Antigua and Atitlan

I would recommend anyone going to Lago Atitlán to stay in San Pedro. It´s a good mix of tourists and locals and it still has its local charm, especially if you go a bit uphill. I met a lot of retired americans there who have chosen to move to San Pedro. There are plenty of places to stay at, can´t really recommend any specific since I stayed on a budget. Maybe Mikaso? Would you prefer some really tranquil place with not so much to do but with beautiful surroundings is San Marcos or San Juan great options. I wouldn´t stay in Panajachel or Santiago (too much traffic and not as charming) but especially Panajachel is worth a days visit.

Thanks for the info, much appreciated.

I'd read up on all the towns around the lake, all different. It's pretty easy to spend a half day and visit quite a few.

In Panajachel, I liked Hotel Utz-Jay, about a block off the main drag. Nice grounds and quiet. Lot of folks like Mario's Rooms, on the main drag but set off a little.

I also liked San Pedro, lots to do and a simple walk up the hill is pretty cool, cool market and town.
I liked Hotel Sak Cari, on the lake and nice views, very quiet.

If you go to Chichi try to go on a Wed. or Sat afternoon and watch the set up for market day, more interesting then the next day market itself, IMO.

Really like Posado El Arco, couple blocks off the main square and quiet, old school type of place. Very basic but traditional. P#4584-0061.

The market in Sololá s a good option, about 20mins. from Panajachel.

Thank you for the info. How funny, I had booked hotel Utz-Jay for one night until I decide what you do. I will look up on the places you mentioned. Thanks again.

I've been to about a dozen villages around the lake, and stayed in most. I'm thinking with what you have told us about yourselves, that the village of Santiago Atitlan should be one of the places at the top of your list, and the place to stay there would be Posada de Santiago. Great place to relax and dine. But I'm not sure if the rates for a private cabin are still under $60. Check their website. There are a number of interesting things in Santiago to see and do, and the owner of the Posada can fill you in. The best places to sit, relax and view the lake and setting sun are from the north side of the lake, and one of the better ones of those is the Sunset Cafe in Panajachel. I second the Utz-Jay recommendation.

Buen viaje!

Thank you aloysius. I am really appreciating all these recommendations.

Each village is unique and what fits your interests is likely different that what others like. Panajachel and Hotel Utz Jay is a perfectly reasonable place to start. http://casasderocio.com/the-area/ offers a short "shopping list" about the various destinations. In general, all the communities are friendly but quite different. Here are a couple of (less mentioned) examples:
San Antonio Palopó is an indigenous bedroom community. While there are about 9000 people (and I think 2/3 are kids) there are only nine of us who are considered "Gringos" and that includes people from the UK and Canada. Everyone is very friendly but you will see how people really live rather than being in a tourist town.
San Lucas Toliman is my favorite community to visit. I friend who lives there says there were a lot of Gringos there but they all left during the war. So, it tends to be Gringo-aware but Gringo-free. It has a great Sunday market.

The lake is an amazing place. Enjoy yourself.

Each village is unique and what fits your interests is likely different that what others like. Panajachel and Hotel Utz Jay is a perfectly reasonable place to start. http://casasderocio.com/the-area/ offers a short "shopping list" about the various destinations. In general, all the communities are friendly but quite different. Here are a couple of (less mentioned) examples:
San Antonio Palopó is an indigenous bedroom community. While there are about 9000 people (and I think 2/3 are kids) there are only nine of us who are considered "Gringos" and that includes people from the UK and Canada. Everyone is very friendly but you will see how people really live rather than being in a tourist town.
San Lucas Toliman is my favorite community to visit. I friend who lives there says there were a lot of Gringos there but they all left during the war. So, it tends to be Gringo-aware but Gringo-free. It has a great Sunday market.

The lake is an amazing place. Enjoy yourself.

Thanks so much for the info, much appreciated.