Prepare for a daily staple of rice and beans! Imagine steaming coconut rice topped with soft, yummy beans and your choice of protein. Don’t forget the crunchy slices of banana on the side, that’s the local specialty, patacones! And if you stay at the best hotels in Medellin, Colombia, chances are you can have them every day for breakfast, along with a cup of fine Colombian coffee. Now, that’s a deal!
Where to Stay in Medellin
Medellin is unlike any other city in Colombia. It lies in the Antioquia Department, which has its own historical and cultural background. The city itself is surrounded by mountain ranges. This results in a unique climate that stays cool and cozy all year long! No wonder many ex-pats choose this city as their second home, instead of Bogota or even Cartagena.
Speaking of which, uphill part of the Poblado area is where you’ll find most ex-pats. Poblado itself is the most touristy part of Medellin. Here, you’ll find 5-star hotels and all the city convenience you need. Most staff working in restaurants and bars speak English. So, you won’t have to use Google Translate in case you’re not confident enough with your Spanish.
For a more laid-back ambiance, we recommend Laureles. Plenty of dining options you’ll find in every corner of the streets. But if you don’t want to stray too far from modern amenities, there’s a touristy pocket in this area, called “La 70” or “La Setenta”, along 70 Street, or “Carrera 70”. In fact, some of our top picks are located right here!
Choosing where to stay in Medellin depends on your budget and preferences. Still not sure where to pick? Take a look at the top things to do in Medellin and choose the area closest to your main attraction. Safety should also come first. And whichever area you choose, you’ll be surrounded by beautiful red brick-colored buildings. That’s the architectural signature of Medellin, Colombia.
Hotel Pomarosa
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We start our list of the best hotels in Medellin with something simple. By far, this is the best option for budget travelers who don’t want to compromise privacy. Walking through the hotel’s front door, you’ll be welcomed with a homey feeling. Not to mention the friendly staff who are always ready to help you.
The location offers you a quiet, peaceful ambiance, surrounded by local neighborhoods. Perfect if you’re not into touristy areas!
Decoration and amenities are simple. But Hotel Pomarosa offers everything you need for a good night’s sleep. Breakfast is also included. And nearby local eateries are always a great dining option.
Binn Hotel
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Don’t be surprised to see most of the best hotels in Medellin located in the Poblado area. After all, it’s the most touristy area in the city, where you’ll find everything catering to visitors’ needs. And Binn Hotel is one of them.
If you’re on a business trip, this is your best bet. Each room has a desk with a comfy chair, perfect to set your temporary working desk. There’s also a separate seating area in case you need a comfier setting for an online conference. Just connect to the free Wi-Fi and you’re good to go!
We love the spacious areas inside the bedroom, including the en-suite bathroom. Don’t forget to pay a visit to the indoor swimming pool. With glass windows, you can take a lap break while enjoying the city view from above!
Obo Hotel
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Back to Laureles, next, we have the Obo Hotel. It’s one of the best hotels in Medellin not for its luxury, but for everything it offers at affordable rates. Even though it’s relatively new, Obo has become one of the bestsellers in Medellin. Perhaps the en-suite bathtub and the rooftop hot tub are the reasons why.
To us, it’s the location. Laureles is not a touristy area. The hotel itself is surrounded by apartments and residential buildings. You’ll meet locals passing by as you go in and out of the hotel. But this doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice convenience. In fact, the popular “La 70” is just a block away! There you’ll find restaurants and bars.
We recommend starting one of your days with a visit to Pueblito Paisa, on top of Nutibara’s Hill. It’s less than 10 minutes away!
La Quinta by Wyndham Medellin
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Looking for a comfy setting for you and your partner? La Quinta by Wyndham is your answer. Start the day by whipping up a cup of tea or coffee before they wake up. Head on to the hotel’s on-site restaurant for a hearty breakfast before you explore Poblado hand in hand. Then, wrap up the day at the hotel’s rooftop pool for a romantic swim. Even better, there’s a terrace overlooking the city if you’re planning to pop the question!
Those traveling for business will not miss the fun here either. In fact, the hotel offers its own business center with meeting and banquet facilities. After a long day of conferences, hit the fitness center for a quick workout overlooking the city. Guaranteed to help clear your mind of stress!
Hotel Dorado La 70
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Outside of the Poblado area, this is the best of the best hotels in Medellin. As you can tell from its name, it’s located on Carrera 70, one of the main roads of Medellin. The area itself is called Estadio, as it is only a few blocks away from the city’s main sports center, Atanasio Girardot. There are plenty of restaurants and bars nearby. It’s not as packed as Poblado, making it more suitable for a family vacation.
In fact, a family of six can stay in the same room. Hotel Dorado La 70 offers a standard family room with 6 single beds. Whichever room type you choose, you’ll enjoy soundproofing, minibar, cable TV, and all the standard facilities a hotel offers.
While there’s no breathtaking view of the city on-site, its location allows you with ease of access to some of the main attractions. This would be a good basecamp for Museums Tour around Medellin.
Diez Hotel Categoría Colombia
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Hammocks in the bedroom and handcrafted wooden decoration all-around blend perfectly within the modern building of Diez Hotel Categoria Colombia. The colorful bedroom is the embodiment of Antioquia’s culture, just like the graffiti you’ll see around town. Speaking of which, you should walk around nearby areas to get to know Medellin more. If you’re not sure where to start, join the Medellin City Tour. A local guide will show you around and tell you interesting stories!
After a long day outside, come home to the hotel’s wellness facilities. Pick one of many massage treatments or dive into the authentic Turkish bath. This right here is why it’s one of the best hotels in Medellin, Colombia.
On the ground floor, you’ll find plenty of dining options, including the hotel’s own restaurants. All things from Colombian meals to international dishes are served here. Perhaps you can finally try the legendary Bandeja Paisa or patacones?
Sites Hotel
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Apartment units with fully equipped kitchen, rooftop pool, laundromat, and library, what else does Sites Hotel have to offer? While most Poblado hotels are surrounded by constant noise, this one is located in a quiet neighborhood. Combine that with the comfy beds each room provide, you’ll get a good night’s sleep.
Decoration-wise, this hotel is all about modern simplicity. Expect to find a big flat-screen TV, microwave-oven, and sleek furniture whichever unit you choose. Writings on the wall are a nice little touch, making each room different from one another.
The rooftop area is something else. You can lounge on a couch, overlooking the city. Or dive into the rooftop pool, right next to the gym area. With everything available, you can just have one lazy day indulging in the hotel’s facilities.
Celestino Boutique Hotel
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Want something other than conventional hotels? Celestino Boutique Hotel has got you covered! Even just from the exterior, you can see that this hotel offers a unique stay. There’s no lack of green touch with all the trees and plants as decoration. And this extends to the bedroom, where you’ll find hardwood or parquet floors. The nature-inspired décor just makes you feel like home.
No pets nor children are allowed in this hotel, making it the perfect option for a romantic getaway. Rest assured that you’ll sleep soundly as if you’re nowhere near the city’s liveliest neighborhood.
Soak in the atmosphere at the on-site café, overlooking the street. From here, you can also access free Wi-Fi any day, anytime!
Hotel San Fernando Plaza
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Is it a hotel? Is it an apartment? It’s the Hotel San Fernando Plaza! At the hotel’s suite, you’ll get the best of both worlds: the full amenities of a hotel room and a homey comfort of an apartment. Each overlooks the famous skyline of Antioquia. All you need is a fresh beverage from the room’s minibar and you’re all set for a relaxing afternoon at your private terrace.
With a restaurant and bar on-site, you don’t need to leave the premise to fix your culinary cravings. That said, some of Poblado’s main attractions are within walking distance. And guess what? The building’s lower ground is a supermarket. That’s what we call convenience.
Planning a business retreat? This hotel offers its own business center to fit hundreds of attendees. For a more relaxing time, visit the on-site spa where you can indulge in treatments and even Turkish baths!
Hotel Dann Carlton Medellín
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We can say that Hotel Dann Carlton Medellin is a hidden gem in the Poblado area. From the moment you step into the hotel’s pool area, you’d feel like being in an oasis in the middle of the desert. Lounging under the all-year-round sun, having a drink with friends, or working out using the gym equipment, these are just on-site activities around the pool!
Off-site, you’ll find popular parks within walking distance, including El Poblado Park and Lleras Park. And Nutibara’s Hill is just two metro stations away. Return to the comfort of your bedroom where you’ll find a flat-screen cable TV. You don’t have to stream just to catch up on your favorite series.
The hotel’s high ceiling and shiny marble tiles exude luxury. So does the on-site restaurant, Terraza Zaguan del Patio. If we have to choose, this is the winning game when it comes to the best hotels in Medellin competition. Planning a candlelight dinner with your special someone? Pick a seat right next to the big windows and let Medellin’s city lights outside add more sparks to your romance!
Novotel Medellín El Tesoro
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Spend the afternoon with a glass of wine on one hand and your fur baby on another, while overlooking the red brick-colored buildings of Medellin. All from the comfort of your room! If this is your cup of tea, you and your pets will love staying at Novotel Medellin El Tesoro as much as we do. Better yet, no charge for pets! On top of all, everything you need will be catered by round-the-clock assistance available at the reception. What else do you need from the best hotels in Medellin?
The hotel is located in the Poblado area, where you’ll find everything you need within walking distance. Starbucks is just a stone throw away. But why go there when the hotel’s American breakfast offers local coffee for free?
When the sun is out, head up to the hotel’s rooftop infinity pool. The view downhill is even more majestic from up here. Can’t get enough of it? Make sure you pick a room with a city view. The higher, the better!
Recommended Restaurants / Bars in Medellin:
- Barrio Central Café Bar – Enjoy music performances to live sports while munching homemade pub meals near a park in Laureles. The patio areas are great to hang out with friends and family.
- Toucan Café – A great place to hang out and meet other tourists over a cup of coffee. Toucan itself offers Spanish courses for tourists!
- Palosanto – A local eatery serving a wide selection of local dishes. It’s located in Laureles, withing a local neighborhood. Perfect for an authentic experience!
Recommended Activities In Medellin:
- Parque Arvi – A vast and lush area on the most northern part of Antioquia. Ride a mountain bike around the park or enjoy a picnic at the highest point. You’ll have to take the cable car to get there. The ride itself is amazing!
- Pueblito Paisa – On top of Nutibara’s Hill, you’ll find a replica of old Antioquia’s settlement. See the architecture and interiors around. You’ll also find the best viewpoint of Medellin here.
- Guatapé, Piedra del Peñol and Boat Tour from Medellín – Take a trip one hour away from the city of Medellin. See the famous giant granite rock overlooking the surrounding lake areas!
- Medellín: Comuna 13 Graffiti Tour with Local Guide – See how the former most dangerous area in Medellin turned into a neighborhood of arts. It’s filled with graffiti and street arts!
