, choosing where to stay in Cali Colombia depends partly on your personal preferences, length of stay, and trip objectives. We hope that this article will help guide your smart and safe decisions. Choose well!

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