Joe McConnell
Medellín is the second largest city in Colombia and a favorite among the digital nomad crowd. Located in the Aburrá Valley, the city has fantastic weather year-round, earning it the nickname: “the city of eternal spring.”
I have spent a lot of time in Medellín. Although the city has a troubled past, today it is a vibrant and innovative metropolis. I would go back in a heartbeat. (Make sure to take at least one salsa class while you are here!) The city continues to grow and improve year after year.
That said, there are still some safety concerns here, so choosing the right place, hotel and area is important. To ensure a safe and comfortable visit, here is my list of the best hotels in Medellin:
1. Nomada Hotel Origen
This four-star hotel is located in El Poblado, a central neighborhood filled with restaurants, bars, clubs, cafes, and shops. While there are plenty of things to do in the area, take time to relax in the hotel’s leafy rooftop hot tub, enjoying the epic views of the city with a cocktail in hand (it’s a great way to end a busy day of exploring). You can also start your day here, as the free breakfast is also served on the rooftop.
The rooms are comfortable and spacious, with a fresh design featuring exposed brick walls and beams, wooden floors, and soft lighting. All rooms come with a desk, flat-screen TV, and minibar. Deluxe rooms have a kitchenette with a refrigerator, microwave, stovetop, and coffee maker. Bathrooms feature tiled walls and floors, showers with great water pressure (something I always appreciate), and free toiletries. This is my favorite hotel in the city because it really is the best value for money. It’s also in a great location.
2. The click clack
This five-star design hotel is one of the coolest places to stay in El Poblado. It has a chic vibe that mixes industry with nature, with elegant architecture and plants everywhere. I love that the included breakfast is served in the huge atrium with lots of light and greenery. There is also a rooftop pool with a bar that serves great cocktails and spa/massage services available. For anything you need, you can just send a WhatsApp message to the front desk, which I find really convenient (especially if you are jet lagged or tired from sightseeing).
All rooms have a desk, flat-screen TV, and safe, but I especially like that the free minibar is stocked with healthy snacks from local Colombian producers. The sleek bathrooms have a dark, moody feel (perhaps a little too dark for me), although the walk-in showers with rain showerheads are fantastic. If you’re looking for the hippest hotel in one of Medellin’s best neighborhoods, this is the place!
3. Ibis Medellin
This three-star hotel in the artsy Ciudad del Rio neighborhood is just around the corner from the Medellín Modern Art Museum. It’s also less than a block from Mercado del Río, the city’s largest food market. The hotel is bright and airy and offers a breakfast buffet with lots of fresh local fruit and baked goods. I like that the standard checkout isn’t until 12 p.m., so you don’t have to worry about rushing out in the morning (perfect if you’ve been out enjoying the city’s wild nightlife).
I have to say that I find the rooms a little sparse, but they do include the usual mid-range amenities, such as a desk, flat-screen TV, and a closet with a safe. The bathrooms are a decent size, with a large sink (convenient for laying out your things) and complimentary toiletries. This is a good choice for anyone looking for a pleasant (but no-frills) stay in an interesting part of town.
4. Hotel Sites
This hotel is located in the quiet Patio Bonito, an area full of trendy restaurants and bars that is popular with Medellín’s expat and digital nomad communities. The hotel boasts a rooftop pool and jacuzzi, a reading room in the lobby, a small fitness center, and a laundry room. The breakfast buffet is tasty, with a variety of pastries and cakes, fresh juices, yogurt, and eggs cooked to order.
The rooms consist of spacious deluxe rooms and apartments, all of which have a kitchen with a stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, coffee maker, and minibar. All rooms have a simple yet cozy feel, with nice wooden floors, artwork by local Colombian artists on the walls, a desk, and a flat-screen TV. The apartments also have their own terraces. The bathrooms are decently sized and have free toiletries and rainfall showerheads with great water pressure. Given its location and the kitchen facilities in each room, Sites is perfect for mid-range travelers staying longer in Medellin.
5. Courtyard of the World
If you’re looking for something smaller than one of the many luxury hotels, Patio del Mundo is a boutique hotel with only 13 rooms. There’s always free coffee and fresh juice in the lobby, and the owners and staff are exceptionally friendly and helpful. I love their tropical garden and patio filled with hammocks, loungers, and a hot tub right on the deck. I also love that you can start your day with a free breakfast buffet here, which includes fresh fruit, juices, croissants, pancakes, and freshly made eggs. Keep an eye out for the hummingbirds buzzing around while you eat!
Each room is themed after a different region of the world (a really cool concept). Brazil, Provence, India, and Cuba are just a few examples of the different rooms. Each has its own unique features; some have private terraces, while others have deep soaking tubs. All rooms have flat-screen TVs and minibars, and most rooms also have a desk. Bathrooms come with free toiletries and large tiled walk-in showers. The hotel focuses on health and wellness, so you can also get massages or reiki sessions. Overall, this hotel feels like a little green oasis in the heart of the city.
Medellín has it all: great weather, museums galore, fantastic walking tours, lush parks, colorful street art, mouth-watering food tours and markets, and incredible nightlife. I loved my stay here and would happily return for more weeks. I’m sure you will too. Just make sure to choose your accommodation from the list above. Do so and you’ll be set for a safe and comfortable stay!
Book Your Trip to Colombia: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book your flight
Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines all over the world, so you always know that no stone has been left unturned!
Book your accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld, which has the largest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com, which consistently offers the cheapest rates for guesthouses and budget hotels.
If you’re looking for more places to stay, here are my favorite hostels in Medellín!
Don’t forget travel insurance
Travel insurance will protect you from illness, injury, theft and cancellations. It is complete protection in case something goes wrong. I never travel without it because I have had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resources page for the best companies to use when traveling. I list all the ones I use to save money when traveling. They will save you money when traveling too.
Want more information about Colombia?
Don’t forget to visit our complete Colombia travel guide for more planning tips!
