Weekly top five of five - Colombia

The ninth annual South American games begin March 19 in Colombia, with officials trying to entice locals as well as visitors to watch by giving away a selected number of free tickets.

The games are to be held in the historic city of Medellín, Colombia's second largest city and one of the most popular destinations for tourists in the country.

The town offers something for all travelers - while many flock to see the stunning religious structures and expansive national parks, others are drawn by the promise of cheap and efficient medical care, supporting the country's burgeoning medical tourism industry.

Colombia has fought a reputation for lawlessness and drug-running to emerge as a popular backpacking destination and begin to prove that it has a lot to offer the mainstream tourist.

Security crackdowns and a weakening in drug gangs has allowed Colombia to successfully change its image overseas and use the slogan"Colombia, the only risk is wanting to stay."

Bogotá

Described as a "bright spot" in Bogotá, Hotel Casa Deco was recommended by an impressive 100 percent of its customers. Guests praised the friendly staff and attentive owner, pushing it to first place over Marriott's first property in Colombia, which opened last year.

1. Hotel Casa Deco
2. Bogotá Marriott Hotel
3. Embassy Suites Hotel Bogotá-Rosales
4. Hamilton Court
5. Sofitel Bogota Victoria Regia

Average Price of Top Five $180/€130

Medellin

Hotel Porton took top spot in Colombia's second city, with travelers praising its cleanliness and service even over larger chains such as the InterContinental.

1 Hotel Porton Medellin
2 Estelar Poblado Alejandria
3 Medellin Royal Hotel
4 Art Hotel Medellin
5 Four Points by Sheraton Medellin

Average Price of Top Five $113/€82

Cali

None of Cali's top five dropped below the four-star rating, perhaps reflecting the city's rapidly-growing infrastructure and importance as a business center. The Cali Plaza is recommended by 100% of guests, winning rave reviews for the friendly service and safe and secure location.

1 Cali Plaza Hotel
2 Jardin Azul
3 Ofi+Hotel
4 Hotel Pension Stein
5 Hotel Casa Del Alferez-Cali

Average Price of Top Five $100/€72

Barranquilla

1 Dann Carlton Barranquilla
2 Country International Hotel
3 Hotel Majestic
4 Hotel El Prado
5 Hotel Barranquilla Plaza

Average Price of Top Five $165/€120

Cartagena

Cartagena's walled city is a UNESCO world heritage site and the city thrives on tourist trade from the busy Caribbean region. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the average rate for the top five was amongst the highest for the country, although guests described the boutique Casa El Carretero as a "relaxing refuge" and lavished praise on its rooftop pool.

1 Casa El Carretero
2 Casa La Fe
3 Casa Boutique Veranera
4 Casa Pestagua
5 Delirio Hotel

Average Price of Top Five $177/€128

Data is taken from millions of independent reviews and rankings surveyed at TripAdvisor taken on March 17, 2010.

Website: http://www.tripadvisor.com