Relaxing and hotel exchange day

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

What a difference a few blocks make. 

The hotel I booked myself into because I arrived earlier and wanted to explore is a smaller boutique hotel with an entirely different atmosphere. Not much fun people watching there.

Today I am in an international chain that sits next door to the 4 Seasons, so you get the idea that the neighborhood is different.

First, to comment on Inspirita Santo Marta. It is a very comfortable hotel and of the type I have become accustomed.Everything works and all the essentials are there. Staff is super friendly and helpful but do not make suggestions unless you ask. But given English is not their native language it is not unusual. For security one must touch a responder with room key  in the elevator in order to go to any of the occupied floors. Second floor is spa. Spa ran a special massage which I took advantage of. Not quite what I am accustomed but certainly relaxing. Indeed so relaxing I overslept. This morning, I woke up to a call from the front desk 15 minutes after check out time asking if I wish to extend my stay. It took me 20 minutes to pack and get down stairs to check out. 

The one feature I loved and failed to photograph was the walk in shower with a half glass. The drain is what was unique in that the floor sloped and the drain was a small narrow slit across the floor. and far end of the area. It is exactly what I would love to have at home!

Taxi between hotels.  I need to ask someone. There was a 250 that did not change but the one to the left did and was 490.  I gave him 500 but he requested the combined total. Did I get ripped off? Because he thought I was going to the airport  which is what the front desk at the hotel thought. He was quiet and when I told him the address he did “i do not understand” So I used my reserve and always a good idea, the address printed out to show. Is that when he became gloomy? Probably.

Just asked the bar manager about the taxi and his English does not include problem solving outside of his realm. From what I can conclude, I did get ripped off. Should have jumped out when I paid the fare that would have been fair but he had my luggage. OK so the lesson here is to wait to pay until after the luggage is removed!

At the present hotel I was greeted by a door man who opened my taxi door and took my luggage to reception. Check in was delayed as my room was not ready. As I had not eaten since the prior evening, I was hungry and checked out the restaurant. Started out light with a beef carpaccio, then a spinach side dish and finished with a chocolate mousse cake. I want to try the traditional cod dish but am so hesitant since I do not like strong flavored fish. Too cheap to pay for something I cannot eat. The wait staff was warm and friendly and the waiter seemed almost flirtatious.

Beef Carpaccio

Spinach with onion, raisons, and pine nuts

  

Chocolate mousse cake with raspberry sorbet

Now I am sitting in the bar typing away and people watching. What a great place to observe!. Hotel mid level managers are in coat and ties with very skinny pants and tennis shoes!! One who greeted me as I entered the restaurant was an explosion of color including colorful tennis shoes.

Bar with psychedelic ceiling