Is this a vacation? 17 flights in 2 weeks and 10 hotels (AA F/J, AC J/Y, CM J, LA PY)
Oct 30, 2021, 5:36 pm
#16
Suspended
Join Date: Feb 2020
Posts: 1,501
Great report so far.
The Flagship Lounge looks very good at MIA. AA's current "food" offerings are pAAthetic, here's hoping that changes in the next couple months with glassware/metal cutlery coming back in a couple weeks and hopefully real meals in a month or so.
Also had a laugh at Peru's "double mask" policy, why not wear the whole box?
The Flagship Lounge looks very good at MIA. AA's current "food" offerings are pAAthetic, here's hoping that changes in the next couple months with glassware/metal cutlery coming back in a couple weeks and hopefully real meals in a month or so.
Also had a laugh at Peru's "double mask" policy, why not wear the whole box?
Oct 31, 2021, 6:35 am
#18
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Long Island, NY
Programs: AA EXP, Hyatt Explorist, Marriott Gold
Posts: 731
AA Flagship First
AA J MIA-LIM
I took an uber to Miami airport, which was pretty straightforward. I got dropped off at doors 2 to access Flagship First Checkin.
As an AA EXP, you can use flagship first check in travelling on INTL itins. Not many dragons know this, and they deny access if you're not on the list. I was crediting to Alaska, so I was obviously not on the list... She was really rude until she went and talked to who knew what they were doing. They apologized promptly and let me in. Wasted 5 minutes arguing access which isn't premium at all, and I let them know this. The experience would be horrifying I already didn't know that there's a chance they were going to be like that anyways. There was another gentleman who was EXP and got denied but he was so pissed he just walked off. lol.
I took an uber to Miami airport, which was pretty straightforward. I got dropped off at doors 2 to access Flagship First Checkin.
As an AA EXP, you can use flagship first check in travelling on INTL itins. Not many dragons know this, and they deny access if you're not on the list. I was crediting to Alaska, so I was obviously not on the list... She was really rude until she went and talked to who knew what they were doing. They apologized promptly and let me in. Wasted 5 minutes arguing access which isn't premium at all, and I let them know this. The experience would be horrifying I already didn't know that there's a chance they were going to be like that anyways. There was another gentleman who was EXP and got denied but he was so pissed he just walked off. lol.
However, I noticed some exceptions for access as EXP:
https://www.aa.com/i18n/plan-travel/...t-check-in.jsp
Spoiler
Nov 1, 2021, 5:30 pm
#19
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: PHX
Programs: AAexp, AC75k, HertzPC, NationalEE, Accor/MariottP, Hilton/HyattG
Posts: 3,613
Westin Lima
I stayed at the Westin for a night as I had a client flying in from Suriname staying there. Meeting was at the hotel, so it worked out great. When I got to the hotel it was super late. They upgraded me from a basic room to a Deluxe room with an amazing view on the high floor. Lounge was closed but I would have had access. I had some trouble sleeping so the morning meeting was rough....
The hotel itself is actually the 3rd tallest building in Lima. Very grand, in San Isidro which is the finance/business district. Not much around at all, but 24/7 room service which I took advantage of on such a late arrival. This hotel was much better equipped than the JW Marriott Lima, which is going on heavy renovations until end of Nov. The room was nicely equipped and larger than the JW. Also had a much nicer bathroom with a deep soaking tub.
I had a client of mine who flew into Lima the same night to have a meeting with me. He was staying at the Westin so it was a big reason why I chose to stay there the first night. We met for breakfast and had a good meeting.
My client brought his girlfriend from Venezuela and he left me with hosting her… lol. She wanted to go to the spa so we checked it out. The whole spa is on one whole floor so it is massive.
I was shocked to see that they have a private pool, jetted tub area. It had many different unique features including hot and cold pools and about 10 different types of massage jets. There was also multiple saunas, a Turkish bath and 5 different type of showers. Definitely one of the nicer spas I have been to and it was a great experience. We hung out there until we got called in for our massages.
I’m never ticklish when I get massaged but this time, I could not stop giggling. Maybe because it’s been so long(closed due to covid), or maybe she looked like a Peruvian version of Selena Gomez with green eyes. Either way, it was a great massage lol. She thought it was pretty funny, but I was really embarrassed.
I said bye to my clients GF as I had a private tour of Lima scheduled. I also was switching hotels to JW Marriott Lima for the night. I checked out and my driver picked me up to start the tour.
Driver Eduard. He knows many flyertalkers.
We drove around and parked to see many of the sights like the Presidential Palace, private clubs, cathedrals and historic hotels. It was a fantastic experience and the only way to see Lima comfortably IMO. Everyone drives here and I personally would not take public transit in Lima. There are no marked bus stops or schedules lol. people just know where to wait on the road and which bus to get on. If you’re not a local, good luck. Even speaking Spanish won’t really help you.
I stayed at the Westin for a night as I had a client flying in from Suriname staying there. Meeting was at the hotel, so it worked out great. When I got to the hotel it was super late. They upgraded me from a basic room to a Deluxe room with an amazing view on the high floor. Lounge was closed but I would have had access. I had some trouble sleeping so the morning meeting was rough....
The hotel itself is actually the 3rd tallest building in Lima. Very grand, in San Isidro which is the finance/business district. Not much around at all, but 24/7 room service which I took advantage of on such a late arrival. This hotel was much better equipped than the JW Marriott Lima, which is going on heavy renovations until end of Nov. The room was nicely equipped and larger than the JW. Also had a much nicer bathroom with a deep soaking tub.
I had a client of mine who flew into Lima the same night to have a meeting with me. He was staying at the Westin so it was a big reason why I chose to stay there the first night. We met for breakfast and had a good meeting.
My client brought his girlfriend from Venezuela and he left me with hosting her… lol. She wanted to go to the spa so we checked it out. The whole spa is on one whole floor so it is massive.
I was shocked to see that they have a private pool, jetted tub area. It had many different unique features including hot and cold pools and about 10 different types of massage jets. There was also multiple saunas, a Turkish bath and 5 different type of showers. Definitely one of the nicer spas I have been to and it was a great experience. We hung out there until we got called in for our massages.
I’m never ticklish when I get massaged but this time, I could not stop giggling. Maybe because it’s been so long(closed due to covid), or maybe she looked like a Peruvian version of Selena Gomez with green eyes. Either way, it was a great massage lol. She thought it was pretty funny, but I was really embarrassed.
I said bye to my clients GF as I had a private tour of Lima scheduled. I also was switching hotels to JW Marriott Lima for the night. I checked out and my driver picked me up to start the tour.
Driver Eduard. He knows many flyertalkers.
We drove around and parked to see many of the sights like the Presidential Palace, private clubs, cathedrals and historic hotels. It was a fantastic experience and the only way to see Lima comfortably IMO. Everyone drives here and I personally would not take public transit in Lima. There are no marked bus stops or schedules lol. people just know where to wait on the road and which bus to get on. If you’re not a local, good luck. Even speaking Spanish won’t really help you.
Nov 1, 2021, 5:37 pm
#20
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: PHX
Programs: AAexp, AC75k, HertzPC, NationalEE, Accor/MariottP, Hilton/HyattG
Posts: 3,613
JW Marriott Lima
JW Marriott Lima is located in Miraflores, the upscale oceanfront area. It’s very safe here and bustling with a ton of locals out to enjoy their day. The hotel is unfortunately under complete renovations so the award winning restaurants were both closed. Also they moved their lobby temporarily to the 4th floor, so it’s unimpressive. But the hotel has the best ocean views in Lima in my opinion. I booked the cheapest room and got an oceanfront upgrade.
I got upgraded to a Oceanfront room from their cheapest. The oceanfront makes the hotel worth it, even with everything closed. It is true oceanfront.
I invited my driver for dinner and we just ate at the makeshift restaurant at JW. We ordered literally everything Peruvian on the menu, probably 15 dishes… Including Ceviche of course!
After my driver left, I went and just explore a little bit.
My client’s gf called me around dinnertime and she took an uber from the Westin to JW Marriott. We had some dinner and drinks at the hotel and checked out the nightlife for a bit. Drank a little too much. I love how the servers must pour the bottles at the table due to safety. To me it adds a more classy touch and adds to the experience as well. She was really picky and a little snooty, but was pleasant enough. Felt like I was babysitting.
Probably the last time I’ll be able to wear my SkyDweller safely in public on this trip lol. Definitely won't be wearing anything in Colombia
She also wanted to gamble so we went to the casino inside of the JW Marriott. We were up almost $3000 usd, but lost it all of course in the end. I think we came up on top $100usd. Lol.
After I dropped her off, I went and passed out almost immediately at the hotel. Definitely a little under the influence…
I went for breakfast in the morning which is buffet style but you choose and the service go brings it for you. Really nice ocean views from the restaurant.
The gym is actually one of the largest and most impressive gyms I have seen in a long time. Bigger than some private gyms I’ve been to. I took advantage again of using it. They also had a sauna and steam room in the changeroom.
My driver picked me up and we went to LIM to catch my flight to Panama. That was a fun visit, and I will be back to Peru to see the rest soon. Weather is fantastic as barely any rain in Lima. 21c is their fall but it was perfect weather to sightsee for me. I’ll also definitely do the full day tour that I was recommended here on Flyertalk!
JW Marriott Lima is located in Miraflores, the upscale oceanfront area. It’s very safe here and bustling with a ton of locals out to enjoy their day. The hotel is unfortunately under complete renovations so the award winning restaurants were both closed. Also they moved their lobby temporarily to the 4th floor, so it’s unimpressive. But the hotel has the best ocean views in Lima in my opinion. I booked the cheapest room and got an oceanfront upgrade.
I got upgraded to a Oceanfront room from their cheapest. The oceanfront makes the hotel worth it, even with everything closed. It is true oceanfront.
I invited my driver for dinner and we just ate at the makeshift restaurant at JW. We ordered literally everything Peruvian on the menu, probably 15 dishes… Including Ceviche of course!
After my driver left, I went and just explore a little bit.
My client’s gf called me around dinnertime and she took an uber from the Westin to JW Marriott. We had some dinner and drinks at the hotel and checked out the nightlife for a bit. Drank a little too much. I love how the servers must pour the bottles at the table due to safety. To me it adds a more classy touch and adds to the experience as well. She was really picky and a little snooty, but was pleasant enough. Felt like I was babysitting.
Probably the last time I’ll be able to wear my SkyDweller safely in public on this trip lol. Definitely won't be wearing anything in Colombia
She also wanted to gamble so we went to the casino inside of the JW Marriott. We were up almost $3000 usd, but lost it all of course in the end. I think we came up on top $100usd. Lol.
After I dropped her off, I went and passed out almost immediately at the hotel. Definitely a little under the influence…
I went for breakfast in the morning which is buffet style but you choose and the service go brings it for you. Really nice ocean views from the restaurant.
The gym is actually one of the largest and most impressive gyms I have seen in a long time. Bigger than some private gyms I’ve been to. I took advantage again of using it. They also had a sauna and steam room in the changeroom.
My driver picked me up and we went to LIM to catch my flight to Panama. That was a fun visit, and I will be back to Peru to see the rest soon. Weather is fantastic as barely any rain in Lima. 21c is their fall but it was perfect weather to sightsee for me. I’ll also definitely do the full day tour that I was recommended here on Flyertalk!
Last edited by SKYEG; Nov 2, 2021 at 12:52 pm
Nov 1, 2021, 5:55 pm
#21
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: PHX
Programs: AAexp, AC75k, HertzPC, NationalEE, Accor/MariottP, Hilton/HyattG
Posts: 3,613
CM J LIM-PTY
737-800A ****Equipment swap to 737-800B (FOURTH ONE ALREADY FOR THIS TRIP?!?!)
Seat 1A
LIM airport is really nice. Modern and tons of space, and efficiently run. It doesn’t have any priority security but there was priority check in for me to print out my BP. Pretty funny as the guy guarding it tried denying me access because I look young lol. If he only knew my watch costs $50000 USD! I’m not trying to show off, I just hate when people judge people because of their age. It always happens to me being young and always by older people.
There was no line at customs at all. None at security. Fantastic experience. Free wifi and very clean as well. You definitely need to know some basic Spanish as most airport staff doesn’t speak. It’s funny how quickly I learned some useful sentences in just a couple days. Hearing it so much you definitely catch on quick.
Flying CM J or having *A G doesn’t give you any lounge access at LIM as CM doesn’t partner with a 3rd party lounge. I used priority pass to access the Hanaq lounge, which is a pretty nice 2 story lounge that operates 24 hours a day!!!
You write on these little slips what you want to eat and an attendant makes a tray table full of the food for you. They were serving breakfast even up until 1pm so I wasn’t able to check out the lunch menu. Breakfast was actually good. I’m addicting to this Inca Kola stuff that is also sugar free!
Copa crew so dapper
I went to my gate to begin boarding. They called families & disabilities first, but it caused a madhouse so boarding just collapsed and everyone just got in line lol. I couldn’t really understand anything so I boarded around the middle.
I got really unlucky again as Copa flies 2 different 738s. One is much nicer, tons of legroom with a nice IFE and leg extender. The other is like EX US airways domestic F with less recline and legroom. LIM-PTY usually flies the newer plane but I had an equipment change to the old one. Sucked.
delicious
The service on board was fantastic. COPA reminds me of flying when I was even a lot younger. Very professional, polished crew. Also very dapper uniforms.
I was handed water for PDB and two types of packaged Canadian almonds. I was asked if I wanted fish or pasta with no menu. I took the fish and I was completely blown away. Best plane meal on the trip by far. I ate everything. The macaroons were a little sweet but salad very fresh with excellent dressing. The fish was tender, flavourful and flakey. Sauce delicious. The couscous rice looking thing(I don’t know what it is as no menu) was amazing, had some veggies and potato mixed in there . The little baguette crackers were pretty random with the meal but it was good too. They also have proper silverware and real glasses provided. I was always offered a refill. Great service and food with narrowbodies, COPA could be the Alaska Air of Central America.
We landed early to Panama and I was shocked how packed the airport was. Lima was empty, Panama looked like LAX in the summer. Customs didn't ask even a single question. Took around 30 min. I went to go look for my driver! Found him almost instantly holding my sign. To my surprise there was a driver and a guide separate for even the airport run.
on my way for a quick stay at the JW Marriot Panama, which arguably has the best pool views in the Americas.
737-800A ****Equipment swap to 737-800B (FOURTH ONE ALREADY FOR THIS TRIP?!?!)
Seat 1A
LIM airport is really nice. Modern and tons of space, and efficiently run. It doesn’t have any priority security but there was priority check in for me to print out my BP. Pretty funny as the guy guarding it tried denying me access because I look young lol. If he only knew my watch costs $50000 USD! I’m not trying to show off, I just hate when people judge people because of their age. It always happens to me being young and always by older people.
There was no line at customs at all. None at security. Fantastic experience. Free wifi and very clean as well. You definitely need to know some basic Spanish as most airport staff doesn’t speak. It’s funny how quickly I learned some useful sentences in just a couple days. Hearing it so much you definitely catch on quick.
Flying CM J or having *A G doesn’t give you any lounge access at LIM as CM doesn’t partner with a 3rd party lounge. I used priority pass to access the Hanaq lounge, which is a pretty nice 2 story lounge that operates 24 hours a day!!!
You write on these little slips what you want to eat and an attendant makes a tray table full of the food for you. They were serving breakfast even up until 1pm so I wasn’t able to check out the lunch menu. Breakfast was actually good. I’m addicting to this Inca Kola stuff that is also sugar free!
Copa crew so dapper
I went to my gate to begin boarding. They called families & disabilities first, but it caused a madhouse so boarding just collapsed and everyone just got in line lol. I couldn’t really understand anything so I boarded around the middle.
I got really unlucky again as Copa flies 2 different 738s. One is much nicer, tons of legroom with a nice IFE and leg extender. The other is like EX US airways domestic F with less recline and legroom. LIM-PTY usually flies the newer plane but I had an equipment change to the old one. Sucked.
delicious
The service on board was fantastic. COPA reminds me of flying when I was even a lot younger. Very professional, polished crew. Also very dapper uniforms.
I was handed water for PDB and two types of packaged Canadian almonds. I was asked if I wanted fish or pasta with no menu. I took the fish and I was completely blown away. Best plane meal on the trip by far. I ate everything. The macaroons were a little sweet but salad very fresh with excellent dressing. The fish was tender, flavourful and flakey. Sauce delicious. The couscous rice looking thing(I don’t know what it is as no menu) was amazing, had some veggies and potato mixed in there . The little baguette crackers were pretty random with the meal but it was good too. They also have proper silverware and real glasses provided. I was always offered a refill. Great service and food with narrowbodies, COPA could be the Alaska Air of Central America.
We landed early to Panama and I was shocked how packed the airport was. Lima was empty, Panama looked like LAX in the summer. Customs didn't ask even a single question. Took around 30 min. I went to go look for my driver! Found him almost instantly holding my sign. To my surprise there was a driver and a guide separate for even the airport run.
on my way for a quick stay at the JW Marriot Panama, which arguably has the best pool views in the Americas.
Last edited by SKYEG; Nov 2, 2021 at 9:42 am
Nov 2, 2021, 10:38 am
#23
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: PHX
Programs: AAexp, AC75k, HertzPC, NationalEE, Accor/MariottP, Hilton/HyattG
Posts: 3,613
JW Marriott Panama
The immediate thing I noticed was how hot and humid it was compared to Lima. Considering Lima is also on the oceanside... it still doesn't compare to Panama. I have been here one time before but was just for a lunch meeting. I was excited to just to be able to see the city!
The JW Marriott hotel is an old Trump hotel, and is one of the largest/grand hotels in the many luxury of Panama. I have to say, the only dilemma I had for the panama portion of this trip was which hotel to stay at. I only have Marriott Gold but I saw that the pool views were legendary at the JW. With the Hilton, Waldorf, W and so many options at the same price, it was definitely a struggle. The pool view won me over.
I booked a concierge ocean view level room(as I'm just Marriott gold) as I heard the lounge is excellent. I got double upgraded to an executive ocean view suite, which was completely mind blowing. Best upgrade of the trip thus far. Breakfast was included in the restaurant, as the lounge only served a dinner happy hour.
insane pool views.
best in Americas confirmed.
Entrance of exec suite
Really solid UK based products.
desk area
Sunrise from one of my balconies.
elevator has ocean views, fully open
huge hot tub
pool bar
1 of 3 infinity pools
another one
executive lounge entrance
executive lounge terrace
exec lounge terrac
this is amazing lounge food
Great ceviche for lounge
A go-to bottle for most basics like me lol
The room, amazing. Massive for one person. Three balconies. It was huge, a ton of open space. Hotel was beautiful. It was empty. Massive pools, insane views.
What impressed me most was the lounge. They serve all their food from the fine dining restaurant so you're getting restaurant quality.... Had things like wings, burger, ceviche. I made a dinner of it.
I met an engineering consultant in Mexico City 3 years ago who happened to be in Panama, so we met to catch up and have one or two or three bevvies. I called it a night early as I had my tour and flight to MDE the next day... So I thought LOL
The immediate thing I noticed was how hot and humid it was compared to Lima. Considering Lima is also on the oceanside... it still doesn't compare to Panama. I have been here one time before but was just for a lunch meeting. I was excited to just to be able to see the city!
The JW Marriott hotel is an old Trump hotel, and is one of the largest/grand hotels in the many luxury of Panama. I have to say, the only dilemma I had for the panama portion of this trip was which hotel to stay at. I only have Marriott Gold but I saw that the pool views were legendary at the JW. With the Hilton, Waldorf, W and so many options at the same price, it was definitely a struggle. The pool view won me over.
I booked a concierge ocean view level room(as I'm just Marriott gold) as I heard the lounge is excellent. I got double upgraded to an executive ocean view suite, which was completely mind blowing. Best upgrade of the trip thus far. Breakfast was included in the restaurant, as the lounge only served a dinner happy hour.
insane pool views.
best in Americas confirmed.
Entrance of exec suite
Really solid UK based products.
desk area
Sunrise from one of my balconies.
elevator has ocean views, fully open
huge hot tub
pool bar
1 of 3 infinity pools
another one
executive lounge entrance
executive lounge terrace
exec lounge terrac
this is amazing lounge food
Great ceviche for lounge
A go-to bottle for most basics like me lol
The room, amazing. Massive for one person. Three balconies. It was huge, a ton of open space. Hotel was beautiful. It was empty. Massive pools, insane views.
What impressed me most was the lounge. They serve all their food from the fine dining restaurant so you're getting restaurant quality.... Had things like wings, burger, ceviche. I made a dinner of it.
I met an engineering consultant in Mexico City 3 years ago who happened to be in Panama, so we met to catch up and have one or two or three bevvies. I called it a night early as I had my tour and flight to MDE the next day... So I thought LOL
Last edited by SKYEG; Nov 2, 2021 at 10:45 am
Nov 2, 2021, 11:11 am
#24
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: PHX
Programs: AAexp, AC75k, HertzPC, NationalEE, Accor/MariottP, Hilton/HyattG
Posts: 3,613
CM J PTY-MDE
737-800B *** Equipment Swap 737-800A LOOOOOOOOL
Seat 2A***New flight 1B, Swap to 3D
My friend Tatiana and I ended up going out to some rooftop bar and danced up a storm with the locals. We each got back to our hotels at 4AM... not good. I was way too tired to even think about getting up early to do a tour, so I called and made a SDC to the morning flight so I can get out to Medellin ASAP without sleeping. My friend was staying in Panama for another week on holidays but decided to join me last minute to Medellin as she has some friends there. LOL. She booked her flight and I picked her up at her hotel on the way to the airport.. Madness. I prebooked an escalade for a private tour for $240 USD. whoops. That went out the window.
PTY Airport is quite nice. Tons of priority lanes for Copa. Gold track security is not available for international flights, but customs and security is so quick. Agent legit said nothing to me again.
The club sucks really bad. No hot food, and completely crowded. Too bad as this is the flagship Copa Club. It's like a United lounge but even worse food lol.
garbage
lol new equipment swap on 1 hour flight
lol new equipment swap on 1 hour flight
It just feels wrong backtracking as FF and FTer LOLOL
Craziest part was the equipment swap to the new config on this short flight. There is zero service, just a bottle of water. What gives COPA? The legroom is massive, personal IFE(although old), and the leg rests are excellent for domestic narrowbody "F" style recliner seats. One of the best IMO way better than even AC's new A220. Service, although none, excellent.
I was in 1B but my friend who was in 3F got her seatmate(American Military guy) to switch with me lol. For a short flight not needed but it was appreciated.
I landed and immigration took forever for foreign citizens. It is colombia after all.. Since I SDC to land early, my driver was not available. I had to take a taxi, and the hotel told me which colour and what stripe to take. Very excited to be in Medellain for the first time, with El Cielo restaurante, Don Diablo and a Guatape tour lined up!
737-800B *** Equipment Swap 737-800A LOOOOOOOOL
Seat 2A***New flight 1B, Swap to 3D
My friend Tatiana and I ended up going out to some rooftop bar and danced up a storm with the locals. We each got back to our hotels at 4AM... not good. I was way too tired to even think about getting up early to do a tour, so I called and made a SDC to the morning flight so I can get out to Medellin ASAP without sleeping. My friend was staying in Panama for another week on holidays but decided to join me last minute to Medellin as she has some friends there. LOL. She booked her flight and I picked her up at her hotel on the way to the airport.. Madness. I prebooked an escalade for a private tour for $240 USD. whoops. That went out the window.
PTY Airport is quite nice. Tons of priority lanes for Copa. Gold track security is not available for international flights, but customs and security is so quick. Agent legit said nothing to me again.
The club sucks really bad. No hot food, and completely crowded. Too bad as this is the flagship Copa Club. It's like a United lounge but even worse food lol.
garbage
lol new equipment swap on 1 hour flight
lol new equipment swap on 1 hour flight
It just feels wrong backtracking as FF and FTer LOLOL
Craziest part was the equipment swap to the new config on this short flight. There is zero service, just a bottle of water. What gives COPA? The legroom is massive, personal IFE(although old), and the leg rests are excellent for domestic narrowbody "F" style recliner seats. One of the best IMO way better than even AC's new A220. Service, although none, excellent.
I was in 1B but my friend who was in 3F got her seatmate(American Military guy) to switch with me lol. For a short flight not needed but it was appreciated.
I landed and immigration took forever for foreign citizens. It is colombia after all.. Since I SDC to land early, my driver was not available. I had to take a taxi, and the hotel told me which colour and what stripe to take. Very excited to be in Medellain for the first time, with El Cielo restaurante, Don Diablo and a Guatape tour lined up!
Last edited by SKYEG; Nov 2, 2021 at 11:25 am
Nov 2, 2021, 11:43 am
#25
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: PHX
Programs: AAexp, AC75k, HertzPC, NationalEE, Accor/MariottP, Hilton/HyattG
Posts: 3,613
Novotel Medellin / El Cielo Medellin / Don Diablo Medellin
Medellin is insane. Mega city with views for DAYSSSSS. My type of vibes.
The Novotel is located in the El Tosoro mall. High end residential area. The tourist/restaurant area is in El Poblado but I stayed at Novotel to finish a stay 1 night get 6000 points promo (120EURO credit!!!). Plus the Marriott and hilton options are not for me on holidays, with hampton inn and four points as the offer.
This is an ex-Atton hotel, which used to be a Chile based hotel company that Accor bought. The Novotels here are on another level, I would compare easily to a nicer Westin. Easily. It's attached to a fantastic mall. Very safe. I booked the cheapest room and I did not get an upgrade. High floor with nice views. As plat I should have been offered at lease the deluxe room. Many on FT have received the Executive. The hotel rooftop bar is popular for locals who hold business meetings there. Makes sense, very clean and beautiful
On my way to Novotel
entrance
insane views everywhere from Novotel restaurant
Gym... small
Gym views. nice
Entrance to pool and rooftop bar.
Small but nice pool. Very well maintained.
Breakfast restaurant, free.
Entrance from hotel to the mall.
Outside view of Novotel
No Hablo ingles pretty much everyone in Colombia and this includes the hotel. It's pretty crazy how I went from zero spanish to speaking/understanding the basics within a week. This is mandatory in latin America. I highly suggest you learn. People do not speak english and you cannot expect them too.
The mall was awesome. My friend hit the spa and I checked it out.
Rollie in the mall
Nice mall
We went to El Cielo. This was a highlight, 22 course dinner with amazing experiences. 6 wine glasses pairing with 4 cocktails added as an extra. This restaurant is the only Colombian one that won a Michelin star, at their DC location.
Best part was it cost only $250usd total, with 30% tip, for the two of us. Steal. 12 intimate tables in the dining room for a quiet, personal experience. I highly recommend...
YESSS
bar entrance
omg
Entrance
hostess table. a little show before we even sit down
Some vodka type cocktail at the hostess table
lost count after course 11 or something
open kitchen yuh
nice little bar too
screenshotted videos , sorry for quality
screenshotted videos , sorry for quality
screenshotted videos , sorry for quality
fake edible receipt. EDIBLE. Yes. we ate this.. lol
After dinner we both called it really early as I have meetings in the morning for investment properties. Also, my FTer friend A(brain surgeon aka brain plumber LOL his words not mine) and his wife K were flying out from USA to Santa Marta to Medellin to also look at some business opportunities. We wanted to chat business and have a nice meal, so we saved our night out for tomorrow with those two at Don Diablo.
Medellin is insane. Mega city with views for DAYSSSSS. My type of vibes.
The Novotel is located in the El Tosoro mall. High end residential area. The tourist/restaurant area is in El Poblado but I stayed at Novotel to finish a stay 1 night get 6000 points promo (120EURO credit!!!). Plus the Marriott and hilton options are not for me on holidays, with hampton inn and four points as the offer.
This is an ex-Atton hotel, which used to be a Chile based hotel company that Accor bought. The Novotels here are on another level, I would compare easily to a nicer Westin. Easily. It's attached to a fantastic mall. Very safe. I booked the cheapest room and I did not get an upgrade. High floor with nice views. As plat I should have been offered at lease the deluxe room. Many on FT have received the Executive. The hotel rooftop bar is popular for locals who hold business meetings there. Makes sense, very clean and beautiful
On my way to Novotel
entrance
insane views everywhere from Novotel restaurant
Gym... small
Gym views. nice
Entrance to pool and rooftop bar.
Small but nice pool. Very well maintained.
Breakfast restaurant, free.
Entrance from hotel to the mall.
Outside view of Novotel
No Hablo ingles pretty much everyone in Colombia and this includes the hotel. It's pretty crazy how I went from zero spanish to speaking/understanding the basics within a week. This is mandatory in latin America. I highly suggest you learn. People do not speak english and you cannot expect them too.
The mall was awesome. My friend hit the spa and I checked it out.
Rollie in the mall
Nice mall
We went to El Cielo. This was a highlight, 22 course dinner with amazing experiences. 6 wine glasses pairing with 4 cocktails added as an extra. This restaurant is the only Colombian one that won a Michelin star, at their DC location.
Best part was it cost only $250usd total, with 30% tip, for the two of us. Steal. 12 intimate tables in the dining room for a quiet, personal experience. I highly recommend...
YESSS
bar entrance
omg
Entrance
hostess table. a little show before we even sit down
Some vodka type cocktail at the hostess table
lost count after course 11 or something
open kitchen yuh
nice little bar too
screenshotted videos , sorry for quality
screenshotted videos , sorry for quality
screenshotted videos , sorry for quality
fake edible receipt. EDIBLE. Yes. we ate this.. lol
After dinner we both called it really early as I have meetings in the morning for investment properties. Also, my FTer friend A(brain surgeon aka brain plumber LOL his words not mine) and his wife K were flying out from USA to Santa Marta to Medellin to also look at some business opportunities. We wanted to chat business and have a nice meal, so we saved our night out for tomorrow with those two at Don Diablo.
Last edited by SKYEG; Nov 2, 2021 at 1:23 pm
Nov 3, 2021, 9:24 am
#27
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: PHX
Programs: AAexp, AC75k, HertzPC, NationalEE, Accor/MariottP, Hilton/HyattG
Posts: 3,613
hey guys,
bad news... well I got robbed in Medellin by gunpoint/knifepoint. Apparently followed from dinner after don diablo, and the whole night all the way back to the hotel. Most scariest thing I've experienced in my whole life. Right in the parkade of the Novotel, very safe high end area by a crooked cop(undercover) with a knife and a gun. I remember seeing him at the hotel lingering around. I tried fighting back but I got stabbed so my hands are cut up. Made me take out money in the ATM. I probably should not have walked even from the mall to the hotel, which is supposed to be super safe. This was late at night. Can't believe this happened to me ... ugh
Hotel was useless, and it took almost 3 hours for police to arrive . They were nice when they got there but nothing could be done. They felt really bad though but the hotel was awful, not sympathetic at all. I'm pretty happy to be alive to be honest... I will still try to finish the report but definitely a bit shaken up guys. I did not wear any watches, nothing flashy. I didn't lose anything except the cash withdrawal. Around $500. I can't even remember it was in COP and I had to take out twice. Be careful in Colombia. Definitely thankful I didn't get kidnapped or worse.
bad news... well I got robbed in Medellin by gunpoint/knifepoint. Apparently followed from dinner after don diablo, and the whole night all the way back to the hotel. Most scariest thing I've experienced in my whole life. Right in the parkade of the Novotel, very safe high end area by a crooked cop(undercover) with a knife and a gun. I remember seeing him at the hotel lingering around. I tried fighting back but I got stabbed so my hands are cut up. Made me take out money in the ATM. I probably should not have walked even from the mall to the hotel, which is supposed to be super safe. This was late at night. Can't believe this happened to me ... ugh
Hotel was useless, and it took almost 3 hours for police to arrive . They were nice when they got there but nothing could be done. They felt really bad though but the hotel was awful, not sympathetic at all. I'm pretty happy to be alive to be honest... I will still try to finish the report but definitely a bit shaken up guys. I did not wear any watches, nothing flashy. I didn't lose anything except the cash withdrawal. Around $500. I can't even remember it was in COP and I had to take out twice. Be careful in Colombia. Definitely thankful I didn't get kidnapped or worse.
Last edited by SKYEG; Nov 3, 2021 at 2:56 pm
Nov 3, 2021, 9:47 am
#28
Join Date: May 2005
Location: London, England, United Kingdom
Programs: Marriott (Lifetime Titantium), whatever other programs as benefits make sense.
Posts: 1,920
That's awful to hear. I can understand being shaken after that experience. I hope you heal quickly, and look after yourself.
Nov 3, 2021, 9:55 am
#29
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Austin, TX
Programs: BAEC Gold, HHonors Diamond, Marriott Titanium, UA Gold (*G), DL Silver, Makers Mark Ambassador
Posts: 4,629
Still so crazy that this happened. Definitely puts a damper on what has otherwise appeared to be a very fun trip.
Hope you can enjoy the rest of the vacation and recover quickly!
Hope you can enjoy the rest of the vacation and recover quickly!
