Guatemala City is Central America’s largest city, and Guatemala’s bustling capital. Many travellers simply pass through Guatemala City en route to Antigua or Lake Atitlán, because it’s quite well known to be dangerous and not have much to see. However, if you’re prepared to face the unknown and maybe risk having your wallet pinched, Guatemala City does have some fascinating museums, and a glimpse into a more modern Guatemalan lifestyle than you would see in Antigua or Lake Atitlán.
As a female solo traveller I have always avoided Guatemala City, however I have spoken to a few fellow travellers in hostels who braved the smog and passed on some valuable information about where to stay, which zones are safe, and how to keep yourself out of trouble travelling in Guatemala City.
🇦🇷 Read more: A Travel Guide to Guatemala City
Contents
- Hostels in Guatemala City
- Regular Hotels in Guatemala City
- Upscale Hotels in Guatemala City
- Safest Areas to Stay in Guatemala City
- How Long to Stay in Guatemala City
- A Note About Safety and Location
- Where to Stay in Guatemala City FAQs
- Conclusion
Hostels in Guatemala City
Best for: Budget Travellers & Airport Convenience
While Guatemala City isn’t known for its hostel scene, there are several options in the safer zones, particularly Zonas 9, 10, and 13. Most hostels here cater to travellers in transit, offering airport pickup and comfortable facilities. You can see from this fact alone that Guatemala City is not set up for travellers in the same way as other destinations in Guatemala. But, I digress!
It’s worth noting that hostels in Guatemala City tend to be more security-conscious than in other parts of the country, often featuring 24-hour reception and secure entry systems.
Best Hostels in Guatemala City
- Hostal Guatefriends – Secure property in Zona 13
- Capsule Hostel – Modern pod-style accommodation in Zona 10
- Hostal Villa Toscana – Family-run hostel in safe residential area
🇦🇷 Read more: Is Guatemala City Airport Safe?
Regular Hotels in Guatemala City
Best for: Mid-Range Comfort & Security
The mid-range hotels in Guatemala City often provide excellent value, with many offering additional security features like secure parking, 24-hour reception, and in-house restaurants so you don’t need to venture out at night if you don’t want to.
Most reliable mid-range options are concentrated in Zonas 9, 10, and 13, which are the safest places to stay, close to shopping centres and restaurants.
Best Regular Hotels in Guatemala City
- Hotel Pan American – Historic hotel in safe Zona 9
- Hotel Biltmore – Reliable chain hotel in Zona 10
- Holiday Inn Guatemala – Consistent quality in Zona 10
Upscale Hotels in Guatemala City
Best for: Luxury & Maximum Security
The luxury hotels in Guatemala City are concentrated in the safest areas, particularly in Zona 10 (also known as Zona Viva) and Zona 13. Just like everywhere else, these places offer 24 hour security alongside more premium amenities. These hotels typically have relationships with reliable taxi services and can arrange secure transportation to any destination in the city.
Best Upscale Hotels in Guatemala City
- La Inmaculada Hotel – Boutique option in secure location
- Westin Camino Real – Top security in Zona 10
- Barceló Guatemala City – Premium hotel with extensive security
Safest Areas to Stay in Guatemala City
Understanding which zones are safe is crucial when visiting Guatemala City. The safest areas are well-patrolled and home to embassies, international businesses, and upscale shopping centres.
Generally it is safe to walk alone during the day, but personally I’d recommend sticking to a group if at all possible. Try not to go out at night at all, but especially not alone. If you do want to go places after dark, use a reliable taxi service (your accommodation will be able to recommend one to you) and take taxis straight to and from your destination. Don’t walk around or linger on the street, even if it seems like it’s safe.
Best Safe Areas in Guatemala City
- Zona 10 (Zona Viva) – Upscale area with excellent security
- Zona 9 – Business district with good hotels
- Zona 13 – Safe area near airport with reliable accommodation
- Zona 14 – Affluent residential area with quality hotels
How Long to Stay in Guatemala City
Most visitors spend 1-2 nights in Guatemala City, often at the beginning or end of their trip due to flight times. However, if you are really interested in staying longer to visit the museums and experience a little more of modern Guatemalan culture, 2-3 days allows time to explore the safer zones properly. Honestly, I know I keep saying this, but I wouldn’t recommend spending a long time in Guatemala City.
🇦🇷 Read more: Things to Do in Guatemala City
A Note About Safety and Location
Safety in Guatemala City largely depends on the zone you choose to stay in. Zonas 10, 14, 9, and 13 are considered the safest areas and are where most hotels are located, although that doesn’t completely take away the risk. These zones feature shopping malls, restaurants, and other amenities catering to both tourists and middle to upper-class locals. Zona 10, also known as Zona Viva, is particularly secure and lively, with many restaurants staying open late and regular police patrols.
When moving around the city, it’s best to rely on transportation arranged through your hotel rather than hailing taxis on the street. Many hotels offer free shuttle services to nearby restaurants and shopping centres. During the day, it’s generally safe to walk around within the recommended zones, but at night, it’s advisable to take private transport even for short distances.
If you’re arriving late at night or departing early in the morning, consider staying in Zona 13 near the airport. This area has several secure hotels catering to transit passengers, and you’ll avoid having to travel through the city during darker hours.
Guatemala City Accommodation FAQs
Which zones are safest to stay in Guatemala City?
The safest areas are Zona 10 (Zona Viva), Zona 9, Zona 13, and Zona 14. These zones are well-patrolled, home to embassies and international businesses, and feature most of the city’s reputable hotels.
Is it safe to walk around Guatemala City?
Walking during daylight hours is generally safe within the recommended zones, but it’s advisable to avoid walking at night. Always use hotel-recommended taxi services after dark and travel in groups when possible.
Should I stay near the airport in Guatemala City?
If you have early morning flights or late arrivals, staying in Zona 13 near the airport is recommended. This area has several secure hotels catering to transit passengers and helps avoid travelling through the city during darker hours.
How long should I stay in Guatemala City?
Most visitors spend 1-2 nights, typically at the beginning or end of their trip. While you could spend 2-3 days exploring museums and experiencing modern Guatemalan culture, longer stays aren’t generally recommended for tourists.
What security features should I look for in Guatemala City accommodation?
Look for properties with 24-hour reception, secure entry systems, in-house restaurants, and relationships with reliable taxi services. Many hotels also offer free shuttle services to nearby attractions and shopping centres.
Conclusion
When choosing where to stay in Guatemala City, safety should be your primary consideration. The city’s secure zones – particularly Zona 10, 9, 13, and 14 – offer a range of accommodation options from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels, all with enhanced security measures. While Guatemala City may not be a typical tourist destination, selecting accommodation in these safer areas allows you to experience the capital’s museums and modern culture while minimising risks. Remember that while the city requires extra caution, staying in the right area with appropriate safety measures can make for a comfortable and interesting stay in Central America’s largest city.