Best Hotels in Medellin (2019 Update)

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Editor’s note: This post was updated by Sophie on March 28, 2019. The original Best Hotels in Medellin post was published on December 13, 2013 by Ryan Hiraki.

Medellín has so much to offer tourists: whether you’ve got two days or two weeks, there’s so much to do in The City of Eternal Spring.

Of course, if you’re heading to Medellín you’ll need somewhere to stay. We’ve previously covered our favorite hostels, but, if that’s not your thing, there are plenty of hotels in the city that will give you a little more luxury and privacy.

The following hotels are our favorite options for every budget. (Photo above courtesy of Hotel Dann Carlton)

Five-star luxury at the Charlee Hotel in El Poblado (photo courtesy of the Charlee Hotel)
Five-star luxury at the Charlee Hotel in El Poblado (photo courtesy of the Charlee Hotel)

Top End (Over $100)

The Charlee Hotel, El Poblado

The Charlee Hotel is synonymous with five-star luxury, and with good reason. This is our favorite pick for an indulgent stay to remember.

All rooms are designed with vintage-inspired accents and cutting-edge technology, giving you the best of both worlds. They each have incredible views of the city’s skyline, and the penthouse suite also features a tepanyaki grill and Jacuzzi on its terrace.

The location is adjacent to Parque Lleras, which is the perfect spot for enjoying the best of El Poblado’s restaurants and bars. Or, you can enjoy world-class food and drink from the comfort of the hotel: the rooftop pool and bar, Envy, is famous throughout Medellín as being one of the best spots to enjoy a cocktail.

This level of luxury comes at a price, and a night in a ‘standard’ Charlee King room is 560,823 COP ($179) including breakfast.

Calle 9a #37-16, El Poblado

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The luxurious spa at the Diez Hotel (photo courtesy of the Diez Hotel)
The luxurious spa at the Diez Hotel (photo courtesy of the Diez Hotel)

Diez Hotel, El Poblado

For a luxury take on Colombian culture, Diez Hotel is a great option at a reasonable cost.

Every floor is inspired by a different region of Colombia, and the rooms are finished with local handcrafts, which gives the hotel an authentic flavor. The views are outstanding from every room, and the location gives great access to the city.

The on-site fitness center is well equipped to help you work off all the bandeja paisas that you’ll no doubt be sampling, and the luxurious spa is the perfect place to enjoy a massage and recuperate from a long day exploring the city.

There are lots of options for food and drink in the bar and restaurant, and there are plenty of international dishes on offer if you’ve overindulged on Colombian cuisine.

A double room is 306,400 COP ($98) and includes a breakfast buffet.

Calle 10A #34-11

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The Dann Carlton has long been one of Medellin's most popular hotels (photo: David Lee)
The Dann Carlton has long been one of Medellin’s most popular hotels (photo: David Lee)

Hotel Dann Carlton, El Poblado

This hotel has been around for some time and has a well-deserved reputation as being one of the best in Medellín.

Rooms are plush and comfortable with a neutral finish and have air conditioning, a TV and a minibar as standard. The hotel’s restaurant serves a huge breakfast buffet that has a reputation as being one of the best in the city, and at night it turns into a romantic candlelit dinner spot.

The pool is a major draw for guests and is the perfect place to soak up some sun. There’s an on-site gym if walking around the city isn’t exercise enough, or you can enjoy a bit of pampering with a relaxing massage.

The junior suites are perfect for families and are 386,521 COP ($124) per night.

Carrera 43A #7-50

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Poblado Plaza: Spacious rooms with classic decor (photo courtesy of Poblado Plaza Hotel)
Poblado Plaza: Spacious rooms with classic decor (photo courtesy of Poblado Plaza Hotel)

Poblado Plaza Hotel, El Poblado

Relaxation and gastronomy are our two key reasons for choosing Poblado Plaza, but there’s so much else on offer at this luxury hotel.

The décor in the rooms is clean and classic, with wooden floors and white linen. The bathrooms are also generously sized, and the walk-in showers are hot and powerful.

If you want to take a day off from tourism, Poblado Plaza is the perfect place to enjoy some downtime. The Turkish bath is a beautiful chill spot, or you can hide away in your room and make the most of the 24-hour room service.

The location is perfect for exploring El Poblado and the surrounding areas, and there’s a great mall across the road if you’re in need of some retail therapy.

The company behind Poblado Plaza also owns Poblado Alejandria, which is equally luxurious.

A superior double is 309,244 COP ($99) and includes breakfast.

Carrera 43a #4

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Modern, stylish room with a view at the Celestino
Modern, stylish room with a view at the Celestino

Mid-range ($60-100)

Celestino Boutique Hotel, El Poblado

The Celestino might be relatively new to Medellin’s hotel scene, but they’re already showing more established places how it should be done.

The bilingual staff deliver world-class service, and they work hard to cater to their guests’ every whim. They’ll take care of everything for you, and they even offer a practical Whatsapp communication service to make your life even easier.

Rooms are modern, stylish, and have clearly been designed with a lot of love and attention.

They’re also equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay, and some of the rooms also have views of Medellin’s spectacular mountains, which can be enjoyed from private balconies.

The Celestino is situated in the heart of El Poblado, just one block away from Parque Lleras. This gives you quick and easy access to many of the best bars and restaurants in Medellin.

A standard double room including breakfast is 240,000 COP ($77.18).

Carrera 37 #8-60, El Poblado

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Are you looking for a hotel in Medellin? Of course, if you’re heading to Medellín you’ll need somewhere to stay. We’ve previously covered our favorite hostels, but, if that’s not your thing, there are plenty of hotels in the city that will give you a little more luxury and privacy Click in the link in our bio to read more and choose your hotel according to the best option for you! . . @hotelthecharlee @celestinoboutique @hoteldanncarltonmedellin @epicboutiquehotel @hotelnaturamedellin @noveltysuites . #medellin #medellinnightlife #nightlifemedellin #travelblog #medellinexpats #medellincity #medellinliving #travel #colombia #hotel #party #travelblogger #travelmedellin #hotelroom #hoteles #medellinhotel #hotelmedellin #hotelcolombia #cityblog #wanderlust #travelmore

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Epic Boutique Hotel, El Poblado

If you’re looking for an ultra-modern hotel offering great value in the heart of the city, Epic has got you covered.

The rooms at Epic perfectly straddle the line of design and comfort, and their cool and clean style is finished perfectly with natural wood and vibrant yellow accents. Beds are big and comfortable, bathrooms are well equipped, and some rooms include a spa bath for ultimate luxury.

Despite its central location, there are plenty of quiet spaces to escape from the hustle and bustle of El Poblado. The rooftop is spectacular and is the ideal place to take in city and mountain views. There’s also an on-site business center, should you need to get some work done during your stay.

 A deluxe double room is 225,000 COP ($70.60) and includes a continental breakfast.

Carrera 37a #8a-38, El Poblado

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Visitors will find a touch of modern art at the Art Hotel (photo courtesy of the Art Hotel)
Visitors will find a touch of modern art at the Art Hotel (photo courtesy of the Art Hotel)

Art Hotel Boutique, El Poblado

This boutique hotel is all about exposed brick and modern art, and it delivers five-star luxury at an affordable price.

Style is at the center of the hotel’s concept, and every room is contemporary and elegant. Thoughtful touches like designer lighting and decadent chaise lounges make every room feel like a suite, and some of the rooms have extra luxury in the form of high-spec bathrooms and spacious living rooms.

Located within walking distance to El Poblado’s metro station, Art Hotel is the perfect base for discovering all that the city has to offer. But the on-site wine bar, art gallery and movie theater might make it difficult for you to leave.

A standard double room for single or double occupancy is 230,000 COP ($74).

Carrera 41 #9-31, El Poblado

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The Inntu Hotel greets you with a very contemporary design.

Inntu Hotel, Laureles

Medellín is more than just El Poblado, and Inntu is the perfect place to use as a base to explore other popular neighborhoods.

Located close to Estadio metro station, it’s a great spot for enjoying the nightlife of La 70 street and the high-end restaurants and cozy coffee shops of Laureles. Rooms are modern and minimalist, and the bathrooms deliver a surprising level of luxury for a mid-priced hotel.

The bar serves snacks and there’s also a restaurant serving local and international dishes. If you need a little pampering after a long night on the aguardiente (the local liquor of choice), there’s a massage service and a therapeutic pool which can both be enjoyed at preferential prices.

A double room including an American breakfast is 208,865 COP ($67).

Transversal 39 #75-74

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Novelty Suites: Great location and reputation at a lower price (photo courtesy of Novelty Suites Hotel)
Novelty Suites: Great location and reputation at a lower price (photo courtesy of Novelty Suites Hotel)

Novelty Suites Hotel, El Poblado

Like the Dann Carlton, Novelty Suites has been a solid choice for accommodation in Medellín for years. With this hotel you still get the great reputation and central location, but at a lower price.

The décor feels a little ‘chain hotel’, but that’s not necessarily a terrible thing. Rooms are generously proportioned with desks and bedside tables, and bathrooms are neat and functional. Suites have a seating area and basic kitchen facilities, and some rooms also include spa baths for a bit of pampering.

The restaurant serves a great buffet breakfast as well as lunch and dinners, and 24-hour room service is available if you want to relax in your room.

The central location is great for public transport, and there’s private parking available if you’ve hired a car to get around the city.

A double room is 307,000 COP ($97) or you can upgrade to a suite for just 31,490 COP ($10) more per night.

Calle 4 Sur # 43 A 109

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Obo Hotel: Clean and functional at a budget price (photo courtesy of Obo Hotel)
Obo Hotel: Clean and functional at a budget price (photo courtesy of Obo Hotel)

Budget (Under $60)

Obo Hotel, Estadio

By venturing further afield than El Poblado, you’ll find some brilliant budget options, and Obo is certainly one of them.

The rooms at Obo are clean, simple and functional, and there’s plenty of storage for your luggage. The bathrooms are clean, private and include complimentary toiletries, which is a nice touch. There’s free Wi-Fi throughout the property, and on the rooftop you’ll find a gym and Jacuzzi, making it the perfect place to start your day with a workout or end it with a soak as the sun goes down over the mountains.

Obo is close to Estadio metro station as well as La 70 street. Laureles, which is packed full of fantastic bars and restaurants, is within walking distance. You’re also only a couple of metro stops away from Comuna 13 and its famous graffiti.

A standard double is 150,007 COP ($48) and includes breakfast.

Calle 44a #70-103

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Stay at El Porton de San Joaquin for a taste of authentic Medellin (photo courtesy of El Porton de San Joaquin)
Stay at El Porton de San Joaquin for a taste of authentic Medellin (photo courtesy of El Porton de San Joaquin)

El Portón de San Joaquin, San Joaquin

Another non-Poblado option is El Portón de San Joaquin, located in a beautiful and tranquil residential area close to upmarket Laureles.

Rooms offer plenty of space and include air conditioning, flat-screen TV and a mini bar. Every room has a private bathroom and the suites include a spa bath.

Reception is 24 hours and there are computers available for guests to use. There’s a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, and if you’re looking for a good place to relax after a day of exploring, the sauna and steam room will completely unwind you.

A great base for exploring authentic Medellín: there are lots of restaurants serving local cuisine within walking distance, and the football stadium is a ten-minute walk if you want to catch one of the city’s two teams play one of their infamously raucous matches.

A single occupancy double room is 129,813 ($41) including breakfast, or 46,204 COP ($15) more per night for a second person.

Calle 42 #68a-32

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Poblado Boutique Express: a peaceful location, but still close to the nightlife of Parque Lleras (photo courtesy of Poblado Boutique Express)
Poblado Boutique Express: a peaceful location, but still close to the nightlife of Parque Lleras (photo courtesy of Poblado Boutique Express)

Hotel Poblado Boutique Express, El Poblado

Back in El Poblado there are also some great budget options, and Poblado Boutique Express is a fantastic low-price option.

Rooms are clean, cozy and simple, and are equipped with a fan, TV and private bathroom. The entire hotel is spotlessly clean and there’s a real homey feeling to the place. For such a central location, just four blocks from Parque Lleras, the hotel has a peaceful atmosphere, so you can rest well after an evening enjoying Medellín’s nightlife.

To make your trip easy and stress free, the hotel has a tour desk where you can book a number of excursions in and around the city. Reception is 24 hours too, with staff available to help you at any time.

A single room is just 100,966 COP ($32) and a classic double or twin is 129,813 COP ($41).

Carrera 34 #7-121

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Hotel Natura offers a budget option in a quiet, traditional building that's conveniently located close to the Poblado nightlife (photo courtesy of Hotel Natura)
Hotel Natura offers a budget option in a quiet, traditional building that’s conveniently located close to the Poblado nightlife (photo courtesy of Hotel Natura)

Hotel Natura, El Poblado

Another good option for El Poblado on a budget is Hotel Natura.

The hotel is small and cozy, occupying a traditional renovated building which once served as a house. Rooms feature huge windows to give them a light and airy feel, and many have exposed brick, which gives them a nice modern touch.

Located just 300 meters from Parque Lleras, this is the perfect base for a weekend of partying. Rooms are soundproofed to ensure that you’ll get a good night’s rest, and they’re also air conditioned to counteract Medellín’s warm weather.

A double room with breakfast is 141,414 COP ($45), or you can add lunch for an extra 46,250 COP ($15).

Carrera 35 #7-58

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Which hotel in Medellín is your favorite? Let us know in the comments.

Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, we earn a small commission if you make a purchase.

About Sophie

Sophie is a freelance writer from the north of England. She has been traveling and working in South America since August 2017, and currently lives in Medellín. She runs the blog Table for One, where she writes about what it’s really like to travel as a solo woman.

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30 COMMENTS

  1. How about Medellin Royal next to Santa Fe mall, or Aparta Suite Torre Poblado close to Parque Lleras – I believe both of these are better hotel choices than some on your list.

    • Just returned to Medellin and stayed at the Medellin Royal NH! Superb hotel! Everything you need. 50 meters to the CC Santa Fe mall. The 4 points Sheraton close by is a great choice as well. The Charley is the most expensive. A Mariott is now in town too. IBIS is probsbly the most economical.

      • Thanks Ryan….One thing I can’t get my mind around is one(EPS) costs 80,000 the other(Prepagado), for me….500,000…and I would really like to know what the real difference is. Some Colombians say the only real difference is that one gets an appointment immediately with Prepagado….others say ‘no….much more than that’.

        • i’ll talk to my friend juancho. he owns a doctor’s office and two pharmacies. in fact, i’m waiting to hear from him because a new friend has been asking me the same kind of questions

    • yeah, looked cool. like i wrote, a friend stayed there recently while on vacation. apparently he comes down here as a quick escape from florida and he’s been trying different hotels and really liked the ibis. so, i checked it out and concurred.

  2. I’m a big fan of the Dann Carlton as a family destination on the weekends. They run a special for one room with two adults and two kids for COP 94,000 per adult, with the kids free. I realize that most readers of this blog don’t have a family in tow, but I think I would enjoy this as a couple too. Breakfast for the adults is included. Officially, the kids are not included in the breakfast, but we have never been charged. The buffet breakfast is among the best I have had in Colombian hotels.

    The area around the pool is like a mini-resort in the city. Pretty good food, a nice gym, sauna. Towels are provided.

    I do want to caution that it is not a luxury hotel. Though it is advertised as such, the rooms are dated and nothing special. The public spaces are very nice, but the rooms need remodeling. However, I think it’s a great bargain.

  3. Has the author stayed in these hotels? I have stayed in most of them and would not include Estadio Real or Hotel Casa Mayor in Estadio in a top 10 list as many hotels not on this list located in El Poblado are better hotels. Estadio Real is an overpriced budget hotel close to the stadium with rooms that need remodeling. I agree with John’s comment that Hotel Dann Carlton advertises as a luxury hotel but the rooms are dated and need remodeling – but it has a good location. However, I wouldn’t include Hotel Dann in a Medellín top 10 hotel list – I would put Medellin Royal ahead of Hotel Dann and several other hotels on this list.

    Perhaps the author should have looked at the reviews on TripAdvisor, which does a pretty good job of ranking the best hotels in Medellín.

    • hi kate, looked at trip advisor, but i don’t consider trip advisor, lonely planet or any of those things gospel, as others do, so i went to each hotel to check them out.

      the other thing is, you need to look at this from another perspective.

      if you’re a football fan and want to be near the action, estadio real and casa mayor are perfect. medellin royal is nowhere near the stadium. geography matters too, and i was very clear that estadio real and casa mayor are perfect for football fans.

      as for dann carlton vs medellin royal, sure you can argue that medellin royal is nicer. but one of the reasons i like dann carlton is the culinary themes they create. i think it’s a nice feature.

  4. Let me rank my hotels this way: If my parents were coming to visit where would I recommend they stay. (In no particular order)

    1. Four Points Sheraton
    2. Hotel Estelar Blue…(best location in the city IMO….secluded, quiet, yet only one block from main drag)
    3. Hotel Estelar Milla de Oro
    4. Hotel San Fernando Plaza
    5. Hotel Poblado Alejandria
    6. Hotel Novelty Suites
    7. Hotel Park 10
    8. Hotel Affinity Aparta
    9. Hotel Best Western Skyplus
    10. Hotel Medellin Royal

    If I were a visitor staying here:

    1. Art Hotel
    2. Le Parc
    3. Charlee
    4. Hotel Poblado Plaza….(Very good Crab Bisque and Homemade banana bread BTW!)
    5. Hotel Diez
    6. Hotel Acqua
    7. In House
    8. Hotel Natura
    9. Torre Poblado
    10. Hotel Florencia Plaza

    • Thanks Gary, I agree with most of your “hotels for parents” list, which I think is much more accurate than Ryan’s list. The best hotels in Medellín are all located in El Poblado and I don’t believe any of the hotels that Ryan listed that are located in Laureles/Estadio belong on a top 10 Medellín hotels list. Ryan cites being close to the stadium as a benefit but it is so easy in Medellín to hop on the metro and be at the stadium or take a cheap taxi. I believe that most visitors that would be staying in a hotel in Medellín would prefer to be closer to all the restaurants/shopping/nightlife in El Pobaldo – which is why most of the hotels in Medellín are located in El Pobaldo.

      • well, jeff, it’s too bad gary isn’t managing editor for a blog like this one. then he could write his own list too. but i’m open to suggestions and you might see some revisions in the future. i would, however, refrain from putting poblado so much higher than laureles because that gap has closed…

          • The Inntu Hotel in Laureles looks big from the outside, but it has just 4 rooms per floor. Great staff, and inexpensive if you reserve in advance. Near great restaurants and unique shopping. I stayed for a week. Have also stayed at the Sheraton 4 points on some trips, it’s nice and right at the Oviedo mall which has great restaurants and a Carulla grocery store.

  5. One has to be careful with ratings on Trip Advisor or anywhere else. Because some people are so picky that if they see just one cockroach they will go nuts on any Hotel. It all depends on location, amenities and price and not in that order. generally, the more you pay the more elegant is should be. This Charlee should be the best in town right? That bar on the top floor must charge $20 for a drink? SoBe!

    I stayed at the GHL Capitol in Bogota last November. Right next to it is the Sheraton Plaza and the Mariott! I priced all 3 and visited each one. The GHL was the least expensive and while the Mariott was newer it would have been a waste of money for me.

    Different strokes for different folks. However, if a Hotel has mostly good ratings with the amenities you want you should be ok.

    Question? Is there a Hotel in Medellin with:

    A safe in the room big enough for a laptop?
    A swimming pool?
    An exercise room?
    Free breakfast?
    A safe area where you can walk to the metro? Free wifi
    $70 or less?

    I cannot find one in Medellin with this criteria so the IBIS seems the best choice for me. The Sheraton might be the closet I seek although the price jumps ! Any suggestions?

  6. I am staying at the Hotel Diez Categoria right now. I booked it on HOTWIRE for $70 dollars a night including taxes and fees. It is a very nice Hotel with an excellent in room safe big enough for a laptop 16 inch. The breakfast is superb and the room is nice and large. It is a 5 minute walk from Lleras Park. The only complaint I have would be the Jacuzzi they have on the top floor does not seem to be working at all and it is a 20 minute walk from the Poblado Metro stop. Other than that it is a very good Hotel and the breakfast provided in the price is very good indeed. Booked it on HOTWIRE where you don’t know the Hotel name until after you pay but 90% of the guests were satisfied here. (BTW If you seek to bring a lady to your room who is NOT on the original reservation made for two people, they will charge you $100 to allow her into the room and each time you change a lady they charge another $100. This did not apply to me but for you party people be aware.) I spent too much time studying the Hotels before arriving. The ones listed above for parents and visitors is a solid list I think. When I return I probably will try the IBIS because it is so close to the Industriales metro stop, the price, and I don’t need to be by Lleras to party. LOL BTW Medellin reminds me of Caracas, Venezuela!

    • There is a Jacuzzi working up there on the top floor I did not see it the first time I went up there. I sat in it for an hour yesterday. It is next to the two treadmills, two stationary bikes and the two elliptical machines that all work. A steam room and a dry sauna up there too! This is a superb hotel and I would stay there again!

  7. I suggest you check out Ibis on Ave Las Vegas, great price, also nearby at night are food trucks that draw a decent crowd . half way between Centro and El Poblado .

  8. The Charlee wins the gold by a mile in my book.

    I have been to Medellin 4 times and have stayed multiple weeks mostly. I stayed at the Dann Carlton the first three times. The suite was nice; the typical rooms are hit or miss: sometimes they are nice and sometimes there are problems like large smudge marks on the wall or noticeable grime. Note: I didn’t stay in one of the VIP suites on the top floors but would love to see what those are about.

    pros: excellent value for the money compared to North American accommodations. safe in the compound. room service/poolside food quality is good. nonplussed on the rib restaurant on, I believe, the 8th floor. nice views in some rooms. nifty pool scene/good place to kick back with friends. enjoyed jogging on the treadmills by the pool, also. really liked the suite (it was the highest level suite available to the lay public on Expedia).

    cons: some rooms need a refresh/seem heavily worn. staff is hit or miss: really awesome or borderline rude. most staff do not speak conversational English (as compared to the Charlee where all staff including maids are fluent). the location is quaint. love the park setting, but it isn’t the Charlee. in addition, I stayed a couple of times when there were a ton of Venezuelan and general homeless encampments in the park which made it seem edgy or unsafe to walk by. there seems to be a cycle where the policia clear out the camps for a while and then they are quickly re-established. I believe I saw a dead drug addict lying on the sidewalk on the edge of the park by the Harley Davidson dealership. I feel bad for the folks in the park but safety has to be considered in a review.

    The Charlee is a whole different animal: clean, modern, super hospitality, delicious room service and bar food, super cool rooftop pool, incredible mixology, super cool hot tub room, location, location, location, etc. Did I mention the gym? Really beautiful locals get memberships so there are always lots of beautiful people walking through the lobby. Without a doubt, all future trips to Medellin will start and end at the Charlee. As a side note: I saw what looked to be drug police with the dogs combing through 2 rooms in my short stay there. I don’t remember ever seeing that at the Dann Carlton. For some hardcore revelers, that may be an issue. For me, however, that is never an issue.

    pros: everything. gourmet ***** room service.

    cons: some people may not like the noise coming off Parque Lleras. I didn’t think it was that bad (We were on the 8th or 9th floor with the hot tub suite). The walls must be pretty thick with the soundproofing because the neighbors were yelling at each other at the top of their lungs and it wasn’t that bad. the roof pool is small which could cause issues if a large group were to occupy it although it was empty while I was there. the gym is busy/wait time maybe on some machines.