Built in 1946 by the renowned Colombian artist-architect Santiago Medina Mejia as a family home (hence Casa Medina), the Four Seasons Casa Medina in Bogotá design features of the building combines French and Spanish architecture with a hint of colonial decadence across every part of the property.
The Four Seasons Casa Medina Bogotá vibe
As I walked into the lobby, the beautiful and grand wooden staircase stands supremely with a gentle nod that this isn’t just a hotel. There are 62 rooms from a superior room to a penthouse spanning over 5 floors (12 of the rooms come with a fireplace so be sure to ask for one).
Since I arrived during the festive season, the dazzling and opulent Christmas tree took centre stage. The reception was beautiful and warm with oak flooring, panels and beamed ceiling. The stained glassed windows depicting birds and flowers – a passion of Santiago Medina, gave a warm and colourful glow to the area.
The open fire with seasonal decorations gave a comforting and welcoming vibe, a much needed feeling after a 10 hour flight. Although the design isn’t the same modern style you find in other Four Seasons, the hotel has kept its historical resemblance in an elegant manner.
Location
Bogotá is the high-altitude capital of Colombia, and is carved out of the beautiful Andes Mountains which surrounds it and the Four Seasons Casa Medina Bogotá .
The Casa Medina is nestled between the main area of Zona Rosa, which is split between Zona G and Zona T which forms the gastronomical area including bars, restaurants and shopping malls which is tourist friendly and safe. This also makes it the perfect location to pretty much all the main tourist attractions such as La Candelaria, the heart of Bogotá with its cobblestoned centre and colonial-era landmarks. It is also home to museums including the famous Museo Botero, showcasing Fernando Botero’s art, and the Museo del Oro also known as the Gold Museum, displaying pre-Columbian gold pieces.
To see Bogotá quickly and safely, book yourself onto one of the many bike rides for as little as £10. An English speaking tour guide will take you around the best parts of the city with multiple stops at historical places. A fun way to see the city as well as meet new people.
My Grand Premier Room
The room was large with wood panelled flooring, walls and beamed ceilings – a design concept across the entire hotel. It also has a semi lounge area with a spacious and comfortable settee, a detailing you’d expect to find in a grand house.
The king size bed was very comfortable and the pillows, bathrobe and slippers were luxurious. The bedside tables on opposite ends allowed easy reach for my items and the minibar was fully stocked. I was also delighted to see the Nespresso machine for my morning caffeine fix which was replenished daily along with the bottled mineral water.
The bathroom is designed in a dark brown marble from top to bottom. It is generously sized with a walk in waterfall shower and the toilet in a separate area – enough room for two people to navigate. You also have the usual amenities, and the toiletries; shower gel, moisturisers, shampoo/conditioner and soap provided by Acacia BL Amazonas, a blend of aromatherapy and exotic plant extracts. The marble skirt is large and the hairdryer positioned perfectly for easy reach to the plug socket and mirror – it’s the small details that matter.
Where to eat – Casatanyoles
The hotel has one main restaurant called Casatanyoles, which is housed in an awe-inspiring greenhouse atrium for brilliant all-day dining. The design of the restaurant is stunning and something you would find in Mayfair, London. The atmosphere was warm and bright during breakfast, where you will find your usual offerings from fresh fruits, pastries and granola station to the omelette section. The breakfast spread is substantial which includes 5 different types of freshly squeezed exotic fruit juices.
In the afternoon the resident barman, Juan Camilio, will be more than happy to serve you one of his delicious yet punchy margarita or any drinks you fancy as the bar is fully stocked with top shelve drinks.
In the evening the restaurant becomes the perfect back drop for an intimate dinner with a loved one or by yourself – like me. The adjourning open plan El Virrey court yard is designed with intimacy in mind with its own fireplace (the crackling sound of the log fire provides the perfect background music) – a perfect setting for any occasions, whether that be celebratory or a relaxing dinner. The cuisine is Spanish inspired with a local twist. Each ingredient is locally and sustainably sourced – a homage to the Colombian eco-friendly and diverse climate.
After a full day or sightseeing, I was looking forward to no-fuss food so for starters I went for the short ribs cooked over 72hrs dressed in a sweet sauce which complimented the ribs well and the meat practically melted in my mouth. The bread basket was their famous corn bread which came with a delicious smoky black garlic homemade butter – the corn bread was soft, warm and fluffy with both ends slightly burnt to add that extra smokiness and crunch.
For the mains I went for the Paella, which I was super excited about, although somewhat apprehensive, as from past experiences, this dish can be a hit or miss – and to my delight it was delicious. The smoky burnt rice, creamy sauce and generous portions of clams, king prawns and squid were all well balanced. The black ink delicately stirred in at the end to add flavour and a deep colour to the dish. Safe to say it didn’t take long to finish the dish and yes, I was cheekily grinning as there was no one else to share it with!
As the evening chill started to take effect, I ordered a Negroni and moved to the outside lounge area where I settled in for the evening with a Monte Cristo No4 from a small collection of cigars within the hotel humidor.
Facilities
The hotel has a fully serviced spa where you can expect full body treatments, and the oils are sourced locally from eco-friendly suppliers. There is also a small gym which is equipped with a steam room, treadmill, cycle machine and free weights.
In a nutshell
The Four Seasons is a grand hotel not by its size but grand in its décor, history and decadence. The staff are professional and attentive and the offerings are vast and ample whatever you trip entails, whether that be business or pleasure. It sits as a class of its own – a staple of Four Seasons wherever you may experience the brand in the world.
To discover more, visit: fourseasons.com
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All imagery courtesy of Four Seasons Casa Medina Bogotá.