Where to Stay in Antigua, Guatemala
Are you wondering where to stay in Antigua, Guatemala? Read on for my top picks!
Antigua is one of the most popular destinations in Guatemala, and it’s not hard to see why. This charming colonial town is located just over an hour from the capital of Guatemala City.
It has quaint cobblestone streets, colorful buildings hiding lush interior courtyards, historic churches, trendy cafes, boutiques and galleries, and rooftop bars with views of three nearby volcanoes.
I’ve been to Antigua on three separate trips and spent around six weeks there in total, and it’s one of my favorite places in Central America. There are so many things to do, including:
- Explore the stunning colonial church ruins like Iglesia de San Francisco (my personal favorite), La Catedral de San Jose, and Convento Santa Clara
- Hike a nearby volcano like Acatenango (challenging) or Pacaya (easier)
- Walk up to Cerro de la Cruz for sweeping views over the whole town
- Visit Hobbitenango, a unique Hobbit-themed adventure park just outside Antigua
- Try local coffee and enjoy scenic views on an ATV tour
- Snap a photo at the famous yellow Santa Catalina Arch
- Take Spanish lessons at one of Antigua’s many Spanish schools (I spent a month in Antigua taking private one-on-one Spanish lessons five days a week for four hours a day for just $120 per week)
- Enjoy Antigua’s many rooftop cafes and bars at sunset
- Attend a chocolate-making workshop or Guatemalan cooking class
- Go shopping for souvenirs at the Mercado de Artesanías or Nim P’ot
Is Antigua, Guatemala worth it? Yes, definitely! I spent several months traveling in Guatemala, and Antigua was my favorite place. Plan to spend at least four days in Antigua because there’s so much to do!
The Best Places to Stay in Antigua
I’ve stayed in several places in Antigua, including an Airbnb and two hotels. I also visited other hotels and hostels around Antigua. While Airbnb is best for long-term stays, hotels and hostels are better for short stays of a week or less. And there are TONS of great properties in Antigua for every budget and travel style.
Luxury hotels in Antigua are very affordable, so you can splurge on a five-star stay without breaking the bank. There are also tons of gorgeous design-focused budget hotels and hostels in Antigua.
Antigua is pretty small and walkable, so almost everything is within a 20-minute walk of Parque Central.
Here are my top picks for where to stay in Antigua:
- Best luxury: Casa Santo Domingo
- Best mid-range: Hotel Palacio de Doña Beatriz
- Best budget: Ojala
And here’s a full breakdown of the best hotels in Antigua:
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Best Luxury Hotels
Casa Santo Domingo
Hotel Museo Spa Casa Santo Domingo is one of the best luxury hotels in Antigua. I stayed here on one of my visits to Antigua, and I absolutely loved it! If you’re looking for a five-star hotel with tons of amenities, this is a great place to stay (and it’s shockingly affordable for how amazing the hotel is.)
Built on the grounds of a former convent, this luxury hotel has a swimming pool, terraces, a spa, a gym, an award-winning restaurant, and several museums and galleries. The guest rooms are elegant and traditional. I recommend requesting a room on the second floor with a balcony, instead of the ground floor.
Porta Hotel Antigua
Porta Hotel Antigua is another one of the best hotels in Antigua, Guatemala. This luxury hotel is located a short walk away from Parque Central, the main plaza. It has beautiful colonial architecture and lush interior gardens that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into your own personal paradise.
The hotel offers a swimming pool, a spa, and a restaurant serving traditional Guatemalan cuisine. Many of the guest rooms have original wood-beamed ceilings and traditional fireplaces inside.
El Convento Boutique Hotel
El Convento Boutique Hotel is one of the top luxury boutique hotels in Antigua. With just 26 guest rooms, this hotel is tucked away behind an unassuming facade that opens into a gorgeous complex.
There’s an outdoor swimming pool, lush private gardens, and a sophisticated bar and lounge. The guest rooms are spacious and beautiful, and many feature additional touches like fireplaces and hot tubs.
Best Mid-Range Hotels
Hotel Palacio de Doña Beatriz
Hotel Palacio de Doña Beatriz is another place I stayed in Antigua, and I really enjoyed this hotel too. If you’re looking for a nice mid-range hotel in Antigua, this is a great place to stay.
It’s located in a private gated neighborhood on the edge of central Antigua, so it is a little further out than many other hotels. However, it feels extremely safe, and the neighborhood is beautiful. The hotel has a swimming pool, a gorgeous rooftop terrace, and a delicious included breakfast every morning.
Good Hotel
Good Hotel Antigua is a hotel on a mission. All operating profits from this hotel go back to the community, supporting an organization called Niños de Guatemala. It also provides employees the chance to develop a career in hospitality. The hotel also has a focus on sustainability and helping the environment.
Rooms are clean and minimalistic, some with private patios and outdoor rain showers. There’s also a communal patio and living area and a cafe serving locally-sourced food and drinks.
Hotel Las Marias
Hotel Las Marias is a lovely hotel in Antigua with colonial charm at an affordable price. If you are looking for a budget-friendly mid-range hotel in Antigua, this highly-rated hotel is a great place to stay.
While the rooms are pretty basic, some of the suites offer private patios and fireplaces. There’s a shared garden and terrace for guests to enjoy, and a free breakfast is included every morning of your stay.
Best Hostels
Ojala
Ojala is one of the nicest hostels not just in Antigua, but in the world! This boutique luxury hostel offers dorm rooms and private rooms. While I have not stayed here, I know several people who did, and they all raved about it. It’s affordable but does not sacrifice one bit on design and style.
With sleek and clean rooms, shared terraces with hammocks and lounge chairs, a trendy bar, and free included breakfast, this is one of the best places to stay in Antigua if you’re on a budget.
Maya Papaya
Another one of the best hostels in Antigua, Guatemala is Maya Papaya. While I did not stay at this bright and stylish hostel myself, I did visit it a couple of times and know several people who did stay here.
Maya Papaya has a fun, social atmosphere with lots of common spaces including an outdoor garden. There’s also a bar open at night, and free breakfast is served in the morning. The rooms are simple but nice, with a clean minimalistic style and pops of color. There are dorm rooms and private rooms available.
Selina
Finally, Selina is one of the most popular hostels in Antigua. Selina is a chain with many locations in Latin America, and while I did not stay at this property, I did stay at their property in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. I like Selina because you know what you’re getting, and the quality is pretty consistent.
This location has a swimming pool, a large outdoor common area with games, a bar, and a coworking space. There are dorm rooms and private rooms available, some of which have private balconies.
Where to Stay in Antigua, Guatemala
This guide showed you the best hotels and hostels in Antigua, Guatemala.
To recap, my top four picks for where to stay are:
- Best luxury: Casa Santo Domingo
- Best mid-range: Hotel Palacio de Doña Beatriz
- Best budget: Ojala
Have a great trip and enjoy your stay in Antigua!
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