Radisson Paraíso: Your Dream Mexico City Escape Awaits!
Radisson Paraíso: My Mexico City Mishap (and Maybe My Dream Escape?) – A Review in Rambles
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because reviewing the Radisson Paraíso in Mexico City is like trying to wrangle a herd of caffeinated squirrels. It’s… a LOT. And honestly? My experience was a bit of a rollercoaster. But hey, that's life, right? Let’s dive in, shall we? Prepare for a messy, honest, and utterly human review, complete with typos and a healthy dose of my own delightful neuroses.
First Impressions & the Accessibility Tango
The first thing I noticed (besides the altitude making me feel like I'd run a marathon before even checking in) was the… vastness. The Radisson Paraíso is a biggie. And that, as someone who sometimes trips over air, is a double-edged sword.
Accessibility: Okay, here's the important bit. Wheelchair Accessible? Yep, mostly. The elevator situation was good (thank the travel gods!), and they claim to have facilities for disabled guests. BUT. And this is a big but… it's the kind of "accessible" that sometimes felt like it was designed by someone who has never actually used a wheelchair. Navigating the hallways? Fine. Getting to the pool? Bit of a mission, with ramps that felt steeper than they looked. They tried, bless their hearts, but it wasn’t perfect. My main gripe? The lack of truly accessible information online. More transparency, Radisson! That's my plea.
Getting Around: The location is decent, not in the immediate heart but close enough. Airport transfer? They offer it, which is a win after a long flight. Car park [free of charge and on-site]? Yep. Bonus points. And speaking of bonuses…
The Room: So Many Amenities, So Little Sleep (My Fault, Probably)
Right, let's be honest. My room was kitted out. Kitted out. Air conditioning in all rooms? Check. Free Wi-Fi? Double-check! (Thank you, internet gods!). Air conditioning? Check. Alarm clock? Check. Bathrobes? Check. Bathtub? Check. Blackout curtains? CHECK. You think I used them? Nope. I was too busy staring at the blinking alarm clock, convinced a tiny gremlin was trying to control me through its digital eyes. And let's not forget the desk, the coffee/tea maker, the mini bar – all begging to be used! Sadly, my sleep was a disaster, but that has nothing to do with the hotel. Blame jet lag, the aforementioned gremlin, and my inability to function in a room that's not precisely, obsessively, organized by a robot… maybe.
Rooms and More Rooms: The non-smoking rooms were a godsend. I've been known to have a sensitive nose, and I appreciate a clean and safe environment, especially the safe and security features such as smoke alarms in the hotel. The extra long bed (thank the lord!) was great, and so was the in-room safe box.
Internet Insanity (and a Confession)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? YES! Which is a lifesaver. I mean, working remotely in a foreign country? A little bit of a stressful situation, but a good internet goes a long way. But the internet? Oh, man. It's like dating. Some days it's fast and flirty, other days it's slow, sluggish, and just won't connect. Internet [LAN]? I swear, it's like they're hiding the LAN ports. I barely saw one, but I am sure they had them. Internet services: Fine. Wi-Fi in public areas? It was a bit spotty (again, like dating).
Things to Do, Ways to Relax, or How I Accidentally Became a Spa Addict… (Maybe?)
Okay, here’s where things got interesting… and potentially expensive.
The Spa! Listen, I'm not usually a spa person. I like mud on my face, but not on purpose. But the Radisson Paraíso? They had me at "spa."
Pool with view: The pool was okay. Okay, it was the main thing. Swimming pool [outdoor]? Check. A bit crowded, but the view was pretty decent. I tried to relax, but you know I'm not good at that.
Fitness/gym: I didn't go there, but I heard some people say good things about it.
Massage, Body Scrub, Body Wrap: Okay, now we're talking. I signed up for a massage, fully intending to be all "Zen master" and "totally relaxed." Instead? I think I snored. I woke up and it apparently was a good massage. I’ve never had a body scrub, but the way my skin felt after the massage (and the wrap!)… let's just say I started plotting how to become a Radisson Paraíso regular.
The Dining Debacle (And Redemption)
Ah, food. The cornerstone of any good vacation… and the source of much of my anxiety.
Restaurants: There’s a few to choose from. A la carte in restaurant? Yep. Buffet in restaurant? Also yep. Asian cuisine in restaurant? Yes. So, lots of options.
Breakfast [buffet]? Okay, I’m going to be honest. The buffet was… overwhelming. Like, buffet-in-Las-Vegas levels of overwhelming. Too much choice! My brain short-circuited. I ended up with a plate of questionable fruit, a sad croissant, and a strong desire to hide under the table. Breakfast service? Standard. Western breakfast? Fine. Salad in restaurant? Fine. Coffee/tea in restaurant? Fine. You get the idea. Poolside bar: Perfect for a quick escape, really good.
The Unexpected Save: A Vegetarian Restaurant And then, I found it. The vegetarian restaurant. I was ecstatic. I ended up having a really delicious meal and was a lot happier.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Comforting Embrace of Hygiene
Look, in these times, cleanliness is key. And the Radisson Paraíso nailed it.
Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Hand sanitizer? EVERYWHERE! I felt like I could breathe easy.
Staff trained in safety protocol? They seemed to be, which was reassuring. I appreciate that. And the rooms sanitized between stays (another win).
There were all sorts of safety protocols; Cashless payment service – good. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter – appreciated. Basically, I felt like they were REALLY trying to keep everyone safe. Rooms sanitized between stays, and all the other things which meant I wasn't in constant worry.
The Verdict: A Messy, Beautiful Mexico City Tango
Okay, so the Radisson Paraíso isn't perfect. But honestly? It's got a lot going for it. The accessibility could be sharper. But the staff was generally friendly and helpful (even if I did accidentally order a plate of something involving… I'm not entirely sure what). The spa? Pure bliss. And once I navigated the buffet (or, more accurately, gave up and just ordered something simple), the food was actually pretty good.
Would I recommend it? Yes, with caveats. If you need super-duper accessibility, do your research and maybe call ahead. If you're easily overwhelmed by choice, maybe practice some Zen breathing before hitting the buffet. But if you’re looking for a comfortable, well-equipped base for exploring Mexico City, with a dash of luxury and a serious dose of safety? The Radisson Paraíso might just be your dream escape. Just… try not to overthink it. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll find a little bit of paradise too.
Ham Lake's Hidden Gem: AmericInn Review & Booking!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. This is Mexico City, baby, and we're gonna get messy. We're staying at the Radisson Paraiso, so we're trying to be somewhat civilized, but let's be real, that's a flimsy facade. Prepare for a ride.
Radisson Paraiso - Mexico City: A Chaotic Love Letter (AKA My Trip)
Day 1: Arrival, Mild Panic, Tacos (in roughly that order)
- Morning (ish, I blame jet lag): Land at Benito Juárez International Airport. Okay, so the immigration line was a nightmare. Seriously, they looked like they were processing paperwork for a bank robbery, not welcoming tourists. I swear I aged ten years in line. Thankfully, the hotel arranged a transfer. Bless them. A surprisingly charming driver greeted me, and the drive to the Radisson was…well, it was Mexico. Chaotic, colourful, and full of honking. I loved it, I think.
- Afternoon: Check-in. The lobby of the Radisson is nice, a little corporate, but hey, a comfortable bed awaits! Dump luggage. Immediately, and I mean IMMEDIATELY, I realized I'd forgotten my phone charger adapter. Cue panic. Seriously, the absolute horror of being disconnected in a foreign country. Rummaged through my bag, muttering curses under my breath. Found a stash of emergency chocolate. Crisis averted, momentarily. The reception lady, bless her heart, pointed me in the direction of a little shop nearby. Score!
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Found a taquería around the corner, "El Chilango Feliz" or something like that. Best. Tacos. EVER. Seriously, melt-in-your-mouth al pastor, the sizzling onions, the pineapple…. I devoured about five before I even came up for air. My stomach did a tiny, celebratory dance. The salsa, though? Hotter than a politician's apology. Tears streamed down my face, but I kept eating. Pride. And maybe masochism. I swear, I still taste those tacos. I'll dream about those tacos. I'm officially obsessed. This single experience… I'm doubling down on it. I might go back for breakfast. I might never leave that tiny taqueria.
- Evening: Back at the Radisson. Attempting to decipher the TV remote. Failed. Watching reruns of a telenovela (don't judge). Feeling slightly overwhelmed, but also… giddy? This city's got a hold of me already. Decided to call it a night. Tomorrow, the pyramids! (Hopefully without more passport drama.)
Day 2: Pyramids, Traffic, and a near-Death Experience (of deliciousness)
- Morning: Awoke to the sound of… traffic. (Mexico City is loud). Breakfast buffet at the hotel. Standard. Not great, not terrible. Fueled up for the day. Today, the Teotihuacán pyramids! Booked a somewhat dubious tour. The van was packed, the guide was… enthusiastic.
- Mid-Morning: The drive to Teotihuacán? An exercise in patience. Traffic. Oh. My. God. I was practically vibrating with impatience. Finally, we arrived. The pyramids were… incredible. Monumental. Humbling. Climbed the Pyramid of the Sun. (Totally worth the breathless struggle, even if my thighs felt like lead afterwards.) The view was breathtaking, the wind was whipping, and I felt… small. In a good way. For a minute, I forgot about the chaos of the city and just breathed.
- Afternoon: Lunch near the pyramids - I swear, it was a near-death experience… of deliciousness. I'd been craving a quesadilla. I saw one stall, it looked… dodgy. But the smell! The promise of melted cheese and corn tortillas! Against my better judgment, I went for it. The woman was smiling, the food looked amazing, I took one bite… and my world tilted. This was the best quesadilla in my life. I almost ate the whole thing while the cheese was still melting. I ended up so full I waddled back to the van, convinced I was in a food coma.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Traffic again (are you seeing a theme here?). Back to the hotel. Exhausted, and feeling a bizarre sense of accomplishment.
- Evening: Decided to try the hotel restaurant. Meh. Overpriced, and the atmosphere felt like a funeral parlor. Found a little bar called "El Gato Negro" down the street. Local beers, loud music, and genuinely friendly people. A welcome respite.
Day 3: Museums, Murals, and a Questionable Street Food Purchase
- Morning: The Museo Nacional de Antropología. Holy guacamole, the artifacts are stunning and a bit overwhelming. Spend hours wandering and trying to memorize details. I have zero photographic memory. The building is gorgeous.
- Mid-Morning: Frida Kahlo's museum. The line was insane, of course. I wanted to see her house and paintings. And, obviously, a glimpse into the life of such an iconic woman. (It’s a must).
- Afternoon: Walked around the city. Found myself in a plaza with murals. Glorious, sprawling, deeply political, and breathtaking. Took a few photos, got yelled at by a street vendor for being in the way. (Fair enough.)
- Late Afternoon: Cravings hit. Saw a street food cart with something… vaguely meat-like. The vendor looked friendly. I went for it. (Note: I cannot, in good conscience, recommend this. But, you know, curiosity and a slightly questionable impulse control won.) It was… interesting. Spicy, greasy, with a texture I still can't quite place. I survived. Maybe.
- Evening: Back at the hotel. I am tired. Ordered room service. (Chicken soup. Safe bet.) Watched some more TV. Contemplating the meaning of life (or just how to get a decent night's sleep). Tomorrow: exploring the Coyoacán neighborhood.
Day 4: Coyoacán, Coffee, and a Moment of Pure Bliss
- Morning: Travelled to Coyoacán. Quaint. Lovely. Cobblestones, colourful buildings, and an overall air of relaxation.
- Mid-Morning: Found a charming little coffee shop. The coffee? Divine. The pastries? Even better. Sat there, sipping my coffee and watching the world go by. For a little while, everything felt… perfect. A tiny moment of pure bliss. Needed it.
- Afternoon: Explored the Frida Kahlo Museum. So, so interesting and emotional. Her house, La Casa Azul, is a vibrant testament to her life and art. Feel a surge of sadness for her life.
- Late Afternoon: Wandered through the Coyoacán market. Had some delicious ice cream. Bargained with a vendor over a ridiculously over-the-top souvenir. Felt like a local.
- Evening: Last night in Mexico City. Ordered cocktails on the hotel terrace. Watched the sunset paint the sky. Feeling a strange mix of sadness and elation. Sad to be leaving, but exhilarated by the experience. Dinner at a restaurant that had a Mariachi band. Was totally corny, but I loved it.
- Departure: Check out from the Radisson. Airport transfer. Goodbyes all around to the amazing people that work there. Already planning my return.
Miscellaneous Thoughts & Observations:
- The Language: My Spanish is terrible. But everyone is patient, kind, and incredibly forgiving. Bless them.
- Traffic: It's a beast. Prepare to embrace it.
- The People: Warm, welcoming, and generally awesome.
- The Food: Devine!
- Safety: Never felt actively threatened, but, you know, common sense prevails. Keep aware of your surroundings.
- Overall: This city is a beautiful, chaotic, maddening, and utterly captivating experience. I loved it, even when I was utterly overwhelmed. It got into me and stayed there. I'm hooked.
So, there you have it. My somewhat disorganized and utterly honest take on Mexico City. Go, get lost, embrace the chaos, and eat all the tacos. You won't regret it. I guarantee it. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to find another taqueria.
Escape to Paradise: Bernardus Lodge & Spa Awaits
Radisson Paraíso: Your Dream Mexico City Escape... Maybe? Let's Find Out!
(Buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your average hotel review!)
Okay, spill the beans! Is Radisson Paraíso really as paradise-y as it sounds?
Paradise? Whoa, hold your horses there! It's... good. Really good. But "paradise" is a big word, and I've spent enough time wrestling with luggage to learn not to trust too much hype. Honestly? It's a solid choice. The location is *fantastic* - you're right in the heart of things. And the staff? Mostly lovely. One guy at the front desk, Roberto, was an absolute DREAM. Seriously, a superstar. He remembered my name, gave me the lowdown on the best taco stands (crucial!), and even helped me find a decent dry cleaner when my favorite shirt suffered a mariachi band-induced *disaster*. (Don’t ask.)
Location, location, location! What's the area around the hotel like? Safe? Fun?
Okay, this is where Radisson Paraíso truly shines. The 'Paraíso' part? Totally spot-on. It's smack-dab in Colonia Del Valle – a lovely, leafy, residential-ish area. I walked around at all hours and never felt really sketch. Which, let's be honest, is a massive win. You've got parks, cafes overflowing with people, and the best part: Tacos *everywhere*. Like, legit, every corner. My stomach is already rumbling thinking about it. Okay, maybe it wasn’t *always* perfect. Getting a taxi at rush hour? Prepare for gladiatorial combat. But overall? Total thumbs up on the location. Safe, walkable, and taco-adjacent. What more could you want? (Besides maybe immunity from food comas.)
The rooms! Tell me about the ROOOOOMS! Are they... clean? Comfortable? Instagrammable?
Ah, the rooms. Okay, let's be real. My room was... fine. Clean. That's the most important thing, right? Okay, and Comfortable. Big bed, decent pillows (crucial for a good night's sleep after all those tacos!), and the air con actually worked. The bathroom? Perfectly acceptable. Not a design masterpiece, but the water pressure was decent, which is something I always appreciate. Instagrammable? Hmm... maybe if you're *really* good with filters. Let's call it "functionally attractive." Look, it's not the Burj Al Arab, but it's a perfectly good place to crash after a day of exploring the city.
What about the food? The all-important question! Breakfast? Dinner? Anything worth writing home about?
*Heavy sigh*. The food. Breakfast... it was... there. Your standard hotel buffet situation. Eggs (sometimes a little sad), bacon (perfect bacon is a rare find), fruit, pastries, the usual suspects. It filled a hole, which is what I needed before diving into the (infinitely superior) street food. Dinner at the hotel restaurant? I tried it once. It wasn't bad, but it also wasn't particularly memorable. Okay, there was this *one* dish, a grilled chicken something-or-other, that was actually pretty good. But, you know, it’s Mexico City. The *real* magic happens outside the hotel doors. Honestly, skip the hotel food unless you *absolutely* have to. Go explore! Trust me.
Pool! Does it have a pool? And is it any good for a swim?
Yes, it has a pool. And... it's okay. It’s not enormous, but it's there. I mean, it's a nice perk, especially after a long day of sightseeing. The water was clean, and there were plenty of loungers. I spent a couple of hours there, just chilling and reading. The only downside? It wasn’t heated. And in the (admittedly mild) Mexico City weather, it could be… bracing. But, hey, a refreshing dip, right? It's a solid addition. (Bring a towel, though. Don't be like me and forget)
And the staff? Were they friendly and helpful?
Mostly. The staff overall was good. As I said earlier, Roberto at the front desk was an absolute LEGEND. Always smiling, always helpful, always with a helpful tip. The cleaning staff? They were efficient and friendly. The service at breakfast… well, let's just say it could have been quicker. But generally, everyone was polite and happy to help. You know, the usual hotel thing.
Okay, the Wi-Fi! Was it reliable? Because "no Wi-Fi" = *instant* vacation meltdown for some of us!
The Wi-Fi... *deep breath*. Okay. It worked. Most of the time. But I had a few moments where it got… flaky. Dropping connections, slow speeds when you needed to upload that perfect pic of your tacos, the usual. It was enough to make me want to hurl my laptop. So, yeah, it's not the strongest, so if reliable Wi-Fi is life-or-death, maybe pack a portable hotspot as a backup. Otherwise, it's manageable.
Would you stay here again? The big question!
Honestly? Yeah, I probably would. The location is a massive selling point. It's clean, comfortable, and the staff, for the most part, are lovely. Look, it's not a luxury resort, but it's a solid, reliable choice for a Mexico City adventure. If you're looking for a convenient, comfortable base to explore the city, Radisson Paraíso is definitely worth considering. Especially if Roberto’s working the front desk! Just, maybe, manage your expectations about the food. And bring a backup for the Wi-Fi. And be ready for some taco action. Trust me on the tacos.
Something I didn't ask! Spill the secrets! Anything else I NEED to know?
Okay, here's a random gem. The elevators? A bit… temperamental. I had a few *moments* where I was convinced I was going to be stuck in one forever. So, if you're claustrophobic, maybe request a lower floor. Also, the gym... well, let's just say it's small. Like, really small. And the equipment looks a bit… vintage. I took one look and decided a long walk to a taco standStay Scouter
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