Is booking a room here really the right plan for enjoying Medellín without the urban chaos? We share our unfiltered La Casona Hotel Boutique opinion after our stay in this establishment with a distinctly local feel. Between the benefits of its brilliant location and the unexpected hassles of getting there, we tell you whether this place is worth your money or whether you should flee 🏃♂️.
- La casona at a glance: our summary review and traveler’s notes
- The highlights that make the hotel so charming
- Real weaknesses to be aware of before booking
- Our final verdict: who is this hotel for?
La casona at a glance: our summary review and traveler’s notes
What we liked, what we didn’t like
This Medellín hotel has two faces. On the one hand, its undeniable charm and top location are seductive. On the other, its shortcomings weigh heavily in the balance.
The location is a nugget: close to La 70 but quiet. The cleanliness is impeccable and the staff often adorable. Rooms with Jacuzzis are a real plus.
On the other hand, the noise from the street and the complicated access do spoil the party a little.
Travelers’ verdict at a glance
The overall rating of 8.2/10 seems reassuring, but don’t be fooled. The details of the sub-ratings are far more revealing about the actual experience and comfort.
| Criteria | Score (/10) |
|---|---|
| Cleanliness | 8.8 |
| Comfort | 8.6 |
| Location | 9.1 |
| Installations | 8.4 |
| Staff | 8.9 |
| Value for money | 8.4 |
| Free wifi | 7.7 |
Note the incredible 9.1 for location, which is rare. Conversely, Wifi lags behind with a weak 7.7. For telecommuting, it’s likely to get stuck 😕.
What you need to know before booking
Located in the heart of Medellín, Colombia, it’s a convenient base. Here’s what you need to know before getting out your credit card.
For whom: Solo travelers, couples. Plus: Location. Minus: Noise and access. Our opinion of La Casona Hotel Boutique remains mixed. Book a hotel at the best price on Trip.com. Book your airport transfer here. The best activities in Bolivia here.
The highlights that make the hotel so charming
A strategic location in Medellín
If there’s one thing everyone agrees on in the reviews of La Casona Hotel Boutique, it’s its address. We’re literally a stone’s throw from the famous “La 70”, the vibrant boulevard where Medellín never sleeps.
The trick? To be so close to the hustle and bustle while maintaining a certain calm, a precarious balance that often saves the day after a day’s walking. It’s rare to find it here.
In short, it’s the ideal HQ for strolling around the neighborhood without being knocked out by the constant urban din.
A team that cares… most of the time
On the human side, it’s hit or miss, but it’s often very good. Many describe the team as friendly, attentive and helpful. In fact, a certain Juliette is often mentioned for her kindness, which is reassuring on arrival.
But beware, the experience is not linear. Other travelers have come across a bone of contention, reporting cold exchanges and even downright unpleasant or rude receptionists. The atmosphere changes dramatically depending on who you talk to.
It all seems to depend on who’s on call that day. It’s a bit like Russian roulette in customer service, a detail not to be overlooked before booking.
Comfort and cleanliness: the big difference in opinions
On paper, cleanliness scores a solid 8.8/10. The majority of visitors find the place very clean, which is often the number one criterion for not running out the door as soon as they check in.
But don’t be too quick to claim victory. Some people have been unpleasantly surprised to find dubious bed linen, an untidy floor or a borderline bathroom. These failures show that the standard of housekeeping is not always consistent.
If you want to be sure of the best, look for rooms with private Jacuzzis and balconies. That’s where comfort really soars.
Real weaknesses to be aware of before booking
But then, no hotel is perfect, and La Casona has some very real faults that you just have to know about.
Noise: La Casona’s Achilles heel
If you look at the reviews of the casona hotel boutique, noise is THE major drawback. The soundproofing is frankly non-existent, and this spoils the overall experience if you’re looking for absolute peace and quiet.
You can hear everything: the incessant din of the street, but also what’s going on inside. Neighbors’ conversations and snores cut through the walls like music paper.
In short, if you’re a light sleeper, this is a serious risk to consider before confirming your reservation.
An irritatingly impractical access system
We found the entrance system totally lunar during our visit. Forget your autonomy: neither the key nor the code on the main door worked to enter the establishment freely whenever we wanted.
The crazy thing was that management was handled by the Infinity Hotel, located across the street. So we had to wait for an employee to cross the street to open the door for us.
It’s downright annoying in the long run. Many customers describe this system as “ridiculous” and we agree 🙄.
Breakfast and rooms: could do better
Let’s talk about breakfast, which divides quite a few people. While some enjoy it, many find it just “passable” or too basic for a hotel that claims to be boutique.
As for the bedroom, we were perplexed by the layout. There’s hardly any furniture to put your things on: no cupboards, no drawers, which quickly becomes a nuisance over several days.
As an added bonus, other little inconveniences are sometimes added to the list and can tarnish the picture, especially if you end up in the wrong room:
- Minimal space in accommodation
- No windows in some rooms
- Drainage problems in the bathroom
- Cigarette smell sometimes present in common areas
Our final verdict: who is this hotel for?
So, after weighing up the pros and cons, what do you do? Make a reservation or walk away? Here’s our clear opinion.
Ideal for travelers who value location and ambience
If you’re looking for a strategic base for exploring Medellín, you’ve come to the right place. In writing this review of La Casona Hotel Boutique, we realized that its location near La 70 is its greatest asset. It’s perfect for those who live outside and come in just to sleep.
Lovers of small hotels with a local soul will also be well served, far from the standardized chains. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and frankly, if you manage to snag a room with a Jacuzzi, your stay will take on a whole new dimension! 😉
Avoid if you’re sensitive to noise or looking for autonomy
On the other hand, let’s be honest: if you’re a light sleeper, don’t look back. Noise is omnipresent, between the almost non-existent insulation and the hustle and bustle of the street. We could literally hear the neighbors’ conversations, which can quickly become a hellish place to rest.
The same applies if you insist on total autonomy during your trip. Having to wait on the sidewalk for an employee of the hotel across the street to open the door for us… well, let’s just say it ended up seriously annoying us. It’s a detail that weighs heavily.
Preparing your stay: a few tips
Do you still want to try it out for the charm of the place? We understand, but don’t go with your hands in your pockets to avoid unpleasant surprises. Here’s what saved us.
- Ask explicitly for a room at the back, away from the street.
- Bring earplugs, just in case(vital here).
- Have the Infinity Hotel number handy for access.
- Feel free to ask for a room with a closet if available.
Good preparation is key, whether it’s dealing with noise in Medellín or avoiding altitude sickness in Bolivia. Comparing options is also essential, just as it would be to find the best hotels in Sucre, Bolivia.
Shall we make a reservation?
Our final verdict: for whom?
It’s great for its location in Medellín, but should be avoided if you’re worried about noise. Bring your own traffic jams! Just like dealing with altitude sickness in Bolivia or choosing the best hotels in Sucre, good preparation is essential to enjoy the experience.
