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Tulua to Manizales to Medellin by bus

My girlfriend and I are planning a trip. We will stay in Tuluá for two nights and then take the bus to Manizales. I can only find two hotels on the internet for Manizales and I hear from many people that one of the two is way overpriced for what is offered. Are there inexpensive hotels in Manizales? How long is the bus from Tuluá to Manizales?

After two nights in Manizales, we will head for Medellin. To many here the Mecca of Colombia. I have asked some friends about good places to stay in Medellin and I have a suggestion from a good friend but I think that in the context of this road trip, it might be very much on the high side. Is there such a thing as a good inexpensive hotel in Medellin? How long is the bus from Manizales to Medellin?

Help guys. We're leaving soon. I like to know what's going on ahead of time. I can't get used to the Colombian way of going with the flow.

PdA

By Papi de Alejo on Sep 8, 2008, 18:41 in Friendly Talkzone.

teeo9111 says on Sep 8, 2008, 19:10:

i just got back from manizales two days ago,my novia lives there.las colinas is the overpriced hotel that you refer to. before i leased an apartment i stayed at four places,las colinas a ripoff,the varuna which is a very nice modern hotel about 90 bucks a night restaurant is awesome but expensive website is varunahotel.com,the casino real hotel was about 50 bucks,clean,no internet,very basic,decent choice for the money.the other place i have rented was apartments from the colombiancupid.com guy,a cool dude,british i think,nice furnished apartments with computers and wi-fi for 90 bucks no tax. there are many low end hotels in centro but i just won't go that low because i like to be in a little bit better acomodations and the area is definitely sketchy at night.if you have any questions about manizales i'll do my best to answer them for you

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Papi de Alejo says on Sep 8, 2008, 19:39:

Thanks teeo9111. I just ran across the colombiacupid guy through Virtual Tourist.com. It sounds too much like a no-tell motel. I'll look at the others.

PdA

Live simply... Love generously... Care deeply... Speak kindly...

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teeo9111 says on Sep 8, 2008, 19:54:

having a steady novia i was concerned about the same thing at first but it isn't,he actually just acquired six more apartments in a beautiful area of the city.if i were to need a short term stay again which hopefully i won't now that i have an apartment here, i would rent from him without hesitation.i'll try to find the name of the street that hotel casino real is on,they don't have a website and if you do a search you will come up empty,i'll look and see if i have a phone number also

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teeo9111 says on Sep 8, 2008, 20:10:

i had the spelling incorrect,it is the camino real, the address and phone # is as follows:Address:
Manizales, Cra. 21 No. 20-45

Tel: 57 68 845588

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Papi de Alejo says on Sep 8, 2008, 20:15:

Thanks teeo.

PdA

Live simply... Love generously... Care deeply... Speak kindly...

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teeo9111 says on Sep 8, 2008, 20:59:

no problem,hope you enjoy the beautiful city of Manizales and the rest of your trip

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manINred says on Sep 9, 2008, 00:31:

Stay at the hotels in Manizales beside the main bus terminals. Dirt cheap, not too cracked-out, the downside is you have to beware of the crackwhores/heads.

And beware of the bus ride from Manizales to Medellin. They say it takes 5 hours but last time it took me 8.

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nueva york bombero says on Sep 9, 2008, 06:39:

That's right! I just got back and it took me 6 hours when they said "4"!
I stayed in Manizales Mountain House. Dirt cheap, but you get what you pay for!
I don't recomend taking your girl there. On the other hand, Tiger Paw Hostel in Medellin is a winner!
This place is clean, nice, great area, friendly staff, private rooms, cheap, and feels like a small hotel.
Talk to Brian (owner) and book a room. You wont regret it. And no, I have no involvement with him or the place. Just telling you what I have experienced.
Good Luck!

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Papi de Alejo says on Sep 9, 2008, 16:39:

Thanks Bombero. Hope that the trip will be eventful from the good things that we do rather than the bad places that we stay.

PdA

Live simply... Love generously... Care deeply... Speak kindly...

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island girl says on Sep 9, 2008, 19:16:

Papi oi
when in medellin i did not stay at tiger paw but wish I had ... it was full up but i passed by anyhow and NYB know what he saying ... the place be chilling and has more of a boutique hotel vibe than backpacker crash pad feel. with the price range of the latter...
I was down more Armenia side and salento ... sorry no manizales advice...
take care and enjoy!

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Papi de Alejo says on Sep 9, 2008, 19:26:

Thanks Vincy gal for the advice. Just have to get the Manizales leg situated and then I can confirm all of the arrangements. Trip planning is a lot of work. And I used to think that travel agents got paid for doing nothing.

PdA.

Live simply... Love generously... Care deeply... Speak kindly...

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