Medellín's BEST Rodeo View Aparthotel: Portal del Rodeo Awaits!
Medellín's BEST Rodeo View Aparthotel: Portal del Rodeo Awaits! - My Unfiltered Take
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because I’m about to spill the beans on Portal del Rodeo Aparthotel, and trust me, this isn't your usual, sanitized hotel review. Forget the cookie-cutter prose; this is the REAL DEAL. We're talking Medellín, the city that's basically an explosion of vibrant energy, and this hotel… well, let's just say it aims to keep up. So, is it worth the hype? Let's dive in, shall we?
First Impressions (and the Airport Transfer That Almost Broke Me)
The airport transfer situation? Let's just call it a "learning experience." I’d booked it (a big plus for those weary travelers!), praying for a smooth entry into Colombian paradise. And then… traffic. Oh, sweet, chaotic, Medellín traffic. It's a sensory overload – honking, motorbikes weaving like drunken bees, and a general sense of "anything goes." Now, the hotel does have car park [free of charge] and valet parking, which, after that drive, felt like a godsend. Getting to the 24-hour Front desk and finally checking in was a relief. Check-in/out [express] sounds tempting, but I needed the full, slow, "ahhh, I'm here" experience, and they delivered. They even offered contactless check-in/out, if that's your jam. Mine? I wanted the human touch.
The Room: My Sanctuary (Mostly!)
Okay, let's talk about the money maker: Available in all rooms are things like Air conditioning, 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, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Wake-up service, and Wi-Fi [free]. Additional toilet isn't mentioned, but it would be useful, and what about high floor? Well, I got a view, and let me tell you, folks those views are worth their weight in… well, coffee beans. The Rodeo View is a main selling point, and it’s spectacular, especially at sunset. The window that opens is a lifesaver. And the bed? Ahhh… the bed. After the long journey and the traffic incident, I wanted to crawl in here and never leave. It's a solid, comfortable bed, not the cloud-on-a-stick type, but just right. The room feels clean, well-maintained, and surprisingly spacious. It's definitely a place where you can chill and actually, you know, relax.
The Food Fight: Dining, Drinking, and Snacking!
Okay, let's be real. Food is crucial, especially when you're exploring a city as vibrant as Medellín. The restaurants on offer at Portal del Rodeo are a mixed bag, but let's start with the good stuff. A la carte in restaurant is a plus, so Breakfast [buffet] and Western cuisine in restaurant are great starting points for your day. The Coffee shop is a must. I'm a coffee snob, and the Colombian coffee did not disappoint! The Bar is well-stocked, and the Poolside bar is perfect for a chilled-out afternoon, sipping something cold and looking like you know what you're doing. Room service [24-hour] is a lifesaver when you're experiencing jet lag at 3 AM, craving a midnight snack. Also, some Desserts in restaurant could be a good idea.
Now, the areas for improvement… While they offer Asian breakfast and Asian cuisine in restaurant, I didn't get a chance to try them. Also, as for Alternative meal arrangement, I didn’t need them. My suggestion: Maybe a wider variety of vegetarian or vegan options. Happy hour? Definitely a plus, but the timing felt… off. I was too busy exploring to make the most of it.
Relaxation Station: Chilling Out in Style (or Trying To!)
Spa/sauna and Swimming pool is a major selling point here. The Pool with view is the reason I came. Floating in that water while looking out at the city is a moment. Fitness center is good, but a bit cramped. The Sauna and Steamroom are a decent escape, so Body scrub or Body wrap sounds like a good idea for those who like it. Massage is available, but I found it a bit pricey.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Pandemic Perspective
Alright, let's get real. COVID-19 has changed everything. Portal del Rodeo takes things seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, and Physical distancing of at least 1 meter are all evident. They even offer Room sanitization opt-out, which is a nice touch. I felt genuinely safe, which is incredibly important these days. Sanitized kitchen and tableware items are available, so Individually-wrapped food options are available if you need it. Staff trained in safety protocol, so Safe dining setup is available too. Hygiene certification is also available and Professional-grade sanitizing services is a plus.
For the Kids: Family Fun (or at least, the possibility of it!)
Family/child friendly is the name of the game! Babysitting service is available, and, Kids meal is available. Though the range of activities feels more geared towards adults and some families might find themselves looking for more options in this area.
Accessibility: Making it Work
Accessibility options are a mixed bag. Facilities for disabled guests are listed and the elevator is a must. However, it’s not the most accessible place I’ve ever stayed. More could be done to cater to those with mobility issues to make the stay as seamless and enjoyable as possible.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
Concierge, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman… these are all signs of a well-run operation. The Convenience store is a blessing, and I loved having Cash withdrawal available. Laundry service, Dry cleaning, Ironing service… all crucial for any traveler. Luggage storage is available too.
Things to Do & Getting Around:
Airport transfer is convenient, but Medellín is a city best explored by taxi or through the Taxi service. Car park [on-site] is a big plus, but it's super busy. There's not a lot that's perfect, but the Car park [free of charge] is.
The Verdict: Portal del Rodeo - The Good, The Bad, and the Absolutely Gorgeous
Okay, so is Portal del Rodeo the perfect hotel? Nope. Is it a truly memorable stay? Absolutely. The views alone are worth the price of admission. The staff generally are genuinely friendly and helpful. The location is fantastic, close to everything.
My Overall Grade: B+
Why You Should Book Now (and my shameless attempt to lure you in):
WANT TO FEEL LIKE A MILLION BUCKS? BOOK YOUR STAY AT MEDELLÍN'S BEST RODEO VIEW APARTHOTEL: PORTAL DEL RODEO AWAITS!
Here's the deal:
- The View: Seriously, the views are STUNNING. Wake up to the city sprawled out below you.
- The Pool: That infinity pool is Instagram gold (and a perfect way to unwind). And after 3 days of travel, this is what I needed.
- The Location: You're in the heart of the action, but with a touch of peace.
- The Coffee: Need I say more?
- The Value: You're getting a great deal for what you get.
- The Vibe: It's a welcoming hotel - nothing pretentious, just good vibes
Don't wait! This is my honest review of the hotel. So, book now and start planning your Medellín adventure! Trust me, you won't regret it. Just, for the love of all that is holy, learn a few basic Spanish phrases before you go. You'll thank me later.
Luxury Riverview Living in Cikarang: Kingdom Apartemen Jababeka Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. We're heading to Medellín, Colombia, and we're doing it from the glorious, slightly-worn, probably-has-seen-some-things-but-still-charming Portal del Rodeo ApartaHotel. Get ready for a trip that's probably going to involve me losing my phone at least once.
Medellín Mishap: A "Sort-Of" Itinerary
Pre-Trip Anxiety & Hotel Hopes (Because I'm a Nervous Wreck):
Month Before: Okay, okay, I booked the flights. That was the first hurdle. Now the real panic sets in. Learning basic Spanish phrases? Check. Downloading offline maps? Double check. Googling "How to avoid getting ripped off in Medellín"? Triple check. My brain's basically a swirling vortex of "what ifs." But the photos of the Portal del Rodeo… they look so nice. I'm really hoping the air conditioning works. And that there aren't too many creepy crawlies. A girl can dream.
Week Before: Packing. Oh God, the packing. I’m overpacking, undoubtedly. Three pairs of shoes that I'll probably wear once. Sunscreen the consistency of concrete. Trying to cram a travel journal in there. The struggle is real. I'm also watching YouTube videos of people eating arepas. My mouth is already watering.
Day 1: Arrival & Initial Overwhelm (and a near-disaster with the airport shuttle):
Morning (or, technically, late afternoon in Medellín time): Touchdown! Exhausted. The flight was…well, a flight. The airport is a blur of baggage claims and frantic hand gestures. Finding the pre-booked shuttle… turned into a quest. Turns out, "look for the guy holding a sign with your name" meant "stand around looking vaguely lost until someone shouts your name and waves a crumpled piece of paper." Classic. The driver seemed to enjoy testing the limits of the traffic laws. I learned to trust him, eventually. That journey was a lot.
Afternoon: Portal del Rodeo! It's… well, it's exactly what the photos promised, plus a charming layer of "lived-in-ness." The lobby smells faintly of coffee and something vaguely floral. The staff is ridiculously friendly. The air conditioning… works! Praise be. Unpack. Collapse on the bed. Debrief the near-death shuttle experience with myself. I should remember to ask the desk what the best currency exchanges are, or I'm going to be stuck with a gigantic sum of money and not know what to do with it.
Evening: A short walk to a tiny tienda (corner store) for some water and snacks. My Spanish is atrocious, but "agua" and a lot of pointing seems to do the trick. Back at the hotel, I open the balcony doors and just breathe. The city sounds… alive. First impressions: Medellín is already hitting me with its beauty. This will be good.
Day 2: Comuna 13: Graffiti, Guns, and Grit (a truly transformative experience):
Morning: Okay, this is the big one. Comuna 13 tour. I’ve been reading and watching documentaries, and I'm equal parts excited and apprehensive. This part is going to be intense. It needs to be.
Mid-Morning: The tour is unbelievable. Our guide, a local, shared his own story, and the story of the neighborhood. He described the history, the violence, the transformation. The graffiti art… it’s stunning, raw, and powerful. It tells stories of the past and hope for the future. The escalators climbing the hillside are amazing. There were moments I got a little teary. I felt a lump in my throat. It was overwhelming, but in the most profound way. I can't even begin to articulate the weight and joy of it all.
Afternoon: Lunch in Comuna 13. Eating the local food felt like a way to honor the people and this place. The empanadas were amazing, and the fresh fruit juice was divine. Chatting with the locals… even in broken Spanish and frantic gestures, I felt a genuine connection. They are a resilient people.
Evening: Back at the hotel, processing. The experience in Comuna 13 is definitely going to stay with me for a long time. I’m tired, but in a good way. I'm also feeling a strange mixture of gratitude and a little bit of guilt that I'm just a tourist, looking from the outside. It’s a complex feeling. I want to do more, to give more, to learn more.
Day 3: Cable Cars, Gardens, and Coffee (a day of upward mobility):
Morning: Up, up, and away! Time to see the city from above. The Metrocable – the gondola system – is efficient and offers breathtaking views of Medellín. I took the cable car up to Parque Arví. It was like floating through a world of green.
Mid-day: Parque Arví! I wandered through the forest, got a little lost (naturally), and eventually found one of the little restaurants. The air was cleaner. The sound of birds singing was the most incredible thing. It was amazing. I even made a friend! …I'm talking about a really friendly dog who decided to follow me for a while. I considered adopting it, but then, the practicalities of international travel…
Afternoon: Botanical Garden. Needed some peace and beauty after yesterday’s emotional rollercoaster. The Botanical Garden is incredible. I wandered through the orchid displays for an amount of time I probably should have measured. The sheer variety of plants is mind-blowing. Even found the 'Orquideorama' and felt like I was in a giant, green, leafy cathedral.
Evening: Coffee! Finding a local coffee shop and having a proper Colombian coffee experience. The barista explained everything (or, at least, I think he did – my Spanish is still a work in progress). It was rich, flavorful, and the perfect end to a day.
Day 4: Wandering, Wondering, and the Pursuit of Arepas (and a minor panic about money):
Morning: A slow start. Walking the streets of Medellín, just soaking it all in. The architecture, the people, the energy… I'm feeling more comfortable navigating, even if I am still getting lost occasionally. (Mostly, I got turned around near a rather intriguing statue in the Parque de las Esculturas. Hmm.)
Mid-morning: Arepa hunt! The mission: locate the perfect arepa. I hit a couple of street vendors with varying degrees of success. One was dry, one was a little burnt, but the third… the third was golden, crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and filled with cheese. Perfection.
Afternoon: Shopping. Buying souvenirs. Possibly buying too many souvenirs. Trying to bargain (badly) for a hat I really liked. Realizing I need more cash.
Evening: Money panic. The ATM ate my card. Crisis averted…sort of. I managed to get a temporary one from the bank. Lesson learned: always carry backup cash and tell someone, anyone, about the card situation. Dinner at a local spot. The food was delicious (I’m starting to realize everything is delicious here!), but the stress of the card incident kind of overshadowed it.
Day 5: Departure & Reflections (a slightly bittersweet farewell):
Morning: Packing. Again. This time, it's harder. I don’t want to leave. I've fallen in love with Medellín. Not just with the sights and the sounds, but with the feeling of the city, the warmth of the people.
Afternoon: One last look at the city from my hotel balcony. One last deep breath of that Medellín air. The shuttle’s here. Time to go.
Evening (or, more accurately, the next day, still jet-lagged and back home): Sitting here with the photos and memories, I can't help but smile. Medellín was more than I expected. It was messy, beautiful, heartbreaking, and exhilarating all at once. I’ll be back. But first, I need a nap. And a really good arepa. And maybe a therapy session… because Comuna 13 really got to me.
Post-Trip Epilogue:
- Months Later: Still thinking about the people of Medellín, the colors, the spirit. I’ve told everyone who will listen about my trip. I’m planning my return. And I'm still working on my Spanish. ¡Hasta luego, Medellín! (Please tell me I said that right).
Okay, spill. Is "Portal del Rodeo Awaits" actually *the* place to stay in Medellín, or is it just hype? 'Cause, you know, Instagram lies.
Alright, alright, let’s get real. Hype? Yeah, there’s some. Just scroll through their photos – stunning views, infinity pool, looks like you're living a James Bond movie, right? Truth bomb: It’s *mostly* true. The views? Absolutely breathtaking. Seriously, the first time I saw that vista from my balcony, I nearly choked on my guava juice. And the pool? Worth the price of admission alone. I spent one afternoon just… floating. Pure bliss. Though, I did nearly fall in trying to take a selfie – the edge is closer than it looks! But… and there's ALWAYS a but, isn't there? Let's just say the "luxury" is a bit… inconsistent. My first room? Gorgeous, modern, perfect. My second? Let’s just say “vintage Colombian charm” – aka, a slightly wonky showerhead and a questionable stain on the armchair. You’ll get used to it. You HAVE to, it’s Medellin. Think of it like this: It's like dating someone who's gorgeous, has incredible stories, and then occasionally forgets your name. Worth it? Probably. Especially if you can laugh about it.
The location – Rodeo, right? Is it… safe? And how annoying is the traffic getting around? Seriously, I hate traffic.
Rodeo… okay, so the *name* sounds glamorous, right? Like, "Oh, I'm staying in Rodeo.” In reality, it's a perfectly safe, slightly more upscale-ish neighbourhood. You're surrounded by restaurants, cafes, and it's generally well-lit at night. I walked around alone plenty of times and never felt uneasy. Do all the usual precautions though – don’t flash your cash, be aware of your surroundings, the usual. The traffic, though… oh, the traffic. Prepare yourself. It’s Medellín. Traffic is a part of life. Getting around is a dance between the metro (amazing!), taxis (bargain, but chaotic), and Uber (convenient, but sometimes… slow). Rodeo isn’t *right* in the heart of the craziness, which is a plus. But getting to El Poblado? Expect delays. Going to the airport? Factor in extra time. Seriously, add an hour to any journey, just in case. I missed a tour once because I foolishly thought “Oh, it’s just a short ride!” Lesson learned: always assume the worst.
What are the rooms *actually* like? And are those pictures on the website… realistic? (Be honest!)
Okay, the rooms. Let's break this down. The pictures… well, they’re *mostly* realistic. If you get one of the renovated apartments, you’re golden. Modern, clean lines, fantastic kitchen (that you’ll probably never use, because food in Medellín is too delicious to cook!). The balconies? HUGE. Perfect for sunset cocktails (or, you know, hiding away from the world with a book). BUT… and again, the but. Not all rooms are created equal. Some are… older. They might have slightly less modern decor, a bit more wear and tear. Which isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker, mind you. It's still perfectly comfortable, and the views… the VIEWS make up for *everything*. My advice? Try to book a higher-floor room. The higher you go, the better the perspective. And if you're fussy? Ask for a renovated one! Just be prepared to maybe, possibly, *maybe* get a little bit of a hard time for it. Like, I overheard a family complaining once about "the lack of a high-powered hair dryer." Seriously? Come *on*. You’re in Medellín! Embrace the imperfections, the slightly dodgy plumbing, the occasional squeaky floorboards. It's part of the experience!
The pool! Tell me about the pool! Is it as dreamy as it looks? And is it crowded? (I *hate* crowded pools.)
The pool. Oh, the pool. Okay, DREAMY isn't a strong enough word. It's *stunning*. Infinity edge, overlooking the city, palm trees swaying… it's like something out of a movie. Or an Instagram ad. (Okay, maybe it IS an Instagram ad.) Is it crowded? Well, that depends. Weekdays? Pretty chill. Weekends? Yeah, it gets busy. Expect some sunbathers, some kids splashing, and the occasional group taking selfies. But honestly, the pool is big enough that it rarely feels *overcrowded*. Plus, there are usually enough lounge chairs to go around. I swear, I spent HOURS in that pool. Floating. Reading. Sipping on a ridiculously overpriced cocktail (that was totally worth it, by the way). The best time? Early mornings or late afternoons, when the sun is just hitting the buildings and the city is shimmering. Pure magic. Seriously, I would go back just for the pool. The entire trip, maybe, just for the pool. Forget the Paragliding, forget the food tours, just me, a towel, and that gorgeous view. This is the memory that sticks with me the most vividly. One time, I had the whole thing to myself! The perfect day. Until i nearly fell in.
Are there any good restaurants or bars nearby? I need my caffeine fix, and I like a good beer.
Oh, you're in luck! Rodeo's got you covered on the food and drink front. There are tons of cafes within walking distance, perfect for your morning coffee and a pastry. The coffee in Medellín is AMAZING, so caffeinate away. For meals, you've got a good range of options, from casual cafes to more upscale restaurants. There's a great little burger place nearby that's excellent for a casual night. I always went for the "local" option, with a fried egg on top - brilliant. The pizza place is a must! As for bars, you’re spoiled for choice. Rooftop bars with city views? Check. Hipster bars with craft beers? Check. Salsa clubs where you can try to embarrass yourself on the dance floor? Definitely check. I'm still convinced I pulled a muscle in my calf trying to dance. My biggest tip: Explore! Wander around, try different places, and don't be afraid to ask locals for recommendations. You'll find some hidden gems. Just be prepared to adjust your expectations – service can be a little… relaxed. But hey, you're on vacation!
Is the service good? I've read mixed reviews. And can they speak English? (My Spanish is… rusty.)
Ah, SERVICE. This is where things get a little… unpredictable. Some people rave about the service, saying it's friendly, helpful, and always ready to assist. Others… not so much. I had both experiences. Sometimes, things were AMAZING. Someone went above and beyond to help me book a tour. They are ALWAYS willing to order you a taxi. Other times… well, let's just say it took multiple attempts to get extra towels. The English situation? It's a mixed bag. Some staff members speak excellent English, especially at reception. Others… not so much. So, brush up on your basic Spanish phrases! And if all else fails, Google Translate is your friend. Actually, Google Translate is everyone's friend these days. My advice: beStay While You Wander
