Hotel Termales Del Ruiz — Hotel in Villamaría

This place is amazing and could easily be a 5/5. However, there were several issues that dampened our experience. We stayed 3 days 2 nights. Overall, the property is incredible but the hotel and its staff sometimes seem overwhelmed. This can easily be fixed and we hope they do because it’s truly an amazing place.

The good: the property is INCREDIBLE, it’s so magical. From the colibríes and bird watching, to the termales, to the beautiful view of Manizales, it was surreal tours with Martin are an absolute highlight. He is a knowledgeable and kind guide. We learned so much. we went on weekdays during low season and after checkout we basically had the termales to ourselves. It was so relaxing. food was delicious! the bed was huge and so comfortable.

The bad: There was REALLY loud construction below our room and near the restaurant and it was impossible to relax in the room between 9:30AM-4:30 PM. We were mainly out at the tours and in the termales but it was still so bothersome to not be able to enjoy our room (video attached). We asked for a discount due to the inconvenience but they couldn’t give us anything because we had booked through Booking.com. The only reason why we didn’t book with them directly it’s because it was quite challenging to book via WhatsApp as they were not responsive. Before arriving, we asked via WhatsApp multiple times and called to ask how to get there because we did not have a car and they were unhelpful in helping us find a way there. Front desk staff seemed unresponsive at times. Again, this may be because they are overwhelmed, although it doesn’t seem like they are in charge of the WhatsApp communication. The restaurant staff was lovely but service hit or miss, some very attentive, some forgot to bring different items after asking several times our room and bathroom were really small. It didn’t bother us too much but it may bother other people.

Overall, we hope the hotel can tweak these things because this place it...

This hotel feels like it was plucked straight out of a fairy tale! The views are absolutely breathtaking, and the rooms are cozy and well-equipped. I especially loved the heater, private jacuzzi, and sauna in my room—it made the stay feel luxurious and relaxing.

A few things to keep in mind: The day pool pass is available on a first-come, first-served basis, so plan accordingly if you want to enjoy the pool during the day. The more scenic pools are exclusive to hotel guests, meaning you must be a guest at the hotel to access them. This makes the experience feel more private and special, but it’s something to note if you’re considering a day visit.

The food, while delicious, felt a bit overpriced. However, I understand that the remote location might contribute to the higher costs. Speaking of location, the last 10 kilometers to the hotel were a bit rough, so I highly recommend following the staff’s directions carefully to make the journey smoother.

Most of the staff went above and beyond to make our stay enjoyable, but I did find some of the front desk personnel to be less welcoming, which was a bit disappointing. Additionally, after 10 PM, everything shuts down, including the front desk, and you can only contact the emergency number for medical issues. The internet also became practically unusable after 10 PM, so plan accordingly if you need connectivity late at night.

Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall experience was fantastic. The stunning views, luxurious amenities, and attentive service from most of the staff made it a memorable stay. I would definitely recommend this hotel to anyone looking for a peaceful, fairy-tale-like getaway—just be prepared for the remote location and...

A magical place all around. The location is absolutely mind blowing: sitting at 3,500 mts, surrounded by hummingbirds, nature and clouds. At this altitude one is not sure if it’s the clouds or just the “regular” fog. The hummingbirds sanctuary provides you with a unique experiences (the birds come and eat off your hands). There are several paths you can explore in your own and one guided tour (included in the hotel’s price, please tip the guide though) The personnel is very warm, professional, kind and prompt. It makes the experience whole. The food is excellent, breakfast, lunch and dinner. There are three hot pools with natural sprig water (at around 38-40 Celsius). Towels and bathrobes are provided and changed daily (or more often if you prefer, upon request) There is a main building with regular rooms on two floors. The bottom floor is noisy due to the unruly tourists who may be lodged in the rooms upstairs. The top floor is better (feedback from our group of eight). There is a presidential suite on the top floor as well. The piece de resistence is the “cabin” or “cabaña”, there is only one ATM, with two more planned. Despite its name is a steel, glass and concrete little cottage, very modern and very nicely done. It has a little kitchen (no cooker), a large king bed, a large living room, a dining area for four a deck and a private hot pool with freshwater heated by hot spring water going through a network of tubes underneath the structure. The polished concrete floors are also warmed by the same hot water tubes. It is a dream cottage, words can’t describe it well enough. I recommend this place wholeheartedly. We will go...