Escape to Paradise: Your Colombian Dream Awaits at Hotel Egina Medellín
Escape to Paradise: Hotel Egina Medellín – My Medellin Mess: An Honest-to-Goodness Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I’m about to spill the Medellín beans on the Hotel Egina. "Escape to Paradise: Your Colombian Dream Awaits" – yeah, well, let's see if the Egina lives up to its own hype. Because let me tell you, finding paradise in Medellín is easy. Finding it with all the bells and whistles in a hotel? That’s a whole different arepa.
My Focus: Accessibility & Feeling Human (And Maybe a Margarita or Two): Look, I'm not just looking for a luxurious stay; I'm looking for a comfortable one. As someone who appreciates ease of movement and generally hates feeling like a sardine in a can, these are my top priorities. And, let's be honest, after a day of trying to navigate the chaos that is Medellín, I need a margarita, a good view, and maybe a spa day to survive.
First Impressions: Arriving and… Breathing.
Accessibility: Wooooo, accessibility. This is HUGE for me. The website promises "Facilities for disabled guests," but the real test is doing. The elevator was thankfully present (and working!), a huge plus. The exterior corridor approach - well, it's what it is, but it felt open and the hotel is generally well-lit. I appreciated the car park [free of charge] and the convenience of the airport transfer. Less stress on arrival is always a win! The 24-hour front desk staff spoke English, which made check-in smoother, and the contactless check-in/out was a godsend after a long flight. Good start, Egina, good start.
Rooms – The Little Apartment of Comfort:
Available in all rooms: Okay, let's dive into the details. The Air conditioning was a life-saver. Alarm clock, check. Bathrobes (yes!), Blackout curtains (halleluja!). The coffee/tea maker was a non-negotiable for my mornings. Free bottled water - love it! Hair dryer, check! High floor? Requested and received! The in-room safe box ensured my passport (and emergency cash) stayed safe. Internet access – wireless (Wi-Fi [free]) was strong enough to stream Netflix (again, a must!). Ironing facilities (essential for looking presentable…ish…). Laptop workspace – perfect for a bit of work (pretending to work, let's be real). And a window that opens? Bliss! Seriously, I could actually breathe fresh air! The slippers were a nice touch, and the wake-up service was reliable. Now, to the downsides. The mattress could be better, tbh. And while they do have interconnecting room(s) available, the walls felt a tiny bit thin - not a deal-breaker, but just a heads up for light sleepers.
Bathroom Bliss (or Not So Much):
The additional toilet and my private bathtub are good, though I’d have preferred a bigger tub for soaking. The private bathroom and separate shower/bathtub were welcome and, best of all, the water pressure was amazing!
Cleanliness and Safety: The Germaphobe's Verdict
I'm a bit of a clean freak; I’ll admit it. The hotel’s focus on hygiene, with hand sanitizer everywhere, daily disinfection in common areas, and especially anti-viral cleaning products, put me at ease. The room sanitization opt-out available was cool, and the fact that staff [are] trained in safety protocol shows they take it seriously. Rooms sanitized between stays? YES! And the safe dining setup and all the measures taken to sanitize kitchen and tableware items was definitely appreciated. The CCTV in common areas and outside property added an extra layer of security. I felt safe – which, in a city like Medellín, is a big deal.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure (and the Margarita Addiction)
The Restaurant Experience:
The A la carte in restaurant was a winner! The Asian cuisine and international cuisine choices were fantastic. I took full advantage of the breakfast [buffet] (don't judge!) and the coffee/tea in restaurant – perfect for kicking off the day. The poolside bar with the happy hour was a highlight, especially after a hot day of exploring. The happy hour was a highlight! But, remember the alternative meal arrangement!
Other Foodie Points:
- The coffee shop was great. A must for any coffee lover.
- The room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver more than once (especially after a late night of exploring.)
- The snack bar proved useful for late-night cravings.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Spa Day!
Spa Time: The Body Wrap Revelation!
Okay, let's talk real relaxation. Because I wasn't sure how to handle the city, I looked for ways to relax at the hotel. The spa was a must. I treated myself to a body wrap. My skin felt so soft afterwards, like, ridiculously soft. The sauna and Spa/sauna are a great addition, the pool with a view? Stunning. **Swimming pool [outdoor] **. Foot bath? Yes, please! I also enjoyed the gym/fitness center. The Message was also great.
Services and Conveniences: Little Extras Make a Big Difference
The concierge was super helpful in navigating the city. The daily housekeeping kept everything spick and span. The laundry service was also a lifesaver. The convenience store was handy for grabbing snacks and forgotten essentials. Having the car park [on-site] was convenient.
For the Kids:
I didn't bring any kids with me, but I noticed they have Babysitting service and seem to cater to Family/child friendly.
Getting Around: A Few Tips
The taxi service availability was helpful.
The Quirks and the Quibbles
- The Noise: While my room was decently soundproofed, the city can be noisy. Bring earplugs if you're a light sleeper.
- The Mini-Bar: The mini-bar was a bit pricey, to be honest, but the bottle of water included was nice.
- The "Perfect" Photo: The hotel is gorgeous and makes for great pictures, but don't expect everything to be picture-perfect. Medellín is a city of vibrant imperfections, and the hotel, while generally great, is no exception.
The Verdict: Paradise Found (with a Few Caveats)
Hotel Egina is a solid choice for a comfortable and convenient stay in Medellín. It's a great place to recharge after a day of exploring the city. The accessibility features, the cleanliness, and the friendly staff really stood out. The spa is amazing. Absolutely amazing. If you're looking for a luxurious experience with easy access and plenty of opportunities to relax, then the Hotel Egina delivers.
Overall Score: 4 out of 5 Stars
My Medellín Dream: Here’s the Deal!
Tired of another cookie-cutter vacation? Yearning for vibrant culture, unforgettable experiences, and a place to truly unwind? Then you're looking for Medellín, buddy. And you need to be looking at the Hotel Egina.
Here's my personalized deal (and why you should snatch it up before I change my mind and go back myself!):
- The "Margarita & Medellín Magic" Package:
- Book for 3 nights, get a free in-room Margarita making kit (trust me, you'll need it!).
- Complimentary late check-out (because you will want an extra hour in that amazing spa).
- 15% discount on any spa treatment (trust me, you'll want more than one!).
- Free daily breakfast for two (so you can fuel up for your adventures).
Why this deal is perfect for you:
- Experience the Real Medellín: You'll be centrally located, able to easily explore everything the city has to offer, from the vibrant streets to the breathtaking views.
- Unwind in Style: After a day of adventure (or just relaxing by the pool!), you can pamper yourself with spa treatments and enjoy delicious food.
- Stress-Free Stay: I've done the legwork for you. Accessibility, cleanliness, safety - they've got you covered.
- Affordable Luxury: This package combines comfort, convenience, and a touch of extravagance, all at a price that won't break the bank.
Ready to ditch the mundane and embrace your own Medellín mess?
Click the link below to book your "Margarita & Medellín
Sheboygan's BEST-KEPT Secret? This Quality Inn Will SHOCK You!
Medellín Mayhem: A Very Human Itinerary (Hotel Egina edition)
Alright, buckle up buttercups. This isn't your glossy travel brochure. This is Medellín, baby, and we're about to experience it, warts and all. I'm staying at Hotel Egina, and, well, let's just say the adventure begins the moment I step outside my room.
Day 1: Arrival, Altitude Sickness, and Arepas.
Morning (More like, "whenever I finally drag myself out of bed after a nightmare involving a giant cockroach dressed as a mime"): Arrive at José María Córdova Airport (MDE). The air hits you like a brick, a thin, high-altitude brick. I'm pretty sure I can already feel my head starting to throb. Shuttle to Hotel Egina. It's… compact. Let's call it "cozy." The staff are lovely, bless their hearts, and the breakfast is included, which is a win.
Mid-Day (Altitude's a Bitch): I figured I'd be all adventurous, ready to conquer. Instead, I lie in bed, basically hugging my pillow, trying not to throw up. The city noises drift up – the persistent beep-beep of motos, the chatter, the music. It's a cacophony, and for a while, all I can do is listen.
Afternoon (Survival Mode): Managed to drag myself out for a walk. Found a arepa cart. God, that arepa was a religious experience. Crispy crust, soft inside, filled with cheese that melted in my mouth. The streets are a maze, a chaotic beauty. Lost my bearings within five minutes, but hey, that's Medellín!
Evening (First Mistake): Decided to be bold. Went to a corner bar. Ordered a local beer, Aguila. Took ONE sip. Then another. And another. Suddenly I was chatting with a group of locals, trying to remember my basic Spanish (spoiler alert: not much). The beer hit me HARD, I swear the altitude was conspiring against me. Slept like a rock, but with a pounding headache, wishing I'd stuck to water.
Day 2: Graffiti, Cable Cars, and Questionable Empanadas.
- Morning (Regret and Rehydration): Ugh. The headache is still there. Swear I dream of ice packs. Need to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Coffee at the hotel is strong, and I can function.
- Mid-Morning (Comuna 13 – Holy Crap): Took a tour of Comuna 13. The graffiti is breathtaking, vibrant, and telling stories. The escalators are amazing, a real effort to integrate this community. The guide, this incredible woman, spoke about the past, the pain, the hope. It's heavy, but also inspiring, a reminder of resilience. Grabbed a mango on a stick from a street vendor, one of the best things I've eaten in my life.
- Lunch (Empanada Disaster): Okay, so, hungry again. Saw a cart selling empanadas. Thought, "Can't go wrong!" Wrong. The grease. The filling. Let's just say my stomach is currently staging a protest.
- Afternoon (Metrocable Magic): Rode the Metrocable up to Parque Arví. The views are insane. The city sprawls out below, green hills surrounding it all. It's a reminder how stunning this city is, how it feels like you can breathe again up in the mountains. Spent ages just walking, breathing, soaking it in.
- Evening (Salsa Sabotage?): Tried to find a salsa club, but ended up just wandering. Found a small bar with live music. The music was great, but I can't dance, so I just watched, awkwardly trying to sway. Had another beer, and felt slightly less self-conscious. Ended up talking to a guy, a total stranger. He bought me a shot of something incredibly strong. My Spanish failed me again. Pretty sure I embarrassed myself, and potentially him too. Oh well.
Day 3: Coffee, Complications, and the Search for the Perfect Pan de Bono.
- Morning (Coffee Bliss): Found a tiny coffee shop near the hotel and had the best cup of coffee ever. Seriously. Rich, smooth…a moment of pure, caffeinated joy. Sat and people-watched, watched them go about their day, it's the little things that make a place.
- Mid-Morning (Hotel Hustle): Okay, here's an honest moment. It's a bit noisy, Hotel Egina - the walls are thin, and I can hear everything - the cleaning lady, the couple next door, the people outside. It's a little…rustic. But also, part of the charm? Maybe if I don't get much sleep, I'll just have to be out all day.
- Lunch (Pan de Bono Quest): Launched a full-blown search for the perfect pan de bono. This is a serious mission. I've tried three so far. One was hard as a rock. One was disappointingly bland. One…well, it was decent. The quest continues.
- Afternoon (Botanical Garden Breathtaking): Spent hours at the Jardín Botánico, the Botanical Garden. It's a massive, green paradise. The orchids, the variety of plants…it's a feast for the eyes. Found myself just wandering, lost in nature. I felt a bit lonely, but also somehow serene here.
- Evening (Dinner Debacle): Tried to find a restaurant I'd read about. Got REALLY lost. After an hour, I gave up and grabbed a pizza from a random place. It was mediocre. Moral of the story: accept the chaos.
Day 4: Departure – and a Promise to Return (Eventually).
- Morning (Packing Panic): Packing. Always the least favorite part. Did I buy enough souvenirs? Did I forget to try something? Did I completely miss out on something amazing?
- Mid-Morning (Last-Minute Arepa Run): One last arepa. Gotta get my fix before leaving.
- Afternoon (Goodbye, Medellín): Shuttle to the airport. The flight home. A mix of relief, sadness, and a strange kind of exhaustion. Medellín is a whirlwind. It's beautiful, messy, frustrating, and utterly captivating. The altitude will get you, the food might disappoint you sometimes, but the spirit and its people…that's what I'll remember.
Final Thoughts:
Hotel Egina, you're not the Ritz. But you're a warm, functional base. Medellín, you're a chaotic, gorgeous mess. I love you. I'll be back, eventually…after I've recovered from this first trip and can afford more altitude sickness medication.
Green Bay Getaway: Unbeatable Comfort Suites Deals!
1. So, "Escape to Paradise"... is it *really* paradise at Hotel Egina? Don't lie.
Alright, let's get this straight. Paradise? Well, it's got its moments. Picture this: you're sprawled on a sun lounger, the bougainvillea is practically *smothering* you in vivid color, and you’ve got a *caña* in your hand. That's pretty darn close! But...it's Medellín. It's not some perfectly curated Instagram filter. There are occasional power outages (which, let's be honest, actually *add* to the charm, especially when you're forced to actually TALK to people), the internet can be… well, let's just say you'll develop a newfound appreciation for patience. And the sounds? They're a symphony of life – traffic, music, the neighbor's rooster who clearly hasn't gotten the memo about sleeping in. So, paradise-adjacent? Absolutely. Flawlessly blissful? Nah. And that's kinda why I loved it.
2. Tell me about the location. Is it safe? Seriously, is it SAFE?
(Deep breath). Okay. Location. Hotel Egina is in El Poblado, which is generally considered the safe(r) part of Medellín. I walked around at night. I'm also a fairly observant person, which you *need* to be in any big city. I felt safe… most of the time. You still need to be street smart. Don't flash your expensive tech around. Don’t walk alone at 3 AM. Don't buy drugs from people, because, well, duh. But if you approach it with a healthy dose of common sense, you should be fine. I took Ubers everywhere. They're cheap and easy. And that, friend, is the best piece of advice I can give you.
3. The Rooms: Are they as stylish as the pictures? (Gotta know!)
Okay. The pictures? They’re pretty. The rooms? Mostly. Look, they’re not *super* modern, but they’re clean, comfortable, and have a certain… *je ne sais quoi* that makes you feel like you're experiencing something authentic, not some generic hotel chain. My room? The air con was temperamental (it's South America, people!), and the shower pressure was a bit… well, let's just say I felt like I was being gently misted rather than thoroughly cleansed. But the bed? SO COMFORTABLE. Seriously, I could have slept there for a week straight. That, and the view from my tiny balcony, more than made up for it. Don't go expecting minimalist perfection; embrace the charming imperfections. It's part of the experience.
4. Breakfast. Is it worth waking up for? And is there coffee? (My life depends on this.)
Coffee. Ah, the elixir of life. Colombia? Coffee heaven. Yes. There is coffee! Strong, delicious coffee. Breakfast? It's included, and it's a decent spread. Think fresh fruit (don't miss the mango, it's *divine*), eggs, arepas (get used to them!), and sometimes, if you're lucky, a little bit of bacon. It’s not the Ritz. But it's a good start to the day, especially when paired with a cup (or three) of that glorious Colombian coffee. And do I need to tell you... if you skip breakfast you will regret it. All that walking! All that exploring. You'll need the fuel, trust me.
5. Okay, let’s talk about the staff. Are they nice? Helpful? (Or do they want me to leave them alone?)
The staff? Ah, the staff! They were AMAZING. Seriously, they were the highlight. They were so friendly, so helpful, and genuinely seemed to care. I asked for directions (a lot). I needed help booking a tour (twice). I even locked myself out of my room (mortifying!) and they fixed it with a smile. One guy, I think his name was Mateo (but don’t quote me!), always had a joke and made me feel like I was genuinely welcome. They're not just employees; they're part of the fabric of the hotel. They were the reason I felt like I wanted to stay longer, and that's saying something. They made all the difference, from the initial welcome to the final, "¡Hasta luego!" Seriously, give them a good tip.
6. What's the deal with the pool? Is it as Instagrammable as it looks?
The pool... Okay. The pool is *small*. Like, really small. You're not going to be doing laps. But it's a beautiful, tranquil little oasis. The bougainvillea is draped all around, and you can sip cocktails (they make a mean *caipiriña*, by the way) while watching the city from a bird's eye view. Sometimes. The pool does tend to get a little crowded – especially around sunset. I actually found myself gravitating *away* from the pool, because I'm not really a "pool person". I preferred exploring the city, but I can understand the appeal. It's definitely a nice place to unwind after a hot day of exploring.
7. Medellín's not just for hotels, what are the best things to do nearby Hotel Egina? Tips for exploring!
Okay, so the hotel is in El Poblado – *perfect* location. You've got tons of restaurants, bars, and cafes right outside the door. Walk around, get lost, try the street food (cautiously! Your stomach will thank you.) The metro is super easy to use, which makes getting around the city super cheap and easy. Take the metro to Comuna 13. It's a powerful experience, and a good reminder as to the spirit of this city and the kind of people that live here. Also, cable car up to Parque Arví? DO IT. The views are INSANE. Just… be prepared for crowds. And the crowds are NOT always the nicest. But that's more the exception than the rule. Don’t miss the botanical gardens either. You’ll need some quiet in your life after a city so energetic. And the best tip I can give you? Ask the staff. They know the area like the back of their hand. They'll give you recommendations you won’t find in any guidebook.
8. Let's talk about the noise. Is it a party hotel? Will I get any sleep?
Noise, noise, noise... Okay. It's not a *party* hotel, but it's in a lively area. You're going to hear some noise. Traffic, music, the occasional boisterous conversation… Embrace it! It'sTravel Stay Guides
