Antigua, Guatemala’s former capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site, is Guatemala’s most popular destination for visitors with its colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and three volcanoes that frame its skyline. Antigua is a really charming city that combines a lot of history with fairly modern amenities, which is one of the things that makes it so popular for both long-term and short-term stays.
Ellie and I stayed in several hostels in Antigua when we were travelling in Central America this year, because we used it as a bit of a base to come back to. I’ll include our favourite hostels below, plus some others that we visited, heard about, or wish we’d stayed in!
In terms of location, you can’t really go wrong in Antigua. Whilst it is still Guatemala and nowhere is especially safe, nowhere within the downtown area is especially unsafe or needs to be avoided. So, hostels are quite spread out across Antigua, but you don’t need to worry too much about choosing a “safe” location.
🇦🇷 Read more: A Travel Guide to Antigua, Guatemala
Contents
- Hostels in Antigua
- Regular Hotels in Antigua
- Upscale Hotels in Antigua
- Social Accommodation in Antigua
- How Long to Stay in Antigua
- A Note About Location
- Frequently Asked Questions About Accommodation in Antigua
- Conclusion
Hostels in Antigua
Best for: Budget Travellers & Social Experience
Most hostels in Antigua are within a few blocks of Parque Central (central park, in case you hadn’t guessed), which makes it really easy to explore the city on foot. That being said, Antigua is not so safe that you can walk around alone at night, so bear that in mind when you’re choosing somewhere to stay.
One thing I particularly appreciated about Antigua’s hostels was how many offer private rooms alongside dorms. After Ellie and I did the Acatenango Volcano Hike, we came back to Antigua and got a private room in a hostel that we had enjoyed staying in before which felt like absolute luxury!
Many hostels also have really beautiful courtyard gardens, and rooftop terraces with volcano views.
Best Hostels in Antigua
- Hostal de la Fuente – This is where we stayed when we first arrived; it had a nice, social vibe, and free breakfast and dinner which made it really easy to get chatting to people!
- Central Hostel – We loved the staff here, they really went the extra mile after we did the Acatenango Volcano Hike
- Selina Antigua – A typical Selina, with modern facilities with co-working space
🇦🇷 Read more: How to Get from Guatemala Airport to Antigua
Regular Hotels in Antigua
Best for: Mid-Range Comfort
There are many mid-range hotels in Antigua offering really great value. It’s more cost effective than taking a private room in a hostel, although this way you really do miss out on the social vibe (if that’s what you’re looking for). Hotels in Antigua typically offer a simple room with a private bathroom, often arranged around a traditional courtyard.
Best Regular Hotels in Antigua
- Hotel Casa Antigua – Traditional architecture with modern comforts
- Posada Don Valentino – Beautiful gardens and fountain
Upscale Hotels in Antigua
Best for: Luxury Colonial Experience
Antigua does have a few upscale hotels, like any great tourist spot, but I wouldn’t say its known for ultimate luxury or high-end hotels. There are some really beautifully restored colonial mansions and monasteries which, whilst really cool and quite elegant, still aren’t five-star in the same was as you’d find in a bigger city.
What sets Antigua’s luxury buildings apart is their historical significance – many occupy buildings that played important roles in the city’s colonial past, and you can really feel that when you walk in.
Best Upscale Hotels in Antigua
- Hotel Aurora – Central location with excellent service
- Hotel Casa Santo Domingo – Former monastery with museums
- Porta Hotel Antigua – Historic luxury with beautiful gardens
- El Convento Boutique Hotel – Sophisticated luxury
Social Accommodation in Antigua
Best for: Meeting People & Making Friends
Antigua has a thriving social scene, and one of the biggest communities of expats and immigrants in Guatemala. Whether you’re planning to stay for a few days, a few months or forever, your social life in Antigua could make or break your stay.
Even if you’re staying for a while, I always recommend hostels as a great way to meet people when you’re travelling. I honestly don’t know how people who travel in hotels make friends as they travel! Maybe they’re much more talkative in bars than I am, or they do more tours and activities that involve other travellers.
Anyway, I’m digressing again – I just mean that staying in social accommodation is one of the best ways to socialise while you’re travelling.
Best Social Accommodation in Antigua
- Hostal de la Fuente and Central Hostel – I’m mentioning these two hostels again, because they’re the hostels that we liked best when we were in Antigua.
- Three Monkeys Hostel – This is supposed to be one of the most social hostels in Antigua, and caters to longer-term stays as well as travellers
- Tropicana Hostel – A backpackers hostel with a more party-vibe
How Long to Stay in Antigua
Honestly, I’d recommend staying in Antigua for several weeks and using it as a base to do other things. For example, it’s the perfect jumping off point to do several volcano hikes, Lake Atitlán is within reach (although I’d recommend going here for a few days), and there’s plenty to do within the city itself.
If you just want to stay for the sights in Antigua and then move on, I’d say 3-4 days would be enough.
Many people also come to Antigua to study Spanish, in which case you might find yourself hanging around here for several weeks. If you’re studying Spanish in Antigua, you may want to ask your Spanish school if they have accommodation for students, or if they can recommend somewhere nearby that other students will be staying in.
🇦🇷 Read more: Things to Do in Antigua, Guatemala
A Note About Location
While Antigua is generally safe, some streets can be quite dark at night, so staying in well-lit central areas is recommended, especially for solo travellers. Don’t walk alone after dark, unless you’re in the very centre of the city.
During rainy season (June-October), some areas of the city are prone to flash flooding, so it’s worth checking with your accommodation about this if visiting during these months.
Frequently Asked Questions About Accommodation in Antigua
What is the best area to stay in Antigua, Guatemala?
The area around Parque Central is ideal for most visitors. Antigua is relatively compact, and anywhere within the downtown area is generally suitable for tourists. Just ensure you’re in a well-lit area if you plan to walk at night.
How much does accommodation cost in Antigua?
Accommodation varies widely in price. Hostel dorms typically range from £8-15 per night, private rooms in hostels or mid-range hotels cost £25-50, and luxury hotels can cost upwards of £100 per night. Many places offer weekly or monthly discounts for longer stays.
Is it safe to stay in hostels in Antigua?
Yes, hostels in Antigua are generally very safe and well-maintained. Many offer private rooms alongside dorms and have security measures in place. The hostel community is quite tight-knit, and most establishments are run professionally.
Do I need to book accommodation in advance?
During peak season (December-February) and during major festivals like Semana Santa (Holy Week), it’s essential to book in advance. At other times, you can usually find accommodation on arrival, though booking ahead ensures you get your preferred option.
What amenities can I expect in Antigua’s accommodation?
Most accommodation in Antigua offers WiFi and breakfast. Many places feature colonial-style courtyards, rooftop terraces with volcano views, and shared kitchen facilities. Luxury hotels often include additional amenities like swimming pools and spa services.
Conclusion
Antigua offers a diverse range of accommodation options to suit every budget and travel style. From social hostels perfect for backpackers to restored colonial mansions offering luxury experiences, there’s something for everyone. The city’s compact nature means most accommodation is well-located for exploring, though it’s worth considering factors like lighting and security for night-time walking. Whether you’re planning a short visit or an extended stay for Spanish studies, Antigua’s accommodation scene provides a comfortable base for experiencing this charming colonial city.