S B
Google
Our stay at Marriott Hotel Medellín was mixed, with some positives but several issues that detracted from the overall experience.
Check-in was disappointing. We arrived at 15:00 (the stated check-in time), yet our room was not ready because housekeeping had not signed it off. We were initially told it would be “5 minutes,” but the room only became available after about 15 minutes—and only after we insisted. The staff member handling check-in was noticeably unfriendly, which added to the frustration after a long journey.
The rooms themselves are large and spacious, which is a definite plus. However, the pillows had a strong odour of stale sweat and clearly needed proper cleaning or replacement. Even after requesting a sheet change, the smell persisted, which was quite unpleasant and unexpected at a Marriott-branded hotel.
Breakfast was included in our booking, yet we were asked to sign a chit after every breakfast. This felt unnecessary and somewhat awkward, possibly related to staff tip tracking, but it was not well explained and detracted from the experience.
We also noticed a visible security issue that appears frequently in previous reviews. There seems to be ongoing concern around unlawful soliciting. During our stay, we observed an incident where a young woman dressed in cocktail attire was being questioned by police. While security is important, the atmosphere felt defensive rather than service-oriented, and this detracts from the experience of legitimate tourists wanting to enjoy Medellín comfortably and safely.
On a positive note, the neighbourhood itself is pleasant and well located. Oviedo Mall is nearby and offers a good variety of shops and restaurants. Peru Wok was a standout for us and a definite highlight.
Overall, the hotel has potential due to its location and room size, but improvements in housekeeping standards, staff attitude, and guest-focused service are needed to meet expectations associated with the Marriott brand.