Medellin is Colombia’s second largest city and a favorite among the digital nomad crowd. Nestled in the Abura Valley, the city enjoys good weather all year round, earning it the nickname: “The City of Eternal Spring.”
I spent about three weeks in Medellin and loved my time there. While the city has a troubled past, today it is a vibrant and innovative metropolis. I would go back in a heartbeat. (Be sure to take a salsa class at least once while you’re here!)
That said, there are still some safety issues here, so choosing the right place to stay is important. To ensure you have a safe and comfortable visit, here is my list of the best hotels in Medellin:
1. Nomada Hotel Origin
This four-star hotel is located in El Poblado, a central location full of restaurants, bars, clubs, cafes and shops. Although there is much to do in the area, take some time to relax in the hotel’s rooftop hot tub, enjoying epic views of the city with a cocktail in hand (a great way to end a busy day of exploring. ). You can also start your day here as free breakfast is also served on the rooftop.
Rooms are comfortable and spacious with a cool design featuring exposed brick walls and beams, hardwood floors and soft lighting. All rooms have desks, flatscreen TVs and minibars. Deluxe rooms have kitchenettes with fridges, microwaves, cooktops and coffee makers. Bathrooms feature tiled walls and floors, large water pressure showers (which I always appreciate), and complimentary toiletries. This is my top recommended hotel in the city as it truly offers the best value for your money. It is also in a great location.
2. Click clack
This five-star design hotel is one of the coolest places to stay in El Poblado. It has a fascinating industrial-meets-nature vibe, with striking architecture and plants everywhere. I love that the included breakfast is served in a spacious atrium with lots of light and greenery. There is also a rooftop pool with its own bar offering excellent cocktails and spa/massage services. For anything you need, you can just WhatsApp the front desk, which I find really convenient (especially if you’re jet lagged or tired from sightseeing).
All rooms include a desk, flatscreen TV, and safe, but I especially like that the complimentary minibar contains healthy snacks from local Colombian producers. The stylish bathrooms have a dark and moody feel (perhaps a little too dark in my opinion), although the walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads are great. If you’re looking for the best hotel in one of Medellin’s best neighborhoods, this is it!
3. Ibis Madeleine
Located in the artsy Ciudad del Rio neighborhood, this three-star hotel is very close to the Medellin Modern Art Museum. It is less than a block from Mercado del Rio, the city’s largest food market. The hotel is bright and airy, offering a breakfast buffet with a ton of fresh local fruit and baked goods. I love that standard check-out isn’t until 12pm so you don’t have to worry about leaving in the morning (perfect if you enjoy the city’s wild nightlife).
I will say that I find the rooms a bit small, but they include the usual mid-level perks, such as desks, flatscreen TVs, and wardrobes with safes. Bathrooms are decently sized, with large sink counters (convenient for spreading out your stuff), and complimentary toiletries. This is a good choice for anyone looking for a pleasant (but no-frills) stay in an interesting part of the city.
4. Sites Hotel
The hotel is conveniently located in Patio Bonito, an area full of hip restaurants and bars popular with Medellin’s expat and digital-nomad communities. The hotel has a rooftop pool and jacuzzi, a reading room in the lobby, a small fitness center and laundry facilities. The breakfast buffet is delicious, with a variety of sweet breads and pastries, fresh juices, yogurts, and made-to-order eggs.
Rooms include spacious deluxe rooms and apartments with kitchenettes with stovetops, refrigerators, dishwashers, microwaves, coffee makers, and minibars. All rooms have a simple yet comfortable feel with nice wooden floors, artwork by local Colombian artists on the walls, desks and flatscreen TVs. Apartments also have their own terrace. Bathrooms are a decent size and have complimentary toiletries as well as rain showerheads with great water pressure. Given its location and kitchen facilities in every room, the sites are perfect for mid-range travelers staying longer in Medellin.
5. Patio del Mundo
If you’re looking for something smaller than one of the many high-rise hotels, Patio del Mundo is a boutique hotel with just 13 rooms. There is always complimentary 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 set right into the deck. I also love that you can start your day here with a complimentary breakfast of fresh fruit, juice, croissants, pancakes and freshly made eggs. Keep an eye out for the hummingbirds around while you eat!
Each room is inspired by a different region of the world (which is a really neat concept). Brazil, Provence, India and Cuba are a few examples of different rooms. Each has its own unique features; Some have private terraces, while others have deep-soaking bathtubs. All rooms have a flatscreen TV and a minibar, and most rooms also have a desk. The bathroom has complimentary toiletries and a large tiled walk-in shower. The hotel focuses on health and wellness, so you can even get a massage or Reiki sessions. Overall, this hotel feels like a small green oasis in the middle of the city.
Medellin has it all: great weather, tons of museums, great walking tours, lush parks, colorful street art, mouth-watering food tours and markets, and amazing nightlife. I loved my time here and would easily come back for a few more weeks. I am sure you will like it too. Just make sure to select your accommodation from the list above. Do that, and you’ll be ready for a safe, comfortable stay!
Book Your Trip to Colombia: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book your flight
to use Skyscanner To find cheap flights. They are my favorite search engine because they find websites and airlines worldwide so you always know no stone is left unturned!
Book your accommodation
You can book your hostel Hostelworld Because they have the largest inventory and the best deals. Use if you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel Booking.com Because they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.
If you’re looking for more places to stay, here are my favorite hostels in Medellin!
Don’t forget travel insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft and cancellation. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I have had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that provide great service and value are:
Looking for the best companies to save money?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the things I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel.
Want more information about Colombia?
Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Colombia for more planning tips!