Luxury Medellín Escape: Estelar Apartamentos Await!
Okay, buckle up, because this isn't your average hotel review. This is a full-blown expedition into the heart of Luxury Medellín Escape: Estelar Apartamentos Await!. We're not just looking at the bullet points, we're diving headfirst into the messy, wonderful, and sometimes slightly disastrous reality of a supposed luxury getaway. Get ready for some real talk!
First Impressions (and a bit of a panic):
So, Medellin. Gorgeous city, or so I’d heard. Me? I was mostly just hoping to find the hotel before my blood sugar plummeted. Landing, the airport shuttle (booked through the hotel, bless them) whisked me through… well, let's just say the scenery was vibrant. Estelar Apartamentos, though? Located near a lot of amazing stuff, but figuring out the traffic – that's a whole different adventure. Seriously, a GPS and a prayer are essential.
Accessibility: I'm not using a wheelchair, but I did see elevators, and the lobby seems to be decently accessible. Always best to call ahead and double-check your specific needs. This is Medellín guys, some things are steep!
Check-in: Smooth. Honestly, after the airport ordeal, it was a godsend. "Contactless?" Yes, please! Less human interaction pre-coffee is ALWAYS welcome.
The Room: My Home, My Castle (and the Occasional Mystery Stain)
Okay, the apartment itself. Let's be honest, the "Luxury" part is… mostly accurate.
- Available in all rooms: Air conditioning (essential!), Alarm clock (who uses those?!), Bathrobes (yes!), Bathroom phone (huh?), Bathtub (ooh!), Blackout curtains (YES!), Carpeting (nice), Closet (thank god), Coffee/tea maker (hallelujah!), Complimentary tea (bonus!), Daily housekeeping (thankyoujesus.gif), Desk (useful), Extra long bed (I could roll and still have room!), Free bottled water (staple!), Hair dryer (check), High floor (good view!), In-room safe box (always), Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities (good planning), Laptop workspace (meh), Linens (clean), Mini bar (dangerous!), Mirror (check), Non-smoking (thank you), On-demand movies (tempting), Private bathroom (duh), Reading light (good), Refrigerator (essential!), Safety/security feature (yay), Satellite/cable channels (bo-ring), Scale (NO!), Seating area (nice), Separate shower/bathtub (win!), Shower (necessary), Slippers (luxury!), Smoke detector (very important), Socket near the bed (crucial!), Sofa (comfy!), Soundproofing (needed), Telephone (who?), Toiletries (meh), Towels (clean), Umbrella (good!), Visual alarm, Wake-up service (again, why?), Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens…(I like this feature!)
The good: HUGE bed. Really, I could do cartwheels. The kitchen was a lifesaver for midnight snack attacks. The view from my window was… well, it had potential. The blackout curtains are a godsend, trust me. The complimentary bottled water was a lifesaver. The bad: The furniture wasn't exactly "new" – a little wear and tear is noticeable. And, I SWEAR, there was something on the rug. Trying to decide if it was coffee or … well, let's just say I didn't investigate too closely. I've got better things to do than assess the rug stain!
- Cleanliness and safety: They SERIOUSLY take this seriously. Hand sanitizer everywhere, the staff is masked to the nines. They seem to be doing their best to make you feel safe, and I appreciate it. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays. I saw them actually cleaning the rooms. I mean the FULL shebang. Bonus points for the individually-wrapped food options.
Eating, Drinking, and Stumbling Back to the Room:
This is where things get interesting.
- Dining, drinking, and snacking: This is where the Estelar Apartments make good, but not great. Restaurants, Poolside bar, Snack bar, and Room service [24-hour]. A la carte in restaurant (nice), Bar (essential), Breakfast service (very convenient. They had a Breakfast [buffet], but I’m a little wary of buffets these days. Coffee/tea in restaurant… well, yes. But the coffee was… questionable. Desserts in restaurant (necessary)
The pool bar was great! But seriously, the coffee situation was a major vibe-killer.
The Spa and Wellness (My Attempt at Zen… and the Truth):
Okay. I'm not a "spa person." I get antsy. I start to judge the ambient music. BUT, in the name of this review, I soldiered on.
- Ways to relax: Body scrub, Body wrap (no, just no), Fitness center (meh), Foot bath (yes!), Massage (okay, maybe), Pool with view (absolutely!), Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor] – you get the picture. You can relax if you want.
The pool was gorgeous. Really, the best thing about this place. The massage? A little awkward. The therapist was lovely, but I spent more time judging the decor (gold leaf? Really?) than actually relaxing. The sauna felt… steamy. Let’s leave it at that. But hey, the view from the pool makes everything worth it.
Things to Do:
- Things to do: They do have a Gym/fitness . They have a Fitness center (it’s the fitness center), and a Meeting/banquet facilities. I did not partake in any of those activities.
Amenities (and the Little Things That Annoy Me):
- Services and conveniences: Air conditioning in public area, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes, Smoking area, Terrace. They don't skimp on the basics.
The concierge was great. Really helpful. The elevators were… well, they worked, occasionally. The convenience store was more expensive than the corner store, so… you know. Invoice provided, Ironing service, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Seminars, Shrine, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center.
For the Kids (Because You Know Someone Needs to Know):
- For the kids: Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal. They really seem to cater to families.
Overall Cleanliness & Safety:
- Cleanliness and safety: Honestly, they seem to be trying REALLY hard to make everything safe. Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment. They've definitely gone above and beyond to make it safe.
The Verdict (My Honest Truth):
Luxury Medellín Escape: Estelar Apartamentos Await! is… a mixed bag. It’s not perfect. It has its issues. (The coffee, for the love of all that is holy, needs an upgrade!) But it's comfortable, it's well-located (sort of), the staff is genuinely friendly, and the pool is heavenly. It's a solid choice for a Medellin getaway, especially if you're looking for a little space and some easy access to the city. Just… maybe bring your own coffee.
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Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned travel itinerary. This is… me in Medellín, at the Estelar Apartamentos, about to either have an incredible experience or completely implode. Honestly, the latter seems slightly more likely, but hey, that's the fun, right?
Medellín Meltdown: My (Potential) Descent into Awesome/Madness
(Let's start with a disclaimer: This is a suggestion - I'm probably going to deviate wildly. Consider this more of a suggestion box, sprinkled with a healthy dose of existential dread.)
Day 1: Arriving with a Bang (or a Whimper - Depends on Airport Security)
Morning (aka, "The Pre-Departure Panic"):
- Wake up, possibly with a throbbing headache from celebrating my "freedom." Realize I haven't packed. Panic ensues. Stuff everything in a suitcase. Doubt everything. Remember I hated packing when I was 12, and that hasn't changed.
- Anecdote Time: Last time I flew, I forgot my passport. Spent a lovely three hours at home, contemplating the meaning of life and the futility of travel. This time, I have a feeling this time is going to be different (famous last words).
- Breakfast Ritual: Stuff my face with pastries I grabbed from the bakery, and then gulp down a strong coffee.
- Emotional Reaction: Giddiness, followed by crippling self-doubt. What if I get stuck? What if I can't handle the food? What if I'm a terrible tourist? (deep breath)… This is going to be great!
Afternoon (aka, "Airport Adventure!")
- Fly to Medellín! Hope the plane doesn't crash.
- Quirky Observation: Airports are the true liminal spaces. Filled with a bizarre mix of stressed business travelers, excited families, and people who look deeply suspicious. I probably fit into category number three.
- Arrive, navigate immigration (pray that my Spanish isn't too rusty - it's been years!) and grab my luggage.
- Find a taxi/Uber (figure out how the hell they work in Colombia).
- Check into Estelar Apartamentos Medellín. Gawk at the view, hopefully.
- Opinionated language: The view better be amazing, otherwise, I might just weep..
- Rambles: I should probably buy a SIM card. And some Colombian pesos. But first, I need coffee. I need to find the nearest coffee shop. RIGHT NOW. Coffee is life.
Evening (aka, "First Impressions and Fumbling Spanish")
- First Impressions: Wander around the surrounding neighborhoods, trying to look cool and collected. Probably failing spectacularly.
- Messy Structure: Maybe grab some arepas from a street vendor (or more realistically, trip over a discarded orange peel and end up with egg on my face).
- Attempt to speak some Spanish. Mispronounce everything. Apologize profusely. Embrace the chaos.
- Emotional Reaction: A mix of excitement, nervousness, and sheer awe. This is really happening!
- Have dinner at a recommendation (the hotel or online) - try a local specialty. Forget the name. Order something completely different.
- Collapse into a bed, exhausted but exhilarated.
Day 2: The Comuna 13 Rollercoaster (and the Emotional Avalanche)
- Morning:
- Rambles:Coffee is very important in these situations! Grab coffee and a pastry (it's becoming a habit, I know).
- Take a tour of Comuna 13. This is one of the most famous locations in Medellín, and the emotional weight could be crushing, depending on the guide.
- Anecdote Time: I remember when this neighborhood was considered the most dangerous in the world. Now, it's a symbol of resilience and transformation. I'm really interested in learning about the history of this place, and it could very well be overwhelming.
- Doubling Down: I'm going to spend as much time as possible on this tour. I want to hear all the stories, feel all the feelings. I'm really, really looking forward to it.
- Afternoon:
- Lunch in Comuna 13. Hopefully, it will be good. I'm really hungry.
- Quirky Observation: The art in Comuna 13 is amazing. Graffiti murals, vibrant colors, and incredibly talented artists.
- Learn about the history of Comuna 13. The stories are sure to be amazing.
- Stronger emotional reactions: If I don't cry at least once, I will be disappointed in my own lack of emotional depth. I want to be moved; I need to feel something real here.
- Evening:
- Dinner at a local restaurant
- Try to remember the name of the restaurant
- Messier Structure: I might have a drink, or four. I'm not a big drinker, but sometimes you need a beer
- Opinionated language: The food will be very good.
- Head back to the apartment, filled with a complicated mix of hope, sadness, and an overwhelming sense of appreciation.
Day 3: Cable Cars, Parks, and Priceless Views – Or, "The Day I Definitely Get Lost"
- Morning:
- Take the Metrocable to Parque Arví.
- Quirky observations: The view from the cable car is astonishing. You get a look from the top of the city, and it looks very green.
- Hike around the park… or at least, try. I have a terrible sense of direction, so getting lost is highly probable.
- Emotional Reaction: The peacefulness of the park will either be a welcome respite or a source of intense existential anxiety. I'm betting on the latter.
- Afternoon:
- Wander around the Botanical Garden.
- Lunch at a cafe.
- Rambles: I should probably learn some basic Spanish phrases. But the park is pretty.
- Messy Structure: Maybe a nap? Sleep is good, especially if I end up getting lost.
- Evening:
- Stronger emotional reactions: I hope I can watch the sunset.
- Drinks and dinner, maybe in El Poblado (the trendy neighborhood).
- Opinionated language: This is the night where I try to act 'cool' and end up looking the fool. I can't dance, so I'll probably just watch from the sidelines.
- Return to the apartment, exhausted but happy.
Day 4: Coffee, Chocolate, and Maybe a Reality Check
- Morning:
- Coffee tour. (I told you coffee was important.)
- Doubling down: I want to experience the coffee. Smell it, taste it, and learn about the whole process, from the bean to the cup. I want to know everything.
- Messy structure: Okay, so maybe drink too much coffee.
- Chocolate tasting. Because, why not?
- Quirky observation: I am going to overdose on caffeine, and sugar.
- Afternoon:
- Visit the Museo de Antioquia.
- Rambles: I should read up the art and history of Medellin. I'll probably regret it the moment I arrive.
- Visiting the Plaza Botero and admire the sculptures by Fernando Botero:
- Evening:
- Relax at the apartment.
- Emotional Reaction: Reflect on the trip, maybe start writing in a journal, maybe realize I haven't done anything I planned, but have had the best experience anyway.
- Pack, because the day of departure looms.
Day 5: Farewell, Medellín (Or, "The Last-Minute Panic Before Leaving")
- Morning:
- Final breakfast.
- Last-minute souvenir shopping (panic-buying).
- Anecdote Time: "Did I forget anything? Where is my passport? Did I overpack? Did I forget the laundry?"
- Afternoon:
- Check-out of the hotel.
- Head to the airport.
- Quirky Observation: Airports once more. A reminder that this experience wasn't a dream, and I really was in Medellín.
- Fly home!
- Emotional Reaction: A bittersweet mix of sadness and joy. A new world of memories, and hopefully, a desire to travel more.
- Evening:
- Reflect on the trip.
- Messy structure: Take a long, hot shower.
- Rambles: Make a list of what I want to do next time.
Important Notes:
- Spanish: I'll attempt
Luxury Medellín Escape: Estelar Apartamentos Await! - FAQ (with a splash of Real Life!)
Okay, so you're thinking about Medellín, right? And Estelar Apartamentos? Smart move. Medellín's amazing. And Estelar... well, let's dive in, shall we? I’ve got a story or two… and a whole lotta opinions (sorry, not sorry!).
Is Estelar Apartamentos REALLY luxury? Like, *actual* luxury?
Alright, buckle up. "Luxury" is a slippery slope, isn't it? Here's the deal: Estelar *aims* for luxury. Think sleek design, killer city views (usually!), maybe a rooftop pool (yes!), and well-appointed apartments. I stayed in one last year – gorgeous, huge windows, a balcony you could practically live on… until I tried to wrestle the stubborn balcony door closed at 3 AM after a particularly enthusiastic night. (Note: I lost). But! It's not *palace* luxury. Not the kind where a tiny, gloved hand appears to fan you while you eat a single, perfectly formed grape. Expect a solid, comfortable, premium experience. Think "Very Nice Apartment With Excellent Amenities and Possible Balcony Door Trauma." See, there's the REALISM.
What's the best part about staying at Estelar (besides maybe not wrestling doors)?
Okay, hands down: the location. Seriously. Medellín is *magic* - if you picked the right spot. Often, Estelar is right in the heart of the action. Poblado, usually. *Fantastic.* Walking distance to restaurants, bars, shopping… you're practically tripping over cool stuff to do. I remember one trip, I stumbled out of my Estelar, bleary-eyed and craving coffee, and there was this *amazing* little bakery across the street. Best. Empanadas. Ever. (Still dream about them, honestly). That kind of convenience? That's priceless. Seriously, look for a place near Parque Lleras. It's the vibe.
Are the apartments family-friendly? I have… children.
Depends on your definition of "family-friendly" and how much sanity you need. They usually have spacious units, which is a HUGE plus. Kitchens are great for making your own meals (cheaper and you KNOW what your kids are eating - or at least you *HOPE*). The pool is a kid-magnet. Now, remember, you're in a *luxury* apartment. So, the minimalist decor might not survive small, sticky hands. And the "party" scene around the area might call for some parental explaining (depending on the age of the little ones). I'd say, it's manageable, but do your research on the specific Estelar location. Some are better suited for families than others. And, pack extra snacks. You'll need them.
What about the views?! I want epic Instagram photos!
Okay, the views. This is a big one. Most Estelars boast amazing cityscapes. Think towering buildings, lush mountains in the distance… *chef's kiss* for Instagram. But. And there's always a "but," isn't there? Make sure you specifically request a room with a view. Otherwise, you might end up staring at another building (and trust me, that's less Instagram-worthy). I once booked a room, *paid extra* for a view, and ended up staring at a brick wall. A brick wall. I was grumpy for a solid day. Learn from my mistake! Call ahead, ask for specifics, and confirm. Confirm. Confirm. (And maybe bring a backup photo op, just in case.)
Is it safe? Medellín's got a reputation…
Alright, let's be real. Medellín's *history* is well known. It's come a LONG way. Poblado, where most Estelars are, is generally safe for tourists. Use common sense (don't flash your jewels at 3 AM, don't wander down dark alleys alone...). Estelar itself usually has good security, 24/7. I felt perfectly fine walking around during the day and most evenings. Did I ever feel *unsafe*? No. But, like *any* big city, be aware of your surroundings. Don't be an easy target. And download a taxi app. Seriously, it's life-saving.
What are some potential downsides?
Okay, here’s where I get *real*. Luxury comes at a cost. And sometimes, at Estelar, that cost is… well, sometimes it feels a little like paying for the name. Service can be a bit hit-or-miss. One time, the Wi-Fi was down for *three days*. Three days of me, desperately trying to work and failing miserably. Another time, the air conditioning decided to take a vacation. Not ideal when it’s humid as heck. And, let's be honest, sometimes the "luxury" feels… slightly overblown. You can often find *almost* as nice apartments, in *almost* as good locations, for less money. It’s a balancing act. Weigh the pros against the cons and your budget.
How do I book? And, should I book?
Book through the usual suspects: Booking.com, Expedia, the Estelar website directly. Check reviews, compare prices. And, most importantly, READ THE FINE PRINT. Cancellations, hidden fees… always a fun surprise (eye roll). Should you book? Honestly, depends on *you*. If you want a comfortable, convenient base in a cool location, willing to pay a slight premium for the name, and aren't TOO fussy about perfection? Then, yeah, Estelar is a solid option. Roam And Rests
