When travelers search for the best luxury hotel in Medellín, two names come up consistently: The Charlee and its newer sibling, Luxe by The Charlee. The original Charlee helped define upscale hospitality in El Poblado when it opened in 2011. Luxe by The Charlee takes that DNA and amplifies it with larger rooms, premium finishes, and a rooftop experience that has become one of the most photographed spots in the city.
This is our honest, experience-based review for 2026, what the hotel does brilliantly, where it falls short, and who we recommend it for.
Location: El Poblado's Prime Corridor
Both Charlee properties sit in El Poblado, Medellín's upscale neighborhood and the natural base for international travelers. The area is safe to walk at any hour, dense with excellent restaurants, and well-connected to the Poblado metro station for day trips across the city.
The specific location places you within a five-minute walk of:
- Parque Lleras, the social center of El Poblado's nightlife and dining scene
- Numerous international restaurants (Japanese, Italian, Peruvian, Colombian)
- Coffee shops, co-working spaces, and boutique stores
- The Poblado metro station (Line A)
If you want to be in the center of Medellín's visitor economy without sacrificing safety or comfort, this location is essentially ideal.
The Rooms
Luxe by The Charlee differentiates itself from the original Charlee primarily through room size and finish quality. Standard rooms are genuinely spacious, unusual for Colombia's urban hotel market, with ceilings high enough to feel luxurious rather than just functional.
Room Categories at a Glance
| Room Type | Size | Price/night (approx.) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deluxe King | 38–42 m² | $180–$230 USD | City view, rainfall shower |
| Junior Suite | 55–65 m² | $280–$350 USD | Separate living area, bathtub |
| Penthouse Suite | 90+ m² | From $500 USD | Private terrace, panoramic views, VIP amenities |
Bathroom quality is a notable strength, rainfall showers, quality toiletries (locally made Colombian brands), and genuinely good water pressure. Beds use premium linen and the blackout curtains are effective, which matters in El Poblado where street noise can continue well past midnight.
The Rooftop: The Real Reason to Stay Here
The rooftop at Luxe by The Charlee is not just good, it is one of the best hotel rooftops in Colombia. An infinity-edge pool overlooks the Medellín valley, with the city's mountains as a dramatic backdrop. At sunset, this view is extraordinary.
The rooftop bar serves excellent cocktails (their aguardiente sours and local rum infusions are the highlights) and lighter bites. It is one of those spaces where you plan to stay an hour and end up staying three.
Note: The rooftop is technically available to non-guests with a minimum consumption, but during peak periods (Friday and Saturday evenings, long weekends) it becomes crowded. Hotel guests have priority access.
Dining: Restaurant & Room Service
The hotel's restaurant blends Colombian and international cuisine with an emphasis on Antioqueño ingredients. It is notably better than the average hotel restaurant in this price tier, chefs clearly care about sourcing. Breakfast is excellent and included in most room rates: fresh tropical fruit, eggs cooked to order, and genuinely good Colombian coffee.
Room service operates 24 hours, which is more useful than it sounds, Medellín's party scene means late-night food needs are real.
Service: The Real Test
At this price point, service is where hotels earn or lose their reputation. Luxe by The Charlee generally delivers warmth and attention to detail. Staff speak English at a functional to fluent level. Concierge assistance for tour bookings and restaurant reservations is responsive. The front desk handles check-in efficiently.
Where friction can occasionally occur: third-party booking complications and last-minute room requests. Booking directly through a local agency (like Medellin Group) tends to smooth these wrinkles considerably, as we maintain direct relationships with properties.
Luxe by The Charlee vs. Other Top Medellín Hotels
| Hotel | Neighborhood | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luxe by The Charlee | El Poblado | $$$$ | Luxury couples, business travel |
| York Medellín (Hilton Curio) | El Poblado | $$$$ | Brand loyalty travelers, corporate |
| Estelar Torre Suites | El Centro | $$$ | Business district access |
| Hotel La Magdalena | El Poblado | $$$ | Boutique, quieter setting |
Our Verdict: Is Luxe by The Charlee Worth It?
For couples and discerning travelers: yes, without hesitation. The rooftop alone justifies a significant premium over mid-range alternatives. The location is unbeatable for first-time visitors to Medellín, and the room quality exceeds what you typically find at this price point in Colombia.
For budget-conscious travelers: Medellín has excellent mid-range hotels at $60–$120 per night with solid service. Luxe by The Charlee is not the right choice if budget is your primary concern.
For business travelers: The hotel performs well, fast Wi-Fi, good coffee, a professional environment. The York Medellín (Curio Collection by Hilton) is a worthy alternative if you prioritize brand loyalty points.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Luxe by The Charlee the same as The Charlee Hotel?
No, they are distinct properties under the same brand. The Charlee is the original boutique hotel. Luxe by The Charlee is the newer, larger luxury property with bigger rooms and a more contemporary design language.
Is El Poblado safe at night?
Yes, it is one of the safest neighborhoods in Colombia for international travelers. The area around Parque Lleras is well-lit, heavily foot-trafficked, and monitored. Apply normal urban common sense (don't flash expensive jewelry, use authorized taxis or apps) and you will have no issues.
What is the best way to book?
Direct booking or through a local licensed agency often yields better rates and more flexible conditions than international OTAs. Contact Medellin Group, we work directly with this and other top Medellín properties and can offer competitive packages that include airport transfers, tours, and curated itineraries.
Book Your Medellín Hotel Through Medellin Group
As a licensed travel agency based in Medellín since 1996, we book hotels throughout the city and can bundle them with airport transfers, tours, and VIP services. View all Medellín hotels we work with or explore our VIP service packages for a fully curated visit.
If you're planning a luxury trip to Colombia, you may also want to read Colombia Tourism Statistics 2026 to understand why Medellín has become the country's fastest-growing destination for international visitors.
