Los Patios Hostel Medellin Review: A Canadian Nurse's Immersive Experience

As a 30-year-old Canadian nurse on a career break, I craved a South American adventure that would immerse me in the local culture and, most importantly, improve my Spanish. Medellin, Colombia, beckoned with its vibrant energy and reputation for salsa dancing. Safety was a priority, and I needed a home base that facilitated language learning. After much research, I chose Los Patios Hostel, and let me tell you, it exceeded my expectations. This Los Patios Hostel Medellin review will share my experiences to help you determine if it's the right fit for your Medellin adventure.

Location, Location, Location: A Safe and Convenient Base

One of the first things that struck me about Los Patios was its fantastic location. Situated in the Laureles neighborhood, it's just two blocks uphill from the bustling Carrera 80. The best part? It's an easy, five-minute walk to Estadio metro station (Line B). Even at night, the walk felt safe and well-lit. There were always small shops still open, creating a comfortable atmosphere. Getting around Medellin was a breeze thanks to this prime location.

Sleeping Soundly: My 6-Bed Dorm Experience

I opted for a bed in the 6-bed dorm, and I was pleasantly surprised by the comfort. The "Spring Air" mattresses were incredibly comfortable after a long day of exploring. The bunks are arranged side-by-side, each with a heavy, dark-blue curtain for privacy – a welcome touch! A small reading light added to the coziness. For female travelers seeking extra security, there's a female-only dorm on the third floor, separate from the mixed dorms. Each bed has access to a locker, but remember to bring your own padlock. The overall lighting in the dorm was soft and warm, creating a relaxing environment.

Daily Expenses: Budget-Friendly Medellin

Medellin is a relatively affordable city, and Los Patios helped me stick to my budget. Here's a breakdown of my daily expenses:

• Accommodation at Los Patios (dorm price): $15 USD per night
• Food: The bandeja paisa, a hearty traditional meal, at "El Rancherito" (three blocks from the hostel), cost around 14,000 COP. A Pilsen beer at a local tienda was a steal at 3,000 COP.
• Transportation: A metro ticket cost just 2,800 COP.
• Free Walking Tour: The free walking tour offered by Real City Tours is a must! The meeting point is Alpujarra metro station (a 10-minute metro ride). While the tour is technically free, tips are expected. I tipped 20,000 COP, which felt appropriate for the incredible experience.

Immersing Myself in Colombian Culture

Los Patios truly shines when it comes to cultural immersion. The hostel organizes fantastic activities that made my trip unforgettable.

Arepas with Abuela Elena

My absolute favorite was the weekly arepas cooking class led by Abuela Elena, a sweet, energetic woman in her late 70s who lives around the corner. We made arepas de choclo with cheese filling, and the class cost only 5,000 COP. Abuela Elena is incredibly patient and funny. She gently corrected my Spanish with a smile and often shared stories about Medellin’s history. It was more than just a cooking class; it was a cultural exchange.

Spanish Practice Made Easy

The hostel staff were incredibly helpful in my quest to improve my Spanish. Juan at the front desk patiently helped me order aguardiente (a local liquor) in perfect Spanish. There were also informal conversation groups in the common area, and the hostel facilitated language exchange opportunities with local university students. I left Medellin feeling much more confident in my Spanish abilities.

Rooftop Vibes and Local Events

A typical evening at Los Patios involved travelers gathering on the colorful, plant-filled rooftop terrace. String lights created a magical ambiance, and the view of the city was breathtaking. A large wooden notice board listed local events, including salsa nights at "Son Havana" and Spanish conversation exchanges at a local cafe. It was the perfect place to connect with other travelers and plan my next adventure.

Safety First: Feeling Secure as a Solo Female Traveler

As a solo female traveler, safety was a huge concern for me. Los Patios took my worries away. The hostel has keycard access to the dorms, 24-hour reception, and security cameras in the common areas. The staff advised me against walking alone late at night in certain areas and recommended using Uber after dark. Walking to and from the metro station at night felt safe. The street is well-lit, and there were always people around, even at 10 PM.

Is Los Patios Hostel in Medellin safe? Yes, Los Patios Hostel prioritizes guest safety with keycard access, 24/7 reception, and security cameras. The staff are knowledgeable about local safety concerns and provide practical advice.

Speaking Spanish: Immersion and Opportunities

How did Los Patios help Lena improve her Spanish? Los Patios offered informal conversation groups, facilitated language exchange with local students, and had staff, like Juan at reception, who patiently helped Lena practice ordering in Spanish.

Hostel Aesthetic: A Burst of Colombian Color

The hostel's aesthetic is vibrant and inviting. The walls are adorned with murals depicting Colombian landscapes and portraits of famous paisas (people from the Antioquia region). Handmade crafts and textiles from local artisans add a unique touch. Hammocks in the courtyard and potted plants everywhere create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. It truly felt like a home away from home.

Salsa Fever: Dancing the Night Away

Medellin is the city of salsa, and I was eager to learn. Los Patios recommended "Salsa Pura" near Parque Poblado. My instructor, Carlos, taught a mix of Cali and Cuban styles. He was fantastic! I highly recommend checking it out if you want to learn to move your hips like a true paisa.

What are the best things to do near Los Patios Hostel? Besides salsa dancing at Salsa Pura in Parque Poblado, the hostel's location near Estadio metro station offers easy access to attractions throughout Medellin, including the Real City Walking Tour meeting point at Alpujarra station.

Final Verdict: Los Patios - My Medellin Home

Overall, my experience at Los Patios Hostel was exceptional.

Pros:

• Great location: close to the metro and Carrera 80
• Affordable: perfect for budget travelers
• Excellent cultural immersion opportunities: cooking classes, language exchange
• Strong safety measures: keycard access, 24-hour reception
• Vibrant and colorful atmosphere

Cons:

• The rooftop terrace can get a bit noisy at night.

Is Los Patios Hostel good for solo female travelers? Absolutely! With its safety features, community atmosphere, and female-only dorm option, Los Patios is an excellent choice for solo female travelers in Medellin.

Best Hostels Laureles Medellin: Los Patios Hostel stands out as one of the best hostels in Laureles due to its focus on safety, cultural immersion, and social atmosphere, all at an affordable price.

Best Rooftop Hostels Medellin: Los Patios Hostel is known for its rooftop terrace, providing a social space for travelers to relax, connect, and enjoy city views. The rooftop is great but can be a little loud late at night.

As I conclude my Los Patios Hostel Medellin review, the vivid image of me laughing with Abuela Elena in the brightly lit kitchen as we made arepas de choclo stands out. Surrounded by other travelers eager to learn about Colombian culture, the air was filled with the scent of corn and cheese, and the sound of Spanish chatter. It was a truly unforgettable experience, and I highly recommend Los Patios to anyone looking for an immersive and authentic Medellin adventure. Book your stay at Los Patios Hostel here!