This was our second time at Novotel El Tesoro in Medellín, but sadly, it will be our last. The experience was disappointing from the very beginning.
Our room had old, stiff towels and a poorly designed bathroom where water spilled everywhere due to an overly short shower curtain, making every shower uncomfortable. When we requested a room change, we were told it was only possible by paying nearly 300,000 COP extra per night, even though the rooms were supposedly identical, just on a different floor.
The next day, we tried to extend our stay for one more night for a very important family reason (accompanying my 90-year-old father-in-law to early morning medical exams). Reception told us there was no availability, even though Expedia showed several rooms available at reasonable prices. When we mentioned this, staff said Expedia was “overbooked” and that the only option was to pay 4 million COP for two nights (about $1,000 USD), which was completely unreasonable, especially since online rates were still showing for less than half.
In the end, we had to move to NH Collection Medellín, where we got a spectacular suite for $426 USD for two nights — a huge difference in quality and service. When we spoke with the Novotel manager, he apologized, but by then it was too late: we had already been forced to find another solution on our own.
Sadly, we cannot return to or recommend Novotel El Tesoro after this experience. Medellín is known for its kindness and warmth, but not here.