I get hundreds of these types of inquiries on www.medellintravelguide.com.
My responses generally center around what are you wanting to do when you come here, how long will you stay and do you speak any Spanish?
If it is just for 1-2 nights, I generally recommed a hotel in the El Poblado area of Medellin. There are many for almost any budget and most are within walking distance of malls, restaurants, bars and nightclubs.
If your visit is for a longer period, I generally recommend an apartment centrally located in El Poblado that is within walking distance or a minimum cab fare of most places you want to visit.
You will find a number of options and price ranges at www.medellinapartmentguide.com or www.firstamericanrealtymedellin.com
I recommend these guys because they are the closest thing to professional property managers that Medellin has to offer. You won’t find many property managers like this guy in West Palm Beach Florida https://www.secureinfossl.com/affProgram/VI-Affiliate-Program/52930 but he has been doing it for 30 years. First American does have a full time staff of people dedicated to managing over 30 rental properties in Medellin and do a very good job of it. I rarely get complaints and that is always a good benchmark of how well someone is doing their job.
Several of the apartment owners and property management firms have started doing videos which I absolutely encourage them to do (I even help some of them). There is a right way and many wrong ways to make videos to promote properties. You can almost do more harm if you don’t do it correctly. For those just embarking on their video efforts, I recommend they take a few pointers from one of the masters at the game. He has been using videos in his property management firm for over 10 years and has it down to a science.
What do you look for in selecting a vacation apartment in Medellin?
1-As with most real estate decisions, location, location, location is of tantamount importance. You can not go wrong with most places in El Poblado, especially if they are somewhat close to Parque Lleras or Oviedo Mall. That will put you within walking distance or a short cab fare of most places you will need to go. Be careful on locations further east and up the mountain as you could find yourself on some steep slopes that make walking almost impossible and require a cab ride to anywhere you need to go. Laureles is another area to consider with most everything within easy walking distance (on flat ground) and you may find the prices a bit lower than Parque Lleras.
2-Is the apartment guest friendly? Lets face it, many guys come here to meet girls they have met on Colombian Cupid or other dating and marriage sites and they would like to entertain them where they are staying. Most buildings will allow a guest to enter but they may have to show an ID. Many buildings will even put up with parties but keep the music down and don’t go much beyond midnight.
3-Unless you prefer to cook all of your meals, you are going to want to be close to restaurants, a supermarket and perhaps a local coffee shop or watering hole where you can meet up with friends.
4-Easy to get to. What does that mean? Many streets in Medellin are one way and you could have to go 5-6 blocks out of your way just to get to the street where your apartment is located. Always ask, is it on a two way street? Trust me on this one. When you visit you will quickly learn what I am refering to.
5-Is there 24 hour gated security? If not, you should seriously consider someplace that does offer it unless there are just overwhelming reasons to the contrary. Gated security is very important here especially for visitors. They will announce any visitors and will generally call you on the house phone when somebody leaves to make sure everything is OK.
6-Do you speak any Spanish? Only 7% of the locals will speak any English and adding an O or an A to an English word will not get you far.
Learn a few basics before you come and the most important one; Donde esta el bano? Where is the bathroom….LOL. Me gustaria________ for most anything you need. (I would like_________)
7-Transportation. Taxis are highly recommended, inexpensive and generally safe. Best to call from your apartment as they will tell you the number of the taxi being sent to pick you up and there will be a record of it. They will also have your street address and apartment number from the phone number you are calling from. Hailing a taxi on the street is OK as well but the former is a safer way to do it. Just remember to have your address written on a piece of paper for the driver.
Hostels-There are many hostels in and around the Parque Lleras area of medellin for the backpacker or budget minded traveler. Many have private, semi private and most have dormitory style beds available. Most also include breakfast in their room rates. To get an idea of what is available, you can go to www.medellinhostels.com
Wherever you decide to stay on your visit to Medellin just remember a few safety precautions. Take money from a well lit ATM in public places and only take out what you will need for the day. Don’t flash large sums of cash anywhere. Keep your money in two pockets. Big money pocket and small money pocket. Leave your gold chains and expensive watches at home. Don’t venture into El Centro at night. OK during the day but leave by sundown. Never leave a drink unattended in a bar or restaurant. Take it with you even if you need to go to the bathroom..
If you are carrying a camera, laptop, I phone or any other electronic device, keep them close at hand. Keep your camera strapped to your neck or wrist, your lap top in a case strapped to a chair and never put an I phone on top of a table in a bar or restaurant. Keep it in your pocket.
Travel safe and enjoy your visit to Medellin. Remember, you may not want to leave!
