¡Bogotá te espera! Lujo y confort en el Residence Inn by Marriott
¡Bogotá te Espera! (And so does the Residence Inn: A Messy, Honest Review)
¡Ay, Bogotá! The city that grabs you by the shoulders and shakes you awake with its vibrant chaos. And after a long day of exploring its colorful streets, you need a haven. A place to recharge, to forget the incessant honking, and just… breathe. That's where the Residence Inn by Marriott Bogotá comes in, promising "Lujo y Confort" – luxury and comfort. And trust me, after navigating the TransMilenio during rush hour, you'll be craving both.
So, let's dive in, shall we? I'm going to be brutally honest, because hey, who wants a sugar-coated travel review? We want the real deal, right?
Accessibility: Smooth(ish) Sailing… Mostly
Okay, let's get the practicalities out of the way first. Accessibility is key, and the Residence Inn, on the whole, tries. Wheelchair accessible? Yes, generally. However, Bogotá's sidewalks themselves… well, let's just say they're an adventure in their own right (potholes, anyone?). Inside the hotel, elevators are thankfully present. The rooms themselves seem quite accessible, with grab bars and space to maneuver. But remember, Bogotá isn’t known for its perfect streets, so be prepared for potential challenges getting to the hotel.
Internet Access: Wi-Fi Warfare!
Gosh, I can't survive without being connected. And thank God for Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! And in much of the complex, but… Internet access? It was generally decent, though I had a couple of frustrating moments where the connection decided to take a siesta. I even utilized the Internet [LAN] option once, just in case. Thankfully that was straightforward. Wi-Fi in public areas was pretty reliable, crucial for those hurried emails, and Instagram stories.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Secure in the Chaos
This is huge, especially after the craziness of the last few years. The Residence Inn by Marriott clearly takes this seriously. The whole hotel feels clean, and you can smell the sanitization… which, honestly, is a comforting thing in a busy city. They use Anti-viral cleaning products, which is a plus. They have Hand sanitizer dispensers everywhere. Daily disinfection in common areas and the rooms themselves seem meticulously maintained. I loved that they had Rooms sanitized between stays – that’s reassuring. Staff trained in safety protocol? Absolutely. And I appreciated the Sanitized kitchen and tableware items in the dining areas. There’s a strong emphasis on Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, which is a good thing. I felt safe, which is a big win for peace of mind in any city. I also appreciated Safety/security features like those fire extinguishers and smoke detectors, including Smoke alarms in rooms.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure
Alright, let's talk food! The Breakfast [buffet] was a lifesaver. It's a decent spread, a mix of International cuisine in restaurant and local favorites. I mean, Asian cuisine in restaurant was not available, but it's a hotel, not Noodle Nirvana, right? They also have Western breakfast, so there is that. The Breakfast service was definitely one of the best parts of the trip.
I found myself going back for more of the arepas. But the real victory was the Coffee/tea in restaurant. Thank God for the caffeine! You'll need it to tackle Bogotá. Restaurants? Yes, several on site and the Poolside bar was a great place to unwind in the evening, especially enjoying a happy hour! They also offer Room service [24-hour], which is a godsend when you've been out all day and just want to crash. A la carte in restaurant is in place. Coffee shop? Yes. Definitely yes.
And there's a Snack bar and Bottled water in the room (essential for staying hydrated in the altitude!).
Things to do, Ways to Relax: Spa Day – Almost Perfect!
Okay, this is where things get interesting. One of the main reasons I booked was the promise of a spa. And, yes, they have a Spa/sauna. The Sauna itself was lovely, a welcome escape from the city bustle. They also have a Swimming pool, an outdoor, and a Pool with a view, which sounded amazing on paper. Honestly? It was a bit… underwhelming. The pool area was small-ish, and the view, while present, wasn’t that spectacular. The water was cool, but the overall vibe was more functional than blissful. I didn’t get around to using a Steamroom. Sadly no Massage for me.
They also have a Fitness center/Gym/fitness, if you're into that sort of torture (I’m not, myself!), and Gym/fitness.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
This is where the Residence Inn truly shines. They offer pretty much every service you could need.
- Air conditioning in public area? Check!
- Air conditioning in the room? Double check!
- Daily housekeeping? Wonderful!
- Concierge? Always helpful with recommendations and reservations.
- Cash withdrawal? Convenient.
- Laundry service? Essential after a week exploring.
- Dry cleaning? Also essential, for the nicer clothes.
- Currency exchange? Saves you the hassle of finding a bank.
- Elevator? A must!
- Facilities for disabled guests? Great.
- Meeting/banquet facilities? Perfect if you need to work, but honestly, who wants to work in Bogotá?
- Luggage storage? Extremely useful before check-in or after check-out.
- and more
The Room: Cozy, Comfortable, and a Few Annoyances
This is where I have the most mixed feelings. The rooms are generally well-appointed. Non-smoking rooms? Obviously a must. I loved having a proper Desk, with the Laptop workspace, perfect for catching up on emails (sigh). The Bed, Air conditioning, and Extra long bed were all comfortable. The Blackout curtains were a lifesaver, especially after those late nights! Complimentary tea and the Coffee/tea maker were a nice touch, and Free bottled water is always appreciated. They even have Bathrobes and Slippers!
The Bathroom was clean and functional, with a Separate shower/bathtub. Toiletries were provided.
However… the Soundproofing wasn’t perfect. You could occasionally hear the street noise – Bogotá, after all, is a city that lives! Also, the Mirror could have been bigger. The Alarm clock worked, but felt a little clunky. And the design, while modern, felt a little… standardized. A little hotel-y, you know? Not much personality.
For the Kids: Family Fun?
While I was traveling solo, I did spot a few families. There's a Babysitting service! Family/child friendly? Yes, definitely. Kids meal seems to be an option.
For the Business Traveler:
Okay, I’m not a businessman, but I saw a lot. Business facilities are present (of course). There’s a Meeting stationery, and you can even host Meetings. Services like Invoice provided, Xerox/fax in business center, and Meeting/banquet facilities would be helpful for business guys.
Getting Around: Navigating the Chaos
Again, accessibility is key. They offer Airport transfer, which is a must after a long flight into Bogotá. They have Taxi service and Valet parking. They have Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site].
¡Bogotá te Espera! Offer:
Alright, here's the deal: The Residence Inn by Marriott Bogotá is a solid choice. It’s clean, safe, convenient, and the staff is friendly.
Are you ready to discover the magic of Bogotá? Book your stay at the Residence Inn by Marriott and:
- Enjoy a worry-free stay: with enhanced Cleanliness and Safety protocols, you can relax in the comfort of your room and Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!
- Indulge in delicious breakfasts: Fuel your explorations with a great Breakfast [buffet] and the Coffee/tea in restaurant!
- Relax, Recharge, and explore: Take advantage of the convenient location, helpful staff, well-furnished rooms for those nights when all you crave is peace.
Book now and receive a special welcome gift, and enjoy the convenience of **Contactless check-in/out!
¡Apartamento Ise, Japón: ¡La escapada japonesa que necesitas YA!
¡Ay, Dios mío! This Bogota trip… It's officially become a saga. And I'm pretty sure my carefully crafted itinerary is about to go straight out the window, like a lost empanada on a windy street. But hey, you're here for the real deal, right? So buckle up, buttercups, because this is going to be a chaotic Colombian adventure.
Residence Inn by Marriott Bogotá - The "Home Base" Chaos
Okay, so the Residence Inn. It's… fine. Seriously. It's clean, got a decent breakfast (the arepas are a win, when they're not cold), and thankfully, the Wi-Fi doesn't make me want to scream into a pillow. My room? Well, let's just say I chose a "city view" room. Turns out, the "city" consists mostly of other buildings. And the occasional pigeon. But hey, at least I have a fridge to stash my leftovers (which, let's be honest, is often half a bandeja paisa that I'm too proud to admit I couldn't finish).
Day 1: Arrival, Jet Lag, and Questionable Decisions
- Morning (or what felt like the middle of the night, thanks to the flight): Landed in El Dorado International Airport. The air was thick with humidity and a hint of… well, I'm not sure what, but it was decidedly Bogotano. Navigating the airport was a nightmare. All the signs were in both Spanish and English which helped! But the people, were just everywhere
- Afternoon: Checking into the Residence Inn. Felt like I should have gotten a medal for just making it to my room. Collapsed on the bed. Tried to fight off the jet lag with a strong coffee.
- Evening: The big problem with jet lag? You make questionable decisions. Like, ordering pizza. Then ordering more pizza. Then, in a moment of pure, unadulterated gluttony, ordering a slice of flan because "when in Rome, or you know, Bogotá…" Regret was almost immediate. Curled up in bed, regretting the food and feeling the fatigue hit me at about 9 pm, the regret was amplified by the food. Sleep didn't come easy, but I did sleep.
Day 2: La Candelaria & The Coffee Crash
- Morning: After a fitful night, managed to drag myself out of bed. Breakfast was the previously mentioned arepas, which were blessedly warm today. Decided to be a "cultured tourist" and head to La Candelaria, the historic heart of Bogotá. This place is vibrant, colorful, and completely overwhelming. The graffiti is phenomenal, the cobblestone streets are hell on your ankles (seriously, wear good shoes), and the sheer energy… wow.
- Mid-morning: Found myself wandering down a narrow alley. Got completely lost. Which, okay, is the point of travel, right? But the whole "staring at your phone trying to navigate with a terrible signal when you're worried about being robbed" thing isn't exactly relaxing.
- Lunch: Found a tiny, hole-in-the-wall place serving ajiaco, a traditional chicken and potato soup. OMG. Best. Soup. Ever. So good, I almost burnt my tongue trying to eat it too fast. It was everything; warm, comforting, and made me feel like a proper grownup. This is the kind of moment I live for.
- Afternoon: The coffee. Oh, the glorious Colombian coffee. I'd read about it, dreamed about it, and now, I was drowning in it. Visited a coffee plantation (okay, it was a fancy coffee shop with a few potted plants, but let's pretend). Tried a cappuccino, a cold brew, and something called a "panela-infused latte". My eyes were bouncing off the walls. And then: the crash. The caffeine hangover was real. Had to spend the rest of the afternoon in the hotel, battling tremors and regretting that fourth cup.
Day 3: Museums, Mud, and a Moment of "What Am I Doing With My Life?"
- Morning: Attempted to visit the Museo del Oro (Gold Museum). Massive crowds. Ended up giving up and wandering around the surrounding streets, which, to be fair, were also pretty interesting.
- Lunch: Another random street food discovery! Found a vendor selling empanadas de cambray – fried pastries filled with savory ingredients. One bite… pure bliss. Almost forgot where I was and what I was doing. It makes me wonder why I don't spend my time just wandering the street of the world eating fried food.
- Afternoon: Oh god. The "Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral" – a cathedral carved inside a salt mine, a short journey outside of Bogata. Everyone says it's amazing. And, to be fair, it is breathtaking. Except… the bus ride was a sweaty, bumpy, chaotic affair. And getting out and back was an epic struggle. The walk around a dirt path after getting back was a mud bath. I should have brought Wellington boots. The cathedral itself? Stunning, humbling. I actually felt a wave of something… awe, I suppose. But the lingering question in my mind? "Was it worth the bus ride, the mud, and the existential crisis of staring at a giant salt cross?" … I still have no idea.
- Evening: Back at the hotel. Staring blankly at the TV. Ordering another slice of flan. The "what am I doing with my life?" feeling intensified. Maybe I'll just order room service and watch telenovelas for the rest of the trip.
Day 4: The Monserrate Climb & The (Possible) Breakup
- Morning: Decided, against my better judgment (and my aching legs), to hike up Monserrate. And the view was great. It was spectacular. You could see the whole city laid out before you. The air was clear (for a change). The whole experience felt, dare I say it, transcendent. Then, I tried to take a selfie and almost fell off the edge. So… that brought me back to reality.
- Afternoon: Had a serious conversation with my partner. Now, I don't want to get too personal, but let's just say that travel can really, REALLY test a relationship. The trip has me wondering about everything.
- Evening: Dinner at a restaurant recommended by the hotel staff. It was… fine. The food was good, whatever.
Day 5: Departure… and a Promise
- Morning: Final breakfast. The arepas, thankfully, were warm. Packing (a task I usually leave to the last minute, because I'm a genius). Last-minute panic about forgetting something important, of course.
- Afternoon: Taxi to the airport. Hoping the flight goes smoothly.
- Evening: On the plane, looking out the window. Bogotá disappearing below. Feeling a weird mix of exhaustion, relief, and a strange, wistful fondness. This trip wasn't perfect. In fact, it was a glorious mess. And yet… it was exactly what I needed.
- Promise: To come back. To learn some actual Spanish. To eat more empanadas. And to maybe actually plan a little better next time. But, mostly, to keep embracing the chaos. Because that's where the real adventures lie.
So, there you have it. My hilariously imperfect, slightly insane Colombian adventure. Don't judge. Just… enjoy the ride. And maybe, just maybe, learn to love the chaos too. ¡Adiós, Bogotá! Until next time…
¡Hotel Mirta, Croacia: ¡Paraíso Mediterráneo te Espera!
¡Bogotá te espera! FAQs del Residence Inn... ¡con toda la cháchara!
1. "Oiga, ¿de verdad es *lujo y confort* como dicen?"
¡Ay, esa pregunta del millón! Verás... lujo, lujo, *lujo* como en Dubai con oro por todas partes, no. Pero, ¡ojo! Confort, sí. ¡Mucho! Las camas son un abrazo celestial después de un día en la locura bogotana. Y el desayuno... ¡ufff! No es el típico buffet insípido. Tienen omelettes a la carta (¡mi debilidad!), fruta fresca y... ¡una máquina de café decente! Digo, para lo que uno está acostumbrado en Colombia, eso ya es casi un milagro. Quizás el "lujo" es más en el *silencio*, en la tranquilidad. ¡Porque Bogotá a veces es una batidora!
2. "¿El desayuno es *gratis*? Porque uno en estos tiempos... ¡ni el aire!"
¡Sí! ¡GRATIS! Y no crean que es cualquier cosa. Ya lo dije, omelettes a la carta... ¡bendito sea el cocinero! Y ojo, una vez, ¡me comí dos! (vergüenza me da, pero es la verdad). Lo único es que... a veces, en horas pico, toca hacer fila. ¡Como para entrar al TransMilenio en hora punta!… Pero dura poco. Y créanme, la espera vale la pena. O sea, ¿desayuno gratis en Bogotá y bueno? ¡Casi que me caso con el hotel!
3. "Y de ubicación… ¿es bueno para turistas?"
Aquí es donde la cosa se pone interesante. Está en la zona de Usaquén... ¡un barrio DIVINO! Con sus calles empedradas, su mercado de pulgas los domingos... ¡es como estar en Europa, pero con arepas y aguardiente! A mí me encanta caminar por ahí, comprar artesanías... ¡ah, la felicidad! Pero ojo, no está *exactamente* en el centro de todo. Para ir a la Candelaria (el centro histórico) o a la Zona Rosa (la de la fiesta), toca tomar un taxi o usar Uber. Pero, ¿saben qué? ¡El taxi es barato! Y Uber funciona muy bien. Además, Usaquén es un oasis de paz, ¡y eso vale oro en Bogotá!
4. "¿Qué tal el personal? ¿Son amables o puro formalismo?"
¡Ah, el personal! Aquí es donde el Residence Inn brilla. Son… ¡gente linda! Amables, serviciales, siempre con una sonrisa. Una vez, me enfermé del estómago (¡cosas que pasan con la comida callejera!) y la recepcionista me consiguió medicinas y me preguntó cómo estaba. ¡Eso no tiene precio! Claro, a veces hay algún “detalle”... una vez tardaron un poquito en subirme la maleta, pero, nada grave. El punto es que se preocupan por uno. ¡Y eso es clave!
5. "Dicen que hay wifi gratis... ¿funciona de verdad?"
¡Sí, el wifi funciona! Y funciona bien. Pueden hacer videollamadas, subir fotos a Instagram... ¡todo! Digo, no es la velocidad del Internet que uno sueña (¡en Colombia a veces es un dolor de cabeza!), pero es bastante decente. ¡Perfecto para "stalkear" a sus amigos y presumir que están en Bogotá! Lo digo por experiencia. Y sí, ¡lo usé para ver Netflix en la cama después de un día agotador! ¡Un placer!
6. "Y las habitaciones, ¿son cómodas? ¿Limpias al menos?"
¡Comodísimas! Y limpias, ¡impecables! Las camas son gigantes (¡uno se pierde ahí!), las almohadas... ¡ay, las almohadas! Son perfectas. Y la ducha... ¡qué delicia! Agua caliente con buena presión... ¡un lujo después del frío bogotano! Y algo que agradezco mucho: el espacio. Las habitaciones son amplias, con una sala, una cocina... ¡ideal si van a estar varios días! Una vez, casi me mudo para allá. ¡Pensé que era una ganga! Y la limpieza... ¡sin un solo pelo! Digo, uno siempre tiene sus manías, pero en general, ¡todo impecable!
7. "Tiene gimnasio? ¿Es bueno?"
¡Sí, tiene gimnasio! Y es... bueno. Digamos que no es un gimnasio de alta gama, con jacuzzi y sauna. Pero tiene lo básico: máquinas para cardio, pesas... ¡lo suficiente para no perder la forma! Eso sí, una vez, ¡me tocó esperar para usar la caminadora! Pero, en general, no está mal. ¡Y uno puede hacer ejercicio antes de comerse el desayuno! ¡Una gran contradicción, lo sé! Es que... ¡la vida es así!
8. "Alguna vez te quejaste de algo?"
¡Uy, claro! Soy humano, ¿no? Una vez, el aire acondicionado no funcionaba bien. ¡Me tocó abrir la ventana! Y, como les dije, a veces, en horas pico, el desayuno es un poco caótico. Y, una vez, pedí una almohada extra... ¡y nunca llegó! Pero, honestamente, ¡son detalles! Nada grave. Lo importante es la experiencia general. Y mi experiencia siempre ha sido muy buena. ¡Y yo soy de quejarme mucho, ¡así que eso dice mucho! La verdad sea dicha.
9. "Recomendarías el Residence Inn?"
¡Absolutamente! Lo recomendaría. ¡Sí, sí, y mil veces sí! Sobretodo, si buscan un lugar tranquilo, cómodo, con buen servicio y en una zona linda. No es el hotel más barato, eso es cierto. Pero, por lo que uno recibe... ¡vale la pena! Es como un abrazo después del caos bogotano. ¡Y eso, mis amigos, no tiene precio!
10. "¡Un consejo final!"
¡No se olviden de probar la arepa con queso en Usaquén! Y... ¡lleven paraguas! Bogotá es impredecible. Y, sobre todo, ¡disfruten! ¡Bogotá es maravillosa! Y el Residence InnHotel Ahora
