Pomarosa

Both rooms had an unbearable mold smell, which the staff tried to mask before we arrived by scrubbing the walls with strong chemicals that smelled of bleach. Within minutes, the mold odor came back. The AC units smelled moldy too and were incredibly loud. We were worried about getting sick from breathing it in, so we booked somewhere else. The rooms looked nothing like the online photos, maybe barely 10% accurate. They weren't properly cleaned, the furniture was chipped and worn, the smell was awful, and there were no windows. In one room, the door wouldn't close. We waited over two hours for help, and the repair meant ripping parts of the frame out and kicking the door into place. I wouldn't have felt comfortable leaving my belongings there. We were four people traveling through Colombia for what was meant to be an unforgettable vacation, but this stay left us frustrated and disappointed. Within 10 minutes of arriving, we tried to cancel because it was immediately clear that the conditions were unacceptable and not as advertised. The manager refused, and Booking.com said their hands were tied, so we lost time, money, and peace of mind. Don't stay here if you want to avoid the overwhelming mold.

For a 3 star hotel, Hotel Poma Rosa is hard to beat for value. There’s breakfast, a fridge stocked with beverages, and a snack cabinet behind the front desk. Some rooms have AC, which helps keep things comfortable while traveling around Medellin. The hotel is in a quiet part of Laureles, so there are plenty of activities within walking distance or a very quick Uber ride, without giving up a good night's sleep. Jennifer, Eduard, and Deicy were extremely friendly and helpful. They were happy to help me practice my Spanish several times a day, which made a real difference while I was trying to immerse myself in the culture. The cleaning team and the other staff I saw less often were just as welcoming.

My only real caveat was coming into the building at night, since the door is loud enough to wake other guests. Otherwise, it's a comfortable place to stay in Laureles, with AC in some rooms. Luis, Diana, and the rest of the Poma Rosa staff were great at reception, and the location gives easy access to parks, restaurants, and nightlife.

Our room was fresh and modern, and it was cleaned regularly. The bathroom was spacious, with a lovely rain-style shower and hot water. The receptionist went out of his way to help us have a great trip, and the staff were super helpful throughout. We loved our stay at Hotel Poma Rosa and would definitely recommend it.