Medellin Reports

[QUOTE=Johnath12]Hi,

Is it really that dangerous that taking pics of an area during the day can put you in danger?

I find this hard to believe.[/QUOTE]Go with a wingman, its not that bad.

You can see photos at [url]www.medellintravelguide.com/medellin_champions.html[/url]

Chris is a great guy, serves pretty decent food and always stpos by to say hello when you visit.

[QUOTE=Tom 33]The place is owned by a US citizen from New York. Chris is always there unless he's delivering food. He owns both the bar and Hamburgesas del Oeste. There are some better menu items as well. I love the baked salmon.[/QUOTE]

Anyone bothering to read the following report might benefit from some limited information about its author. I'm a married, 51 year old monger whose mid-life crisis has manifest itself with a series of low-budget, solo travel adventures to third-world countries in the Carribean, Central America and South America. This report is about my short trip to Medellin, Colombia.

Although Medellin has literally dozens of neighborhoods, my adventure was limited to just three of them; Poblado, Laureles and el Centro.

My first two nights, I stayed the Tiger Paw Hostal in Poblado. For $65 COP per night (about $37USD at current exchange rate). I reserved a private room with private bath. I'd guess that about half the rooms there were private singles (with and without private baths), and half were more traditional dorm-style hostel rooms. I was impressed with my room, and the only thing not to my liking was that there was only one window. Which opened to the lobby area (so no natural light or fresh air. And little less privacy than I prefer).

The neighborhood felt safe, and the place was immaculate (and since it opened pretty recently, the furnishings are all virtually brand new). There's free Wi-Fi, a small bar, a couple TVs, and pool table in the lobby/common area. It's owned and operated by a guy from North Carolina named Brian. I made reservations via email, and Brian's responses were prompt and thorough.

While staying at Tiger Paw, I checked out two other parts of Medellin. Hoping to find a slight more "authentic" experience. I checked out Laureles first, then el Centro.

Laureles struck me as an as-yet-discovered (by gringos) version of Poblado. The main street (Calle 70) is packed with restaurants, bars, and mid-priced hotels. And in Laureles the lodging, shopping and nightlife is remarkably near the Metro station (in Poblado, it seemed a bit of a hike). Laureles felt quite clean and safe, and overall. And prices seemed a bit lower than in Poblado. The hotels I visited along Calle 70 all quoted rates in the $35-70USD per night range.

Now to el Centro, where I chose to spend the remaining three nights of my five night adventure. As a first time visitor to Medellin, I departed the Parque Berrio Metro station with a mix of fear and excitement. But within minutes, I knew I'd like el Centro. Yes, it's noisy, crowded, and smoggy. But I didn't see the switchblade-wielding thugs at every corner that so many guidebooks and forum posters had warned of. Instead, I saw a center city full of proud people, making a living, and eager to assist an inquisitive foreigner (especially one at least willing to try communicating in their native language).

But if you don't choose el Centro for its history and authenticity, choose it for it's value.

A friend had suggested I check out the Hotel Latino (Carerra 47 #49A-22, PBX: 511 61 88). This address puts the hotel about three short blocks from the Parque Berrio Metro station. From the outside, it looked a bit threatening. But I walked up the street-level stairs to the second story lobby, and asked about rates. I was quoted $25k COP per night (about $15 USD at today's conversion rate). At that rate, I was almost afraid to ask to see a room. But I did, and was shown an immaculate, spacious room with a CD player, cable TV with remote (w/ USA cable networks), a window, private bath (with hot water). I stopped my hotel search immediately.

The next day, I checked into a fourth floor room (no elevator, whew! ) equally as nice as the one I was shown the day before. Now at that kind of rate, I would not have been shocked if a junkie and/or prostitute was among my neighbors, but this was not the case. My fellow guests were just normal folks, most of whom appeared to be in Medellin to do legitimate business (but without generous expense accounts). The Hotel Latino staff was very accommodating, but I doubt that anyone there spoke more than a word or two of English.

But please, don't head for the Hotel Latino expecting a Holiday Inn/Hilton experience. It's an old, well-worn hotel in a slightly dodgy neighborhood. If these attributes worry you, or if you need a quiet room for a good night's sleep, stay elsewhere.

To expand upon el Cento's value, everything seemed to cost less there. Every cab there seemed to use the meter (a sure cure for preventing those dreaded gringo rates). I found decent breakfasts and lunches for less than $3k COP (under $2 USD) and three-course dinners for about twice that amount. And while I'm not much of a drinker, I often use the price of a bottled native beer as an economic index of sorts. And the price of a Pilsen at the neighborhood bar closest to the Hotel Latino. A whopping $1, 300 COP (think 85 cent US).

For the adventurous, budget, solo traveler, el Centro was great. The only downside exists only for the hopelessly internet addicted (meaning yours truly). Despite countless inquiries and constantly scanning for "Wi-Fi" signs in hotel and restaurant windows, I found not a single Wi-Fi hot spot in el Centro. So I ended up in a 24-hour internet cafe/international call center 2-3 times a day, at about $1, 000 pesos per visit. But hey, a guy's have to keep connected, right?

Speaking of value, el Centro seems to be where Paisas (a term those from the Medellin region use to describe themselves) go to buy everyday stuff. Souvenirs were virtually nonexistent, but for meat, fresh produce, fish, pots & pans, eyeglasses, and underwear. It's all there, and it's all pretty darn cheap. This is not the place to find high-end, high fashion stuff; unless you're seeking dirt-cheap counterfeit handbags and sunglasses. Which seemed to fill every sidewalk.

So what does one do when staying in el Centro? Bring comfortable shoes, and learn the carerra/calle numbered street system quickly. The area's full of parks and plazas surrounded by street vendors. So bring sunglasses and a good novel. Oh, and leave the iPod at home, because the sounds of the center city are more entertaining, enlightening, and rewarding than any Grammy-winning recording.

"What about the women? " you're wondering. I visited 6-8 Centro casas, and took terrible notes. There's little I can add other than to say thanks to Tung's in depth reporting (and this site's Centro Casa Map), I was able to hit a couple a day for 30-45 minute sessions. Prices were almost always around 30K (COP) for 30 minutes, 45K (COP) for 45 minutes, and so forth. An exceptional value. And a great time.

[size=-2][b][u]EDITOR'S NOTE[/u]:[/b] [blue]I would suggest that the author or another Forum Member consider posting a link to this report in the Reports of Distinction thread. Please [url=http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/announcement-reportsofdistinction.php?]Click Here[/url] for more information.[/blue][/size]

[QUOTE=Macmasher]Laureles struck me as an as-yet-discovered (by gringos) version of Poblado. The main street (Calle 70) is packed with restaurants, bars, and mid-priced hotels. And in Laureles the lodging, shopping and nightlife is remarkably near the Metro station (in Poblado, it seemed a bit of a hike). Laureles felt quite clean and safe, and overall. And prices seemed a bit lower than in Poblado. The hotels I visited along Calle 70 all quoted rates in the $35-70USD per night range.[/QUOTE]Twenty years ago Laureles was the best area in Medellín. Poblado has now taken that title.

[QUOTE=Macmasher]Anyone bothering to read the following report....[/QUOTE]I read your report. Thanks, Masher. This is the type of report that I most appreciate because it is full of information that other Gringos can actually put to use. Some others post reports that sound like those "What I Did On My Summer Vacation" reports that we all delivered in elementary school, except with greater sexually explicit content. Your report is clearly intended to be useful to others. Furthermore, your report seems to be balanced and accurate.

Thanks again, Masher.

It really surprises me when I read reports like the one you posted, 5 days in Medellin and you found Laureles to be a yet to be discovered by Gringos location, Then you did not find the switch blade yielding thugs in Centro as many from the forum have posted about? Also, you visited 5 to 7 casas /mps with no names in your report? . You stayed in centro hotels to get the real experience did you? This is the kind of post that burns my balls, get a grip, you walked in the park, you didn't get in the cage with the Lions, ggeeeeezzzzzz, are you from Arknsaws? We who live here laugh at you.

[QUOTE=Tom 33]Twenty years ago Laureles was the best area in Medellín. Poblado has now taken that title.[/QUOTE]I am on my 4th trip here staying in Laurelas. Its the only place that I will stay here.

[QUOTE=Jchipper]It really surprises me when I read reports like the one you posted, 5 days in Medellin and you found Laureles to be a yet to be discovered by Gringos location, Then you did not find the switch blade yielding thugs in Centro as many from the forum have posted about? Also, you visited 5 to 7 casas /mps with no names in your report? . You stayed in centro hotels to get the real experience did you? This is the kind of post that burns my balls, get a grip, you walked in the park, you didn't get in the cage with the Lions, ggeeeeezzzzzz, are you from Arknsaws? We who live here laugh at you.[/QUOTE]Laurelas is where I stay all the time. I met so many people here. When I want to kill time, I just pick a restaurant or store, sit down and chat away for hours. I shall put up some pictures when I get home.

[QUOTE=Jchipper]It really surprises me when I read reports like the one you posted, 5 days in Medellin and you found Laureles to be a yet to be discovered by Gringos location, Then you did not find the switch blade yielding thugs in Centro as many from the forum have posted about? Also, you visited 5 to 7 casas /mps with no names in your report? . You stayed in centro hotels to get the real experience did you? This is the kind of post that burns my balls, get a grip, you walked in the park, you didn't get in the cage with the Lions, ggeeeeezzzzzz, are you from Arknsaws? We who live here laugh at you.[/QUOTE]Huh? Chip, what exactly was so objectionable about Masher's report? I don't understand your response. Please clarify.

Relative to Poblado, there are very few Gringos in Laureles. Masher is correct.

Masher specifically acknowledged that El Centro can be dangerous. Masher is correct. Despite the potential danger, Masher enjoyed El Centro. I too enjoy El Centro. It is very easy to get laid in the small dance clubs of El Centro on weekends. I also enjoy Laureles and Poblado. In fact, the only place in Medellin that I don't enjoy is Mangos.

Masher didn't mention the names of the *****houses. So what? Why would he? The names of the *****houses already appear on the "Medellin Lists" thread. Masher said he used the lists and maps from this site.

Chip, I am confused. If you have a point, then what is that point exactly? Please elaborate.

[QUOTE=Frank Casio]Hi guys,

Fresh of the press, with todays date, FIRST pictures ever of LA MAYORISTA strip, correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think so !

No longer anymore questions as to what La Mayorista strip really looks like ! Please reply with your e-mail to receive these pics. These are being given to The World, compliments of My Place !

Frank Casio ![/QUOTE]Hi guys,

Another great day, Thursday night, at La Mayorista! It was a rainy and slow night at about 10:00 A. M. Not as many girls as usual, but I found one of my "cuties"! I really don't understand why these guys blow themselves up for "70 virgins"! All they have to do is come here to the "Lost Paradise Merdellin"! They may not be "virgns" here, but they're just as "small & tight" as any "virgin", it works for me! Milena was great and gave me more than I expected, she stayed an hour for $30, 000p.

It was 11:30 when I was done with Milena, so after a couple more beers at My Place I went back down to La Mayorista Strip! I bought a couple girls some beer and thought to hang out a little bit before hitting the sack, but I hovered around the girls a little too long! It piked up after about 12:30 A. M. And a lot of "cuties" started hanging out! But Luisa really got my attention! Just a tiny "cutie", 21, with a perky little ass and low cut jeans almost to her "crutch"! I just couldn't resist talking to her and told her that I had just been with a girl, she just giggled and replied that my second time would be even better! I couldn't resist that cute little body and perky little ass! Soon she was up at My Place for $25, 000p ($13US)! She took her tight little jeans off while she did her cute little dance, and that "chunky little bottom" just jumped out at me! She was worth every minute! I was a bit rough in a nice way, and she said, "Well aren't you a horny little. "! Her small p. Almost looked like her "belly button", it was just so small! She was "hot", it was 4:00 A. M. By the time that was over! It was a great night!

FrankCasio!

[size=-2][b][u]EDITOR'S NOTE[/u]:[/b] [blue]I would suggest that the author or another Forum Member consider posting a link to this report in the Reports of Distinction thread. Please [url=http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/announcement-reportsofdistinction.php?]Click Here[/url] for more information.[/blue][/size]

[QUOTE=Jchipper]It really surprises me when I read reports like the one you posted, 5 days in Medellin and you found Laureles to be a yet to be discovered by Gringos location, Then you did not find the switch blade yielding thugs in Centro as many from the forum have posted about? Also, you visited 5 to 7 casas /mps with no names in your report? . You stayed in centro hotels to get the real experience did you? This is the kind of post that burns my balls, get a grip, you walked in the park, you didn't get in the cage with the Lions, ggeeeeezzzzzz, are you from Arknsaws? We who live here laugh at you.[/QUOTE]I actually enjoyed his post (MacM).

I don't understand why those that live in Medellin would laugh at him really. His post was interesting and informative.

We all know el Centro can get sketchy if you don't watch yourself, especially after dark.

It's not like you HAVE to get mugged, kidnapped or killed to have experienced the real el Centro.

I generally agree with his assessment, though I do know to keep my guard up out there and I have had some not so friendly encounters.

Of course I've been running around out there for years.

[QUOTE=Client 9]Huh? Chip, what exactly was so objectionable about Masher's report? I don't understand your response. Please clarify.

Relative to Poblado, there are very few Gringos in Laureles. Masher is correct.[/QUOTE]There are gringos here. Not many but some. I have been here three weeks and English is heard all over the place.

Dear Friends and Guests,

Over the past several months there has been some confusion about our name and URL we have been using and many of you have indicated some difficulty in finding us on the internet. You will notice we have made some changes and decided to publish under our legal name [url]www.medellinhotelvip.com[/url].

Please bookmark this new URL in your favorites list. We will be deleting [url]www.medellinviphotel.com[/url] and [url]www.medellin-vip-hotel.com[/url] in the near future to prevent further confusion.

We have also made some changes on the site and hope you like them. We have tried to make navigation easier, pages open faster and added a number of photos to better show you what we can offer you when you stay at Medellin Hotel VIP.

There will soon be a new reservations page where you can identify your preferences so we can better serve your needs. You will also be able to schedule airport pick up, reserve day and overnight tours to Guatape/El Penol, reserve a car rental and driver if desired, boat rentals and more. All of this is intended to make your reservation experience with Medellin Hotel VIP more pleasant and more efficient and taking out some of the human element in the process. (Let's face it, I am not the most organized person)

Also, in the near future, you will find an online calendar posted that shows room and apartment availability so you can make your room and apartment selections with your reservations. As soon as your deposit is received, you will see your preferred room or apartment blocked out for the period of your stay. It is targeted to be a first come/first served utility based upon receipt of deposit.

You will also see several affiliate sites published in the near future as we expand our services and offerings to our Medellin visitors and guests. We are becoming actively involved in the development of a new club in Medellin which you will find very interesting. All Medellin Hotel VIP guests will enjoy free entrance passes as an added benefit of staying at the Medellin Hotel VIP. More on this later!

Thank you for your past business and we hope you will consider staying with us on your next visit to Medellin Colombia. We know you have many options to choose from when making your Medellin Accommodations decision. We hope it will be with the Medellin Hotel VIP. Thank you also for your feedback and kind comments about your past stays with us. We are responding to your suggestions and working to constantly improve our services offerings to our valued friends and guests

--
Sincerely,
Albert Licht
Partner
CLUB V.I.P. MEDELLIN

Cubanut,

From your post of 02/06 do you still have contact with the girl in photo 2?

Please share if you are able.

[QUOTE=Client 9] ... In fact, the only place in Medellin that I don't enjoy is Mangos[/QUOTE]My sentiments exactly!

I'd choose to hangout at el Templo de Vallenatos or any place similar than at Mangos.