Mandala Centro Medellín

The staff were friendly, but that's the only good thing I can say. There were cockroaches in the room, stained sheets, and no working Wi-Fi. The water was only lukewarm, never hot, and the soundproofing was so poor I could hear the street as though there were no window at all. I'd avoid this hotel.

The hotel itself was reasonably well kept, but the area around it didn't feel very inviting. I was there with my family and toddler, and the bathroom didn't even have enough hangers to make things practical for us. The bigger problem was the shower: there was no hot water, which was especially difficult with a young child. The front desk said they'd move us to a room where it worked. I asked them to check first and get back to me, and they promised they would, but nobody followed up. By the next morning the water was even colder. The broken promise and poor communication were more disappointing than the inconvenience itself. I wouldn't come back.

The restaurant was pretty good and accommodating, and the desk staff were cordial, polite, and helpful around the clock. The entrance and hallways sparkled. Inside my room, though, things were very different: they didn't supply a blanket, towels, or a drinking glass, even when I asked. The side table by the bed and phone had several spots of what looked like dried, encrusted feces that had been there for some time.

The only reasons I'd give this place two stars are the good breakfast and the friendly staff available 24 hours. Otherwise, I'd choose a hostel. My room was dirty and never cleaned during my four-day stay, and it looked nothing like the photos. The area felt pretty dangerous, and it was extremely loud all night, with traffic, shouting, and people partying. The bed and pillows were the most uncomfortable of my whole two-month backpacking trip through South America. I'd have been better off on the floor. This is definitely not a four-star hotel.