The Charlee Hotels

This modern, design-oriented hotel offers a stylish place to stay. Trendy interiors include an impressive lobby where a wall of vintage trunks complements the all-wood walls and floor. Other eye-catching elements include a giant rustic tree-trunk front desk, gilded upholstered chairs, and funky red lights hanging overhead. A row of potted green plants lines the floor and adds a burst of freshness and color. The color palette of dark brown hues coupled with fresh greenery continues throughout the property: elevator banks are wreathed in wall plants and hallways are lined in rustic wood. The hotel is also splashed with colorful art: vibrant graffiti-style murals adorn the stairwells, and art even decorates the parking lot.

The property draws many guests looking to party on the popular rooftop bar and lounge, and in the neighboring nightlife district. The area is noisy, with many clubs and bars concentrated around neighboring Lleras Park, and past guests have complained of noise issues (the hotel supplies earplugs). This is not the best choice for those seeking a calm respite, but late night revelers and those who don't mind some noise should be happy here.

The hotel is situated in downtown Medellin, in an area full of dining options, bars, and shops. It's a popular nightlife district and offers lots of clubs, pubs, and bars -- most of which reside in the area surrounding Lleras Park. The hotel is just across the street from the park, and all guest rooms overlook the greenery. There are several art galleries in the area as well. Many top attractions, like the Museo De Antioquia, Parque Explora, and the Botanical Garden, can be reached in about 15 to 20 minutes by car, or around a half-hour by public transit. The nearest metro station is a 17-minute walk away, so it can be a bit inconvenient for those wishing to explore the city. The airport is about a 10-minute drive away.

In contrast to the dark hues adorning most of the hotel's public spaces, guest rooms are light and doused in soft shades of white, cream, and blue that have a calming effect. Cream-colored tufted headboards frame the beds, which are topped in plush white linens accented by striped gray pillows. Large beige tiles comprise the flooring, and the spaces have either white or blue walls adorned with tasteful framed paintings. Nightstands are made of rustic dark wood, while other furniture, like desks and storage units, mix wood with metal pipes for an industrial-chic look. All rooms extend onto large terraces that serve as living rooms, furnished with chic seating and funky lighting, and with views over Lleras Park. 

Spice Rooms feature teppanyaki grills, and guests can request meals cooked by a chef. Acqua Rooms provide whirlpools with hydro-massage and cryotherapy on their terraces. Envy Rooms offer both teppanyaki grills and whirlpool tubs, plus they have separate indoor living rooms.

Booze-filled minibars and an array of cookies, chips, and candy bars are a nice feature. Other standard amenities include 42-inch flat-screen TVs, surround sound systems, telephones, electronic safes, and free Wi-Fi, but no coffee/tea-making facilities. Bathrooms feature stylish rustic elements like a stone sink basin on top of wood, as well as pebble tiling on the walls and floors. Walk-in rainfall showers are standard and bathrobes and toiletries are provided. Earplugs are available for those who need them. 

The obvious highlight here is the popular Envy Roof Top bar and lounge. It's a trendy space with gorgeous panoramic views over the city and an aquarium-style pool. It hosts live DJ sets regularly and serves creative cocktails as well as appetizers. The hotel also offers an elegantly chic restaurant, Lucia, which serves Italian fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast is included in the room rates. Live music enhances the atmosphere on occasion, and the restaurant also hosts cafe afternoons with baked goods.

The hotel's fitness center is well equipped with a good number and variety of LifeFitness machines. There's also a spinning and yoga/Pilates studio, along with a large outdoor hot tub. A variety of free fitness classes are offered daily, and there's a small cafe on-site that serves healthy fare.

The hotel offers meeting and event space, including the rooftop bar, which can accommodate up to 350 people. Wi-Fi is free throughout, and there is parking available on-site in the hotel's lot.