The Pacific Slope
Set on lush, tropical grounds that feature swimming pools, a spa bath, various sports fields and probably the most impressive minigolf course in the…
Must-see hotels in Guatemala
El Petén
In a fabulous setting on the Laguna Yaxhá, El Sombrero features solar-powered, mosquito-netted bungalows with wraparound screened windows, most with lake…
El Petén
Just west of the junction, this full-service outfit has spotless, modern rooms decorated with Maya textiles. All feature verandas and hammocks facing the…
Western Highlands
Located 1km south of Zunil, Las Cumbres seems like a colonial village amid a volcanic landscape where great plumes of steam emanate from the earth. The…
Santa Cruz La Laguna
This stylish, environmentally friendly lodging makes the most of its spectacular setting. A mosaic stone path winds through exuberant vegetation to the…
Quiché
On the edge of the village with forested views, this posada is a former stable, built in the local style with carved wood columns along an arcade. Most of…
Guatemala
The steep ascent to Hobbitenango might make you think you're climbing Mt Doom, but this Middle Earth–styled lodge is a great place to get away from it all…
San Marcos La Laguna
This lakefront spread created by a North American artist could be the wackiest of San Marcos lodgings. Signs of artistic exuberance pop up everywhere,…
Santiago Atitlán
Somewhere between rustic and luxurious, this North American–owned posada makes a great retreat. Seven cottages (some sleeping six) and five suites, all…
San Juan La Laguna
The Uxlabil stands on a small coffee plantation on the southern edge of San Juan's bay. Made by local artisans from natural materials, the four-level…
El Petén
Located on a lazy stretch of the river about halfway between Sayaxché and Laguna Petexbatún is this appealingly remote encampment managed by the ebullient…
Santa Cruz La Laguna
This eco-lodge is in Paxanax, on the east end of the bay from Santa Cruz. Of adobe construction, the lodge comprises seven luxurious suites with lake-view…
El Petén
West of San José, this is an elaborate spread where you can truly unwind. Twenty-four well-designed rooms with tropical hardwood furnishings and lovely…
Santiago Atitlán
The Bambú is an ecologically harmonious hotel on the outskirts of Santiago. Scattered around wild yet manicured grounds, the 10 spacious rooms are in…
Antigua
What do you show for a lifetime of collecting? San Sebastián's auteur-owner has the answer – a guesthouse packed to the gunwales with curios and museum…
Panajachel
You'll feel right at home at Jenna's place, just outside Pana proper, with seven uniquely decked-out hard-standing 'yurts' (all with bathrooms) that are…
El Petén
Ensconced in a paradisaical lakefront setting within the Cerro Cahuí biosphere reserve, this jungle-style lodge offers a bank of rooms with full-wall roll…
Antigua
The Antigua branch of the Israeli-run hostel on Lago de Atitlán translates well to Antigua's colonial setting: sparsely furnished dorms surround an open…
Tikal
Nearest of the hotels to the site entrance, this was originally built to house archaeologists working at Tikal. Self-contained bungalows, plus a bank of…
El Petén
This amiably managed little lakefront hotel is on the incredibly idyllic Peninsula San Miguel, just a five-minute passage over from Flores by lancha (Q15,…
Flores & Santa Elena
This island hotel sports an understated tropical style that's highly appealing. Hardwood beams frame bone-white walls with floral motifs that are echoed…
Lago de Atitlán
Perched high on a cliff at the east end of the bay with astounding views, this semi-luxurious property features conventional cypress cabins and a…
The Pacific Slope
El Paredón's undisputed party hostel, the Driftwood was quick to arrive in the town and set the pace with its beachfront location and swim-up pool bar…
Flores & Santa Elena
Near the northern tip of the island, this is an old-fashioned establishment (check the lobby for a portrait of the founder) with rocking chairs scattered…
Guatemala City
A little island of glamor amid the rough and tumble of 6a Av, this place offers most comforts. The style is modern-reconstruction, with plenty of dark…
The Pacific Slope
This 'surf and lifestyle' hotel was on the cusp of opening when we visited, and it looked a treat. Designed by the architect owner, it has a selection of…
Quetzaltenango
Incorporated into a late-19th-century Xela house, Casa Seibel is cozy and comfortable. Set around two plant-filled courtyards, its dorms and private rooms…
Lago de Atitlán
This retreat a bit west of the main dock consists of large, simply furnished cabins at various levels of a florally abundant hillside, all with hammock…
Chichicastenango
Founded in 1932, the inn today encompasses several restored colonial houses on either side of 8a Calle. The courtyards are planted with tropical flora and…
El Petén
Built in time for the dawn of the new baktún (a baktún equals about four centuries) of the Maya calendar (in 2012) is this glitzy addition to the Gringo…
Quiché
Behind the elaborate facade is a neat, modern hotel with fountains in the courtyard and elaborate paintings of nebajenses in fiesta wear. Rooms on three…
Antigua
Within stumbling distance of plenty of cafes and restaurants, El Hostal is a super-relaxed budget option with a hint of colonial style. Set around a…
Antigua
There are just a dozen rooms at this hotel on a pretty backstreet near La Merced. Though compact, all are quaintly appointed with típico (traditional)…
Chichicastenango
Near the Arco Gucumatz, this homey, solar-powered spread is one of Chichi's more original accommodations. All nine rooms are idiosyncratically appointed,…
Lanquín
Lanquín's self-admitted party hostel is all class – great rooms with spectacular views, decent dorms and some good hangout areas, including the big…
Antigua
Bask in antique splendor at this impressively restored colonial mansion in the center of town, replete with lushly planted courtyards and various…
Quiché
A rustic wooden home with garden on the edge of Acul village that has a couple of rooms turned into six-bed dorms with bunks and bathrooms with hot water…
Quetzaltenango
The 'Seven Ears' (named after a nearby mountain range) is a scrupulously maintained hostel on a quiet street northwest of the center. The pseudocolonial…
Soul Food Kitchen & Guesthouse
The Pacific Slope
This simple guesthouse has a selection of airy whitewashed rooms with mosquito nets. It's a relaxed and quiet place, but just as much of a draw is the…
Quiché
Rooms at this excellent-value lodging, just around the corner from the Parque Central, have plenty of thick blankets for the evening chill. If possible,…
