Introduction: The Other Side of Accommodation in Medellín
Let me tell you a secret: when you arrive in Medellín and open the booking apps, you see the same hotels as always: international chains in El Poblado, hostels in La Candelaria, apartments in Laureles. But the city has a hidden layer of accommodations that don't appear in traditional guides, places where the experience is worth more than prefabricated luxury. In July 2026, these spaces remain gems for those seeking something authentic, far from Instagram filters and generic reviews. Here I'll tell you where to find them.
Eco-Artisan Refuges in the Mountains
Medellín is embraced by mountains, and on its slopes there are constructions that seem like something out of a dream: bamboo cabins, recycled containers turned into rooms, and houses powered by solar energy. These places are not just accommodation; they are a statement of principles about how to live in harmony with the environment.
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Eco-Glamping in San Sebastián de Palmitas
45 minutes from the center, in the township of San Sebastián de Palmitas, there is a project called Refugio La Montaña (not to be confused with the hotel of the same name in El Poblado). They are three geodesic domes made from recycled wood and glass, each with a view of the Aburrá Valley. There is no wifi, but there is a communal bonfire and a trail that goes down to a creek. The nights are cold, so bring jackets. Prices are around $250,000 COP per night (reference prices for July 2026), including breakfast with peeled corn arepas and regional coffee.
What few know: the owner, a retired environmental engineer, gives composting workshops on weekends. If you ask, he'll let you help milk the goats they have on the neighboring farm.
Rammed Earth Cabins in Santa Elena
Santa Elena is famous for the silletero, but in its highest hamlets there are accommodations that seem hidden. El Taller de la Tierra is a house built with rammed earth (an ancient compacted earth technique) that rents out two rooms. The owner, a local ceramist, decorates each space with pieces from her workshop. The beds are natural fiber mattresses, and the hot water comes from a solar heater. It's 20 minutes from Parque Arví, but the road is unpaved: it's best to arrive in a car with good suspension or on a motorcycle. It costs about $180,000 COP per night, and they don't accept online reservations; you have to call or stop by the workshop on Carrera 43A.
Local Artists' Homes: Sleeping Among Works of Art
Medellín has an art scene that is not limited to galleries. Several artists have opened their home-workshops to receive guests, turning the stay into an immersive experience. Don't expect 24-hour reception or a minibar; what you find are conversations with the creators and access to works that are not in any museum.
Studio Home of a Muralist in San Javier Neighborhood
In Comuna 13, but far from the escalators and mass tours, is the home of Carlos “Calle” Restrepo, a muralist who transformed his house into a livable space full of urban art. He rents out a room with fresco-painted walls and a balcony overlooking the hillsides. He himself cooks breakfast (perico eggs with arepa, for an extra $15,000 COP) and tells you stories of how he painted the neighborhood murals while local youth learned graffiti. The stay costs $120,000 COP per night. There is no website; you contact him on Instagram (@calle_restrepo) or by asking at the corner store.
Loft of a Sculptor in Boston
The Boston neighborhood, east of the center, is known for its auto repair shops and warehouses. But in one of those warehouses, sculptor Marta Vélez set up a minimalist loft with wrought iron and blown glass pieces. She rents out the entire space (up to two people) for $350,000 COP per night. It includes a guided tour of her workshop and the possibility of buying works directly. The best part: the loft has a terrace with a view of the Boston church, a perfect place to read or have wine at sunset. Marta only accepts guests who write her an email explaining why they want to stay; it's her way of filtering out superficial curious people.
Micro-Hotels in Emerging Neighborhoods
It's not all El Poblado or Laureles. Neighborhoods like Manrique, Belén, or the center have micro-hotels with fewer than 10 rooms that offer a more authentic experience and fairer prices. Here are three that are worth it.
Hotel Casa Manrique in Manrique Central
Manrique is a middle-class neighborhood with brutal street food (the empanadas at the corner of 45th are a must). In a restored republican house, Hotel Casa Manrique has five rooms with high ceilings and wooden floors. Each room is decorated with old photos of the neighborhood. The owner, Don Javier, is an amateur historian who offers free tours on Saturday mornings. Rooms range from $90,000 to $140,000 COP per night. They don't have a restaurant, but half a block away is the Mercado de Manrique, where you can get executive lunches for $12,000 COP.
La Casa del Viajero in Belén Rincón
Belén Rincón is a residential neighborhood with single-story houses and tree-lined streets. There, a couple of architects turned their family home into a four-room micro-hotel. La Casa del Viajero has a central courtyard with lemon trees and hammocks. Each room is named after a native tree (Guayacán, Ceiba, Roble, Palma). Breakfast includes fresh guava juice and yucca bread. It costs $150,000 COP per night. The special touch: the owners organize community dinners on Thursdays, where guests cook dishes from their countries together. I've met travelers from Japan, South Africa, and Argentina sharing recipes in that courtyard.
Hostal El Callejón in the Center
The center of Medellín can be chaotic, but it also has magical corners. Hostal El Callejón is on a pedestrian street between Plaza Botero and the Museo de Antioquia, hidden behind a brick facade. It has eight beds in shared rooms and two private ones. What makes it unique: on the rooftop there is a screen printing workshop where guests can print their own t-shirts. A bed in the dormitory costs $45,000 COP, a private room $120,000 COP. The street noise seeps in, but in exchange you are two minutes from the best chorizos in the city at the Placita de Flórez.
Practical Tips for Booking and Enjoying
These accommodations don't work like traditional hotels. Here are some tips to make your experience smooth.
- Book in advance: Many of these places have few rooms and are not on large platforms. Contact them via WhatsApp or Instagram at least a week in advance. In high season (December, January, July), up to 15 days ahead.
- Bring cash: Several do not accept credit cards or international transfers. The prices I mentioned are in Colombian pesos; bring bills of $20,000 and $50,000 to pay without issue.
- Prepare for the basics: Some do not have air conditioning (not needed in the mountains) or 24-hour hot water. Ask before you arrive. In July 2026, the climate in Medellín is temperate, but in the mountains it drops to 12°C at night.
- Language: Most hosts speak only Spanish. If you don't master it, use Google Translate or bring a local friend. It's part of the experience.
- Respect house rules: These are not anonymous hotels. The owners live there or nearby. Don't make noise after 10 p.m. and ask before using the kitchen or workshop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are These Accommodations Safe for Foreign Tourists?
Yes, generally they are safe, but with nuances. Neighborhoods like Manrique or San Javier have a reputation for being dangerous, but the accommodations are in quiet residential areas and the owners know the surroundings. Always ask the host which streets to avoid and don't walk alone after 11 p.m. in areas you don't know. Carry only what you need and leave important documents in the accommodation's safe, if it has one.
How Do I Find These Places If They Don't Have a Website?
Most are on Instagram or Facebook with small profiles. Search for keywords like "eco accommodation Medellín", "artist house Medellín" or the neighborhood name + "room". You can also ask in traveler groups on Facebook (like "Backpackers Colombia") or in neighborhood stores near the area. Another option: contact local guides who work with community tourism; they usually know these spaces.
Is It Worth Paying More for These Accommodations Than a Traditional Hotel?
It depends on what you're looking for. If you want a pool, gym, and 24-hour room service, better go to a hotel in El Poblado. But if you want to meet an artist, wake up with a mountain view, or eat arepas made by the owner, these places offer a real connection to Medellín that no chain hotel can provide. Plus, the prices are competitive: from $45,000 COP in a hostel to $350,000 COP in a full loft, compared to $200,000 COP for a basic room in a chain hotel.
Discover more about Medellín with our guides to authentic experiences. At Malokal we have routes to explore these accommodations and their surroundings, from ceramic workshops in Santa Elena to walks through the murals of San Javier. Don't settle for the usual; the real city awaits you.
Things to Do
Parque Arví
This natural park is a breath of fresh air in the middle of the city. Just 30 minutes by metro and then by metrocable, you can enjoy a cool environment full of nature. Insider Tip: Visit the market at Plaza de los Zócalos, where you can try local delicacies like the arepa de choclo and buy handicrafts from the region's farmers.
Comuna 13
Known for its history of social transformation and vibrant urban art, Comuna 13 offers a unique tour. Joining a guided tour can enrich your experience, as the guides are often residents who share personal stories. Insider Tip: Visit the viewpoint on Calle 10 for the best views of the city and don't forget to bring your camera to capture the murals.
El Jardín Botánico
A green space in the midst of the city's hustle, ideal for relaxing or enjoying a picnic. Additionally, there are often art exhibitions and cultural events. Insider Tip: If you have the chance, attend one of the talks or workshops organized here; they are an excellent way to connect with the local community.
La 70
One of the liveliest areas for nightlife, full of bars and restaurants. It's the perfect place to enjoy a typical paisa night. Insider Tip: Try the bandeja paisa at one of the local restaurants and enjoy an aguardiente in the company of Medellín's residents, who are usually very welcoming.
Where to Eat or Drink
El Cielo
A place where gastronomy becomes a sensory experience. Chef Juan Manuel Barrientos has created a menu that plays with flavors and textures, offering a unique culinary journey. Insider Tip: Don't miss the tasting menu, which changes seasonally. Book in advance, as it is very popular among locals.
La Pampa
This Argentine grill restaurant is famous for its high-quality meat and cozy atmosphere. Ideal for groups or a romantic dinner. Insider Tip: Try the entraña and pair it with a glass of Malbec. Also, if you arrive early, enjoy their happy hour with excellent cocktails.
Ocioso
A space that combines art and good food. This restaurant offers dishes that fuse traditional Antioquian cuisine with contemporary touches. Insider Tip: On Thursdays they have live music nights, so it's a good idea to go that day to enjoy the food and the festive atmosphere.
Street Food on La 70
A tour of the food stalls on this famous street will lead you to discover authentic flavors of Medellín. From arepas to patacones, the offering is varied and delicious. Insider Tip: Don't forget to try the chicharrón and empanadas. It's ideal to go in the late afternoon to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the locals.
How to Get There and Transportation
To get around Medellín and reach those secret accommodations, you have several transportation options that make your experience in the city easier. Here are some tips on how to get there and move around without hassle.
Medellín Metro
The metro system is one of the most efficient ways to get around the city. With two main lines, it connects key areas like El Poblado and the Center. Plus, it's a safe and economical option.
Insider Tip: If you plan to visit places like Comuna 13, consider combining the metro with the Metrocable. The view from the cable car is spectacular and gives you a unique perspective of the city.
Public Transportation and Buses
Buses are another economical alternative, but they can be a bit confusing for visitors. Make sure to have a route app handy or ask locals.
Insider Tip: Ask for the bus that goes to your destination and check if there is a direct route. Drivers are usually friendly and can help you find your way.
Ridesharing Apps
Services like Uber and Beat are very popular and accessible in Medellín. They are ideal for night trips or if you prefer comfort.
Insider Tip: Always verify the vehicle's license plate and the driver's identity before getting in. Also, choose pickup points in well-lit and safe locations.
Taxis
Taxis are a safe option, but make sure to request one through an app or call a trusted company to avoid issues with unregulated fares.
Insider Tip: Ask for the approximate cost before getting in. This way you'll avoid surprises at the end of the trip.