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The Hotel Nutibara is the only hotel I recommend in downtown Medellin.
Would I recommend anyone to stay in one of the hotels in downtown Medellin? How do I put this? Downtown Medellin is noisy, polluted and relatively unsafe. Staying at a hotel in El Centro is something you might do if you're a bit more adventurous but honestly, I wouldn't recommend it. There is however one exception. Built in the 30's, this was the first hotel to be built in Medellin and was once a fine, classic establishment. The hotel is located right off the Botero Plaza where the Antioquia Museum (both the old and new buildings) are situated and right next to the metro station, so as far as downtown goes, it couldn't be much better. The years have taken their toll however, and the Nutibara is now somewhat rundown and in need of renovation. It does maintain some of it's old charm and perhaps most importantly, is very decently priced. Note that there are two buildings, the main is air conditioned and more costly and the other is not. These are joined by an underground walkway. Single: air conditioned building: COP 107.000/night (US$52) The entrance is fairly grand and once inside, the cafe/ bar is stylish, with red leather cushions, as is the restaurant to the left of the lobby, although once again, fairly outdated. I was recently shown around the hotel, saw its rooms, the swimming pool area on the 3rd floor and the view from the 10th floor balcony by the elevators. You can judge for yourself from the pictures. There was a lively and friendly atmosphere, it has an unpretentious feel and the old dark woodwork has its appeal. The rooms are clean but sparse and the beds looked a bit old for my liking. Like I said, this is the only one of the hotels in downtown Medellin that I would recommend, and only just.
I realize it's a fairly harsh thing to say but apart from the Nutibara, I would not recommend anyone to stay at a hotel in El Centro.
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