Medellín is one of those cities people either become obsessed with or completely misunderstand. Some travelers arrive expecting a Narcos theme park with salsa music. Others show up expecting a digital nomad utopia where everyone drinks $6 cold brew while discussing passive income beside a rooftop infinity pool. The truth sits somewhere in the middle.

Planning your first trip to Medellín, Colombia and wondering where to stay? Sensible question. Nothing says “vacation success” like accidentally booking a noisy room three miles uphill with no metro access and a rooster named Carlos outside your window.