Finally, the day has come, you are going to Guatemala! What an experience, we are excited for you already! However, before you go to Guatemala, it is important to have it all figured out. Hopefully, you have studied as much as you can about the country. Only one question is left – Where to stay in Guatemala? We have done the research for you and can recommend the best places to stay in Guatemala for all budgets.

 

Where to Stay in Guatemala?

 

Related: Things to know before going backpacking in Guatemala?

 

We are here to help you find the best accommodation in Guatemala to make your holiday unforgettable. If you have not planned your trip yet, we recommend looking at our 2-week Guatemala itinerary, which we have done ourselves and gone through it every single step! With all this information just thrown at you, let’s figure out where to stay in Guatemala.

 

Where to Stay in Guatemala City

 

Well, Guatemala City is huge, with its great neighborhoods and it’s not so great areas. Always choose to stay in the Historic City Centre around all the most important monuments and the tourist area. Avoid wandering out of that part of the city in the night and when getting around the city – get a metered taxi!

 

Mi Casa, Tu Casa 

A true homestay feeling in the busy Guatemala City. The owner is very warm-hearted and the house offers everything you might need. Mi Casa, Tu Casa is a great budget option and the price is around $35 per night, for two. The house is safe and you will feel like visiting some distant Guatemalan relatives.

 

 

Eco Suites Uxlabil Guatemala

A great, huge house in a gated community in Guatemala City. The house is very spacious and the rooms come equipped with a fridge and small kitchen area. Again, this place is a homestay and costs around $40 a night.

 

 

 

Where to Stay in Antigua

 

The old capital of Guatemala, ahh, a place so beautiful. Antigua feels like a step back in time, beautiful architecture, bustling culture, markets, and cafes. Also, volcano hikes have to be mentioned as an experience of a lifetime.

 

 

Casa Blomsten

Another place that will feel like home. Casa Blomsten is right in the center of Antigua Old Town. The hosts are extremely helpful and very friendly. Thus, if you need any tours arranged, just ask them and they will find the best deals for you. Price per night starts at $40 for two people and the rooms have all you could ever need.

 

 

Hotel San Jorge

A great traditional Guatemalan hotel built keeping in mind the classic architecture of Antigua. The hosts, as everywhere are very kind and helpful. The place is sparkling clean and has a guard on duty 24/7. The special thing about Hotel San Jorge is the garden, the greenery, and the outdoor areas. We’ll leave it as a surprise for you!

 

Lake Atitlan

 

Lake Atitlan is pure magic. The place people arrive and never leave. No, they are not taken as hostages, they just choose to stay here to embrace the culture, tranquillity and perfect their Spanish while living on the fraction of what they would back home.  Lake Atitlan is a place not to be missed in Guatemala. And there are three main locations where to look for accommodation – San Pedro La Laguna, San Marcos, and Panajachel. We recommend staying in San Pedro La Laguna, as it is our personal favorite and the most lively out of all the villages.

 

 

Zoola – San Pedro La Laguna

Choose Zoola in San Pedro if you are up for a little party. Go for the deluxe double room for $42 if you want to enjoy some privacy in a recently built hotel. Also, a great bonus is the pool, which not many hotels for this price have in Guatemala. The colorful dining area/bar will be a great place to hang out in the evening and chat with fellow travelers.

 

 

 

Hotel Cabaña del Arco – San Pedro La Laguna

This place is our absolute favorite in San Pedro La Laguna. Mostly, because of the views. If you are not into parties that much, but more into beautiful, quiet morning views with a good book – this will be your paradise. The rooms are impeccably clean and spacious. The property is a bit outside San Pedro, but we loved it. The shared areas and gardens are beautiful and it looks like something from Medieval movies.

 

 

Reserva Natural Atitlan – Panajachel

Reserva Natural Atitlan is every nature lover’s paradise. Tucked away in the jungle while still a 10-minute ride away from the Panajachel town. You can spend your mornings watching butterflies, monkeys and listening to birds chirping while sipping one of the best coffees in the world. Every room is made in a traditional Guatemalan style and has a balcony. Rooms go for a bit under $100 per night, but if you feel like paying a bit more at least once on your trip – this place is worth it. Amazing breakfast is included in the room rate. Also, the hotel is ecological and nature-friendly all the way.

 

 

Related: 25 Most Important Travel Accessories Every Traveler Needs!

Quetzaltenango

 

A bustling city elevated 2,400 meters high. Famous for its volcano trekking and nature treks all around the area. Not too touristy and not too quiet, a perfect medium for a well-seasoned traveler. Fuentes Georgina’s hot springs are not to be missed, if in Quetzaltenango  (Xela) as well. A quick note, Quetzaltenango turned out to be one of the most expensive towns in Guatemala accommodation-wise. A nice, clean hotel room comes for approximately $60, while anywhere else around Guatemala you could find a nice room for $35.

 

Acanthus Boutique Hotel

Acanthus is absolutely beautiful and definitely worth the price of $70 per night. Honestly, it should cost more, compared to the Guatemala price/value ratio. Let us start by saying that breakfast is EXCEPTIONAL! The rooms are very stylish and the hotel is very clean. Probably because the hotel has opened its doors only recently it is such an undiscovered gem to many.

 

 

Casa Morasan – Hotel Boutique

Another beautiful Boutique in Xela. Gorgeous warm colors and brick walls will give you a country house atmosphere. The colorful decors and the smell of fresh linen after a long day trekking felt like a royal treatment for us. The beds were so comfy (perhaps it’s the hard trek to blame). Anyhow, Casa Morasan is another great gem in Quetzaltenango.

 

 

Lanquin

 

Lanquin is the pathway to Semuc Champey. Even though it is quite difficult to get to Semuc Champey, it is becoming more and more popular amongst tourists so better visit before it gets too crowded. Semuc Champey is a natural forming limestone bridge with 6 turquoise blue water pools. You do not need a tour or a guide to get there, embrace the adventure and do it on your own to save money! More on that in our 2 week Guatemala itinerary.

 

El Retiro Lanquin

Lanquin and Semuc Champey are all about nature. There is no way you can escape the jungle here. Thus, your accommodation will also be in the middle of a green paradise. El Retiro is the most popular hotel in Lanquin and is well-known to travelers from all around the world. You can book a basic cottage with gorgeous garden views for as cheap as $30. A cottage with a private bathroom will come for $45. There’s a restaurant, bar, volleyball court and pool table on site, so basically, all you need.

 

El Portal de Champey

El Portal is another gorgeous jungle escape. Similar to El Retiro, it offers different cottages and dorm rooms with different comfort levels. Note that there are not many accommodation options in Lanquin so luxury will not be an option this time. However, we believe that everyone loves a bit of nature, that’s why they are visiting Guatemala in the first place. You can get a cottage in El Portal for as little as $30, book early as these places tend to sell out.

 

 

Where to Stay in Flores

A tiny island you can walk around in 20 minutes. If you have come to Flores, most likely you are there to visit Tikal. A huge Mayan site dating back to the 1st century, also the largest excavated Mayan site in the world. Tikal’s stunning location right in the middle of the jungle will allow you to meet all kinds of animals and some beautiful birds too. If you are not into the history or nature, hey, movie fans, a Star Wars scene was shot there!

 

Hostal Don Cenobio

A beautiful new hostel for a great price. For only $32 a night you can get a room with a view to the lake, private bathroom and patio. The place has a beautiful sundeck and basically everything you would need to laze around a bit and rest from the long bus rides. The hostel opened its doors only in March 2019 so be sure that everything is brand new.

 

 

Casa Hunahpu Apart-Hotel

Casa Hunahpu is amazing. Luxurious apart-hotel with everything you might need. All brand new and tastefully decorated. They offer a beautiful pool to lounge in front of and a garden to be close to nature. The service is exceptional. The place is a bit out of the Flores center, however, close enough to reach everything within 15 minutes. The breakfast is included in the price, which is $100 per night for two.

 

 Bonus Tips for Visiting Guatemala

 

What’s next? Well, you have figured out where to stay in Guatemala. Now, just charge your camera, pack your bags and you are ready to go.  Extending a vacation is never a bad idea so maybe you will wander off into Belize or Honduras! However, do not forget to get good travel insurance as it is very important for any international travels. Better safe than sorry, listen to your grandma!

As always, let us know if you have any questions at all!

Safe travels!