La Perla Negra Eco-Lodge & Hostel
Backpackers and couples who want their own river: the listing advertises a private beach area, bar and vegetarian breakfast. 9.5 from 146 reviews. Read review
See prices on BookingWhere to stay
Hotels in San Rafael, Antioquia: town, river or countryside
In San Rafael the question is not just which hotel, but how far from the water. Sleeping in town keeps you near buses and restaurants; sleeping in the countryside lets you walk to the river in flip-flops.
Three areas to choose from
| Area | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| In town | Bus at the door, shops, restaurants and the square | You need a motorbike taxi or a walk to reach the pools |
| El Arenal and La Chorrera road | Close to La Cazuela, El Trocadero and the swimming spots | Busy with swimmers on long weekends |
| Guatapé road (El Bizcocho, La Araña) | Ecolodges on the Guatapé riverbank and near-private pools | Several kilometers from town; better with a car |
How we built the table
We reviewed San Rafael listings on Booking.com on October 18, 2026, and kept those scored from at least 20 reviews, plus those people search for by name on Google according to Ranki. We have not stayed in them; what follows comes from their listings, official sites and published reviews.
The 18, by number of reviews
| Property | Area | Type | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Perla Negra Eco-Lodge & Hostel | Guatapé road, 7 km out | Ecolodge and hostel | 9.5 | 146 |
| Nómada Hospedaje | In town, Calle 19 | Guesthouse | 8.8 | 142 |
| Hotel San Fernandos Plaza | In town, Calle 21 | Hotel | 8.5 | 123 |
| Índigo Cowork | In town, Carrera 19 | Guesthouse and cowork | 8.6 | 117 |
| Lagom Apartamentos | In town | Apartments | 9.1 | 116 |
| Sendero del Río Finca Hotel | Edge of town | Farm hotel with pool | 8.5 | 113 |
| Casa Clandestina Campestre | El Arenal | Country hostel | 8.2 | 111 |
| Hostal Vista Hermosa | La Chorrera | Hostel | 9.0 | 89 |
| Ritmo del Río | El Macanal | Ecolodge | 9.1 | 80 |
| Aracari Ecolodge | Doara reserve, El Arenal | Ecolodge with spa | 9.0 | 59 |
| Eco Hotel Río de Oro | El Bizcocho | Eco hotel | 9.8 | 52 |
| Hotel La Roca | In town, Calle 20 | Hotel | 7.6 | 52 |
| La Clarita | La Cristalina road | Country hotel | 9.2 | 34 |
| La Posada de las Aves | Guatapé road | Hostel | 8.5 | 33 |
| Palagua Lodge | Countryside | Lodge | 10.0 | 26 |
| Hotel Gran Plaza San Rafael | In town, Calle 21 | Hotel | 9.6 | 20 |
| Eco Hotel Samaria, Aguas y Bosques | Guatapé road | Eco hotel with pool | 9.4 | 18 |
| La Cueva de Morgan | El Arenal road, km 3.3 | Rural lodging | 8.5 | 12 |
Score out of 10 and review count on Booking.com as of October 18, 2026. Figures change daily.
The most searched ones that are not on Booking
Two names dominate searches and do not appear in the list above: Hostería Yakutour, in La Rápida, and Hotel Club Paradise, on the El Arenal road. Neither has an active Booking.com listing as of this date, so their pages give direct contact and similar alternatives.
Who each one suits
Nómada Hospedaje
Bus travelers who want the square one block away. Rooms with private bath and desk. 8.8 from 142. Read review
See prices on BookingEco Hotel Río de Oro
Couples after a hot tub and mountain views. It has the highest score among places with over 50 reviews: 9.8. Read review
See prices on BookingLa Cueva de Morgan
Families who want a pool, restaurant and activities such as river trekking or beekeeping. 8.5 from 12. Read review
See prices on BookingAffiliate links: if you book through them we may earn a commission from Booking.com at no extra cost to you. How it works.
Traveling on a budget? See budget hotels and hostels. Want nature with a roof? There are glamping and ecolodges.
Frequently asked questions
Where is it best to stay in San Rafael, Antioquia?
Without a car, in town. With a car and a river in mind, on the El Arenal road or the Guatapé road.
Are there hotels with a pool in San Rafael?
Yes. Sendero del Río, Eco Samaria and La Cueva de Morgan list pools on Booking.com, and Club Paradise and Yakutour have them although you book direct.
How much does a night in San Rafael cost?
We do not publish prices because they change by date. Demand rises on holiday weekends and during the River Festival; book ahead.
Sources
Checked on October 18, 2026. Prices and opening hours change: always confirm with the official source before you travel.