5 Best Hotels in Medellín, Colombia

Since opening in 2011, The Charlee has set the tone for upmarket hotels in Medellín, and remains among the best urban boutique hotels in the country. The style is modern and art-centric, starting in the reception area with a wall clad in antique trunks, various oversized contemporary paintings, and red, octopuslike chandeliers. Surfaces throughout are a combination of polished cement and scarred wood with antique-chic furnishings in the common areas and low ambient lighting. Rooms are decorated in clean white and beige tones, with a frosted-glass cube housing the spacious bathroom and luxurious shower. Each room has a greenery-edged balcony over looking the park—some even have a Jacuzzi—but along with the view, the noise of the city's most vibrant party area is unavoidable.

A refreshing alternative to staying in tourist-heavy El Poblado, this friendly guesthouse is close to the historic center and offers a decidedly different view of Medellín. The neighborhood is quite safe, with little corner cafés nearby for a snack or breakfast; it's best to take taxis at night. Rooms are comfortable, with a good bed and shower, satellite TV, and standing fan. There are pleasant common areas to relax, including a rooftop patio, and the little on-site restaurant has a few surprisingly good dishes for dinner, and a well-done and affordable à la carte breakfast.

Centered around the design theme that each floor represents a region in Colombia, this professionally run and well-maintained hotel ticks all the boxes for a comfortable stay. Rooms are spacious, with a glass-walled bathroom; rooms on the higher levels have excellent city views, and some even have hammocks. Another bonus? It's within walking distance of the area's best attractions.

A slightly cramped reception area underwhelms at first, but clean, bright rooms, a great staff, and affordable prices more than make up for it. Rooms, while not huge, are more than adequate, and some have a small balcony. Since it's a few blocks from Parque Lleras and its late-night party scene, the hotel's is rather quiet; it's also in close proximity to some of the area's best restaurants.

A quality option on the outer edge of the popular Zona Rosa area of El Poblado, the hotel's somewhat dated design takes nothing away from a comfortable and convenient stay. Rooms are generously sized, with basic but good-quality furnishings, decor, and polished wooden floors. Showers are powerful and the Wi-Fi quick and dependable. The attentive, English-speaking staff take care to create a pleasant experience.