This post may contain affiliate links. I only recommend excursions, products and tours that I have personally used and purchased myself. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a very small commission at no extra cost to you. All proceeds go to running this blog and your support is truly appreciated! All opinions are my own. Visiting the City of Eternal Spring? Chances are, you’re reading this because you’re trying to figure out where you should stay in Medellín. While there are a few neighborhoods to choose from, El Poblado is by far the most popular choice for most travelers. Especially if it’s your first visit, I highly recommend basing yourself in this neighborhood. Specifically, I loved my stay at Hotel Celestino Medellín. Lodging Type: Luxury Boutique Hotel During my cab ride from the airport to Hotel Celestino Medellín, I immediately observed the cooler weather. A stark difference from the heat and humidity in Cartagena. While our vehicle careened down the freeway through hills, I observed lots of homes nestled into the mountainside. As we approached the El Poblado neighborhood, I saw bright string lights strewn across the street, twinkling in the sky, connected by buildings on either side. The lush green canopies of the trees lining the sidewalks tower overhead. In fact, there is green everywhere I looked. The El Poblado neighborhood is favorable to many, because you can walk around the neighborhood day or night. Delicious eateries, coffee shops, boutique stores, bars, clubs and even hair salons are all within a stone’s throw. Almost anything you might need is accessible within waking distance. Locals have told me that this area was built up with tourists in mind. An area for travelers and visitors to stay and enjoy themselves. You know what? I’ll take it. El Poblado is truly a pleasure. But do explore other areas as well! I loved my stay at Hotel Celestino Medellín. While this is a very small, quaint boutique hotel, they are getting so many things right. First of all, let’s talk about the plant aesthetic. They are going for an all naturale, botanical wonderland vibe where green and shrubbery (albeit artificial, so no threat of allergies) adorn every foot of your room. It’s really thoughtfully decorated. The staff is incredible! Like, seriously amazing. As soon as I booked, the Manager reached out and emailed some information about what to expect from my stay. There were two different employees during our stay, one that worked during the day and one at night. Not only were they warm and welcoming, but they were pivotal to in helping us plan activities and find things in the neighborhood. One thing I knew I had to do while in Medellín was dine at El Cielo Restaurant. I had trouble securing a reservation while back home in the states, but the staff came to the rescue and was able to score us a lunchtime reservation. I also decided that I couldn’t stand to look at my split ends anymore, and needed to get a trim asap. The daytime receptionist quickly went into concierge mode and recommended a fabulous salon for me to get my tresses tended to. Not only did I leave feeling pampered but I received one of the best haircuts of my life (and I’ve been to some pretty nice salons) for only 40,000COP or roughly $10.71 USD. I loved my stay, but you are going to likely love your stay even more. Why? Well, the hotel was under construction during my visit. It wasn’t an imposition at all, because we had lots of plans throughout the city. In August of 2022, the newly improved Celestino Hotel was unveiled and now boasts a rooftop infinity pool and spa. While I didn’t get to go to the rooftop during my stay, I’ve seen photos and it looks stunning! I really have an inclination for booking rooms with nice views. Seriously, it’s a passion. I really believe where we stay is part of our experience and that can mean a lot of different things. Provided that I feel that I’m getting a fair value for what I’m paying, sure, I’ll shell out a few extra bucks for a nice view. Absolutely. While the rooms here are quite small, they are thoughtfully decorated, well appointed and cozy. I booked a King Room with a Balcony. The balcony rooms are front facing and have a stunning view of the surrounding nature and cityscape. If you’re extremely sensitive to noise, I wouldn’t recommend getting a front facing room. You’ll definitely hear the frenetic sounds of high energy nightlife wafting by your window. I will say that it didn’t bother me nor did it prevent me from sleeping well. The soundproof doors do a decent job of muffling the ruckus. In general, the El Poblado neighborhood feels very safe to walk around in… day or night. The hotel is no exception. Despite being a very small boutique hotel, there is also someone at the desk 24 hours a day, which is amazing. The elevator to the Guest rooms is beyond the front desk, so they are constantly paying attention to who is coming and going. Yes – they do pay attention. I felt very safe here. Book Celestino Boutique Hotel: Here There is an on site cafe at Hotel Celestino Medellín called Azul Selva – Brunch and Coffee. This is actually the first thing you see when you enter the hotel. Technically, the cafe is an independent entity from the hotel, but, the two businesses work in partnership. The quaint little bistro offers coffees, teas, baked goods and a variety of breakfast items. Azul Selva bills itself as “the best brunch in Medellín.” To be fair, it was the only brunch I had in Medellín, as I based myself in Hotel Celestino during our entire time in the city. However, I can say without a doubt their food is great. It’s thoughtful, contemporary fare with a Colombian flair. Since Azul Selva is open to the public, seating does fill up fast in the lobby. The good news? The hotel is delighted to have your breakfast delivered to your room each morning. During your stay, you’ll communicate with the reception desk via WhatsApp. Upon arrival they will send you the cafe’s menu. Each night, they simply ask you to text them your order and violà! At your requested delivery time, your feast will be setup wherever you’d like in your room. One of the only potential bothers you may run into staying here is the noise factor. El Poblado is a happening neighborhood with lots of activity until late at night. Additionally, it’s near a booming nightclub that you will likely hear reveling until late at night. Personally, it did not bother me at all and I’m a light sleeper. However, I can fall asleep in most any conditions. While I don’t think this should be a deterrent from staying here, I did feel it was important to mention. Hotel Celestino does provide earplugs to any Guest whom may need them! Book Celestino Boutique Hotel: Here I booked our private airport transfer to the hotel through Hotel Celestino. I was very happy with the service of the driver they provided. You can choose between an economy or luxury transfer and add this additional fee to your total hotel bill. Check with the hotel for current pricing! Check out these related posts: 10 Fantastic Things to do in Cartagena Colombia Want a Memorable Experience? Tantalizing Cooking Classes in Cartagena Why you NEED to Visit the Rosario Islands from Cartagena Everything You Should Know About Hotel San Pedro de Majagua El Cielo Restaurante – a Remarkable Culinary Gem in Medellín Coffee Farm Tour in Colombia – a Special Experience Going – I have been subscribed to Going (formerly, beloved, Scott’s Cheap Flights) awhile now and it’s an amazing resource for finding… did you guess cheap flights? Yes, you can set your preferences from airports to flight class and get destination deals right to your inbox. It’s fab! I use the Premium paid version, but they have a FREE version too. So what are you waiting for?! Let’s get Going! Booking.com – the majority, if not almost all of my stays are booked on Booking.com. It’s a reliable site to book and manage your reservations. It’s a great way to find boutique stays and unique accommodations at the best rates! You can also easily communicate with your accommodation through the app! Expedia – If I am looking for a flight to a specific destination for specific dates, I find myself booking the majority of my flights on Expedia. It’s user friendly and straight forward. I often can find the most cost effective rates, while earning points for every flight I book (in tandem with the points I receive from the credit cards I pay with). Viator – most of the activities, tours and excursions I book for my trips are booked through Viator. Whether you’re seeking a guide for the day, a group tour, a cooking class, Viator has you covered! Get Your Guide – this is another great marketplace to find tours, excursions and activities to book for your upcoming trip. Hotel Celestino Medellín – a Unique Boutique Stay
Why the El Poblado Neighborhood?
Amenities on Site & What to Expect at Hotel Celestino Medellín
The Room
and close them with a remote. There’s also a blackout shade which is a nice touch!
pressure was really strong
Security
Food Situation
seasonal berries (included in your stay)
Know Before You Go
Headed to Colombia?
Travel Tips & Resources to Help You Plan an Epic Trip!
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