Cheap & Good Hotels in Medellín Downtown (2025 Guide)

In cities around the world, the downtown area is usually where you find the main commercial district, along with important historical, cultural, gastronomic, and tourist attractions. This is, of course, also the case for Medellín.

But unlike what happens in other cities, Medellín’s downtown doesn’t have a well-established and diverse accommodation scene like you can find in El Poblado, Laureles, Estadio, and other areas of the city recommended in our guides.

The great advantage of staying in downtown Medellín, aside from being close to museums, theaters, restaurants, bars, and tourist attractions, is the incredibly cheap hotel prices. There you can find rooms for less than COP 138,000 (about $30 USD).

On the other hand, the biggest downside is the feeling of insecurity you may experience in some parts of La Candelaria, especially at night (and even more so if you’re a foreigner accustomed to a very high level of safety in your home country).

Fortunately, to be close to La Candelaria and its charms, you don’t have to stay downtown itself. The neighborhoods of Estadio, Laureles, Conquistadores, and even El Poblado are just a few kilometers away.

Now, if you’re truly drawn by the incredibly affordable prices of downtown, here are 5 hotels along with some safety tips so you can enjoy your stay worry-free.

What You’ll Find in This Post

• La Gruta Coliving
• Centro Hostel
• Hotel Plazuela de San Ignacio
• 61Prado Hotel
• Casa Grande
• Safety Tips

1. La Gruta Coliving

Google Maps Rating: 4.9

First place on our list goes to this hostel that has the authentic and vibrant personality of downtown Medellín. All online reviews highlight the warm staff attention, great atmosphere, practicality of the facilities, and its location.

La Gruta is located one block up from Las Torres de Bomboná, a sector of La Candelaria that brings together several theaters, restaurants, and bars. Among my favorites is La Pascasia, a place with delicious food and a robust cultural program.

Beyond the nighttime entertainment of La Candelaria, if you stay here you’ll have many amenities at hand, as the hostel is near main roads and markets like Placita de Florez, where you can get almost everything you need during your stay.

This space is ideal for resting for a few days, working remotely, and above all, meeting other people who also want to have fun in a charming place at a favorable price.

2. Centro Hostel

Google Maps Rating: 4.3

Finding this accommodation was a pleasant surprise for me, as with its youthful, fresh, and well-maintained concept, it matches several of the best hostels in El Poblado but beats them with considerably lower prices.

Its location is in one of the most attractive areas of downtown for its picturesque activity: Pasaje de La Playa. Wherever you look, there’s something to do — head to the Pequeño Teatro or the Pablo Tobón Uribe Theater if you enjoy the arts.

And if you’re looking for food, right next door is the Mercado De La Playa, a gastronomic center similar to Mercados del Río, where you find everything in one place: restaurants, bars, and even an art gallery.

Centro Hostel offers good vibes and, of course, a space that — though modest — has enough comforts to rest and enjoy a visit as cozy as it is pleasant.

3. Hotel Plazuela de San Ignacio

Google Maps Rating: 4.2

This hotel takes its name from the plaza across the street, which is a historical heritage site of the city. Exploring San Ignacio means discovering a part of what some call the real Medellín — as bustling as it is beautiful.

The hotel itself doesn’t have too many attractions. It has spacious and clean rooms, a home-style restaurant, and reviews highlight the customer service from the staff. In short, it offers just what you need: convenience at an affordable price.

In my opinion, the great benefit of this accommodation is its location — not only for the curious experience of visiting the plaza but also for its proximity to the Ayacucho tram, which connects you directly to the main Metro lines.

As a bonus, a great plan just steps away is heading to the Comfama theater to watch a movie and then grab a drink at its café-terrace, whose view of the plaza and the city center is truly unmissable.

4. 61Prado Hotel

Google Maps Rating: 4.6

Until the mid-20th century, Prado was the most distinguished neighborhood in Medellín, so much of the local elite built their enormous homes there, characterized by eclectic architecture inspired by various European styles.

Many of them are still preserved today, and the 61Prado Hotel proves it. Its peculiar construction with rustic touches was converted into a very well-equipped accommodation to offer its guests a high level of comfort.

It’s literally a hidden gem, according to many guests, due to its somewhat unfavorable location — the Prado neighborhood isn’t as well connected to main roads, and its surroundings can feel a bit unsafe.

However, once inside the hotel, you’ll have guaranteed excellent customer service, spacious and cozy rooms, good food, and a unique view from its terrace facing the western side of the Aburrá Valley.

5. Casa Grande

Google Maps Rating: 5.0

The hallmark of this place is hospitality that makes you feel calm and safe as if it were your own home — something greatly appreciated knowing that Casa Grande is located right in the middle of the bustling downtown of Medellín.

It’s close to tourist destinations like the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Junín passage, which I recommend you visit to discover traditional local spots, including Salón Versalles and the Astor pastry shop.

Although I left it last, I must admit it’s the highest-rated place in the list. Likewise, I believe this is the only option truly suitable for children. It’s an old house with a clean, very quiet, and cozy atmosphere.

If you want to feel like a real local, the hosts there will treat you like family.

Safety Tips for Downtown Medellín

When moving to other parts of the city, request a vehicle — taxi, Uber, Didi, or Cabify — especially at night. This doesn’t mean you’ll get robbed if you walk around the hotels, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Don’t skimp too much on your accommodation. The hotels recommended here are already cheap, but you’ll surely find others in the area that are even more affordable yet don’t offer the same comfort and safety conditions. Avoid bad experiences just to save a few dollars.

The city center can be chaotic, and although locals are known for being very helpful, review your routes before diving into its streets.

Finally, walking through downtown is a great experience you shouldn’t miss. Look for a free tour or a guide. And when you come, try not to bring overly flashy belongings.