accommodation in Guatemala City

Not 100% sure but I feel like Xamanek has closed down... maybe even a few years ago.

Don't worry too much about trekking across the city... you'll probably have to take a taxi anyway, and it'll either by a 5 or 10 minute ride. Don't rule out staying somewhere atmospheric in Zona 1, if you're interested in getting a taste of the city. You may (probably) will be a bit tired of Zona 10 by that point anyway. Zona 1 has at least half a dozen affordable, interesting little hotels that put you right near the action of La Sexta (the pedestrian street).

Check out Las Torres, right down the road from Xamanek. It's one of the few budget-ish options in Zona 10. It's... OK, I wouldn't want to be stuck there for too long though. It's certainly seen better days. Not a bad last resort.

As others will probably mention, Antigua is a pretty appealing option, but that will require a 1-hour schlep which you're probably not into.

Oh, and give Airbnb a look just for the heck of it. There are some unique places on there, some of them pretty cheap. Plenty right in the Zone 10 area.

Thanks for that comprehensive reply! I've booked in Quetzalroo Hostel instead, in the same general area - hope it's OK as I've ended up with five nights in the city (have already spent plenty of time in Antigua but never previously even visited Guatemala City).
I didn't want to risk the lack of security (safe, etc) with Airbnb with my employer's laptop on me - also I do need wifi as will need to do a little work during that time - in fact have never tried Airbnb as not 100% confident that it would be safe for a lone female. But maybe I should on a future trip. Thanks for that suggestion!

Oh, it's safe... and insured. You do have to have a look at the host – and they are often female themselves, maybe a business person or older couple – and reviews, context, area, etc., but if you're staying in a verified Airbnb apartment, that's much safer than any hotel IMO. There are some listings that you can tell are sketchy but many are in buildings with doormen and security.

I'm the opposite, I'd be extremely wary of staying with a hostal like this with a laptop (in fact, the only time I've ever gotten one stolen was in a similar place). I always travel with one too. This place does get pretty great reviews, I'd just stress that you make sure you don't waste too much time in the generic surrounding area, make sure you get multiple walks down the Sexta, especially at sunset... that's the real GC and is just as safe, if not safer than this area for walking around since there are more crowds and it's easier to blend in.

Either way you'll have fun... try to get to Cerriito del Carmen on a nice day, best of all a Sunday, if you can!

OK, Airbnb definitely on the "to try" list for later! Quetzalroo has lockers, so hopefully will be OK.

Main reason for staying in Guatemala at this time is the Day of the Dead kite festival on Sunday 1 November, but I will make sure to get to Cerrito del Carmen on one of my other days (and of course to the Sexta).

Thanks again for all your great advice!

Oh, it's so worth it... enjoy, either in Santiago or Sumpango! As you probably know, both are pretty accessible from GC, though Santiago is a bit closer.

You're not going to like this, but I'd feel bad not mentioning it... that one device I had stolen was easily removed from a "locker" with a simple crowbar. Over 10 years ago and I will never forget the image of waking up to see the dented metal. That was the last time I ever used a locker – or a hostel, for that matter. :D

I'd say the chances of that happening where you're staying are slim to none though! They have a a generally good reputation (and depend on it for business). There are a few reports of thefts online but they are pretty vague and outnumbered by many more good reviews. If it were me, I would make sure that absolutely no one, either staff or (especially) other travelers, knew I had a laptop. Note that you're pretty close to Oakland Mall which is a nice, upscale, safe place to sit and get coffee and wifi.

We have stayed at Xamanek many times, but the location has been torn down and a high-rise development is going up in it's place. It was nice to have a hostel in Guatemala City where you could go for a walk at night. This area needs another low cost option.

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