Medellín's hotel market is dominated by El Poblado and its supply of boutique hotels, hostels, and Airbnb-style accommodations catering to the international crowd. Most hotels in El Poblado are welcoming to same-sex couples without issue, and the neighborhood's general culture makes this a comfortable base for LGBTQ+ visitors.

Where to stay

El Poblado is the default choice for proximity to the gay scene and the best restaurants, bars, and cafes. Hotels here range from budget hostels (Medellín has excellent hostels by Latin American standards) to boutique hotels with pools. The neighborhood is very walkable for most purposes and Uber is cheap for everything else.

Laureles is an alternative for travelers who want a more local, less tourist-concentrated experience. The neighborhood has good infrastructure, some excellent restaurants, and lower hotel prices than El Poblado. The main gay venues in El Poblado are 10–15 minutes by Uber.

The center (Centro) of Medellín is much cheaper but requires more awareness of surroundings and is further from the gay scene. It suits budget travelers who do not mind the additional commute and are comfortable in a denser, more urban environment.

The hotels

Practical notes

Medellín is very affordable for accommodation. Even the better boutique hotels in El Poblado are reasonably priced in EUR or USD terms. Hostels in El Poblado are particularly good value — well-run, with pools and social spaces, and popular with the international crowd.

For the full Medellín picture, see the Gay Medellín Guide.