It would be very easy to simply drive right by the Casa Lola, as our taxi did upon arrival – but what a mistake that would be!  We arrived late, near midnight, but were immediately revived by the enchanting reception area that greeted us once we stepped inside. The interior of the Casa Lola seems casual and relaxed, until one realizes the incredible thought that must have gone into the design of this hotel. 

The small lobby is furnished with an antique bed, rustic tables with iron candelabra, bowls of fresh limes, and a striking combination of artwork – contemporary photographs, old documents in simple frames, a huge canvas that appears to be straight from the walls of the Museum of Modern Art, and a wall of artfully arranged pillows of various fabrics.  The art theme is carried forward to the rest of the hotel, with original artwork adorning the walls of the individual guest rooms as well as the common areas. 

Our room had an unusual contemporary mixed media collage titled “Los Mujeres,” among other interesting pieces.  It is no surprise, then, to find that Casa Lola is the creation of a very talented team of two, one of whom is an architect/designer, working together over time to realize their vision.

There are a total of ten rooms currently available, but the owners have plans to expand, having purchased the neighboring building.  Each room has its own unique features.  Our room offered a loft uniquely situated in the center of the room to take advantage of the peaked ceiling height.  The main room had a queen bed, with a single bed in the loft, ideal for a couple traveling with a child.  The four upstairs rooms opened on to an inviting terrace, with tables and chairs.

During our stay, a couple from New York could be found there on a regular basis, each with a laptop and a cup of coffee.  The sleek bathrooms were well-appointed, with the newest architectural fixtures including cast concrete sinks and toilet compartments separated by patterned plexiglass.

From the reception area, one follows a waterway that evokes an Asian garden, to the dining courtyard. The shaded patio is the ideal place for a leisurely breakfast, served from 7-11 every morning. Daily newspapers are provided, and the menu includes fresh orange juice, a bowl of freshly sliced fruits including watermelon, papaya, mango, and melon, and the incomparable Colombian coffee. We enjoyed scrambled eggs with bacon one morning, and a vegetarian version with tomatoes, mushrooms, cheese, and onion the following morning, served with toast and jam.  You can sit at a table, or recline on a daybed under a canopy. 

The enormous tree in the center of the patio provides shade throughout the day, while the soothing fountain provides a peaceful backdrop.  It would be easy to linger half the day in this tranquil setting, and indeed we found ourselves unable to leave this delightful oasis until after noon each day.