61 Prado Hotel: Medellín's BEST Kept Secret? (Luxury Awaits!)

61Prado Hotel Medellín Colombia

61 Prado Hotel: Medellín's BEST Kept Secret? (Luxury Awaits!)

61 Prado Hotel: Medellín's BEST Kept Secret? (Luxury Awaits!) – My Rambling, Honest Take

Okay, so I just got back from Medellín, and I'm still buzzing. And a huge part of that buzz? The 61 Prado Hotel. Everyone raves about Medellín, but finding the right place to stay? That's where it gets tricky. You want something… well, not just good, but something that feels like you’re in the know, right? Like you've stumbled upon a secret. This place, 61 Prado, feels like a secret. And honestly, after diving headfirst into it, I'm pretty certain I can spill the beans. Let's get messy, shall we? Buckle up.

Accessibility & Getting Around: A Mixed Bag, But Mostly Good Vibes

Look, I’m not disabled, so I can't personally vouch for full wheelchair accessibility. But, and this is important, from what I saw, the hotel tries. They list 'Facilities for disabled guests', and there’s an elevator, crucial in a city like Medellín with its hills. The reviews were mixed regarding accessibility, but the hotel clearly tried to cater to different needs. The presence of an elevator is a huge win, seriously. Getting around Medellín itself? Taxi service is your best friend. They do offer airport transfer, which is ESSENTIAL after a long flight, and a car park. Bonus points for free of charge!

Cleanliness & Safety: Pandemic Times? More Like Pristine Times (Mostly)

Ah, the elephant in the room: COVID. 61 Prado takes it seriously. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Hand sanitizer everywhere? Check. Staff in masks, and following protocols? Double check. They've got the 'Hygiene certification' covered. My room was impeccable. And the rooms are sanitized between stays; it’s really a thoughtful touch in this current reality. I'm not a germaphobe, but I appreciate a clean space, and this place nailed it. They also had anti-viral cleaning products.

The Room: My Personal Oasis (and a Few Tiny Gripes)

Alright, let's talk about the rooms. Think elegance. The 61 Prado oozes it. I stayed in a non-smoking room (thank goodness, because no smell is more offensive than stale smoke). The black-out curtains! Swoon. Slept like a baby. The bed was ridiculously comfy. The added features - you could easily spend the whole day in your room, and enjoy it. The small issues, that really are just tiny things like the internet access sometimes being slow in my room, that really made for a small blip in an ocean of good experiences. I'm serious: the bed. The pillows were the perfect level of squish. Mini bar? Yep. Free bottled water (essential in the Colombian heat)? Absolutely. The free Wi-Fi worked great, thankfully. The bathroom? Gorgeous. The shower? Epic. They even have a scale. I didn’t quite take advantage of the bathtub, but I did take advantage of the complimentary tea.

Internet & Tech Stuff: Mostly Smooth Sailing (with a Few Glitches)

Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Bless them. The internet was mostly reliable, though I did have a few moments of buffering while trying to stream a movie. (First world problems, I know). They also have LAN connections for those who need it. And for events, they can sort you out with Wi-Fi too. It would be nice to have an IT guy on-call constantly.

Dining, Drinking & Snacking: From Breakfast to Bliss

Okay, here's where 61 Prado truly shines. The food. The breakfast! Oh. My. God. Breakfast is included (buffet AND a la carte, depending on your mood). The Asian breakfast was a tasty novelty. Western options? Loads. I went straight for the Western breakfast. Coffee/tea in the restaurant too - fantastic. I loved the coffee shop. The pool-side bar was a dream (more on that later), and the restaurants themselves offered a great selection. I didn't try the Asian cuisine, but… next time!

The Pool: My Medellín Moment

Alright, brace yourselves. This is where 61 Prado did me in. The pool. The pool with a view. It’s not just a pool, it’s an experience. Imagine yourself: the Medellin sun, the infinity pool, the stunning views. It's a slice of heaven. And the poolside bar? Craft cocktails, fresh juices, and snacks. I spent a whole afternoon just existing there. It was pure bliss. This is the thing that would take me back to the hotel again.

Ways to Relax: Spa Day Dreams Achieved!

Okay, I'm a sucker for a good spa day. The 61 Prado's spa? Not to be missed. They have a full spa and sauna! I got a massage, and it was… incredible. They also have a steamroom. I didn’t get the body wrap but, after my experience there, I would now. If you’re looking to unwind, this is where it's at. They have a fitness center, too – but let's be honest, I was more about the pool!

Services & Conveniences: They Thought of Everything (Almost)

This hotel has everything. Concierge? Check. Luggage storage? Check. Laundry service? Check. Dry cleaning? Check. Cash withdrawal available. And the 24-hour front desk? It's like they're always there to anticipate your needs. They have a convenience store, which is handy. The doorman is also incredibly helpful (especially when you're trying to navigate the city with a suitcase). It’s the little touches that really make a difference. Although, I do wish they’d give me a fresh towel every day without my asking.

For the Kids (and Families): Child-Friendly & Welcoming

Okay, I don't have kids, but I saw families there, and the hotel seemed genuinely welcoming. They list 'Family/child friendly', and offer babysitting services if you need them and they also have kids' meals.

Things to Do: Beyond the Hotel Walls (But Why Leave?)

Medellín is amazing, and the hotel can help you get out there! They have meeting facilities if you need to mix business with pleasure. They're happy to set up tours and give advice. I did a couple of day trips, but honestly, I could have happily stayed inside the 61 Prado the entire time.

The "Meh" Bits (Because Perfection Doesn't Exist)

Honestly, I struggled to find major flaws. One tiny thing: the elevators got a bit busy during peak times. Also, the decor is modern. But that's my subjective opinion!

The Verdict: 61 Prado Hotel: Worth It? Hell, Yes.

Is 61 Prado Medellín's best-kept secret? Maybe. It's certainly not cheap, but you get what you pay for: luxury, comfort, and an experience. It's perfect for a romantic getaway, a solo trip, or even (whisper it) a business trip. It’s also great for people who just want to relax and disconnect (while secretly Instagramming the pool).

My Honest Recommendation: Definitely Book!

Okay, enough rambling. Here's the bottom line: If you are looking for a hotel in Medellín, the 61 Prado is worth the splurge. The pool, the spa, the breakfasts, the service… it all comes together to create something truly special.

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• Culinary Delights: Savor delicious breakfasts, and enjoy fantastic dining options and poolside bar service.
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Medellín Meanderings: A Hot Mess of a Trip

Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your perfectly Instagrammed travel diary. This is the raw, unfiltered truth of a week spent trying (and sometimes failing) to navigate Medellín, Colombia, from the comfy, albeit slightly overpriced, confines of the 61Prado Hotel.

Pre-Trip Meltdown:

Before we even got to Medellín, the chaos began. I'd envisioned myself, graceful and sophisticated, flawlessly navigating the airport. Reality? I almost missed my connecting flight from Panama City because I got distracted haggling over a slightly-too-expensive Panama hat. (Note to self: learn to speak basic Spanish BEFORE you arrive.)

Day 1: Arrival & Altitude Sickness (and Regret?)

• Morning: Touchdown in Medellín! The air hit me first - a humid hug, followed by that "whoa, I'm high up in the mountains" feeling. The hotel, by the way, the 61Prado. Sleek. Stylish. A little bit out of my budget, but hey, treat yourself, right? (Famous last words, I'm sure). That lobby art is intense. Like, are we supposed to understand it? I'm leaning towards "no".
• Afternoon: Altitude sickness slammed me. Headache, nausea… I spent most of the afternoon horizontal, cursing my overambitious pre-trip plans. Seriously considered calling room service for a bucket.
• Evening: Managed to rally enough to devour some arepas from a street vendor (bliss!) and wander around the neighborhood. The Prado district is charming, all Art Deco buildings and slightly crumbling facades. Feeling like I'm stepping back in time, in a good way. Also, the dog that followed me for three blocks? BEST. THING. EVER.

Day 2: Comuna 13 - Colours, Chaos, & Catharsis

• Morning: Up early, fuelled by coffee, determined to conquer Comuna 13. This is the one everyone raves about. The tours, the street art, the… history.
• Afternoon: Okay, Comuna 13. Wow. It was… overwhelming. The sheer scale of the street art, the energy, the story. The tour guide (a local, thankfully) had this incredible way of weaving the history of the area – the violence, the struggle, the rebirth – into every vibrant mural. I actually got choked up a few times. This wasn't just art; it was a testament to resilience. We rode those absurd escalators up the hillside, marveling at how quickly and cleanly people are getting to their home.
• Evening: Sat on a rooftop, sipping aguardiente (the local firewater – dangerous), trying to process it all. The echoes of the day still ring in my ears, but I'm so happy I went. Feeling like I actually experienced something, not just looked at it.

Day 3: Guatapé & the Rock of Guatapé - A Vertical Nightmare!

• Morning: The bus ride to Guatapé was… an adventure. Packed like sardines, with music blasting. I'm pretty sure I heard a chicken clucking at one point. (No exaggeration.)
• Afternoon: El Peñón de Guatapé. The Rock. The giant, freaking… ROCK. It was daunting. I'm not going to lie. Almost gave up halfway through the 700 steps!!!. My legs were screaming. But holy hell, the view from the top! Breathtaking doesn’t even begin to cover it. The lakes, the islands, the tiny, colorful town below… It was worth every single agonizing step. (Okay, maybe not every step, but close.)
• Evening: Back in Medellín, and crashed in the hotel. Ate a giant plate of pasta and vowed never to climb stairs again. (At least not for the next two days).

Day 4: Museo de Antioquia & Botero Bliss (and a Near-Disaster!)

• Morning: Museo de Antioquia. Botero’s plump, adorable figures. I get it. I really, really do. I could spend hours just wandering around his world. I especially loved the collection of his works documenting the drug wars. The raw emotion just jumped out at me, a very strong contrast to the playful, almost cartoonish images.
• Lunch: Found a charming little cafe around the corner. Ordered a "vegetarian sandwich" that turned out to contain…meat. My Spanish is still a work in progress. (See: Panama Hat Incident).
• Afternoon: Okay, so this is where things got messy. I'm not going to go into too much detail, because it involves a crowded bus, a dodgy street, and my near-loss of my entire wallet/passport/sanity. Long story short: I was pickpocketed. Almost lost it. The kindness of the people who helped me? Restored my faith in humanity. The police? Not so much. Finally made it back to the hotel, shaken but okay.

Day 5: Recovery Day & A Rooftop Revelation

• Morning: Exhausted. The pickpocket experience sucked the joy out of me. Sticking to the hotel, working on my Spanish with Duolingo and drinking endless cups of coffee.
• Afternoon: Forced myself to walk around the Parque de las Luces (the park of lights). This quiet time helped me to try and process the previous day's stress. Found the fountain, which was so very random.
• Evening: The rooftop bar at the hotel. Finally a moment to relax. The city lights twinkled below, and I sipped a cocktail named "The Prado Sunset." Turns out the hotel's rooftop is the only place I've felt relaxed on this entire trip. And it was beautiful. And I could not wait to go home.

Day 6: Coffee Culture & A Culinary Crisis

• Morning: A guided coffee tour. Finally! Learning about the whole process, from bean to cup. The aroma alone was worth the price of admission. The tasting? Divine. I'm now officially a coffee snob. Also now looking for a good coffee machine.
• Afternoon: Attempted to cook a Colombian dish at a local cooking class. Disaster. Utter, complete disaster. The instructions were in Spanish. My knife skills are… not good. The final product was edible, but only just.
• Evening: Back to the hotel. Decided a pizza from room service was the only safe option.

Day 7: Departure (and a Promise)

• Morning: Last-minute souvenir shopping. Found a beautiful piece of emerald jewellery (because, Colombia!). Checked out of the hotel.
• Afternoon: Goodbye, Medellín! I leave with a suitcase full of memories (and a mild case of altitude sickness). This trip was messy, chaotic, and at moments, utterly overwhelming. But it was also beautiful, eye-opening, and full of moments that I will cherish forever.
• Promise: To learn more Spanish. To get better at navigating city streets. To maybe, maybe, try that cooking class again. And to definitely, definitely, return someday.

Final Thoughts:

61Prado Hotel was a good base. Clean, comfortable, stylish. But Medellín itself? It's a wild, wonderful, utterly unpredictable place. And I wouldn't have it any other way. And I would definitely recommend to skip some of the touristy things. Just wandering the streets and the neighborhoods and getting lost is where the magic is. Now, time for a long nap and a large glass of Chilean red wine… salud!

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61Prado Hotel Medellín Colombia

61 Prado Hotel: Medellín's BEST Kept Secret? Honestly, Let's Dive In...

So, what's with this "Best Kept Secret" hype? Is 61 Prado Hotel really *that* special?

Okay, look, I've stayed in my fair share of places, from hostels that smelled vaguely of regret to five-star palaces where you're afraid to look at the price tag. And 61 Prado… well, it's different. The “Best Kept Secret” thing? Yeah, it's a little overdone, marketing-wise. But here’s the thing: it’s not *entirely* wrong. The architecture is stunning, a renovated mansion that just oozes character. The inner courtyard? Gorgeous. But the "best" part? The people... oh, and the breakfast. More on both later.

What kind of vibe are we talking about? Is it pretentious? (Please, no.)

Pretentious? Thank GOD, no. That's the beauty of it. It's refined, yes. Chic, definitely. But you're not getting the usual aloof hotel staff judging your every move (looking at *you*, certain Parisian hotels). It's more... relaxed elegance. Think, old money meets Medellin cool. Think, a place where you can actually *talk* to the staff about the best *arepas* in town without feeling like you're breaking some unspoken rule of decorum by asking a basic question. They actually WANT to help you have a good time. I distinctly remember asking the front desk guy about a local coffee shop, and he didn't just give me directions; he practically *insisted* on writing them down for me, complete with little doodles of street names! It was the little things, you know?

Tell me about the rooms. Are they worth the splurge?

Okay, so, I stayed in a standard room, which was, honestly, still pretty darn luxurious. Think high ceilings, beautiful furniture (not the flimsy IKEA stuff!), and a ridiculously comfortable bed that nearly swallowed me whole. I felt like a princess! The bathrooms... oh, the bathrooms. Modern, spotless, and the water pressure? Amazing. (Important, trust me.) Okay, full disclosure: the first room they gave me, the AC was a little iffy. I’m talking, a gentle breeze on a hot day type of iffy. Complained, and within minutes, they'd moved me to a better room. That’s a big deal. That's a hotel actually *caring*. It goes a long way, believe me.

What about the location? Is it safe and convenient?

The location is pretty fantastic. El Poblado is one of the best areas to be in Medellin. The hotel is in a quieter location compared to the other hotels, but close enough to everything. You are literally steps away from trendy restaurants, bars, and shops. It's safe, generally speaking (use common sense, people!). Taxis and Ubers are readily available, and the metro is walkable too. As someone with a slight fear of getting pickpocketed, I never felt uneasy walking around. Of course, always be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

Let's get real: the food. Is the breakfast as amazing as everyone says?

Oh. My. God. The breakfast. Honestly, I’m still dreaming about it. Freshly squeezed juice (multiple options!), a ridiculous spread of fruits (papayas, mangoes, passion fruit - heaven!), eggs cooked to your liking, *arepas*, pastries… and the coffee? Forget Starbucks. This coffee was the nectar of the gods. Seriously, I'm not exaggerating! I might have had *multiple* helpings every single morning. I’m getting hungry just thinking about it. This is not just a hotel breakfast. This is an experience. The only downside? I had to leave.

Any downsides? Because there's *always* a catch, right?

Alright, alright, the cracks in the facade. Let's be honest: it’s not *perfect*. The pool? Small. Like, dip-your-toes-and-that's-it small. Definitely not a place for serious lap swimming. And the noise levels from the street *can* be a bit of an issue depending on your room (earplugs are your friend). I had a room facing the street, and it was a little loud at night, but again, this applies to *any* hotel in a city, right? One other minor thing... I had to ask for extra towels a couple of times. Minor quibbles, though. Nothing that ruined my stay.

What’s this about the staff? You mentioned they're special.

Okay, the staff. This is what really makes 61 Prado stand out. They are genuinely friendly, helpful, and seem to actually *enjoy* their jobs. I remember one day, I was completely lost trying to navigate the metro system. One of the staff members, bless his heart, could see the utter befuddlement on my face from across the lobby. He came over, patiently explained the whole thing (in perfect English, might I add), and even drew me a little map! It’s not forced; it’s the way they treat you as if they were hosting you at their own home. They remember your name, your coffee order, and they are genuinely interested in making sure you are having a good time. That kind of personal touch? Priceless.

Would you go back?

In a heartbeat. Absolutely. The breakfast alone is worth it. But seriously, it’s the whole package: the beautiful building, the fantastic location, the ridiculously comfortable beds, AND the incredibly nice staff. It's not just a place to stay; it's an experience. It might not be the most perfectly polished hotel you've ever been to, but the imperfections? They give it character. They make it real. And that, my friends, is why 61 Prado is a gem. Now if you'll excuse me, I’m going to start planning my return trip. And this time, I’m making a beeline for the breakfast buffet. Wish me luck trying to fit my suitcase in my stomach.

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61Prado Hotel Medellín Colombia

61Prado Hotel Medellín Colombia

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