Bogotá's Platinum Hotel Suite: Luxury Redefined (5-Star Paradise!)
Bogotá's Platinum Hotel Suite: Luxury Redefined (5-Star Paradise!) - A Messy, Honest Review
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just spent a week at the Platinum Hotel Suite in Bogotá, and lemme tell you, it was a journey. This isn't your typical, dry, fact-filled hotel review. This is real life, people. Expect a rollercoaster of "Oohs," "Aha!" moments, and maybe a few "Um, what?" thrown in for good measure. And yes, SEO is in play, so you'll find all the juicy keywords sprinkled throughout… but I promise, it’s not just for the bots.
First Impressions & Accessibility – A Wobble and a Wow!
Okay, so first thing's first: getting THERE. The airport transfer, thankfully, was smooth as silk. They have a car park [free of charge] and car park [on-site], so parking wasn’t a headache. Now, I'm not fully in the accessibility game, BUT I did pay close attention because it’s important. The hotel claims facilities for disabled guests, and the elevator is a lifesaver (seriously, especially in Bogotá's altitude!). HOWEVER (and there's always a however, isn't there?), the ramp access, while present, was a little… wobbly. A friend using a wheelchair mentioned the surface felt a bit uneven. So, while they TRY, there's some room for improvement. The 24-hour front desk was super helpful, and the concierge was a gem. They really tried to make things easy.
The Room – Oh, That Bed! & Beyond… (So Much Beyond!)
This is where the magic started. Air conditioning that actually works (a crucial victory in Bogotá!), blackout curtains that are seriously blackout-y (bliss for my sleep-deprived soul), and a bed… oh, that BED! It was like sleeping on a cloud. An extra-long bed, mind you, perfect for a restless sleeper like myself. I think I may have actually moaned when I first sank into it. The non-smoking rooms were a godsend, and the soundproofing? Amazing. Bogotá is a vibrant city, and you'll hear the sounds of the traffic and occasional sounds in the streets outside the corridors, but in this room, it was like a silent, luxurious cocoon.
Inside, you got everything you could think of: a laptop workspace, Wi-Fi [free] that actually WORKED (I’m looking at you, other hotels!), a coffee/tea maker (essential for a caffeine addict like me), and even a complimentary tea selection! The mini-bar… well, let’s just say it was a temptation I often succumbed to. Free bottled water, a refrigerator to keep your drinks cold… the essentials, people! The bathroom phone was a bit… 80s, but hey, it worked. And the bathrobes and slippers? Pure spa day vibes every single morning. Speaking of…
Spa & Relaxation – Heaven? Maybe. Definitely Close.
Okay, so the Platinum Hotel Suite boasts an impressive spa. And, oh boy, did I use it. Let’s start with the pool with view. Picture this: Early morning, a steaming cup of coffee (courtesy of the room service!), and a breathtaking view of the cityscape from the swimming pool [outdoor]. The sauna, steamroom, and spa/sauna combo were pure indulgence. I am a sucker for a good massage, and the one I had was heavenly. Definitely worth the splurge. I didn't try the body scrub or body wrap (wasn’t feeling THAT adventurous), but I’ve heard great things. There's also a gym/fitness center: I didn’t utilize the fitness center, but I did pop in. It looked clean and well-equipped. A bit of a bummer the light didn’t work well, so it was a little bit dusty. Anyway, it was good.
Dining – My Wallet… and My Tastebuds – Went on an Adventure.
This is where things got REALLY interesting. The Platinum Suite has a TON of restaurants. They offer A la carte in restaurant, breakfast [buffet], breakfast service, buffet in restaurant, and a vegetarian restaurant. I tried a little bit of everything.
The Asian breakfast was… well, it’s not what you expect in Bogotá. The Western breakfast was more my speed, but the Asian cuisine in restaurant? Absolutely to die for (the sushi was exceptional!). Another great thing was the poolside bar: Great for happy hour. I spent many afternoons there, sampling their cocktails. The room service [24-hour] was my best friend for a few late-night cravings, and the desserts in restaurant… let’s just say my dentist is probably not thrilled. I’m a big soup person, and their soup in restaurant was one of the best I’ve ever tasted. This is a win, because it's hard to find a good soup!
But… the prices. Ouch. It’s definitely a luxury hotel, so be prepared for a bit of sticker shock. Still, worth it for the experience. The staff was accommodating to my alternative meal arrangement requests, like the time I ordered a massive plate of nachos (which was a happy surprise) on the room service.
Cleanliness & Safety – A World of Sanitization! (Almost Too Much?)
Okay, let's be honest – post-pandemic, cleanliness is HUGE. The Platinum Suite takes this seriously. They have professional-grade sanitizing services, use anti-viral cleaning products, offer room sanitization opt-out available, and the staff is well trained in safety protocol. There were hand sanitizers everywhere. They’ve got safe dining setup, with sanitized kitchen and tableware items, and individually-wrapped food options. The daily disinfection in common areas made me feel safe, for the most part, that the hotel was attempting to offer all that I needed.. They also have a sterilizing equipment. While I appreciate their diligence, I sometimes felt a little overwhelmed. It was like living in a bubble!
Services & Conveniences – Everything You Could Possibly Need… and Some You Didn’t Know You Did.
The Platinum Suite offers a boatload of services. Airport transfer? Check. Concierge service that actually feels like a friend? Check. Daily housekeeping? Needed it, used it, loved it. They even offer dry cleaning, ironing service, and laundry service. There’s a convenience store if you need a quick snack. Doctor/nurse on call? Thankfully, I didn’t need that, but good to know it’s there. They've even got cash withdrawal if you need it, and currency exchange. The luggage storage came in handy too. The doorman was always super friendly.
Things to Do (Besides Sleeping & Eating) – Beyond the Hotel Walls
While the hotel itself is a destination, Bogotá offers plenty of adventures! The concierge was happy to help set up tours and point me in the right direction. They even have meetings and seminars capabilities. I have the most interest in the air conditioning in the public area, because even the common space must be equipped and maintained to the highest standards. I wasn't there for the audio-visual equipment for special events or the Wi-Fi for special events.
For the Kids – A Family-Friendly Paradise?
Unfortunately, I don’t have kids to review, so my assessment of "For the kids" is limited. The hotel does have babysitting service, a family/child friendly atmosphere, and kids meal options.
The Imperfections – Because No Place is Perfect (Including My Own Life)
Okay, time for the REAL talk. No hotel is flawless, and the Platinum Suite has a few minor hiccups. Remember that wobbly ramp? Well, there are a couple of minor issues. The room service, great as it was, was occasionally a bit slow, especially during peak hours. Small complaint, certainly.
The Verdict – Is it Worth the Splurge?
Absolutely. Despite the minor imperfections, the Platinum Hotel Suite is a luxurious experience. The attentive service, the comfortable rooms, the incredible dining options, the spa… it’s a perfect escape. I felt pampered, relaxed, and ready to take on the best Bogotá had to offer.
My Recommendation: Book it. Treat yourself. You deserve it.
McAllen's Plaza Mall Comfort Suites: Your Perfect Getaway Awaits!
Alright, Buckle up, Buttercup! This isn't your grandma's perfectly curated travel itinerary. This is MY Bogotá breakdown, fresh off the press, Hotel Platinum Suite edition. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotion, accidental stumbles, and the undeniable charm of Colombia. Let's go…
Day 1: Bogotá Arrival & the Altitude Adjustment Tango
- Morning (aka, the "Oh Dear God, I'm Still Alive" Phase): Landed at El Dorado International Airport. Smooth flight? Nope. Delayed. But hey, any landing you can walk away from, right? Immigration? A breeze. Well, almost. I tried to speak some rusty Spanish, which apparently sounded like a dying cat. The officer just stared, then stamped my passport. Victory! Found the (pre-booked) transfer to Hotel Platinum Suite. The driver, bless his heart, was either a Nascar racer or just REALLY eager to get home. The urban sprawl of Bogotá… well, it's intense. Colors explode everywhere, car horns are a symphony of chaos, and the air… thinner than I expected.
- Hotel Platinum Suite - First Impressions (and the Oxygen Thing): The hotel is swanky. Like, "I-should-actually-be-wearing-a-tie" swanky. My suite? Ridiculous. Two bedrooms, a jacuzzi I probably won't use, and a view that… well, okay, the view is pretty spectacular. But the altitude. Ah, the altitude. I spent the first hour panting like a dog, convinced my lungs were about to stage a revolt. I even considered calling room service to ask for extra oxygen. (I didn't, because pride.)
- Afternoon: La Candelaria & Street Food Shenanigans: I ventured out. Brave, right? First stop: La Candelaria, the historic heart of Bogotá. Holy moly, the colors! Every building a vibrant explosion of paint. The street art is phenomenal, murals that leap off the walls and grab you by the eyeballs. I spent far too long just wandering, getting lost, and feeling like a tiny human in a giant, beautiful painting. Then, the food. Oh, the food. I succumbed to the siren song of street food.
- The Empanada Incident: I saw a woman cooking up golden, crispy things. Empanadas! Sold! I pointed (because my Spanish still sounded like a dying cat). She smiled, handed me one, and… boom. Culinary bliss. Crispy shell, savory filling, a touch of ají that woke up my taste buds. I ate three. Maybe four. I regret nothing.
- Evening: A "Gentle" Stroll on the Street I decide to take a gentle stroll since I'm feeling better, right? Right? Famous words. Within 10 minutes, I'm being chased by a stray dog. I am a fully grown adult, people! This is my life. I'm running, this poor dog is barking, it's chaos! It ends when another dog, some friendly lady, stops him and starts to giggle, as if this is the most normal thing. Bogotá, you crazy place! I'm going to bed.
Day 2: Monserrate & Coffee Induced Bliss
- Morning: Ascending Monserrate (and Praying I Don't Vomit): Today, the big one: Monserrate. The mountain overlooking Bogotá. I took the funicular (thank heavens, because walking up? See "altitude adjustment" above). The journey up is breathtaking. The city unfurls below, a tapestry of buildings and streets. But the air is thin. Again. I seriously considered bringing a portable oxygen tank.
- The Basilica Spectacle The Basilica at the top is beautiful. But the real beauty is the whole panorama. A breathtaking view. You can see the entire city below, and it's all just so magical.
- Afternoon: Coffee Nirvana & the Search for the Perfect Arepa: I'd heard about Colombian coffee, so I started the search for the perfect cup. I'm a coffee snob, so this was crucial. I went to a few different cafes. I walked toward the first thing I found, and it was magic. Rich, dark, intense, perfect. The barista (who spoke fluent English, thank the heavens) explained the different beans and the roasting process. Bliss. Next on the list: arepas. The ubiquitous corn cakes. I had some that were good, some that were okay, and some that were… well, let's just say I'm still on the hunt for the ultimate arepa experience.
- Evening: Salsa Lessons (and the Humiliation of Two Left Feet): I attempted a salsa class. Let's just say my coordination is… lacking. The instructor was patient, but my feet seemed to have minds of their own. I tripped over my own legs more times than I care to admit. But, oh man, the music! The energy of the place! I laughed so hard I cried. Even if I looked like a drunk octopus.
Day 3: Museo del Oro & Packing My Bags (aka the "I Don't Want to Leave" Phase)
- Morning: Gold, Gold, Glorious Gold: Museo del Oro (Gold Museum). I was skeptical. Gold is…gold, right? Wrong. The museum is mind-blowing. An incredible collection of pre-Columbian gold artifacts. Intricate craftsmanship, stunning artistry, and a glimpse into the rich history of the indigenous cultures. I got totally lost in the exhibits, imagining the lives and beliefs of the people who created these treasures. I was there for longer than I thought.
- Afternoon: Farewell Lunch That Almost Got Me Arrested I was off to a fancy restaurant (trying to be cultured) and I got a little tipsy, ordered the wrong thing and apparently, yelled at the waiter (who I'm sure didn't deserve it). It was all a blur, but I think I vaguely remember someone wanting the police. I'll admit, it's a little unclear what happened, but it was quite the day.
- Evening: Packing & Departure: Time to go. Which makes me incredibly sad. This city, with all its imperfections, has totally stolen my heart. The altitude, the stray dogs, the language barrier, the salsa lessons… all of it. I'm going to miss the food, the people, the vibrant chaos. I'm already planning my return.
Final Thoughts:
Bogotá, you’ve been a whirlwind. You challenged me, amused me, frustrated me, and ultimately, captivated me. You’re messy, imperfect, and utterly unforgettable. I'm leaving with a suitcase full of souvenirs, a memory card overflowing with photos, and a heart brimming with the spirit of Colombia. Hasta luego, Bogotá. Until next time, you beautiful, chaotic, exhilarating place.
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And Speaking of the Obvious Fancy Stuff... What About That Bathroom?
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Let's Talk Food: Is the Room Service Worth It? Did you try the breakfast buffet? What about the local food scene nearby?
Did you use the gym or spa? What are your thoughts?
Any Tips for Maximizing Your Stay? The "Insider Secrets," if you will.
