Best Hotels in Xela, Guatemala
Are you looking for the best hotels in Xela, Guatemala? Here are the best places to stay in Xela!
Quetzaltenango, better known as Xela, is a large city located in the western highlands of Guatemala.
I spent two weeks in Xela while studying Spanish in Guatemala and really came to love this city. It’s known for being a great place to learn Spanish, and there are several language schools around the city where you can take affordable private lessons and immerse yourself in the culture.
Xela is less touristy than other destinations in Guatemala, but that doesn’t mean there’s a shortage of things to do. There are lots of cool restaurants and spots to check out around the city.
Not too far from the city, you can hike Tajumulco (the tallest volcano in Central America) or the Santa Maria volcano. And the Fuentes Georginas hot springs make a great day trip from Xela.
Where to Stay in Xela, Guatemala
Xela is a fairly large city divided into twelve zones, although it is much smaller than the capital of Guatemala City. It’s also much safer than Guatemala City, although you should still follow basic safety precautions such as not walking around alone at night and avoiding unfamiliar neighborhoods at night.
Most tourists in Xela will stay in Zone 1 or Zone 3. These adjacent districts are centrally located and where you will find the majority of accommodations, Spanish schools, restaurants, and other things to do.
I found Xela to be an incredibly good value. For example, I paid around $18 a night for a private room in an amazing boutique hotel called Mucha Arte Hostal that included a delicious breakfast every morning.
This is the number one place I’d recommend staying in Xela, but I’ve also rounded up some of the other best hotels and hostels around the city that are great options for your trip to Xela.
Here are my top picks for where to stay in Xela, Guatemala:
- Best overall: Mucha Arte Hostal
- Best luxury hotel: Latam Hotel Plaza Pradera Quetzaltenango
- Best hostel: Kasa Kiwi Hostel
And here’s a full breakdown of the best hotels and hostels in Xela.
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Mucha Arte Hostal
Mucha Arte Hostal is where I stayed for two weeks in Xela, and I highly recommend it! This boutique hotel is located in a great area of the city, just a short five-minute walk away from Parque Central.
The property is very clean and stylishly decorated, and there is a shared lounge and two outdoor courtyards where guests can relax. My room was very comfortable and warm, which is important because it gets very cold at night in Xela! A delicious free breakfast is also included in your stay at Mucha Arte Hostal.
Latam Hotel Plaza Pradera Quetzaltenango
Latam Hotel Plaza Pradera Quetzaltenango is by far the most modern and luxurious hotel in Xela. This hotel features comfortable rooms, free daily breakfast, and a rooftop swimming pool and hot tub.
If you’re looking for amenities, this is a great place to stay. But one thing to keep in mind is the location. This hotel is located further out in Zone 3 and not near the historic center of Xela (it’s about a 40-minute walk.) Instead, it’s close to several shopping malls in the city’s commercial district.
Hotel Pensión Bonifaz
Hotel Pensión Bonifaz is one of the best hotels in Xela with an amazing location just steps away from Parque Central and Pasaje Enríquez, a covered passageway filled with bars and restaurants.
This elegant hotel has comfortable guest rooms, some with private balconies and sitting areas. There’s an indoor swimming pool at Hotel Pensión Bonifaz, which is a plus since it can sometimes be too chilly in Xela for an outdoor swimming pool. A free breakfast is also included every morning during your stay.
Casa Seibel
Casa Seibel is a great budget-friendly option in Xela. This hostel offers private rooms with shared bathrooms at an affordable price. The property also has a shared interior courtyard where you can relax.
The location of this hostel in Zone 1 is excellent, and it’s very centrally located, being just a quick two-minute walk from Parque Central and the many bars and restaurants of Pasaje Enríquez.
Hostal Casa Las Flores
Hostal Casa Las Flores is a boutique hotel that is located an easy five-minute walk away from the heart of Xela’s historic center. This is a great place to stay as it is centrally located in the city.
The hotel feels warm and inviting on the inside, like you are staying inside someone’s home. It offers eclectic vintage decor and comfortable rooms. There’s a rooftop terrace that guests can enjoy, as well as an outdoor courtyard and garden. Free parking is available, and breakfast is included every morning.
Kasa Kiwi Hostel
Kasa Kiwi Hostel & Travel Agency is a great affordable place to stay in Xela if you are on a budget. It offers private rooms with shared or private bathrooms and dorm rooms with shared bathrooms.
There’s a great rooftop terrace and bar that is a fun place to hang out in the evenings. This hotel is also very centrally located, just minutes away from the central plaza of Xela. Kasa Kiwi also has a travel agency, so you can easily book excursions like volcano hiking treks or onward travel to Lake Atitlan.
Casa Morasan Hotel Boutique
Casa Morasan is one of the best boutique hotels in Xela. Conveniently located just steps away from Parque Central in Zone 1 of the city, this is a great place to base yourself for your stay in Xela.
The hotel offers beautiful guest rooms, some with spa-like bathrooms. There’s a pretty central courtyard where guests can relax. There’s also a hot tub that is perfect for warming up on chilly nights in Xela. Breakfast is included with your stay, and free parking is also available if you have a car with you.
Best Hotels in Xela, Guatemala
This guide showed you the best hotels in Xela, Guatemala
To recap, my top picks for where to stay are:
- Best overall: Mucha Arte Hostal
- Best luxury hotel: Latam Hotel Plaza Pradera Quetzaltenango
- Best hostel: Kasa Kiwi Hostel
Have a great trip and enjoy your stay in Xela!
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