Medellín stays for every neighborhood
Medellín, once famous for its notoriously violent history, has transformed into one of South America’s most exciting urban
destinations. This city is nestled in the Aburrá Valley and surrounded by lush mountains. A river runs through El Poblado when it rains, and the city pulses with innovation, creativity, and warmth year-round. Beyond this striking mountain backdrop and creative neighborhoods, Medellín offers huge draws for travelers: cultural authenticity, a warm and open attitude, thriving nightlife, endless ways to be entertained, an amazing culinary scene, and super luxe hotels.
Once infamous, the city has transformed into one of South America’s most progressive and welcoming destinations—something I talk about in detail in my How Safe is Colombia guide. And if you’re coming here hungry, you’re in the right spot. From inventive tasting menus to humble street arepas, the city’s dining scene is among the best in Latin America.
When I first moved to Medelín, Airbnbs were having a moment, and I actually ran them for a living at the time. But now when I come back I prefer to stay in hotels. The best hotels in Medellín come in all shapes and sizes, with Silicon Valley-type hostels on the affordable end for $30 per night and the El Cielo hotel on the luxury end at $375. Compared to United States prices, as you can see – Medellín hotels are quite affordable, and you can be sure that each was created with a design-forward, and likely biophilic aesthetic to match the beauty of this city.
Medellín is a city of distinct pockets, each with a personality of its own.
So what are the best hotels in Medellín in 2025 - by neighborhood?
If you’re landing late at José María Córdova International Airport—or catching an early flight the next morning—it can make sense to stay in the airport area, Rionegro. The town itself is charming in its own right, with a preserved historic center (a national heritage site), scenic parks, and several cultural museums such as the Museo de Artes de Rionegro, Museo de Arte Religioso in the cathedral, and the Museo de la Convención.
More interesting than covenience thought, is the niche subculture that thrives just beneath the surface. Tiny, house-party–style gatherings—some centered around intimate rave-like vibes or even ayahuasca ceremonies—can be found at boutique hotels or private lodges, especially in more secluded areas near the airport. These aren’t full-blown festivals, but more like small groups of spiritually or musically inclined travelers doing shared experiences under the radar. The setting—quiet, private, and slightly charged—is ideal for something meditative yet social. Though not well-documented online, local whispers and traveler anecdotes suggest this unique blend of introspection and dance exists for those in the know.
One of those places is Teva Retreat.
Teva Retreat
This glamping retreat is tucked into the green hills above Rionegro. It feels worlds away from the bustle. That is, until you hear a truck drive by. When we were sitting out on our suspended deck spa I actually got so confused when I heard a truck because I really thought we were like, miles away from any roads.
The property mixes stylish-but-tiny lodge rooms with upscale glamping tents, all designed for slowing down—think plush bedding, mountain views, and curtains in place of walls. Guests can unwind with a spa treatment, soak up the scenery from the garden, or linger over a fruit-forward meal at the on-site restaurant, Sobrenatural.
Evenings often end around the fireplace or with a cocktail in hand, making it an easy place to connect with fellow travelers. TEVA has a serene, wellness-focused vibe, but its seclusion also makes it a discreet backdrop for the area’s more offbeat gatherings. Beyond these wellness offerings, TEVA is known among insiders for its intimate, invite-only gatherings. These range from deep-house DJ sets under the stars to small ceremonial experiences that blend music, movement, and mindfulness—sometimes with ayahuasca, microdosing, or macrodosing involved. The energy is low-key but magnetic, attracting a creative, eclectic crowd who come to connect as much as to dance.
💵 Price: $75-$120 USD
☕️ Amenities: Spa, garden, suspended deck spa, restaurant, fireplace lounge
💅 Vibe: Nature-focused boutique escape with wellness amenities
⭐ Booking.com Rating: 8.9 / 10
📍 Location
El Poblado
El Poblado is the heart of the city’s hotel and nightlife scene. It’s the first place foreigners go when they arrive, and sometimes they never leave. I didn’t for about 3 years.
This neighborhood is very cute – lined with trendy cafés, top restaurants, and stylish boutiques. Over the past few years, however, it has gotten a bit inundated with tourists, digital nomads, and passport bros, who bring with them unsavory externalities such as prostitution and crime. That being said, it’s a good place to start. People who stay for a while usually start here, take some salsa and Spanish classes, meet some people, and then move on to Laurales.
Here are the best hotels in El Poblado:
The Charlee Hotel
The Charlee Hotel is a top pick for visitors who want their hotel stay to double as a social event. This boutique property offers 42 designer rooms across five signature styles (King, Double, Spice, Acqua, Envy), each outfitted with natural light, minimalist luxury, and striking panoramic views. The showstopper? Envy Rooftop, a sleek, multi-zone terrace with an aquarium-style plunge pool, live DJs spinning on weekends, and last-Sunday brunch that is the main event in the city. I miss Sunday brunch at Envy…
Downstairs, Real Eatery serves up light brunches, inventive cocktails, and fresh, region-inspired dishes from breakfast through dinner. There’s also a pretty ritzy gym with panoramic fitness areas, sauna, jacuzzi, and a physical therapy desk. I was a member there for a few years and it was shockingly only about $30 per month. It’s designed really well, and has this really beautiful art of naked people all over the entire place.
With its proximity to Zona Rosa (the main area inside the main area inside the main area) – shopping, cafés, and nightlife, The Charlee is ideal for design-loving travelers who want to stay where the party stays fresh—even inside the hotel.
💵 Price: $250-$1,000 per night
☕️ Amenities: Rooftop pool, DJ events, gym, sauna, jacuzzi, on-site dining
💅 Vibe: Bold, social, design-forward
⭐ Booking.com Rating: ~8.8 / 9.0
📍 Location
The Medellín Marriott blends polished comfort with functional elegance. Set along El Poblado’s “Golden Mile,” this 5-star property offers 163 spacious, well-appointed rooms featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, laptop safes, premium bedding, and work desks, ideal for both business and leisure travelers.
Facilities are rich: a full-service spa, outdoor pool, sauna, fitness center, hot tub, two restaurants (Nau sushi lounge and The Market buffet), and free parking. The Market serves an extensive breakfast buffet with Colombian fruits, pastries, and a live omelet station—especially popular among repeat guests for its quality and variety. The property also houses a 24-hour business center and up to five meeting rooms for corporate use.
The staff is helpful and speaks English, and it’s super close to Oviedo and Santafé malls, as well as nightlife zones like Parque Lleras. The Marriott also offers executive lounge access and thoughtful perks for Marriott Bonvoy members.
This is the stay for those who want dependable upscale service, amenities for both work and de-stress, and metro-accessible placement in the heart of El Poblado’s action.
💵 Price: $200–$395 per night (💳 Or with ~40,000–60,000 Marriott Bonvoy)
☕️ Amenities: Outdoor pool, spa, sauna, fitness center, restaurants, executive lounge
💅 Vibe: Polished, functional, upscale but corporate
⭐ Booking.com Rating: ~7.8 / 10
📍 Location
Hotel Park 10 blends timeless elegance with thoughtful functionality. With rich wood-paneled interiors and a peaceful hidden garden courtyard, it offers a serene retreat just a few blocks from the pulse of Zona Rosa. The spa includes a sauna, hot tub, steam room, and a fitness center, while the on-site restaurant serves an elevated menu with vegetarian and vegan options. Expect business-friendly touches like coworking spaces, a business center, and multiple meeting rooms—all within a 5-star boutique experience.
💵 Price: $180–$300 per night
☕️ Amenities: Spa, sauna, hot tub, steam room, fitness center, restaurant
💅 Vibe: Elegant, refined, and tranquil
⭐ Booking.com Rating: 8.8 / 10
📍 Location
23 Hotel is a bold and art-driven boutique stay. Its standout living wall, custom furniture, and room-by-room artwork create a fresh, visual-first experience. The rooftop bar with a small pool and city vignettes amplifies the creative energy.
💵 Price: $150–$300 per night
☕️ Amenities: Rooftop pool, rooftop bar, art-filled interiors
💅 Vibe: Artistic, stylish, boutique
⭐ Booking.com Rating: 8.4 / 10
📍 Location
Click Clack is kind of the belle of the ball, and has been for the entire post-COVID era. All the cool kids stay here for the over-the-top design and the jungle chic energy. You’ll find sun-kissed hotties at the rooftop pool area and soon-to-be Medellín expat members clocking in on their laptops downstairs. There are multiple restaurants, from a hipster-looking coffee counter to a more formal restaurant, and the bar lounge area next to the pool has a DJ in the evenings.
Rooms range from XS to XL (literally labeled that way) and the vibe is playful and modern. Click Clack is perfect for social travelers craving bold design and elevated comfort, but with the option of nightlife culture.
💵 Price: $200-$300 per night
☕️ Amenities: Rooftop pool, multiple restaurants, bar lounge with DJ, coworking spaces
💅 Vibe: Design-forward, biophilic, modern
⭐ Booking.com Rating: ~9.0+ based on reviews
Created by celebrated chef Juan Manuel Barrientos, Elcielo is going for straight-up luxury and hits the mark every time. It has it all: culinary artistry, biophilic design, white glove service. El Cielo doesn’t skimp when it comes to custom scents, curated playlists, or personalized either.
El Cielo is less hotel, more sensory immersion. The on-site restaurant is one of the top restaurants in the city. It’s a 21-course tasting menu – a Michelin-level experience, a little over the top at times – and a great place to watch Colombian men impress women.
💵 Price: $300–$450 per night
☕️ Amenities: Fine dining restaurant, custom scents, curated playlists, luxury rooms
💅 Vibe: Refined, sensory, culinary
⭐ Booking.com Rating: ~8.9 / 10
📍 Location
This is where I stay most often when I come to Medellín. It’s a lively hostel-hotel hybrid, beloved by digital nomads and millennials. It has an energetic vibe without being chaotic or rowdy. It’s quiet after 11:00, and everyone there is respectful and seems to be a functioning part of society, rather than a 20-something monster, homed in hedonistic endeavors (no offense if this is you, this was me most of my life too).
There’s an indoor-outdoor bar lounge area in the courtyard where you’ll find people working and socializing. There’ a coworking office space, a yoga studio with classes, and an always-animated lobby. The rooms are both private and shared, for optional flexibility in pricing. True to the brand, the dynamic and community-first Socialte blends travel, work, and social energy.
💵 Price: $30–$100 per night
☕️ Amenities: Courtyard lounge, coworking space, yoga studio, shared & private rooms
💅 Vibe: Shared, energetic, nomad-friendly
⭐ Booking.com Rating: ~7.0 / 10
📍 Location
Sites Hotel
Sites is the practical choice for extended stays or travelers seeking independence. Each room includes kitchenettes, separate living space, and balconies, with a bonus rooftop gym and pool, and easy access to Provenza and nightlife streets—from a quieter corner. Admittedly, it’s a little less luxe than the other options, with some of that indoor pool action that Colombia loves to do, that I feel like is super gross. If you do on Booking you’ll see a lot of AI-generated images, which is weird.. That being said, Sites is reliable and perfect for working stays or families.
💵 Price: $150–$350 per night
☕️ Amenities: Kitchenettes, rooftop pool, rooftop gym, balconies
💅 Vibe: Practical, modern, self-sufficient
⭐ Booking.com Rating: 8.8 / 10
📍 Location
This sleek, business-grade hotel offers minimalist-designed rooms with bright décor, work desks, coffee stations, and mountain views. Amenities include a spa, outdoor pool, gym, business center, and the Cygnus Latin-modern restaurant with a sky-high bar, all within walking distance of Oviedo and Santa Fe malls.
💵 Price: $70–$250 per night (💳 Or with ~25,000–35,000 NH Rewards/partner points)
💅 Vibe: Sleek, business-ready, serene
⭐ Booking.com Rating: ~8.8
📍 Location
Modern, efficient, and pet-friendly, Estelar Blue offers soundproofed rooms with free Wi‑Fi, a fitness center, and an on-site Italian-style restaurant. Guests love the helpful staff, including a breakfast buffet, and quiet but central location near malls and nightlife.
💵 Price: $120–$180 per night
☕️ Amenities: Fitness center, Italian restaurant, pet-friendly, soundproof rooms
💅 Vibe: Modern, practical, friendly
⭐ Booking.com Rating: ~8.9
📍 Location
A sleek, adults-only boutique perched just minutes from Lleras and El Poblado Park, El Zarzo delivers design-forward comfort with a standout rooftop bar, serene terrace seating, and a highly rated breakfast. The rooms include coffee makers, minibars, and smart modern touches. Reviewers praise the quiet elegance, attentive team, and excellent location.
💵 Price: ~$200–$350 per night
☕️ Amenities: Rooftop bar, terrace, breakfast, minibars, coffee makers
💅 Vibe: Minimal, stylish, intimate
⭐ Booking.com Rating: ~9.1 / 10
Ultra-modern and ultra-chic, Marquee sits in the heart of Parque Lleras and charms with a rooftop pool and jacuzzi, jazz-bar speakeasy, fine Italian dining, and a vibe that pulses day and night. Guests love the sharp design, friendly staff, and standout breakfast.
💵 Price: ~$150–$300 per night
☕️ Amenities: Rooftop pool, jacuzzi, jazz-bar speakeasy, Italian restaurant
💅 Vibe: Luxe, social, glamorous
⭐ Booking.com Rating: ~8.7 / 10
Each floor is themed after a region of Colombia, mixing local craftsmanship with ultramodern design. Rooms offer mountain views, and guests enjoy amenities like a sauna, Turkish bath, spa, fitness center, and a superbly central location near Metro Poblado.
💵 Price: $100–$180 per night
☕️ Amenities: Sauna, Turkish bath, spa, fitness center, themed rooms
💅 Vibe: Cultural, midrange, scenic
⭐ Booking.com Rating: ~8.9
📍 Location
An intimate garden‑set boutique with only 13 rooms, lush courtyard spaces, marble bathrooms, and uniquely caring staff. Guests rave about the breakfast terrace, tranquil ambience, and the hotel’s personal touch.
💵 Price: $80–$145 per night
☕️ Amenities: Garden courtyard, breakfast terrace, marble bathrooms
💅 Vibe: Cozy, boutique, peaceful
⭐ Booking.com Rating: ~9.0
📍 Location
Las Palmas
Las Palmas is like a long, cliffside road that overlooks El Poblado. It’s 10 minutes up the hill but feels like you’re ages away. Anywhere you are in Las Palmas you have sweeping views over Medellín, cooler breezes, and a quieter, more residential feel compared to the buzz of the city below. It’s like that place that people move to after they get a lay of the land and wake up one day realizing that there’s more out there than El Poblado. And also they have money, because it’s kind of expensive.
The winding road into Las Palmas is dotted with upscale homes, boutique hotels, and event spaces, and it offers quick access to the airport via the tunnel. This area feels greener and more spacious, making it ideal for travelers who value tranquility and don’t mind a short drive to the action.
EcoHub Hotel Medellín
EcoHub Hotel marries modern comfort with eco-conscious principles. This boutique stay minimizes plastic use, partners with local suppliers, and has an active recycling program. Interiors are bright and airy, with greenery woven throughout the common spaces. Rooms feature minimalist design with natural textures, large windows, and thoughtful amenities like refillable water stations instead of plastic bottles.
Guests love the calm atmosphere and the sense that they’re supporting a hotel genuinely committed to sustainability, not just green marketing. On-site, you’ll find a small café serving locally sourced coffee and light bites. It’s an excellent choice for travelers who want a relaxing, environmentally responsible base that’s still just a 10–15 minute ride from El Poblado’s restaurants and nightlife.
💵 Price: $90–$150 per night
☕️ Amenities: Eco-friendly design, café, greenery-filled interiors
💅 Vibe: Modern, sustainable, tranquil
⭐ Booking.com Rating: ~9.2 / 10
📍 Location
A classic Medellín favorite, the InterContinental lives up to the legacy with resort-like amenities in the city. Famous for being one of the spots where Pablo and his henchmen held meetings during the darkest of times, it’s now popular with corporate types and businessmen. When my friend who works at the World Bank came into town, this is where everyone was staying.
It’s not flashy, and the rooms could use modern updates. But it’s undeniably comfortable, and overall a pretty great hotel with some great amenities, like a large outdoor pool, tennis courts, lush terraces, and spacious guest rooms in a setting that feels both grand and relaxed.
💵 Price: $220–$300 per night (💳 Or with ~35,000–50,000 IHG One Rewards)
☕️ Amenities: Outdoor pool, tennis courts, terraces, spacious rooms
💅 Vibe: Classic luxury, peaceful, spacious
⭐ Booking.com Rating: ~7.5 / 10
📍 Location
Manila
Manila is a small but trendy pocket, literally right next to El Poblado – just across the 10 (the main road that runs up and down El Poblado). It’s kind of a hack for people who want access to El Poblado in a calmer setting, where you won’t be kept up by a subwoofer at 3:00 AM. It’s a little more hippy than El Poblado, and some of Medellín’s best cafés, cocktail bars, and creative restaurants are here. It’s totally walkable, with more of a neighborhood feel.
Manila Hotel Boutique
Manila Hotel Boutique delivers stylish simplicity just a short walk from Lleras Park and El Poblado. The air-conditioned rooms balance modern amenities with a calm, residential feel. Guests appreciate the terrace, bar, and on-site restaurant serving Mexican-inspired plates and cocktails in a relaxed setting.
It’s ideal for visitors who want quiet charm within arm’s reach of nightlife and dining—think peaceful mornings followed by effortless evenings in Provenza or Parque Lleras.
💵 Price: $75–$120 per night (approx.)
☕️ Amenities: Terrace, bar, on-site restaurant
💅 Vibe: Quiet, boutique, convenient
⭐ Booking.com Rating: Very Good (~8.5)
📍 Location
Luum Casa Hotel offers family-friendly rooms with smart interiors and homey touches. Guests can choose rooms with private bathrooms, a balcony, and a work desk. The property also features shared spaces like a kitchen and lounge, a garden patio, and a welcoming, family-run feel.
It’s a hybrid between a guesthouse and cozy inn—perfect for travelers seeking charm and functionality while staying within a calm, walkable block from El Poblado’s action.
💵 Price: $50–$95 per night (approx.)
☕️ Amenities: Shared kitchen, lounge, garden patio, family-friendly rooms
💅 Vibe: Homely, modest, thoughtful
⭐ Booking.com Rating: Good (~7.9)
📍 Location
El Patio
El Patio is a lesser-known neighborhood that’s starting to gain attention for its artsy vibe and authentic charm. It blends residential calm with pockets of creativity — think local art studios, indie shops, and hole-in-the-wall eateries. You won’t find the same volume of tourists here, which keeps the atmosphere laid-back and prices reasonable. It’s the kind of place where you can linger in a café all afternoon, chat with locals, and get a real sense of Medellín’s creative undercurrent.
Patio del Mundo
Patio del World is a gem of a boutique tucked away in the artistically inclined neighborhood. It has 13 rooms across two connected properties, and blends handmade local art, soundproof comfort, and serene patio gardens that feel worlds away from the ruckus of El Poblado. The showers have foliage inside of them and some deluxe rooms offer luxe touches like private terraces or hot tubs, making it a standout in style and personalization.
This stay is for travelers who appreciate understated charm and artistic details, and who aren’t in a hurry to join the hoards across the 10. Here you’ll wake up to a garden massage and sip coffee on a shaded terrace before you stroll to Provenza’s lively café strip — it’s the perfect balance of calm and convenience.
💵 Price: $100–$230 per night
☕️ Amenities: Patio gardens, soundproof rooms, private terraces/hot tubs in select rooms
💅 Vibe: Artistic, tranquil, boutique
⭐ Booking.com Rating: ~9.0 / 10
📍 Location
With stylish décor, a buzzing social atmosphere, and a rooftop view that could make you forget to go sightseeing, Los Patios Hostel Boutique is Medellín’s (second) most famous hostel for a reason. Each floor is themed after a different region of Colombia, so your stay feels like a mini cross-country trip.
It’s popular with digital nomads and solo travelers, offering coworking areas, Spanish classes, and a calendar full of activities. Even if you’re not in party mode, the setup makes it easy to meet people and plan adventures.
💵 Price: Dorms from $20 USD, privates from $70 USD
☕️ Amenities: Rooftop pool, coworking areas, Spanish classes, themed floors
🌟 Vibe:
⭐ Booking.com Rating: 9 /10
📍 Location
El Centro
El Centro is Medellín’s historic downtown and the heartbeat of daily local life for everyday Colombians. It’s bustling, chaotic, and packed with history, offering easy access to museums, plazas, churches, and street markets. Street art and murals add color to its already lively atmosphere.
While I always recommend visiting El Centro during the day, I’ve never recommended staying here. It’s not the safest area to wander at night. That being said, a growing number of boutique hotels and hostels have opened here, and travelers who want an immersive, urban experience are hunkering down. If you’re used to chaotic urban areas, El Centro could be a really cool option to get to know Colombian culture without the distractions of all the English-speaking tourists and opportunists.
Hotel Nutibara
A Medellín landmark, Hotel Nutibara sits right in the heart of El Centro, steps away from Plaza Botero and the Museo de Antioquia. Open since 1945, it has hosted dignitaries, celebrities, and visiting artists. Rooms are simple but spacious, with high ceilings, large windows, and balconies overlooking the historic district. The grand lobby still carries that mid-century charm, with marble floors and vintage wood accents.
People choose Nutibara for its unbeatable location — you can walk to many of El Centro’s museums, plazas, and street art alleys. While the surrounding area is bustling and gritty (as in – people will steal your shit if you look away for 1 second), this hotel remains a piece of Medellín’s history, offering a front-row seat to the city’s cultural pulse.
The hotel is a living time capsule. At each corner there’s an artifact – like the restored red “tranvía” that sits in the lobby café. Once a symbol of the city’s early public transportation system, the tram now serves as a seating area where you can sip coffee or a cold beer while imagining Medellín in the 1940s. Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, it’s worth popping in for a quick photo and a taste of retro charm in the heart of downtown.
💵 Price: $50 per night
☕️ Amenities: Historic lobby, café inside restored tram, balconies
💅 Vibe: Historic, central, no-frills
⭐ Booking.com Rating: ~7.6 / 10
📍 Location
61Prado is a boutique-style guesthouse located in the quiet Prado district of El Centro. Set in a restored Art Deco home, it features stylish common areas, a rooftop terrace with city views, and an in-house restaurant serving hearty breakfasts and Colombian specialties. Rooms range from budget-friendly singles to larger suites, all with a minimalist, modern touch.
Travelers love 61Prado for its mix of central convenience and peaceful atmosphere — a rare balance in El Centro. The rooftop is especially popular at sunset, and the staff is known for going out of their way to help guests navigate the city.
💵 Price: $30–$45 per night
☕️ Amenities: Rooftop terrace, on-site restaurant, stylish common areas
💅 Vibe: Chic, quiet, affordable
⭐ Booking.com Rating: ~9.0 / 10
📍 Location
Envigado & Sabaneta
Envigado and Sabaneta, just south of Medellín, feel like their own small towns while still being connected to the metro. These districts offer a slower, more relaxed pace, with tree-lined streets, bustling plazas, and excellent traditional food. Sabaneta, in particular, is known for its vibrant central square, especially during festivals. Both areas are popular with expats and locals who want a more authentic environment while still having easy access to the city’s action.
Arame Hotel
Arame Hotel has spacious, apartment-style suites with kitchenettes, living areas, and balconies. Interiors are modern and functional, with clean lines and plenty of natural light. There’s a small gym, a terrace with panoramic views, and an included breakfast buffet featuring fresh Colombian fruit and local pastries.
It’s a great option for travelers who want a home-like setup in a quieter, more residential area, while still being close to the metro and Envigado’s dining scene. It’s clean, modern, albeit cold and barren. But it’s great value for the money.
💵 Price: $100–$160 per night
☕️ Amenities: Kitchenettes, balconies, gym, panoramic terrace
💅 Vibe: Modern, spacious, residential
⭐ Booking.com Rating: ~9.1 / 10
📍 Location
Hotel Portón Sabaneta is one of the top-rated stays in Sabaneta, known for its warm service and comfortable rooms. The hotel features a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, an on-site restaurant, and complimentary breakfast. Rooms are tastefully decorated, with wood accents and modern bathrooms.
The location is a short walk to Sabaneta’s main square, where you’ll see vibrant local atmosphere, street food, and festivals. It’s a more authentic, small-town feel while still being within metro reach of Medellín.
💵 Price: $50–$70 per night
☕️ Amenities: Rooftop terrace, restaurant, complimentary breakfast
💅 Vibe: Friendly, local, comfortable
⭐ Booking.com Rating: ~9.2 / 10
📍 Location
Guatapé
Not exactly a neighborhood in Medellín, but about an hour from Medellín (if you’re a fast driver), Guatapé is one of Colombia’s most colorful and photogenic towns, famous for its zocalos – the hand-painted bas-relief panels decorating the lower walls of nearly every building. Set on the edge of a sprawling man-made lake, it’s a magnet for day-trippers and weekenders alike. The climax is El Peñol, a 740-step granite monolith with panoramic views that sweep across the reservoir and rolling green hills.
Beyond its picture-perfect streets, Guatapé offers water sports, boat tours, and a food scene, kind of. While many visit for the day, spending a night lets you enjoy the peaceful evening atmosphere after the tour buses leave—and BOSKO is the spot to do this.
BOSKO
BOSKO is tucked away from the colorful grid of Guatapé, occupying a serene boutique property with framed bay windows, stylish communal decks, elevated to peak out of the forest, and leafy courtyards that give off Insta-mountain retreat vibes. Rooms are elegant, and spare no expense. Everything feels well-made here and that’s because it is. The owners are a pair of architect brothers, who designed and sourced everything on this property, using local textiles and handcrafted furniture.
When you check in you’re led to a handwashing station, which is symbolic for leaving the chaos outside and stepping into a clean and pure realm. Massages are done in your room, and there are kayaks for guests to launch from the private dock. Dinner is in the forest. The shower is in the jungle. And breakfast is with champagne, on the lake.
When we stayed there last time our room was on a 70-foot stilts system and there was both the loudest thunderstorm I’ve ever experienced and an earthquake. It was scary but magical.
It’s less about city hustle and more about vibrant street scenes, lake views, and the famed Piedra del Peñol just up the road—it’s a restful, scenic escape from Medellín’s pace. Highly recommended for a 1-night, 2-day trip.
💵 Price: $270–$420 per night (approx.)
☕️ Amenities: Private dock, forest dining, in-room massages, kayaking
💅 Vibe: Private, boutique, tranquil
⭐ Booking.com Rating: ~9.0 / 10
📍 Location
If you didn’t find your perfect hotel, there are more out there, check them out below:
Whether you’re here for a week of salsa and rooftop cocktails in El Poblado or an artsy retreat in El Patio, Medellín’s hotel scene has evolved into one of the most diverse and design-forward in South America. From luxury stays like El Cielo to social hubs like Los Patios Hostel Boutique, the city caters to every style and budget—often at a fraction of U.S. or European prices. Pro tip: book early during peak events like Feria de las Flores, Colombiamoda, or December’s Christmas light festival, when even the best hotels in Medellín can sell out weeks in advance.
If you’re going to Medellín, check out the 21 coolest things to do there, and then best restaurants in the city, and consider visiting it as part of this 10-day Colombia itinerary. You can also see how much flights are for the time of year you’re thinking about going. Your perfect Medellín hotel is waiting—time to decide which view you’ll wake up to in the City of Eternal Spring.
As always, if you have any questions or want specific recommendations leave them in the comments and I’ll respond.
If you want to message me privately, I’ll respond on Instagram @Le_Gipset
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20 best Cartagena wedding venues, Colombia (2025)
So you’re thinking about doing a Cartagena wedding? You’re on the right track. The Colombian wedding is truly next-level and much more affordable...
17 Best restaurants in Medellín (2025)
While Colombia's traditional food is nothing out of the ordinary for Latin American fare, its fine dining scene - and particularly its affordability...
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