
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Royal Suite Manizales - You HAVE to See This!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the rabbit hole that is Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Royal Suite Manizales - You HAVE to See This! And let me tell you, this isn't your average hotel review. This is the real deal, the messy, the beautiful, the "OMG, did that actually happen?" kind of review.
First Impressions: The Arrival… or, "Did I Accidentally Wander Into a James Bond Film?"
Okay, so the website promised "unbelievable luxury." Let's be honest, I've been burned before. "Luxury" often translates to "slightly nicer than a Motel 6." But as I pulled up to the Royal Suite, I swear my jaw actually dropped. This place is a statement. Seriously, the entrance? It's like something out of a movie. They have a doorman (fancy!), and the security [24-hour] made me feel like I could leave my diamond-encrusted toothbrush out and it'd be safe. (Okay, maybe not, but you get the picture). They even have CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside the property, which, let's be honest, is reassuring. The check-in/out [express] was smooth, but honestly, I wanted to linger. It felt like I was being inducted into a secret society of comfort. There's also valet parking – perfect for someone like me who's terrible at parallel parking. And a car park [free of charge] if you're feeling less swanky.
Accessibility: Navigating the Royal Suite
Now, before we go any further, let's talk accessibility. This is crucial. While the website doesn't shout about it, the facilities for disabled guests are present. There’s an elevator, which is a godsend. However, it's not entirely clear how extensive these facilities are. I'd recommend contacting the hotel directly to confirm specific needs, but the presence of these basics is a good start.
The Room: My Kingdom for a Bathtub! (And Maybe a Mini-Bar)
Okay, the room. The room. I booked the Royal Suite because, well, why not? YOLO, right? And holy moly, it was worth it. The air conditioning was a lifesaver in the Manizales heat. The blackout curtains? Forget about seeing the sun. I slept like a baby… a baby who’s used to sleeping on a cloud made of marshmallows.
Let’s break down the room's features, shall we?
- Available in all rooms: Okay, so they have air conditioning, alarm clock, bathrobes (yes!), bathtub (double yes!), bathroom phone (for emergencies like "I've run out of champagne!"), blackout curtains, carpeting, closet, coffee/tea maker, complimentary tea, daily housekeeping, desk, extra long bed, free bottled water, hair dryer, high floor (because, view!), in-room safe box, internet access – LAN, internet access – wireless, ironing facilities, laptop workspace, linens, mini bar (crucial!), mirror, non-smoking, on-demand movies, private bathroom, reading light, refrigerator, satellite/cable channels, scale (judging the mini-bar consumption, obviously), 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], and window that opens.
- Additional toilet: Because, you know, sometimes you need two.
- Interconnecting room(s) available: Handy if you're traveling with a small army.
My personal highlight? The bathtub. I spent a solid hour soaking in bubbles, reading a book (provided by the hotel, naturally), and feeling like a queen. The slippers were plush, the bathrobes were like being hugged by a cloud, and the toiletries were actually good quality. I even used the bathroom phone… to order more champagne. Don't judge me.
Internet: Connected or Cut Off?
Okay, so I need to stay connected, even on vacation. The good news? Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (Important for all the Insta-worthy moments, obviously). They also offer Internet access – LAN if you're a wired kind of person. The internet itself was reliable, which is a HUGE plus. Internet services are generally good. There is also Wi-Fi in public areas.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: From Buffet to Bottle Service (Maybe?)
Alright, let’s talk food and drink. Because, let's be real, that's half the fun of a hotel.
- Restaurants: They have restaurants, plural!
- Breakfast [buffet]: The breakfast buffet was a feast. Asian breakfast, Western breakfast options were available. There was a dizzying array of choices. Coffee/tea in restaurant was plentiful, and they also offer breakfast takeaway service.
- A la carte in restaurant: For those who want something a bit more bespoke.
- Bar: Because cocktails are essential.
- Poolside bar: See above.
- Room service [24-hour]: YES! This is crucial. Especially when you're wearing a bathrobe and don't want to leave your palatial room.
- Coffee shop: For those caffeine emergencies.
- Snack bar: For those mid-afternoon cravings.
- Bottle of water: Because hydration is key.
- Desserts in restaurant: Because, calories don't count on vacation.
- Salad in restaurant: For when you're trying to be healthy…ish.
- Soup in restaurant: Comfort food at its finest.
- Vegetarian restaurant: Catering to all palates.
- Western cuisine in restaurant: The usual suspects, done well.
- Asian cuisine in restaurant: Nice to see a little variety.
- Happy hour: Because, well, you deserve it.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe and Sound
Okay, let's address the elephant in the room: safety. The Royal Suite seems to take this seriously.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Good to know.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Reassuring.
- Hand sanitizer: Always a good idea.
- Hygiene certification: Nice touch.
- Individually-wrapped food options: A plus.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: They're trying.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: Excellent.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Necessary.
- Safe dining setup: Important.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Crucial.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Important.
- Sterilizing equipment: Good.
I felt safe and well taken care of. They also have doctor/nurse on call, and a first aid kit.
Things to Do and Ways to Relax: Beyond the Buffet
Okay, so you're not just going to sit in your room and eat cake (though, I wouldn't blame you). The Royal Suite has a bunch of options.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Gorgeous!
- Pool with view: Even better!
- Fitness center: If you're feeling energetic (I wasn't, but it's there).
- Spa: Yes, please!
- Massage: A must-do.
- Sauna/Spa/Steamroom: The ultimate relaxation trifecta.
- Body scrub/Body wrap: Pamper yourself!
- Gym/fitness: For the dedicated.
- Foot bath: Ooh, fancy!
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
They have all the things you'd expect: concierge, daily housekeeping, dry cleaning, laundry service, luggage storage, currency exchange, cash withdrawal, facilities for disabled guests, doorman, elevator, and safety deposit boxes. They also have business facilities, including meeting/banquet facilities, meetings, meeting stationery, and a Xerox/fax in business center.
For the Kids: Family Fun?
The website mentions family/child friendly and kids facilities, but I didn't see any specific details. It also has babysitting service and kids meal.
The Quirks and the Imperfections:
Okay, let's get real. No place is perfect. One minor gripe? The lighting in the bathroom was a little… intense. I felt like I was under a spotlight. And while the Wi-Fi [free] was generally good, it did hiccup a couple of times.
Unbelievable Chateau de Bossey: Nyon, Switzerland's Hidden Gem!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into a messy, glorious, and probably slightly disastrous trip to the Hotel Royal Suite in Manizales, Colombia. Forget polished itineraries, we're going for the raw, unfiltered truth. Here we go:
The Royal Suite Debacle: Manizales, Colombia - A Travel Diary (Or, How I Almost Lost My Mind in Paradise)
Day 1: Arrival and Altitude Adjustment (Mostly Just Adjustment)
- Morning (6:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Wake up in a cold sweat, convinced I've missed my flight (despite packing everything the night before). Scramble, chug coffee that tastes suspiciously like old socks, and finally, finally get to the airport. The flight is…fine. Uneventful. Which is a win in my book.
- Afternoon (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Land in Manizales. The air is… different. Thin? Yes, definitely thin. My lungs feel like they're trying to inflate a bouncy castle. The transfer to the Hotel Royal Suite is a blur of winding mountain roads. The driver, bless his heart, keeps pointing out "beautiful views." I'm too busy trying not to hurl to appreciate them.
- Check-in (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM): The lobby is… opulent. Think gold leaf, chandeliers that could probably bankrupt a small nation, and a reception desk staffed by people who look far too put-together for me. I fumble with my Spanish (or lack thereof) and pray I don't embarrass myself. Success! I have a key, I'm in.
- The Suite Revelation (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Okay, hold the phone. This is a suite? This is practically a palace! I swear, the bathroom is bigger than my entire apartment back home. The view… oh, the view! Volcano Nevado del Ruiz looms in the distance, majestic and terrifying all at once. I promptly trip over the plush rug and nearly faceplant. Dignity: lost.
- Altitude Sickness Meltdown (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): The thin air is catching up with me. Head throbbing, nauseous, and convinced I'm about to sprout a third eye. I stumble to the minibar, locate a bottle of water, and collapse on the ridiculously oversized bed. This is not the glamorous vacation I envisioned.
- Dinner (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Somehow, I manage to drag myself downstairs to the hotel restaurant. The food is… complicated. I order something I think is chicken, but it turns out to be some sort of deep-fried, mystery meat. It's not bad, exactly, just… surprising. I spend the entire meal silently judging the couple at the next table who are clearly on a honeymoon. Jealousy is a terrible thing.
- Evening (8:00 PM onwards): Back in the suite, feeling slightly less awful. Watch a terrible telenovela on the giant TV and fall asleep before the credits roll.
Day 2: Coffee, Clouds, and Catastrophes
- Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Wake up! The altitude is still a thing, but the view is still breathtaking. I order room service coffee and take a moment to actually enjoy the scenery. This is why I came, right?
- Coffee Plantation Tour (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM): The hotel arranges a tour of a local coffee plantation. The guide is a charming, elderly gentleman with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. He explains everything about coffee – from bean to cup. I'm captivated. I learn about the intricate process, the importance of the land, and the passion that goes into every single cup. I even get to try my hand at picking coffee beans. I'm terrible at it. I manage to drop more beans than I collect. But hey, at least I tried! And the coffee? Divine. The best I've ever tasted. I'm suddenly a coffee snob.
- Lunch (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Back at the plantation, we're treated to a traditional Colombian lunch. Arepas, beans, rice, and some kind of stew that is absolutely heavenly. I eat way too much, and I'm starting to feel a bit sluggish.
- Afternoon: Cloud Forest Adventure (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Okay, this is where things get interesting. The tour includes a visit to a cloud forest. The drive is… intense. Winding roads, hairpin turns, and sheer drops. I'm gripping the seat, praying to every deity I can think of. We arrive at the cloud forest, and it's magical. Mist swirling through the trees, vibrant green foliage, and the sounds of exotic birds. It's truly stunning.
- The Great Fall (5:00 PM - 5:15 PM): I'm walking along a muddy path, trying to take a photo of a particularly gorgeous orchid when BAM! My foot slips on a hidden root. I go down. Hard. My ankle twists. I let out a yelp that echoes through the forest. Mortification washes over me. The guide rushes over, looking concerned. I try to play it cool, but I know I'm probably going to be limping for the rest of the trip.
- Evening (5:15 PM onwards): Back at the hotel. Ice pack on ankle, nursing a glass of wine. I'm simultaneously thrilled by the beauty of the day and utterly humiliated by my clumsiness. Order room service again, because I'm too embarrassed to hobble to the restaurant. Vow to be more careful tomorrow.
Day 3: Recovery and Rooftop Views (With a Side of Existential Dread)
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Sleep in, finally. The altitude is less of a beast today, and my ankle is feeling marginally better. I spend the morning reading, journaling, and contemplating the meaning of life (or at least, the meaning of my life). The view from the suite is a constant reminder of how small I am in the grand scheme of things. Which is both comforting and terrifying.
- Afternoon: Rooftop Bar (12:00 PM - 3:00 PM): The hotel has a rooftop bar with incredible views of the city. I decide to brave it. The sun is shining, the music is mellow, and I order a cocktail that tastes suspiciously like sunshine in a glass. I people-watch, eavesdrop on conversations, and generally soak up the atmosphere. This is the life, I think.
- The Existential Crisis (3:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Then, it hits me. The sudden realization that I am alone in a foreign country, nursing a twisted ankle, and questioning all my life choices. I start to feel a wave of panic. What am I doing here? Why am I spending my precious time and money on this? Is this all there is? I order another cocktail.
- Evening (4:00 PM onwards): Back in the suite, feeling a little less panicked, and a lot tipsier. I order a pizza and binge-watch bad reality TV. I laugh, I cry (mostly from the pizza), and I come to the conclusion that, even with the altitude sickness, the clumsy falls, and the existential dread, this trip is… pretty damn good. Maybe even great. I fall asleep with a smile on my face.
Day 4: Departure and the Promise of Return
- Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Wake up, pack, and stare out the window at the volcano one last time. I'm surprisingly sad to leave. This chaotic, imperfect, and utterly unforgettable trip has somehow managed to heal my soul.
- Departure (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): The transfer to the airport is quiet. I look back at Manizales as we drive away, and I promise myself I'll be back. This time, I'll bring better shoes and a stronger sense of adventure.
- Reflections (12:00 PM onwards): Back home, unpacking, and sifting through photos. My ankle still throbs. My memory is filled with vivid images of the coffee plantations, cloud forests, and the breathtaking views. Most importantly, I remember the feeling of being truly present, truly alive. The Hotel Royal Suite in Manizales was not just a place to stay; it was a portal to a new version of myself. Messy, imperfect, but utterly, wonderfully human. And I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Postscript: I'm already planning my return. And this time, I'm bringing a friend. Wish me luck, because I'm probably going to need it.
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Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Royal Suite Manizales - Let's Get Real (and Maybe a Little Jealous)
Okay, spill the beans. Is the Royal Suite *actually* as ridiculously opulent as it looks in the photos?
Is it worth the price tag? (Be brutally honest!)
What's the deal with the view? Is it as breathtaking as they say?
Let's talk about the service. Is it as impeccable as they claim?
What about the food? Is it Michelin-star worthy? (or at least, good?!)
Any downsides? Because even paradise has a fly, right?
Would you go back? (Honestly!)

