Belén de Umbría accommodation from NZ$71

Unfortunately, the Google Map locator attached to this booking sent us on a wild goose chase down dark roads nowhere near this hotel. It gets dark by 6:30 in the mountains and despite our many calls to the hotel for assistance, all we heard was a pre-recorded message. To compound the difficulties, we had to pay at least 3 more tolls going around in a 25-30 km circle to get back near the hotel location. There are no signs on the narrow road indicating a hotel exit and the hotel web site says nothing about which roads to take to get there. I chose this location for the beautiful pictures and strong reviews, but unless you can arrive in Palestina area before 4 pm, I strongly discourage non-Colombians from attempting to stay here. And this is the first time on my dozens of international Expedia hotel bookings that the hotel couldn’t be bothered to send me a message before or after the booking date to inquire. 0/5

There are good hotels, great hotels, and then there are those that make you wish to pause time and extend your stay indefinitely. My partner and I arrived with curiosity, intrigued by how a hotel could achieve a streak of 63 five-star ratings. We left with our question answered, a secret discovered yet personal to each guest. If you're curious, the only way to understand is by experiencing it yourself—book a stay and find your own answer, which will likely drive you to pile another five-star rating and a feeling of nostalgia from the moment you leave. I'm now left with a longing to return to that serene sanctuary. Until next time, Luca, in that perfect little haven of peace. Juan and Alba