The best accommodations Guatemala

Budget & Tips

In addition to the nature of the establishments, accommodation prices vary according to the period: they will be higher in high season and during events such as Semana Santa. As a general rule, beware of taxes when booking: they are not always included in the price and can considerably inflate it.

For those on a budget, we recommend friendly youth hostels - better known as"hostels " - which are becoming increasingly popular in Guatemala. You can stay in a dormitory or in a room with private bathroom. There are two different price ranges: the "classic" budget hostels, where a bed in a dormitory will cost between Q75 and Q100, and the more "chic" hostels, often with a nice view, swimming pool and bar, where rates can climb to Q150.

Youth hostels and small, comfortable hotels offer double rooms at relatively similar prices, ranging from Q200 to Q500, depending on the quality of the service. In this case, Airbnb can be an interesting alternative. On the other hand, spending the night in a beautiful posada or luxury hotel involves a hefty sum, up to Q2,000. In remote areas, where there are no ATMs, accommodation providers are not above taking a substantial commission on credit card payments.

Finally, whatever type of establishment you choose, take into account its geographical location: being too out of the way will certainly force you to take an Uber or cab after dark.

To be booked

Unless you have a very specific idea of the type of accommodation you'd like to stay in, or want to have as much choice as possible, it's not necessary to book more than a few days in advance, even in high season. The only exceptions are busy periods, such as Semana Santa (in Antigua in particular), and local events that attract national tourists for a weekend, such as the Festival de Las Flores in Antigua in November. However, if you find yourself "stuck" without a bed for the evening, some proprietors will be happy to help you out, by giving you access to the reception desk or lending you a tent.

What's very local

Sometimes an accommodation is fully booked online, but on the phone, the staff manages to find a last bed in a dormitory or a private room. So if you decide to extend your stay once you're there, don't hesitate to negotiate a discount, especially in low season. Besides, it doesn't cost anything to ask for a towel in a youth hostel: contrary to what you might think, they are often lent for free.

For food lovers

Some accommodations offer a breakfast included or extra, usually in the form of a mini buffet. If this is a good alternative for small budgets or in case of early departure for an excursion, the quality is not always there.

Tourist traps

In order to avoid unpleasant surprises, do not follow touts and use safe "networks" - such as Booking - that show the opinions of other travelers. In some cases, it is more interesting to book directly with the establishment.