Medellin was once considered one of the world’s most dangerous cities, but it’s rebuilding its brand as a leading destination for tourists, expats, and digital nomads. Where’s the best place to stay in Medellin? In this guide, I’m sharing exactly where to stay in Medellin. From luxury Medellin Colombia hotels to budget-friendly hostels, there’s something for every traveler.
Did You Get Travel Insurance Yet?
The Insurance companies I recommend are Hey Mondo and Safety Wing
Hey Mondo is great if you are looking for a great value flexible policy. They offer single-trip cover, annual multi-trip cover, and long-term travel cover. Safety Wing is great value, with monthly coverage starting at $45.08. It’s super easy to use, and it just renews each month. I currently use them as they offer me free cover for my son as part of my policy.
Read my full travel insurance post here, where I go into detail about all companies.
Best Area to Stay in Medellin
Are you wondering where to stay in Medellin? There are many safe and fun neighborhoods, but visitors primarily stay in El Poblado and Laureles. These areas offer accommodations, bars, restaurants, and must-see tourist attractions.
Quick Tip: Book accommodation, tours, and transport ahead of time online to save money and stress.
Best Medellin Tours: Click here to check out the top Medellin tours
Best Medellin Accommodation: Click here to check out the best accommodation in Medellin
Best Medellin Transport: Click here to book a bus, ferry, or train in Medellin
El Poblado
El Poblado is one of the best places to stay in Medellin if you’re a first-time visitor. The area has a metro station—while the neighborhood is hilly, it’s also walkable. Taxis and Ubers are safe if you don’t want to tackle the steep incline.
Most people choose El Poblado for its excellent food and nightlife scene. Parque Lleras is one of the city’s best spots for drinking and dancing, and there are countless venues blaring salsa, reggaeton, and EDM music. There are also many stylish bars, restaurants, and rooftop terraces where you can enjoy global cuisine and delicious cocktails.
Most El Poblado Medellin hotels are close to the upscale Provenza neighborhood, but the entire barrio is safe for tourists. Be aware that the area gets very busy at night (especially on weekends), so watch your belongings and drinks when out in town.
Laureles
Laureles has a relaxed, more family-friendly vibe than El Poblado. Situated on the Estadio metro stop, Laureles offers easy access to the rest of the city. The area is completely flat, ideal for walking and cycling. This area is popular with expats and long-term visitors because of its laid-back atmosphere, safety, and accessibility.
Laureles has two main parks with cafes, bars, and restaurants—new and exciting venues are constantly popping up. Eateries range from budget restaurants with cheap daily menus, cafes, and bakeries to high-end restaurants serving upscale cuisine.
The best place to party in Laureles is on La 70. This street comes alive after dark, with many brightly-colored fondas and music bars. I love the local and authentic feeling of Laureles—La 70 shows you how the Paisas really party.
Laureles has supermarkets, convenience stores, and ATMs, including accommodations for every budget.
Best Hostels in Medellin
Hostels are ideal for solo travelers who want to save money while making new friends. Some hostels are exclusively for partying, but others offer a relaxed atmosphere. Here are the best hostels in Medellin for budget-minded backpackers.
Selina
Selina is one of the biggest and best hostels in El Poblado, with the perfect work-hard/play-hard combination. The ultra-cool coworking space is available for $10 daily and offers all the free coffee you need to be productive. The downstairs bar is a party hotspot in El Poblado, and DJs often play live music late into the night.
The hostel offers everything from luxury private rooms to clean and functional 20-bed dorms. The hostel hosts many events, so meeting people and making friends is easy. There’s also a spacious kitchen and a cozy movie room on-site. The location in central Provenza is perfect, and several grocery stores are within walking distance.
Los Patios Hostel Boutique
For more luxury on a hostel budget, check out Los Patios. This boutique hostel offers en-suite private rooms and luxurious dorms. Each floor is beautifully themed around Colombia’s different regions.
The rooftop bar offers spectacular views of El Poblado and has a welcoming, friendly atmosphere. Even the kitchen is boutique, and foodies will love the organic herb garden that guests are welcome to use. Los Patios is five minutes from Parque Llleras, making it the perfect home base for partying in Medellin.
Purple Monkey Hostel
The Purple Monkey Hostel is situated in the trendy Mania area of El Poblado. This party hostel is aimed at a younger crowd and doesn’t offer many amenities. However, it’s the best place to stay in Medellin for a wild weekend.
The dorm rooms are clean and functional, and there’s a terrace and a game room to meet new drinking buddies from all over the world. A breakfast buffet is included in the price, and many affordable restaurants are nearby if you’re on a tight budget.
Hostal Medellin
Hostal Medellin is a comfortable and welcoming place to lay your head after a long day of touring. The hostel is centrally located just 100 meters from Estadio metro station.
This is not a party hostel—it’s a haven of tranquility. Swinging in the garden hammocks is dreamy, and you can borrow a book from the on-site library or cook dinner on the BBQ. There’s also a bar to enjoy a cocktail in the sunshine, and La 70 is nearby if you want to test your salsa skills.
Private rooms and dorms are available—some have desks if you need to finish work while you’re away.
Backpackers Inn Medellín
Backpackers Inn is one of the best options in Laureles for socialization. The friendly staff makes this hostel feel homely—from my experience, it’s tough to leave.
This inn has a party vibe, and the courtyard and game room are the perfect setting to meet your dorm-mates, play darts, and enjoy a drink before visiting La 70.
The inn’s communal kitchen is well-stocked and clean, and the private and shared rooms are comfortable and excellent value. Each room has a patio, too, which is a nice touch.
Best Hotels Medellin Colombia: Budget
If hostels aren’t your thing but you want to keep things cheap, there are countless budget hotels in Medellin Colombia. While some are no-frills and give you precisely what you pay for, others are surprisingly nice.
Here are the best hotels in Medellin Colombia if you’re on a budget.
El Jardín de la 10
El Jardín is the perfect tranquil hideaway amidst hectic Medellin. The beautiful garden and lounge transport you a million miles from El Poblado when, in reality, you’re just a six-minute walk to Parque Lleras.
There is a mixture of shared and private accommodations—all are spacious, light, and airy. Friendly staff are available 24 hours a day if you need tips on what to do in Medellin. An American breakfast is served every morning, and there’s a laundry service on request.
Akapacha
Akapacha is a warm and welcoming budget accommodation that feels more like a house, thanks to the owner’s friendliness. Natalia is so welcoming that she invites guests to share a meal with her on the weekends. This is a fantastic option for solo travelers and families who want to connect with others.
Rooms range from singles and doubles to larger dorms, and they are all peaceful and quiet. The kitchen is very well-stocked, and there’s a lounge to relax and watch Netflix. The location is five minutes from Floresta metro station, and the neighborhood is safe and beautiful, perfect for a relaxing stroll.
Best Medellin Colombia Hotels: Boutique
Tourists eager to enjoy a touch of luxury without breaking the bank will enjoy the wide selection of boutique Medellin hotels.
La Campana Hotel Boutique
La Campana is the place to beat for easy access to El Poblado and a more peaceful area. Its residential area offers tranquility for a good night’s sleep but is a short walk to the metro, restaurants, and bars.
The rooms here are beautifully decorated with Colombian artwork, and each has a private bathroom with marble features and a hairdryer. There’s also cable TV and a workspace in each room.
La Campana’s on-site restaurant serves traditional food from the Aburrà Valley, and room service is available for a quiet night in.
Kolor Hotel Boutique
Kolor is one of the best El Poblado Medellin hotels, and it’s reasonably priced. Rooms are modern and stylish, equipped with air conditioning, plasma TVs, and desks. Some rooms feature spa tubs for an extra touch of luxury, and the garden is perfect for relaxing in the sunshine.
Breakfast is included in the price, and room service and free parking are also available. The staff are friendly and helpful, and the location perfectly balances relaxation with convenient access to the city action.
Best Hotels in Medellin: Luxury
Medellin has many luxury options, and new hotels and apartments open weekly.
Hotel Poblado Plaza
Hotel Poblado Plaza is one of the best places to stay in Medellin for world-class sophistication and luxury.
The rooms are neutral and timelessly decorated with elegant furnishings. They’re all equipped with air conditioning and cable TV. The property has a state-of-the-art gym and Turkish bath to help you burn off all the tasty Colombian food you’ll be sampling. There’s a daily breakfast buffet, and the restaurant and cafe serve classic regional food and cocktails.
The location is central enough to enjoy everything El Poblado offers without being too noisy. The multilingual staff is happy to help you plan trips or book dinner reservations.
Quick Tip: View my full Colombia packing guide here including a downloadable checklist. And check out my Colombia Essentials shopping list here.
Luxury Loft Picasso
If you prefer an apartment, Luxury Loft Picasso is a fantastic option. Located eight minutes from Parque Lleras, the apartment includes a bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom. There’s also a desk for working and a flatscreen TV for relaxing in this perfect holiday hideaway.
The apartment owners put their guests first and offer outstanding hospitality. They can arrange private transportation to and from the airport and will happily help you book tours of the city’s most famous sites. They can also coordinate romantic massages and dinners in the apartment, making it ideal for couples.
Obo Hotel
Obo Hotel is my favorite luxury hotel near La 70 in Laureles. It offers excellent value for your money, and the staff is superb.
Each room has a big, comfortable bed, a private bathroom, a hairdryer, and essential toiletries. There’s also a flatscreen TV for quiet nights in with Netflix if you’re tired after a long day of sightseeing.
The hotel has an on-site restaurant serving tasty food and a fabulous hot tub and sauna.
Medellin Marriott Hotel
Marriott hotels have a good reputation worldwide, but I especially love this one in El Poblado. It’s relatively new, and the location is quiet, making it better for people who want to relax while staying close to the restaurants and nightlife.
The rooms are ultra-modern and luxurious, and the decor is beautiful. Elegant touches are incorporated throughout the hotel, and the outdoor swimming pool is a fabulous amenity. There’s also an on-site gym to stay fit while traveling.
Medellin Marriott’s restaurant serves delicious, globally-inspired bar food. It’s an excellent place to hang out and enjoy a drink after a long day in the city. Or, you can be lazy like I tend to be and order room service!
Where to Stay in Medellin Colombia: Final Thoughts
If you’re wondering where to stay in Medellin Colombia, I suggest the El Poblado and Laureles areas. Medellin is a fabulous destination—the year-round sunny climate makes it the perfect place to escape harsh winters. Medellin’s proximity to nature is a fantastic perk, as the beach is only an hour’s flight away. Despite its formerly dangerous reputation, the city is now relatively safe, and the Paisa locals couldn’t be more friendly or welcoming to tourists.
I hope this roundup of Medellin hotels helps you find the best area to stay in Medellin. Wherever you choose, I guarantee you won’t want to leave!
Author Bio: Sophie is a freelance writer from the north of England. She has traveled and worked in Latin America since August 2017 and lives in Medellin, Colombia. When she’s not working, you’ll find her writing for her blog, Table for One, where she talks about what it’s like to travel the world as a solo woman.
This post was proofread by Grammarly.
