Unbelievable Buenaventura Getaway: Edificio Regata Inn Awaits!
Unbelievable Buenaventura Getaway: Edificio Regata Inn Awaits! - My Messy, Honest Review (Plus a Crazy Good Offer!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I just got back from a stay at the Edificio Regata Inn in Buenaventura, and my brain is still swimming in sunshine, saltwater, and… well, let's just say opinions. This isn't your typical hotel review, folks. This is a real person, spilling the tea (complimentary, thankfully!) on their experience.
First things first: The Vibe. Buenaventura. Picture this: a coastal paradise, where the air smells like coconuts and the ocean whispers stories. Edificio Regata Inn? It mostly lives up to that promise. The location is solid - close enough to the action, far enough to escape the chaos (which, trust me, you will want).
Accessibility: This is a big one, and thankfully, Edificio Regata Inn gets a solid "thumbs up." They have facilities for disabled guests, an elevator, and the layout seemed pretty straightforward. I didn't personally require extra accessibility, but I saw enough to feel confident in saying they're making an effort. Wheelchair accessible areas were present, and that's fantastic.
Internet & Techy Stuff: Let's be real, in 2024, terrible internet is a dealbreaker. I was relieved to have Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and (I think I even saw) Internet access – LAN. Okay, the Wi-Fi wasn't lightning fast, but it was reliable enough to stream my guilty pleasure reality shows. Wi-Fi in public areas was also available, so I could, you know, pretend to be working diligently from the terrace while secretly judging other people's sunscreen application techniques.
Things to Do and Ways to Relax (aka, My Happy Place!): This is where Edificio Regata Inn really shines, or maybe glows.
The Pool with a View: Obsessed. Utterly, completely, hopelessly obsessed. Picture it: crystal-clear water, the endless expanse of the ocean stretching before you, and a cocktail clutched (delicately, of course) in your hand. Seriously, I spent hours there. I'm pretty sure I developed webbed toes.
The Spa: Okay, confession time. I'm a sucker for a good spa day. And let me tell you, the Spa at Edificio Regata Inn? Delightful. I indulged in a Body scrub (felt like a whole new person!), a Massage (could have easily fallen asleep!), and the Sauna (sweat out all the bad decisions from the year). The Spa/sauna facilities were well-maintained. The Steamroom was amazing.
Fitness Center: I saw the Fitness center, and I saw people actually using it. Me? I stuck to the pool. Let's just say, my fitness routine primarily involved lifting cocktails.
Other Things to Do and Relax: They have a Gym/fitness, Foot bath.
I also should comment on the Breakfast [buffet]. I'm usually skeptical of buffets, but this one was actually pretty darn good. They had your usual suspects - Western breakfast, Asian breakfast, the works. I always say the test of a good buffet is the quality of the coffee, and the coffee here was acceptable.
Cleanliness & Safety (Important Stuff, Even If It's Not Sexy): In today's world, this is non-negotiable. Edificio Regata Inn takes it seriously. They had Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere (thank the heavens!), and Staff trained in safety protocol. I felt much safer. They also had Rooms sanitized between stays, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Safe dining setup, and Shared stationery removed and so on. Good job, guys👏.
Food & Drink (Fueling the Fun!): Okay, foodies, listen up!
Restaurants: They got Restaurants with A la carte in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant and Western cuisine in restaurant.
I loved the Poolside bar! The Happy hour was, well, happy. The Snack bar provided the necessary fuel for my pool-lounging activities. They had Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant.
Room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver for those late-night snack attacks and when I just wanted to hide in my room. The Bottle of water I got was a bonus.
Services & Conveniences (Because Life is Easier With Assistance):
- Concierge: Super helpful! They helped me arrange tours and generally pointed me in the right direction when I got hopelessly lost (which was often).
- Daily housekeeping: My room was always spotless. I swear, how do they do it?
- Laundry service/Dry cleaning: Saved my life (and my limited wardrobe).
- Currency exchange: Super convenient. No running around looking for ATMs in a panic.
- Air conditioning in public area The air conditioning in the lobby and hallways was delightful.
- Car park [free of charge] / Car park [on-site] Parking was easy and stress-free.
For the Kids (Because Family Vacations Matter):
- Babysitting service.
- Family/child friendly.
Rooms & Amenities (Where the Magic Happens):
- The rooms were clean, comfortable, and well-equipped. I particularly appreciated the Blackout curtains (hello, sleep!) and the Air conditioning.
- Free Wi-Fi - major plus.
- Mini bar: stocked with enough essentials to make me happy.
- Coffee/tea maker: Essential for my morning rituals.
- Desk: Good for pretending to work.
- TV: For catching up on my favorite shows.
The Quirks & Imperfections (Because Life Isn't Perfect):
- The shower pressure could have been stronger. Okay, it was weak. I like a shower that feels like a fire hose.
- The elevators could be a bit slow during peak hours. But hey, it's an elevator!
- I may have accidentally locked myself out of my room once. Thankfully, the staff was super understanding (and efficient!).
But here's the thing: Despite those minor imperfections, the Edificio Regata Inn delivered. It was a genuinely enjoyable experience, and I left feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and slightly sunburnt.
Would I recommend it? HELL YES!
But Wait, There's More! (The Crazy Good Offer!):
Okay, because you made it through my ramblings, here's the deal. I've teamed up with Edificio Regata Inn to give you an unbelievable offer:
Book your stay within the next 30 days through the link below and receive:
- A complimentary upgrade to a room with a pool view! (Worth it, trust me!)
- A free spa treatment of your choice! (Hello, massage!)
- A 20% discount on all food and drinks during your stay!
This offer is only available for a limited time, so don't miss out! Click the link below and get ready for your own Unbelievable Buenaventura Getaway!
[Insert Booking Link Here - Please note this is a placeholder, insert actual booking link.]
Final Verdict: Go. Book it. Now. You deserve it. And tell them I sent you. Maybe they'll give me a discount on my next stay! 😉
Escape to Paradise: Ratathara Resort, Chachoengsao's Hidden Gem
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn’t just a travel itinerary, it's a therapy session disguised as a trip to Buenaventura. Edificio Regata Inn, here we come, ready or not!
Buenaventura Breakdown: A Messy, Magnificent Adventure (Maybe)
Day 1: The Arrival. Let the Humidity Commence.
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Arrive at Cali airport. Okay, so the flight was delayed. AGAIN. And the woman next to me kept elbowing me, I swear she was trying to steal my peanuts. Not a great start. But hey, Colombia! Sunshine! (Hopefully).
- 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Taxi to Buenaventura (pray for a driver who knows the way). Expect traffic. A lot of traffic. Prepare yourself for the humidity. Like, your clothes will glue to you humidity.
- 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM: Check into Edificio Regata Inn. Oh god, please let the air conditioning work. And please, PLEASE let the sheets be clean. I'm a princess, I need my beauty sleep, and the idea of a questionable mattress is giving me the heebie-jeebies. Hopefully the view from the balcony is worth it, that's what they promised me!
- 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM: Unpack, settle in, and pray. Take a deep breath and prepare for the chaos that IS Buenaventura.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch. Head out! This is very important. I've heard the food is amazing. We are going to find that amazing food. This is my #1 goal on this trip.
- 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Walk around. Observe. I'm always a sucker for the architecture. Take a stroll along the Malecon. Get lost. Get found again. Maybe get lost a few more times. That's the best part. Don't worry about the 'look', the local food is worth any risk.
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Drink. Coffee. Rum. Whatever. I need a drink. My nerves are shot from the flight. Find a little place, sit, watch the world go by, breathe. Try not to think about my ex. (I failed).
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner. Seafood, I'm told. Let's hope it's not overly spicy. I have zero spice tolerance. (Another prayer.)
- 7:00 PM - Bedtime: Try to sleep. Pray again for the air conditioning. Probably read and contemplate my life and the decisions that led me here.
Day 2: Dive into the Local Life
- 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM: Breakfast. Hotel breakfast? Or venture out for something authentic? That’s the question that haunts me… I'm too lazy to make a decision, I just wish someone would bring breakfast to my room. Ah well, adventure!
- 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM: The Market! (The Most Important Thing!) Okay guys, this is it. I've read about it. I've dreamed about it. I will experience it. The Mercado. (Insert dramatic music here). I'm gonna get lost in the colors, the smells (good and bad, probably), the chaos. I want to eat EVERYTHING. I'm going to try EVERY fruit I don't recognize. I want to haggle like a pro (I won't be, but I'll try!). I'm going to buy something I don't need, completely by accident, and love it anyway. I am absolutely freaking out here! If I don't experience the market I'm going to go home. I need to go home!
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch. Back to the Mercado? Or find a little restaurant nearby and let the sights and sounds of the place take it to the next level. The food is going to be amazing, I just know it.
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Find a local artisan. Watch them work. Buy something beautiful. If I'm lucky, I'll find someone who speaks a bit of English to explain the process and history behind the crafts. (Again, prayer).
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Time for the beach! If Buenaventura has a beach! I've heard it's not like the postcard beaches, but I am not entirely sure what that means. I'm hoping to be pleasantly surprised. I want to feel the sand, to hear the waves, and to feel the sea breeze (fingers crossed).
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Back to the Inn or find a beachfront bar to watch the sunset with another drink.
- 7:00 PM - Bedtime: Dinner, then probably early to bed because I'll be exhausted from all the excitement. Or stay out late and explore, I'm not sure yet.
Day 3: Deep Dive & Departure (Sobbing Perhaps?)
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Breakfast. Maybe this time I'll try that weird fruit. Gotta broaden those horizons!
- 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: The Boat Trip, or whatever excursion is deemed 'must-do'. Again, research is for the other person, I am just a silly goose. I'm not sure what I'm going to do yet. Maybe a boat trip. Maybe explore surrounding areas. Maybe just sit in my room with a book and pretend the world doesn't exist. Again, it doesn't matter what I decide to do, I'm going to be happy either way.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch. One last glorious meal. This time I'm going to try something totally weird and new. Something the locals swear by. And probably order something safe too, just in case.
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Last-minute souvenir shopping. Buy gifts I haven't even thought of yet. Panic-buy for myself on the off chance this is the greatest place in the world and I'll never return.
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Pack. Sigh. Reflect on my life.
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: One last drink somewhere. Maybe with a view. Maybe with tears. I'm not judging myself.
- **6:00 PM: *Departure*
Post-Trip Thoughts (Probably):
- Did I enjoy it? Probably. There will be moments of sheer joy and moments of pure, unadulterated, "what have I done?" But that's the beauty of it, right?
- Would I go back? Absolutely!
- Did I learn to love the humidity? Maybe not. But I learned that I can survive anything! And that, my friends, is a beautiful thing.
So yeah, that's the plan. Or, at least, a plan. Wish me luck (and send bug spray). Buenaventura, here I come!
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Dangin Kubu Bungalow Awaits in Bali!
So, Buenaventura? Seriously? Is it… safe? Because my mom is already texting me about cartels.
Alright, let's address the elephant in the room wearing a flak jacket. Buenaventura has a rep, and let's be real, that rep isn't always sunshine and rainbows. I won't lie, during my trip, I heard a few… *ahem*… *interesting* stories. The best way to keep yourself safe? Be smart. Really smart. Do your research! The Regata Inn itself is supposedly in a relatively safe area, but don't go wandering off the beaten path alone at night. Seriously. Don't. Use common sense. Ask locals for advice (and maybe a knowing wink). Don’t flaunt your expensive stuff. Stay informed. I'd say keep your guard up, but don't let it ruin your trip. It's a tough balance, but it’s possible to enjoy Buenaventura without constantly looking over your shoulder. Just... pay attention.
The Edificio Regata Inn... what's the vibe? Is it a luxury experience or more, say, "rustic charm"?
Okay, "luxury" is not the word I would use. "Rustic charm"... well, that's where things get interesting. Imagine a building that's seen some things. *wink* Let's just say it's got character. Think less "five-star resort" and more "your quirky aunt's beachside condo that needs a little TLC." My room had… *ahem*… *character*. Let's call it that. The air conditioning sometimes worked, the wifi was… intermittent, and the hot water was a precious commodity. But you know what? The view? Absolutely breathtaking. And that, my friends, almost made up for everything. Almost. Honestly, it depends on your expectations. If you're expecting perfection, you'll be disappointed. If you're looking for an authentic experience with a side of potential adventure and a killer view, then you might actually fall in love with the Regata Inn like I did.
And the food? Is it… edible? Should I bring a lifetime supply of granola bars?
The food situation is… a *situation*. There's a restaurant at the Regata Inn. I ate there. It was… an experience. Let's just say it's not a Michelin-star establishment. The seafood, which is what you *should* be eating, because hello, it's the ocean, can be AMAZING… when it's good. I had some truly spectacular ceviche one day, so fresh the flavors danced on my tongue. The next day, I ordered something else, and… let's just say my stomach wasn't thrilled. I won't go into specifics, but let’s just say I learned the importance of Pepto-Bismol quickly! Find local restaurants, the small places off the beaten path. They are way better and cheaper I can recommend checking out the places outside your hotel. Your taste buds (and your digestive system) will thank you. BUT DON'T completely dismiss what the Regata Inn offers, you might get something you like. However, bring granola bars. Seriously, just in case.
Okay, let's talk about the beach! Is it a paradise of white sand and turquoise water, or something… less idyllic?
The beaches are… varied. Some are stunning. Some are... well, they're beaches. The sand is a little darker than you might expect. The water can be a beautiful, swirling mass of dark and light green. It's the Pacific, so don't expect the Caribbean clarity. But the vibe? The *vibe* is what matters. It’s less about pristine perfection and more about real, raw, untamed beauty. Picture this: me, lounging on a beach chair, the sun beating down, the waves crashing, a cold beer in my hand... pure bliss. There are vendors selling fresh fruit, local music, and the kind of relaxed atmosphere that makes you forget all your worries. There were kids running around, dogs playing in the surf. It's not a fake postcard paradise, it's the real deal. It’s all about embracing the imperfection, and the good vibes. Just maybe, don't swim too far out. The currents are tricky in the Pacific Ocean.
What's there to *do* in Buenaventura besides, you know, stare at the ocean and worry about my safety?
Okay, okay, besides beach bumming (which, to be clear, is a perfectly valid activity), there are a few things. Boat trips are a must. You can go whale watching (season dependent), visit nearby islands, and explore the mangrove forests. These are a MUST. You can also explore the city itself, but do it with a local guide. I didn't do *much* exploring, as I mentioned, given the… *ahem*… circumstances. But I heard there are some interesting markets and historical sites. But, really, it’s all about the ocean. Scuba diving if you have a license or want to learn is awesome, there's a decent marine life. You could also just sit and watch the sunset and get to know the locals. I highly recommend that!
I'm worried about speaking Spanish. Will I be able to get by?
My Spanish is… *terrible*. Like, "ordering coffee and accidentally insulting the barista" terrible. However, I managed. People are surprisingly patient, and the local people are pretty good. Definitely learn some basic phrases – "Hola," "Gracias," "Por favor," and "¡Un cerveza, por favor!" (that last one is crucial). They're used to tourists, so most people at the Regata Inn and in the tourist areas will speak some English. But even if you don't speak Spanish perfectly, you'll find that a smile, a little effort, and a lot of pointing goes a long way. And hey, it's a great chance to practice! And make sure your phone has Google translate!
Tell me about the best meal you had. Because I need some hope, okay?
Okay, I need to gush here. The BEST meal. There was this tiny, hole-in-the-wall place I found, completely by accident, a little walk away from the Regata Inn. It consisted of a little hut, plastic chairs, and a woman with a smile that could light up the entire Pacific Ocean. I forgot the name, because, you know, I was distracted by the food. I ordered the *Pescado Frito*. I kid you not, it was the best fish I've ever tasted in my entire life. Crispy skin, flaky white meat, perfectly seasoned. Along with a mountain of fresh rice, a side of fried plantains so sweet they tasted like candy, and a cold local beer. It was pure, unadulterated heaven. I almost cried. (Okay, I *may* have shed a tear or two.) It was a truly perfect moment. The kind that makes you forget all the minor annoyances and appreciates the realTrip Stay Finder
