Bogotá's Hidden Gem: Hotel Splendor - Unforgettable Luxury Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! Because I'm about to spill the beans – or should I say, the arepas and ajiaco – on Bogotá's Hidden Gem: Hotel Splendor - Unforgettable Luxury Awaits! This isn't your dry, corporate hotel review. This is a real-deal, warts-and-all, I-went-there-and-lived-it kind of experience. And frankly? I'm still buzzing.
First things first: Accessibility. Now, I'm not in a wheelchair, but I am a klutz. So, I appreciate a place that's easy to navigate. And Splendor? Spot on. Wheelchair accessible, elevators galore, and friendly staff who actually notice if you're struggling. That's huge. I saw a few families with strollers, and the whole vibe was just chill. No awkwardness, no tight spaces, just breathing room.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges? Yes! And the food…Oh, the food. We'll get to that glorious mess later.
Internet, internet, internet! Okay, so I'm a digital nomad, practically surgically attached to my laptop. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! And it actually works! No buffering nightmares, no frantic searching for a decent signal. Plus, they had Internet [LAN] for those who are old-school. I was happy as a clam. They also had Wi-Fi in public areas, which is a godsend when you're trying to Instagram a particularly stunning sunset (more on those later). Oh! And the Internet Services - top-notch!
Cleanliness and Safety: Let's be honest, in a post-pandemic world, this is on everyone's mind. Splendor gets a gold star. They are obsessed with cleanliness. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and rooms sanitized between stays. They even offered a Room sanitization opt-out available, which is a nice touch. Staff trained in safety protocol and a doctor/nurse on call – all the things that make you feel, well, safe. They had a first aid kit, hand sanitizer everywhere, and individually-wrapped food options. Basically, it felt like a fortress of freshness. And look, I'm a bit of a germaphobe, and I breathed easy. Plus, there were CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property, which is always reassuring. Fire extinguisher, smoke alarms and safety/security feature – all the good stuff. And the Security [24-hour] was very present but never intrusive.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Feast of the Senses (and My Waistline!)
Alright, this is where things get juicy. Prepare yourself. I'm a foodie. A serious foodie. And Hotel Splendor… whew, they delivered.
Let's start with breakfast. Breakfast [buffet], Asian breakfast, Western breakfast – you name it, they had it. The coffee/tea in restaurant was constantly flowing (thank the heavens!), and the breakfast service was prompt and friendly. I started every day with a mountain pile of fresh fruit, a perfectly poached egg (yes, I'm picky), and a strong cup of Colombian coffee. If you enjoy the room service convenience – Breakfast in room and Breakfast takeaway service are available.
But the real magic happened at dinner. The restaurants offered a tantalizing blend of flavors. I had the most incredible A la carte in restaurant – with an International cuisine in restaurant that blew my mind. The salad in restaurant was fresh, vibrant, and full of local flavors (but please, take the desserts in restaurant as a MUST-HAVE!). And the Asian cuisine in restaurant was seriously authentic (I mean, the sushi was amazing). The bar was a haven, and the Poolside bar was my preferred spot for sundowners. Happy hour was a must-visit. The Coffee shop was a nice touch. And a Snack bar for a quick bite. Alternative meal arrangement – they could accommodate every request!
One night, I splurged on the room service [24-hour]. Because why not? I ordered the soup, the salad, and the recommended dessert! The Bottle of water was a welcome addition.
Here’s my confession. The other reviewers weren’t kidding…The Vegetarian restaurant was mind-blowing. I'm not a vegetarian, but the creativity and flavors were unbelievable. One night, I basically ordered everything on the menu. And the next morning, I didn't even regret it.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: From Bliss to Bliss
Okay, after all that eating, you're going to need some downtime. Splendor has you covered in spades.
Ways to Relax: I hit the Spa and got a Body scrub and a Body wrap. I melted into the massage bed. The Massage was heavenly, and the Sauna, Spa/sauna, and Steamroom were the perfect places to let go. Foot bath? Yes, please! And if you are in need of more activity - there is a Gym/fitness and Fitness center.
The Swimming pool [outdoor] was a slice of paradise, with a Pool with view. You could float there for hours, lost in your thoughts. They even had a shrines and couple's room. The Terrace was the perfect spot to soak up the Bogotá sun. I may or may not have spent a whole afternoon there with a book and a large iced coffee… Don’t judge.
For the kids – and the kid in you!
Although this is a luxury hotel, Family/child friendly is one of Splendor's strongest suits; they have Babysitting service and Kids facilities and offer Kids meal.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Big Difference
This is where Splendor truly shines. They've thought of everything.
Air conditioning in public area – essential. Air conditioning in the rooms – even more essential. Concierge that could literally work miracles. Contactless check-in/out – super convenient. Currency exchange – helpful. Daily housekeeping – my room was always spotless. Doorman that greeted you with a genuine smile. Dry cleaning and laundry service – saving me precious vacation time. Elevator. Facilities for disabled guests. Luggage storage – a lifesaver. Safe dining setup – which I greatly appreciated.
And then there are the little extras that make you go, "Wow, they really thought of everything!" Essential condiments, Gift/souvenir shop, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Meeting/banquet facilities, On-site event hosting (apparently, weddings are magical there), Safety deposit boxes, Smoking area, etc.
Available in all rooms:
- Additional toilet
- Alarm clock
- Bathrobes
- Bathroom phone
- Bathtub
- Blackout curtains
- Carpeting
- Closet
- Coffee/tea maker
- Complimentary tea
- Daily housekeeping
- Desk
- Extra long bed
- Free bottled water
- Hair dryer
- High floor
- In-room safe box
- Interconnecting room(s) available
- Internet access – LAN
- Internet access – wireless
- Ironing facilities
- Laptop workspace
- Linens
- Mini bar
- Mirror
- Non-smoking
- On-demand movies
- Private bathroom
- Reading light
- Refrigerator
- Safety/security feature
- Satellite/cable channels
- Scale
- Seating area
- Separate shower/bathtub
- Shower
- Slippers
- Smoke detector
- Socket near the bed
- Sofa
- Soundproofing
- Telephone
- Toiletries
- Towels
- Umbrella
- Visual alarm
- Wake-up service
- Wi-Fi [free]
- Window that opens
Getting Around: Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Taxi service, and Valet parking.
The Downsides?
Honestly? Not many. If I had to nitpick… the walls in my room weren’t quite soundproof (but totally Soundproof rooms), but
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Alright, buckle up buttercups! This ain't your grandma's travel itinerary. We're diving headfirst into the glorious chaos of Bogotá and the legendary Hotel Splendor (I hope the name isn't too ironic, considering my usual luck…). This is less "schedule of events" and more "scattered thoughts and potential disasters, with a vague semblance of a plan." Consider yourself warned.
Day 1: Landed in the Land of Coffee (and Altitude Sickness?)
- Morning (ish - Let's be real, it's always "ish"): Landed at El Dorado Airport. Wow. Bogotá is… tall. Like, my lungs are practically screaming, "WHOA, HOLD UP!" Already regretting not buying that oxygen tank. The airport was a blur of luggage, frantic cab drivers (learned the hard way to haggle!), and the overwhelming smell of coffee. Good omen? Possibly. Or maybe I'm just desperate for caffeine.
- Afternoon: Checked into the Hotel Splendor. "Splendor," huh? Well, the lobby isn't exactly the Ritz, but the staff is charming. Especially the lady at the front desk with the epic eyeliner. Gave me a room key that looks about fifty years old. Praying the lock still works!
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: First foray into the city. Walked around La Candelaria. HOLY MURAL, BATMAN! Everywhere you look, vibrant, politically charged, utterly captivating art. Got completely lost after trying to find a specific street. Ended up wandering into a small, crowded plaza where a group of people were playing a spirited game of… something. Didn't understand a word, but the energy was infectious. Decided to embrace the chaos. Had a terrible arepa from a street vendor that had me clutching my stomach. The price of adventure, I guess.
Day 2: Coffee Dreams and Bogota's Breathtaking Views
- Morning: Coffee time! Finally, some legit Colombian coffee (found recommendations in a travel blog. The blogger's name was John Doe. I feel bad for him). Went to a tiny cafe in La Candelaria, and it was…magical. The rich aroma, the perfect brewing, the sheer joy of the first sip… pure bliss. I think I might have actually shed a tear. Seriously. Food was great and the service was excellent.
- Afternoon: Exploring Cerro de Monserrate. The cable car ride up was slightly terrifying and breathtaking. The view of Bogotá from the top? Mind-blowing. The city sprawls out beneath you, a patchwork of red roofs, green hills, and the ever-present haze. Had a moment where I felt like I was on top of the world. Then, a rogue gust of wind nearly blew me off the mountain. So, yeah, back to reality.
- Evening: Now, this is where it gets messy. Tried to navigate the TransMilenio (Bogotá's public transport system). Big. Mistake. Survived, but I am pretty sure I aged a decade. Ended up at a random restaurant. Ate what they claim was "authentic" Bandeja Paisa. Not my favorite. But the company was great: a couple of local university students who were very kind. They tried to help me master some basic Spanish phrases. "Más cerveza, por favor." Yeah, mastered that one quickly.
Day 3: Museum Mishaps and Emeralds (Maybe?)
- Morning: Focused on the Gold Museum. Wow, the collection of pre-Columbian gold artifacts is astonishing. The craftsmanship, the history… it's truly moving. But then… I sneezed and nearly knocked over a glass case. Mortified. Spent the next hour glued to my backpack, afraid to breathe.
- Afternoon: Emerald shopping. This was a mistake. The street vendors were relentless. I ended up feeling thoroughly ripped off and, to be honest, a little bit scared. I left with a tiny, probably fake, emerald that cost me way too much. Lesson learned: stick to souvenirs. I'm not sure what I expected. The whole experience felt like a fever dream.
- Evening: Okay, back to what I know… Food! Found a restaurant in the Usaquén neighborhood. It's a bit further out, but the atmosphere is charming. The food was much better than yesterday's, and I was actually starting to feel like I was getting the hang of this.
Day 4: The Art Scene and Farewell… (Maybe?)
- Morning: Gabriel García Márquez's house. The place had a special charm, though it isn't actually his house. However, it made me remember reading "One Hundred Years of Solitude," and I definitely wanted to read it again after seeing this place.
- Afternoon: More exploring. Found a street art tour, and it was fantastic! The guide was passionate about the artists and the messages behind the murals. The art is amazing and I learned so much about the situation in Colombia.
- Evening: Okay, the plan? To somehow pack, find a non-ridiculously-priced taxi, and get to the airport… without ending up lost in a food coma or buying any more dubious "souvenirs." I'll try to leave. I'm really going to try. I'd write something touching but, to be honest, I'm kind of dreading the flight home. I'll write more tomorrow or the next day. Hopefully, there will be more in the future.
Hotel Splendor Reflections (Because, why not?)
- The hotel's walls have seen things. I can feel it.
- The wifi is spotty. Always. But, hey, more time to really experience the city.
- The breakfast is… well, it's breakfast.
- The staff? Absolutely lovely. Made me feel like less of a clueless tourist… most of the time.
Overall: Bogotá is a whirlwind. A chaotic, beautiful, frustrating, exhilarating whirlwind. I'm exhausted, slightly confused, and thoroughly in love with the place. Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Just be prepared for the unexpected, embrace the mess, and pack extra Tums. You'll need 'em. And for goodness sake, haggle!
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Okay, So What *IS* this Whole FAQ Thing, Anyway?
Why are these FAQs, like, so… *unprofessional*?
What's the biggest mistake *you* feel like you made recently?
What are the *good* parts? Like, really?
Why are you always so…*dramatic*?
What are you *NOT* good at? Seriously, be honest.
What's your *favorite* thing about… everything?
Okay, but what about the *hard* stuff? The serious stuff?
What if I still don't get it?
