It seems like every month or so we hear about another new Medellin Hostel opening, many of which are located in and around the El Poblado section of town. There is further evidence of the increased number of backpackers one can see roaming the streets, eating in the local restaurants and partying in the local bars. I overheard two locals commenting the other day, “It’s no longer Parque Lleras, it’s parque backpackers”
We are not here to discuss the good or the bad of this phenomenon but I can attest that Medellin must be on somebodys map as a backpacker haven because the area is full of backpackers and Backpacker hostels.
A friend recently became the manager of one of the newer Hostals in town and asked me to stop by for a visit. I was expecting the typical cramped Hostel environment with some private, semi private and dormitory style accommodations as well as other standard amenities of computer access, kitchen, gaming area etc.
My imagination never prepared me for what I was about to encounter at the newly opened Ram Hostal. From the street, it looks like any other El Poblado house turned hostal but when you walk in it almost becomes sensory overload.
To begin with, the reception area is huge as are the adjoining rooms that appear to be a kitchen and lounge area. It wasn’t until I walked through the back doors that the full impact of it’s size hit me.
“Wow” is all I could say followed by, “Its like being at a finca in the city” For those of you that don’t know that term, many locals have large weekend family farms/finca that are more like country homes. Huge homes that can accommodate many people on large plots of land with lots of recreation and plenty of places to party. Family and friends gather to celebrate holidays, weekends, birthdays or just to party out in the country where no one can be distrubed or bothered.
I was first shown to the executive accommodations. These are 2 private rooms with private baths, Jacuzzis, plasma screen TV’s, large Queen beds and very tasteful decorations. At 100,000 COP per night (about $50 USD) with breakfast included, these would be hard to pass on for the discerning traveler but out of the budget ranges of many budget travelers.
Next I was shown two private rooms with ensuite baths and two private rooms with shared bathroom facilities. These rooms ranged from 70K to 50K per night.
Next were two dormitory style rooms that shared bathrooms. One held about 18 beds while the other must have had 30 beds in it (they are planning to separate the large dorm into two dorms)
I saw the large outdoor kitchen/bar area, pool, sunning area, computer room, game room and just walked on an on around the property. Shared laundry facilities, two large continuous flow hot water heaters and it seemed to never end. Dorms at 20,000COP (about $10 USD per night with breakfast included), guest friendly environment for an extra $5 for breakfast, ping pong table, planned salsa lessons in the main house….well, it was just an amazing experience.
Now, besides the facilities and quality of the accommodations, what really sets this place apart from other local hostels is it’s location. It is right behind the Pamona grocery store on Av. Poblado. That’s right, less that 1/2 block to a major gorcery store, 2 blocks to the Metro, 2 blocks to Exito, 3 blocks to the heart of Parque Lleras, a 5 minute cab ride to El Centro, a 3 minute cab ride to Oviedo Mall, walking diatance to many of the Parque Lleras Discos like Red, Blue, Acropolis, Sam Pues and of course the great restaurants and bars of Parque Lleras.
They are still working out the kinks and finalizing their web site but the staff is highly trained in Hostal management as they have all had prior experience working in one or more of the other local hostels (and most of them speak excellent English).
We think this place is going to be very popular and a hit with the youth Hostal/Backpacking crowds that are making Medellin Colombia one of their primary spots to visit.
To see more of this idyllic location, visit www.medellinhostels.com You will find some photos posted and expect to see more to come soon. You can also make reservations through the web site until the Ram has their web site published.
The bar for Medellin Hostals has just been raised another notch with the new Ram Hostal in Medellin Colombia.