Travel
Flight
José María Córdova International Airport
You'll most likely have a stop in Panama City if you fly Copa, Bogota if you fly Avianca, Miami if you fly American, or Houston if you fly United. Try not to have a short layover, you will need to time to go from one gate to the other. PLEASE look out for an email from us for more flight information! The airport is approximately 40-60 minute drive from the city depending on the traffic and where you choose to stay. Because of the drive, and to avoid random delays (traffic which can be horrendous, construction is everywhere, customs being awful, etc) I have a slight preference to stay near the airport night before my trip returning home for an easier trip home. So ideally that would be near or in Rionegro.
Travel Note
Hotels/Airbnbs general advise
My general recommendation for Medellin would be to stay near El Poblado. This is generally regarded as a safe area, lots of variety in food options, metro stop, nice shops, good nightlife, and close enough to the wedding venue. Other attractions of the city like the museums/plaza botero are a short car/train ride away. A section of El Poblado does have a bunch of night clubs which can get loud (yes you will absolutely hear them on the streets at night). This is around Provenza, parque Lleres, and Calle 10. Some places can be worse then others, depends on the where you are in El Poblado and the quality of the hotel/aribnb. I'd highly highly recommend going through those reviews. Personally I like to stay on the border of El Poblado more so near the Alejandria(google it) neighborhood. Much more peaceful, no loud clubs, and less packed with people. I also make it a point now to try to stay near a mall if possible (called a centro comerical). Santafe and Tesoro are the big ones in Alejandria. Mostly for quick and easy access to food. My backup is staying near a chain grocery store, like Exito, Jumbo, and Carulla. If neither are walking distance I'd settle for a pharmacy chain Farmatoda/ Farmacia Pasteur, which can be open 24/7. They're like CVS/Walgreens where they'll have random household things and snacks. Not walkable to the nightlife in El Poblado, but a short 7min car drive away. Separately, Laureles is the other part of Medellin that could be nice to stay. Lots of food, shopping, stadium nearby where huge concerts are, some nightlife too. Train access too, just on a separate side line. Close to the domestic airport if you are traveling within Medellin. Less touristy attractions near here though. Would not recommend staying here day of the wedding cause that could be a bit of treck if traffic hits. Unless you are a seasoned traveler i'd avoid staying in the downtown/Candelaria area
Hotel
Loma Verde Apartahotel
Apartments within walking distance to the heart of Poblado but without the noise. and within walking distance of a small mall. We haven't stayed here yet but looks like a very promising spot. PLEASE look out for an email from us for more information.
Hotel
Novelty Suites Hotel
Loved this place when i stayed before. Location is great, hotel staff was very nice, good breakfast, price was reasonable, and room was awesome. Neighborhood is again peaceful and feels safe to walk around. Centro Comerical Oviedo within walking distance with a few other food options nearby. I liked the breakfast they had, plenty of variety and tasted fresh. I had to leave my bags with them while I did some traveling and they were very accommodating. I got a suite, which was like 1 bedroom apartment with a full kitchen, balcony, and living room. At the time I paid 100 dollars for 2 nights. Its a little pricier now but still reasonable i think.
Hotel
Go Living & Suites
Half of the building is for the hotel, the other half is for apartments/Airbnbs. We stayed at the airbnb side, so not sure of the services the hotel side had..but I will say we loved the location. Close to all the nightlife in El Pobaldo and walking distance to Centro Comercial Santafe and Farmatodo. Quiet neighborhood too.
Travel Note
Cabs and Buses
When using local cabs expect to pay in cash. Cab rides in the city are metered, they shouldn't charge flat rates . Easy option to travel to and from the airport. Please note, it is common for the cabs to charge a flat rate for airport transportation. Buses are a cheaper option if you are considering visiting Guatapé.
Travel Note
Ubers and inDrive
Uber - Use the cash option whenever possible (card still works too!). We recommend using luxury/comfort options for better cars. The basic cars can have non functioning air conditioner. inDrive - Global ride-hailing platform that distinguishes itself by allowing passengers and drivers to negotiate fares directly, fostering a peer-to-peer pricing model. Great alternative if you cannot find an uber.
Travel Note
Metro Trains
There are metro trains in the city and could be an easy way to travel.
Travel Note
Private Driver
We have contacts for a few trusted drivers who can help with airport transportation, in and around the city and Guatapé. Reach out to Chris for more information!
Travel Note
Other places we considered staying
Here are some hotels we shortlisted and considered staying in for this trip if anyone else wanted to take a look. Both of these options we almost went with. Soul has some great apartments with nice amenities, but the immediate area isn't as walkable as others. Still close to Poblado and close ish to malls.Soul lifestyle apartments https://maps.app.goo.gl/iXAvcRnm6kWSeJS27 Alcazar has some nice apartments in a very walkable area, right next to a mall and plenty of things around. Some rooms have incredible views, but not all of them so didn't want to risk not getting a view room.Alcazar de Oviedo https://maps.app.goo.gl/xXcAvjnykotWKXw1A Below the options all looked like really nice hotels, attached to malls with great amenities. Personally we were looking for rooms with microwaves (love me some leftovers to heat up) so i nixxed them initially, but if that doesn't both you go for it. Landmark hotel https://maps.app.goo.gl/TsgewmrvUni4w6FA6 Faranda https://maps.app.goo.gl/VU1z9MY9bjrpMHkq6 Estelar Milla de Oro https://maps.app.goo.gl/RxVukaxLYmSQGgQ27 Novotel https://maps.app.goo.gl/Br9RgzFZVjRu8g1e8
