How safe is this area of Medellin?

papiChulo says on Mar 15, 2009, 07:10:

Hotel Conquistadores?

thought I reconized that address... stayed there a couple of years ago. Not the best place to walk around at night and very busy during the day. Its near el Hueco in Medellin. There is english speaking front desk staff and nice ppl. The hotel is well run and they won't let street hoes in the place... kudos to them.

I'm givin'er... givin'er HARDCORE

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adrienne79 says on Mar 15, 2009, 07:18:

thanks!

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dwmte7 says on Mar 15, 2009, 07:35:

adrienne...there's another hotel/hostel over in prado, can't remember the name. there was a post about it a few weeks ago. a MUCH nicer area, quieter, and well located for centro. maybe the owner will pipe in here and give you a lead.

douglas

patriarch

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adrienne79 says on Mar 15, 2009, 07:48:

Thanks Douglas. Yeah, did a quick search and found the place you are talking about. Looks like a great option.

http://poorbuthappy.com/colombia/post/rooms-for-rent-in-prado-centro-m...

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mranderson says on Mar 15, 2009, 08:03:

You can also search for a budget hotel on ave. oriental around ayacucho and la playa. I´m sure there has got to be a couple...and don´t forget you can negotiate especially at these budget hotels if they try to charge a lot.

That area would probably be a little better late at night as it´s the main avenue going through centro. Closer to all the action.

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dwmte7 says on Mar 15, 2009, 08:26:

yeah, mark....but the better between bads is a difficult choice. i don't know what the chap in prado charges, but the folks here on pbh who've stayed there had nothing but great comments about the place. and it's out of the 'tiger's eye' of trouble that goes along with centro.

too, if you're in a prayer mood...the basilica is just a block or two away. je je

patriarch

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dwmte7 says on Mar 15, 2009, 08:29:

i was thinking again....watch out....especially when i think.

toughts of sleeping within a stones throw of el hueco or next to oriental and la playa, sends shivers up my spine. but, hey, i'm old and spoiled.....i don't like sleepin with my mexican express card.

patriarch

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kenblanquito says on Mar 15, 2009, 09:44:

dwmte is right.
The area around El Hueco is a good place to be during the daytime, so long as you are very streetwise and have eyes at the back of your head. Great bargains there and I go there regularly. Do not carry anything valuable and keep your money in your jean pockets, with a little loose change readily available so you do not need to display a wallet/purse. Best not to use your mobile phone in public too, it is a distraction for you and it could be readily removed from your hand! Jeans pocket for that too, on vibrate function so people do not guess that you have one, but definitely worth carrying for emergencies and essentials only.
As for the night, I would not go there alone, lots of beggars and poor people around and they may see you as an opportunity.
Ask the hotel to call you a cab and go back by the same manner: if you trust the driver take his mobile number. Late at night, a no-go area for me.

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mranderson says on Mar 15, 2009, 10:51:

El hueco late at night is pretty much a ghost town. The candelaria police station is close by and I believe the police make regular rounds through there. It´s not like thieves are going to be waiting for you on the street corners but you never know if one will be walking through and decide to make a target out of you. Although that can happen to you anywhere in centro.

I´ve passed through el hueco late at night many times on my way home and saw no reason to be concerned. Although I was on a moto and I generally don´t wait for red lights late night anywhere downtown. Walking is a different story.

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Lauren says on Mar 18, 2009, 15:36:

Back in the 90s, I did some work for a company located in this area. I remember at night even the security guys would be afraid of getting out, as they were scared of having their guns stolen!

There is a small bar on diagonal Colombia called "Taberna Montijo", very popular among locals They used to have nice "coperas" back then.

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makopp5 (☼Travelguide writer) says on Mar 18, 2009, 16:07:

itamarkozniak says on Mar 30, 2009, 02:12:

hi,

when you are in medellin,I reccomend you stay in the poblado area,close to parque lleras. Thats the safest area and where all the nightlife is...
I stayed in hostel sunshine which was very good and only cost 17 mil per night.

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