Hostels have always been a key part of our travel experiences. Whether traveling solo or with friends, they consistently offer one of the most affordable accommodation options. While we occasionally enjoy a more luxurious stay, I find that hostels offer a unique, social experience that’s worth trying at least once—especially for young travelers looking to connect with others.
In this post, we’ll be sharing our personal experiences at the hostels we’ve stayed at in Guatemala. While we can’t say they’re the best in the country, they each have their own charm, and we genuinely recommend them based on our time there. We’ve highlighted the pros and cons of each, so you can get a balanced view and decide which might be the right fit for your trip.
Note: All prices, pros, and cons mentioned in this article are based on our personal experiences during the specific time of our visit. Please keep in mind that factors such as prices, amenities, and overall atmosphere may have changed since our stay. We recommend checking the latest reviews and details before booking to ensure up-to-date information.
Table of Contents
- Staying in a Hostel : Travel Guide
- Tips for Choosing the Perfect Hostel
- Antigua – Selina Antigua
- Lanquin – Semuc Champey – Vista Verde Hostal
- Flores – Tikal – Hotel Peten Express Tikal
- Panajachel – Lake Atitlan – Dreamboat Hostel
- San Pedro – Lake Atitlan – Corazón de San Pedro
1
Staying in a Hostel : Travel Guide
Staying in a hostel isn’t about luxury, but it offers a different kind of travel experience. Over the years and across different countries, we’ve learned how to enhance our hostel stays by being better prepared and more aware of how hostels operate. Since there’s so much to know about hostels, be sure to check out our detailed article Everything You Need to Know About Staying in Hostels: 15 Essential Questions Answered for more tips and insights.
2
Tips for Choosing the Perfect Hostel
Choosing the right hostel can make the difference between an awesome and a disappointing experience. Staying in a hostel doesn’t mean you have to give up your desire for comfort or amenities. Our article 10 Ultimate Tips for Choosing the Best Hostel offers guidance on how to select the best hostel based on your specific criteria, helping you find the perfect balance between affordability and comfort.
3
Antigua
Selina Antigua – 8.9★ on Hostelworld
- Time of stay: Mid January 2024
- Price: $28.40 CAD per night
- Location: 6a Avenida Norte 43A, Antigua
- Best for: Fun amenities and overall beautiful
Pros:
- A refreshing pool, perfect for cooling off in a hot city with no direct water access.
- Centrally located, making it easy to explore the city’s main attractions.
- Excellent common areas, offering plenty of spaces to relax, a dedicated coworking and wellness area, and a fully equipped kitchen.
Cons:
- The large dorms (referred to as “the tents”) can feel quite dark, even during the daytime.
- It’s not the most social hostel, which may not be ideal for those looking to meet fellow travelers.
My Experience: My stay at Auberge Selina was nothing short of unforgettable. It was my first time experiencing this chain, and it completely exceeded my expectations. The hostel is enormous, with a refreshing pool that’s perfect for cooling off on those hot, sunny days. I also got to try something new—sleeping in tents at a hostel—which turned out to be such a fun and unique experience.
The staff were incredibly warm and welcoming, and the food? Absolutely delicious! The only slight downside was the size of the hostel, which made it harder to feel that social atmosphere you often get in smaller hostels. That said, if you’re looking for a fantastic place to work, read in a cozy library, or simply enjoy a comfortable stay in Antigua, this is the spot for you. I truly loved my time at Auberge Selina and can’t recommend it enough!
4
Lanquin – Semuc Champey
Vista Verde Hostal – 8.6★ on Hostelworld
- Time of stay: End of January 2024
- Price: $23.76 CAD x 2 nights per person (There was a minimum of two nights stay)
- Location: Lanquin alta verapaz, 16011, Lanqúin
- Best for: Convenient access to Semuc Champey and tranquil days by the pool.
Pros:
- A beautiful pool with stunning views of Lanquín.
- Located within walking distance of Lanquín’s center, making it easy to explore.
Cons:
- The common area lacks a cozy, social vibe, as it’s mostly set up as a restaurant near the reception.
- Dorms do not have lockers, which may be inconvenient for storing valuables.
- Drinkable water is only available during reception hours (approximately 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM).
- A strict midnight curfew might limit late-night plans.
My Experience: We were torn between staying at this hostel and Zephyr Lodge. We chose this hostel because it was more affordable. However, we had to pay for a two-night stay even though we were only staying for one night. That said, the cost for two nights was still cheaper than one night at Zephyr Lodge.
That being said, Zephyr Lodge is well-known for its lively, party-friendly atmosphere. From Vista Verde, we could hear karaoke and the partying happening at Zephyr. So, if you’re looking for a quieter hostel with a beautiful pool, stunning views over the town of Lanquín, and a good restaurant, Vista Verde is the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you’re seeking a vibrant atmosphere where you can meet lots of people and enjoy a lively social vibe, I’d recommend Zephyr Lodge instead.
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5
Flores – Tikal
Hotel Peten Express Tikal – 8.6★ on Hostelworld
- Time of stay: End of January 2024
- Price: Around $30.00 CAD per night
- Location: Calle 30 de Junio, Flores, Petén, Flores
- Best for: A quiet stay with convenient access to activities and restaurants.
Pros:
- Delicious breakfast included in the price.
- Stunning pool with a great view point for sunsets.
- Prime location, close to the water and centrally situated on the island.
- Air conditioning is a lifesaver during hot days!
Cons:
- Feels more like a hotel than a hostel, so it lacks a vibrant social atmosphere.
- Dorm rooms are on the smaller side, with lockers that can’t accommodate large backpacks.
My Experience: I really enjoyed my stay at this hostel because the hotel-like atmosphere made it the perfect place to get a good night’s sleep and relax. The dorms, although small, were very comfortable with curtains for each bed, built-in shelves, and even included towels—a nice added bonus.
The hostel was located right by the water, making it such a treat to take an evening walk and watch the sunset. Plus, there were plenty of restaurants nearby to explore. If you’re looking for an affordable place to stay, with breakfast included, and a quieter vibe where meeting people isn’t the main focus, this hostel is a great choice for you.
6
Panajachel – Lake Atitlan
Dreamboat Hostel – 9.1★ on Hostelworld
- Time of stay: End of January 2024
- Price: $17.24 CAD per night
- Location: Calle Monterrey, Panajachel
- Best for: Partying and meeting new friends!
Pros:
- While it’s a party hostel, the upstairs bar closes at 11 PM, ensuring that the party moves elsewhere—perfect for those who want a good night’s sleep.
- Centrally located in Panajachel, making it convenient for exploring the area.
- The staff is incredibly friendly and welcoming, creating a great atmosphere.
- Features like the pool and rooftop with stunning views add extra value to your stay.
Cons:
- Dorm rooms are quite small, with tiny lockers that make organizing your belongings a bit challenging.
My Experience: Dreamboat Hostel is hands down the wildest hostel I’ve ever stayed at. I didn’t expect the nightly rooftop bar parties to be so over-the-top, but they were absolutely insane—in the best way possible! The energy was unmatched, and everyone was fully into it.
The hostel offers plenty of spaces to chill, including a pool table, a cozy corner with a couch and chairs, and an always-open pool for a quick dip. The owners, a group of Australians, know how to host a proper party, so you’re guaranteed a good time. At 11 PM, the festivities move to local bars and clubs, keeping the night going and making it even more memorable.
Despite its party reputation, the hostel maintains a high standard of cleanliness, and the noise is cut off at 11 PM, so if you prefer a quiet night, that’s totally doable too. This is the perfect spot to meet amazing people, soak in the fun atmosphere, and have a night you’ll never forget!
7
San Pedro – Lake Atitlan
Hostal Corazon – 7.6★ on Hostelworld
- Time of stay: End of January 2024
- Price: 13.22$ CAD per night
- Location: 6 Avenida 03-042 calle, San Pedro La Laguna
- Best for: An affordable stay that won’t break the bank.
Pros:
- Spacious rooms that are cleaned daily.
- A rooftop area perfect for relaxing and meeting fellow travelers.
Cons:
- It’s a bit of a hike uphill from the main street in San Pedro.
- The kitchen is small and often left messy by other travelers.
- The reception desk, located at the bottom of the stairs, isn’t always staffed, as workers occasionally step away.
My Experience: This hostel is a great budget-friendly option for families or travelers looking to save money. The rooms are spacious, with single beds placed side by side instead of bunk beds, offering a more comfortable setup. There are also lockers for your belongings, and the beds are comfortable.
Although the kitchen is small, it’s convenient for preparing meals, and the rooftop is a great spot to relax and meet other travelers. The only downside is the 10-minute uphill walk to reach the hostel, but the lively streets nearby, with markets and street food, more than make up for it!
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