Ayenda 1231 Paradise Center

Let me start off by saying that the staff were amazing. I barely speak Spanish and they barely spoke English but they were very patient and understanding. The room I was in the first two nights was fine. It was a decent sized room by my standards but almost half of it was taken up by a jacuzzi tub that I was instructed not to use. Weird but ok. Don’t need that. On my third night I was stopped on my way out and asked if I would switch rooms. Hmm, ok. So I stood there for 30 minutes while the room was cleaned so I could move my stuff. I finally get in the room and it is super tiny, hot and the bed was broken. I felt like I was going to roll off the left side when I layer on it so I had to sleep at a weird angle that killed my back. I asked if I could switch back but they said the room was already booked. I also bought some food but the fridge didn’t work so it all got gross and had to be thrown out the next morning. I realize this is an extremely inexpensive place to stay but a broken refrigerator AND bed? That’s a bit much to endure in my opinion.

Im sure this isn’t the worst place to stay, but the check in employee did not want to offer any help when the reservation I made was not found. I made a reservation through travelocity about an hour before a friend checked in. She said that “booking dot com” was better for online reservations and that I should do it there, despite already paying and showing her confirmation numbers and emails via travelocity. She left to “check with another staff member” but really she left to eat soup and watch TV for 15 minutes while my friend waited, and eventually got frustrated enough to go find her. The experience was frustrating for myself but more for a friend who really needed help and a place to stay that night in Medellin. ( I am in the US) In the end, they said they would honor the reservation if I sent them a screenshot of the payment I made for the room. There was no way to present this despite sending all confirmations and reservation numbers, bank receipt, etc. My friend left lost and tired, and I lost my money. Although I have left a negative review, when speaking to my friend after finding him another place he mentioned that online booking for smaller hotels is likely not a good idea in general. I am certain this place isn’t the worst place to stay! It just sucks no one there cared to help out someone clearly struggling. If you are considering staying here it sounds like it is best to make a reservation over the phone or in person! Happy travels!