Parque Bolívar, Medellín

Colombiareports.com says on Jun 18, 2008, 12:22:

I live one block from the hotel. It's not super unsafe, but depending where you're coming from you may not feel very comfortable after dark and obviously you need to watch your back a little. During the day it's all peachy creamy and very lively. It's just on the edge of the part of town that's really dodgy and you shouldn't go to. I recommend Hotel Paris, which also is in the city center, but a little further away from the trouble. It's clean and you'll have your own room for no more than 15 bucks a night. Friends of mine stayed there and were satisfied.

I personally love the city center and think you'll have a lot more fun here than in Laureles or Poblado, since they're quite far from everything, except for themselves.

If you want I will look up contact info on Hotel Paris.

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pedro says on Jun 18, 2008, 12:29:

I would not recommend Centro as a neighbourhood to lodge in. You'd be pretty much staying on skid row. Why choose to spend your vacation like that?

La 70 is a good choice. You're just a block or two from the metro (Estadio station).

It can get noisy at night due to the bars -- yes, this noise carries right into your hotel room from outside.

I've stayed a few times at El Porton de la 70 -- about 55k per night. Add another 20k if you want a slightly nicer aircon room.

Hotel Porton de la 70
Cra 70 No 46B-20
Tel: 230 4024 / 230 5271 / 230 6250
Fax: 260 6803

Pluses: free wifi, cable tv, nice lobby and friendly staff, close to Metro
Minuses: hot water sometimes gives out, noise from the street

There are other choices along the same La 70 strip.

que nota!

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Cheers Terry says on Jun 18, 2008, 12:34:

Well, it depends on your definition of sketchy, but yes, you're right downtown so it could be a little intimidating for some people after dark. I had a bad run-in with a junkie outside the Catedral Metropolitana right up the street from your hotel, but that could happen anywhere in the downtown area if you're not paying attention.

You're definitely right in the middle of it all - good and bad - but with common sense it's far from "dangerous."

Colombiareports described it very well.

Have fun.

Cheers,
Terry

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Peter (Moderator) says on Jun 18, 2008, 12:38:

As they've said: a bit intimidating at night, ok during the day. Not real dangerous, no. About the same as La Candelaria in Bogota, I'd say (perhaps a little bit dodgier).

Poor but snappy

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arbee says on Jun 18, 2008, 12:39:

Thanks to both of you for your responses.

Colombiareport, I've just googled Hotel Paris and got their details:-

Hotel París
Address : Carrera 45 49-57
Tel:( 57 4) 251 9599

Trouble is both 'el centro' and 'LA 70' sound good to me now, decisions, decisions eh!. Regarding both areas is there much of a difference in places to eat, drink etc?
Once again thanks

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arbee says on Jun 18, 2008, 12:47:

Thanks 'cheers Terry' and 'Peter'. As long as I can get out there during the day and night without watching my back too much I don't mind. I just don't want my wife to feel scared. We'll only be sleeping at the hotel as we'll be out and about the rest of the time - I just need a base to set out from and get back to at the end of the day

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Cheers Terry says on Jun 18, 2008, 12:50:

Just take a taxi to and from the hotel at night and your wife will be much more comfortable.

Have a great time.

Cheers,
Terry

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arbee says on Jun 18, 2008, 13:00:

I'll have a look at the hotel you mentioned 'colombiareport' and the one mentioned by 'pedro' en La 70. Thanks again for everyones responses. It' really good to get info from the people who know the place. If anyone can think of anywhere else, your suggestions are welcome.
Cheers

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Colombiareports.com says on Jun 18, 2008, 13:44:

The area around La 70 is a little more upscale and the center is just very urban and latin american, you'll see poverty and the obvious things, just let it depend on what appeals to you more. Cheers Terry is right about the taxi. You can walk everywhere in the neighbourhood around Hotel Paris, day or night, but taxis are just so damn handy and cheap :-) Just talk to your wife and book one of the hotels for a night or two. Once your here you can always switch to whatever place you like best. The places to go out, the things to see, are everywhere in Medellín, depending on your taste, so you'll be spending a lot of time in other parts of the city.

But still, the center is LOVELY

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Colombiareports.com says on Jun 18, 2008, 13:44:

I hope you have a blast of a holiday :-)

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jelsaad says on Jun 18, 2008, 15:36:

Downtown is dirty, full of beggars, choked with diesel smoke, chaotic, ans yes, dangerous. I'd avoid it at all costs, and this is from someone who is basically a native of Medellin. In fact, I'd go so far as to say it might even negatively impact your opinion of Medellin to stay in such a dodgy, grimy area.
Laureles/La 70 is a much better bet.

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tejasmarcos says on Jun 18, 2008, 16:06:

i love the area. just stay within the boundries of the park itself and major thoroughfares.

trying to walk a straight line on sour mash and cheap wine...

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Lostgringo says on Jun 18, 2008, 19:05:

there is also a new hostel that just started up with a swimming pool (I think). Why not give them a try? You can do a search on here for hostels. You can meet allot of people there and learn about the city. Just a suggestion.

Your Home Away from Home www.welovebogota.com and www.apartmentinbogota.com "Luxury apartments and rooms Cheap" Only 2 blocks from the American Embassy! 24/7 hour security.

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mranderson says on Jun 18, 2008, 20:00:

It's not that bad of an area. Also right at the end of junin blvd which has lots of shopping, nice restaurants, and plenty of bars scattered around. Close to La playa which is nice too. If you go there just stick to junin, maracaibo, and la playa avenues for late nights.

But that area can get pretty lonely late at night and I've been told it's not always safe. I wouldn't recommend staying there just because of your wife. Lots of prostitutes, transvestites, and druggies. La 70 would also be my choice. The bars are a little more expensive but much nicer.

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arbee says on Jun 19, 2008, 00:02:

Wow, what a response! thanks everyone for your valued input. Just one more thing, I've got details of the 2 suggested hotels to have a look at 'Hotel Paris' en el centro and 'Hotel Porton de la 70' en La 70. If we end up choosing La 70 does anyone have details of any more cheap hotels around that area?
¡de nuevo mil gracias!

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tomtom33 says on Jun 19, 2008, 02:16:

You obviously do not know el Centro. Thus you should probably avoid it, especially at night. Stay out of Parque Bolivar after 9:00 pm. However, the Avenida Junin pedestrian mall is generally safe from Parque Bolivar to Exito until midnight.

I mostly avoid el Centro because of the traffic. I am also not too fond of the pervasive odor of urine. The glue-sniffers and gamines don't bother you much during the day. But there are many areas that look okay that are not.

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robi666 says on Jun 19, 2008, 04:29:

Parque Bolivar...
If you're into transexuals it is the area for you.
Why anyone would want to spend a week of vacation there? Ok, it is cheap.

"I am a citizen of the most beautiful nation on earth. A nation whose laws are harsh yet simple, a nation that never cheats, which is immense and without borders, where life is lived in the present."

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arbee says on Jun 19, 2008, 04:56:

Ok, I think I'm getting the picture now. Perhaps it's better to look around La70, but the problem is that there's not much info on cheap hotels in that area, only fancy places with their own websites etc and for me I don't want to be spending a lot if I'm gona be out and about all day and night. I've got names of hotels, but that's it, no prices or recomendations. If anyone has stayed in some cheapies around there which they can recommend I'd be grateful.
cheers

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robi666 says on Jun 19, 2008, 05:28:

But... after all, why would anyone spend his 10 days of vacation in Medellin, travelling from abroad?

Reasons:
married to/having a sentimental relationship with a Paisa
being a Paisa living abroad
being a sex tourist
looking for American culture in South America
being overly fascinated by the mafia subculture

I cannot imagine any other reasons...

"I am a citizen of the most beautiful nation on earth. A nation whose laws are harsh yet simple, a nation that never cheats, which is immense and without borders, where life is lived in the present."

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huskie says on Jun 19, 2008, 06:12:

There is a place in Laureles called hotel Cabo de la vela, I stayed there in 2003 and it was clean, safe and not expensive, staff very friendly and helpful
http://www.hotelcabodelavela.com/principal.php
Cheers

"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds-"

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rhydewithdis says on Jun 19, 2008, 06:36:

Parque Bolivar at night turns into Grand Theft Auto. Transsexual hookers two blocks away. Dozens of glue sniffing drug addicted adolescents that will want you to "regalame" 500 pesos to get a smoke or buy some more glue.

Practically every bar in the 7-9 block radius turns into a brothel.

You'd be safer off staying in Harlem. Or the South Side of Chicago.

I'm 100% serious.

They said I couldn't play football I was too small / They say I couldn't play basketball I wasn't tall / They say I couldn't play baseball at all / And now everyday of my life I ball.

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mranderson says on Jun 19, 2008, 07:11:

Some of those drug addicted adolescents will not leave you alone. They will follow you or even walk right beside you for blocks while continually asking for 500 pesos.

If you stay in estadio after you check into the hotel just walk around and look for cheaper hotels. Go a block or 2 up or down from the 70 avenue and ask about prices. And of course always ask for a cheaper price then what they say. Tell them you already have a hotel and ask for a discount. Worked for me.

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tejasmarcos says on Jun 19, 2008, 07:14:

night time is a different theme i hear, don't know for sure myself, but now i am curious to find out just "how bad" it is since the experts have spoken.

transexuals do not bother me (robi must have had a jaunt to el centro go incredibly wrong), nor does the occassional begger/drug addicts. in fact that sounds like most major metropolitan cities in the USA or Europe or Australia, etc. to me.

in the daytime, i see alot artisans, retirees, students and working people making their way in and around the park.

* if you do not stay there, i would definitely recommend seeing the area. it is the northern connector to Junin. go sunday to see (be part of) a Misa. the church is spectacular inside. i have a foto or two somewhere....

trying to walk a straight line on sour mash and cheap wine...

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mranderson says on Jun 19, 2008, 07:34:

tejas a friend of mine has a bar on maracaibo st. just around the corner from park bolivar and all the transvestites and prostitutes. I've been there several times late at night and to me it doesn't seem all that bad. There are several strip clubs so even late into the night there's a crowd of seeminly normal people. Although other streets get pretty lonely and my friend told me it's not good to be walking alone there late at night. Late night that is like after 1am.

Although I honestly doubt that thugs and ladrones are hanging out on these deserted streets late at night waiting to rob someone. I mean there's nobody to rob, they would be waiting for nothing. I would think it's more dangerous during the day.

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Albatross says on Jun 19, 2008, 07:35:

I've never stayed anywhere else BUT El Centro when I'm in Medellin.
After dark, it quite definitely turns into a seedy area... but for me, that's the part of the charm.
And so far at least, I haven't gotten robbed, knifed or shot. But I'm always aware that it's a possibility.

If dirty, homeless drug addicts are a real problem for you, you'd better stay elsewhere.

“Democracy - a pathetic belief in the collective wisdom of individual ignorance." - H.L. Mencken

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tejasmarcos says on Jun 19, 2008, 07:41:

mra - i'll have to look for the street you spoke of earlier on one of my next visits. sounds lovely.

- the only negative thing i can say about the area really is that due to some unknown phenomenon, there has been a heavy dutch infiltration. the blinding orange fanfare can sometimes be a distraction when you are trying to watch one of the "good" games on tv.

trying to walk a straight line on sour mash and cheap wine...

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huskie says on Jun 19, 2008, 07:56:

Is that area near San Vicente de Paul Hospital? Parque Bolivar, that is
Cheers

"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds-"

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robi666 says on Jun 19, 2008, 08:14:

I spent more than 10 days in an hotel just a block form Parque Bolivar when I was working on my apartment in El Poblado.
Why there? Because it costed 20mil per night.
I would never stay there for vacation, less with my wife. When I am alone, I go cheap.
If you think that it is charming a seedy place full of transexuals and gamines, fine!

Place for a vacation:
Santa Marta
Cartagena
British Virgin Islands
Machu Picchu
Rome
Paris
...

"I am a citizen of the most beautiful nation on earth. A nation whose laws are harsh yet simple, a nation that never cheats, which is immense and without borders, where life is lived in the present."

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morphus says on Jun 19, 2008, 08:18:

South Beach, Miami blows those places away.

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morphus says on Jun 19, 2008, 08:20:

You can stay near Parque Bolivar. It does'nt mean you have to go the park every night. Its like saying if you stay in Poblado, you have to go to Parque Lleras every night.

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huskie says on Jun 19, 2008, 08:21:

NOPE, not south beach
Cheers

"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds-"

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huskie says on Jun 19, 2008, 08:23:

Washington DC
Cheers

"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds-"

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tejasmarcos says on Jun 19, 2008, 08:24:

LOL!

trying to walk a straight line on sour mash and cheap wine...

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arbee says on Jun 19, 2008, 09:38:

Blimey, I've caused a right debate here haven't I...... well it looks like I've chosen.... and the winner is 'La 70' !!!!! although of cause we will visit the centre during the day, many times probably. I don't mind barrios that are un poco 'chungo' with a few dodgy characters but I don't want to push my luck. Anywhere that arouses such controversy must be a very interesting place to visit so I can't wait to go. Thanks once again for all your input, and if you can think of anymore cheap hotels in La 70 keep em coming...

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tomtom33 says on Jun 19, 2008, 13:19:

Huskie, the hospital(San Vicente de Paul) is 7 or 8 blocks from Parque Bolivar. The hospital is near U de A and Parque Explora. That is quite nice area during the day. I have no idea what happens there at night.

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elchocoano says on Jun 19, 2008, 21:14:

I recently stayed at Hotel Conquistadores, Cra 54 No. 49-31 for $20.000 a night. Good breakfast for $2.500. Very friendly hotel, secure, no short stay traffic.
Web site: www.webteam.com.co/hconquist
I hung out until well after midnight at a collection of bars at Cra 54 and Calle 53 (Cucuta and Maracaibo) and found them all very friendly; no security issues that I noticed.

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arbee says on Jun 20, 2008, 02:32:

Excellent, everybody has been very helpfull. I big thanks to you all. I think I've got enough info now to have a look at the best places/areas.
cheers

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