Best Medellín Hotels: My Ideal Choice List

You now know my favorite hotels, but you still need a few essential details to make your choice. Through my regular stays in Medellin, I’ve identified the key criteria that make this city unique and must be considered when choosing a hotel in Medellin to avoid disappointment.

TOM’S TIP

Once you’ve chosen your hotel in Medellin, don’t forget to check out our tips on the best things to do in the city. To help you and depending on the length of your stay, get inspired by our itineraries. And if you have time, feel free to explore the surroundings of Medellin.

The neighborhoods of Medellin

Each neighborhood in Medellin has its own unique characteristics that set it apart from the others. Here’s a quick overview.

El Poblado

Medellin rooftop Masaya Poblado
Medellin rooftop Masaya Poblado

This is the upscale neighborhood of Medellin, featuring high-end hotels, gourmet restaurants, stunning rooftops, and trendy clubs. It’s the place to stay if you want to experience the city’s famous, vibrant nightlife, which attracts increasing numbers of tourists. If you prefer a quiet night’s sleep, avoid staying near a club or choose a location away from the center.

My favorite hotels in El Poblado are Landmark Hotel, Binn Hotel, York Luxury Suites Medellin, La Campana, Masaya, and Loma Verde Aparthotel.

Laureles

Laureles Medellin Colombia
Laureles Medellin Colombia (1)
La 70 neighborhood of Medellin Colombia

With its parks and tranquil, wide, and shaded streets, Laureles offers a more peaceful and authentic vibe compared to El Poblado, making it a pleasant place to stroll. You can find great small restaurants offering delicious “menu del día” and enjoy a drink in the evening on the famous “Calle 70”. Football fans will appreciate the proximity to the Atanasio Girardot Stadium. There aren’t many large hotels or hostels here.

My favorite hotels in Laureles are Hotel Inntu, Hostal Boutique Casa Mosaiko, Living by Armoniko, Factory Loft, The Somos Flats Laureles, and Apartahotel Avanti.

Floresta

In the northwest of Medellin, the La Floresta neighborhood radiates around the family-friendly Parque La Floresta. The area is safe and primarily residential. With few tourists, it offers a great glimpse into local life and the culture of Medellin. It is well-served by the metro, and a good bus network, and there are a few bars and restaurants on the outskirts of the park.

My favorite hotels in La Floresta are Hotel Casa Esencia and Hostel Metro Floresta.

Belen

Medellin Colombia District of Belén (1)
Los Patios Hostel Medellin Colombia (1)
Los patios hostel Medellin
Credit: Hotel Cool Living

An authentic small town within the city, Belen is a neighborhood that has retained its authenticity and demonstrates remarkable resilience in response to a storied past. You’ll find affordable restaurants and bars here. Although centrally located in Medellin, it isn’t well-served by public transportation, lacks high-end apartments, and offers limited mid-term accommodation options. Its main tourist attraction is Pueblito Paisa, a replica of a colonial village on a small hill.

My favorite hotels in Belen are Casa Egos Pop and Hotel Cool Living.

The particularities of hotels in Medellin

The criteria that are specific to hotels in Medellin to consider before making your choice.

Admiring a beautiful view from your hotel in Medellin

Binn Hote Medellin Colombia
Credit: Binn Hotel

If you want to enjoy a beautiful view of the city and the surrounding mountains, I recommend choosing a hotel with a rooftop. In El Poblado, you’ll find hotels with stunning rooftop views, such as the one at Binn Hotel.

a rooftop: an outdoor relaxation area

Masaya Rooftop Medellin Colombia (1)

Nothing is more enjoyable than having a drink in the evening while feeling the coolness of the day slowly fade away. The rooftop of Masaya, with its friendly and lively atmosphere, is a very pleasant option.

A pool for a touch of well-being

Landmark Hotel - Best hotels in Medellín
Credit: Landmark Hotel

It’s always nice to be able to cool off after a day spent exploring the city or relax in the water after a lively evening. The elegant Landmark Hotel features the longest and most beautiful rooftop pool with a jacuzzi.

the noise Medellin

For a quiet stay, avoid the El Poblado neighborhood, especially around Parque Lleras, as it’s the heart of nightlife in Medellin. Laureles, except for the lively Calle 70 and La Floresta, are quieter options.

EXTERNAL Guests are not allowed

During your stay at a hotel in Medellin, for security reasons, you cannot bring external guests to the hotel. This rule aims to discourage prostitutes from frequenting the premises.

How long to stay in Medellin

Free walking tour in Downtown Center Medellin Colombia

Plan to stay in Medellin for 3 to 4 days to visit the main attractions like Plaza Botero, museums, and La Comuna 13. Explore the nightlife in El Poblado and take a day trip to Guatapé to see the famous Piedra del Peñol. You can extend your stay if you want to experience local life in neighborhoods like Laureles or La Floresta.

The weather and tourist season in Medellin

Although Medellin is nicknamed “the city of eternal spring,” there are regular short showers around April-May and October-November. It’s warm during the day, with temperatures gradually cooling at night. Bring a light sweater with you, and you’ll be fine.

The only time of year you might encounter difficulties with reservations is during the Feria de las Flores, which lasts for 10 days in August, so it’s best to book in advance. The Christmas period is also busy due to the beautiful decorations lighting up the city.

GETTING AROUND Medellin

Downtown Centro of Medellin Colombia (metro) (1)

Medellin has two airports. The main one is Jose Maria Cordova Airport, located less than a 45-minute drive from Medellin. The fare for official taxis is fixed. Olaya Herrera Airport, 10 minutes by taxi from El Poblado (20 minutes from Laureles), is used for domestic flights.

To get around the city, you can use official taxis, which are inexpensive, or take the metro. The metro system is a source of pride for residents and serves the north-south axis well, with only one line east-west.

Medellin also has a good bus network, but schedules can be challenging to understand for foreigners.

Personally, I like to use ride-hailing apps like Didi, Cabify, or Uber to get around Medellin.

FAQ : best hotels in Medellin

Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions by our readers.

Patio del Mundo and Binn Hotel are considered the best hotels in Poblado. They are pretty expensive, but you receive high-quality amenities and service. Both hotels receive excellent reviews and are highly regarded by many tourists.

The best hotel in Laureles is The Factory Lofts Hotel. It is located close to restaurants, bars, and shopping centers. You enjoy the luxury of a hotel while benefiting from the privacy and convenience of an apartment.

The best new hotel in Medellin is El Cielo Hotel. The decor is beautiful, and the customer service is unmatched. You’ll appreciate having one of Medellin’s best restaurants, El Cielo, at your doorstep. It’s also one of the finest luxury hotels in Medellin.

The best boutique hotel in Medellin is Patio del Mundo. This boutique hotel is a true “oasis in the city”. It is close to everything yet remains very peaceful at night. The food and service are wonderful. A hidden gem to discover.

The best hotel near the main airport in Medellin is the Movich Hotel Las Lomas. A shuttle service is provided for transfers. The food is excellent, and the service is warm. It’s an ideal option if you have an early morning flight.