Best hotels in Antigua Guatemala

Best Hotels in Antigua Guatemala

From luxury colonial mansions to budget-friendly boutiques — find your perfect stay

Choosing where to stay in Antigua Guatemala can make or break your trip. This UNESCO World Heritage colonial city is compact and walkable, which means your hotel's location matters significantly. The best hotels in Antigua Guatemala combine authentic colonial architecture with modern comfort, placing you within easy walking distance of the city's cobblestone streets, baroque churches, and vibrant restaurant scene.

Unlike sprawling cities where location is less critical, Antigua rewards travelers who stay in the colonial center. You'll want to be close enough to Central Park to explore on foot, return to your hotel during the afternoon, and walk safely to dinner. Many of the best hotels in Antigua Guatemala occupy restored colonial buildings with interior courtyards, rooftop terraces offering volcano views, and architectural details that transport you back centuries.

Whether you're seeking a luxury boutique hotel for a romantic getaway, a mid-range property with colonial charm, or a budget-friendly option that doesn't sacrifice location, this guide covers the best hotels in Antigua Guatemala across all categories. We'll help you understand which neighborhoods work best, what to expect at different price points, and how to choose accommodation that matches your travel style.

Best Areas to Stay in Antigua Guatemala

Around Central Park

The area surrounding Parque Central is the most convenient location in Antigua. You're steps from the Cathedral, municipal buildings, restaurants, and the iconic Santa Catalina Arch. Hotels here put you in the absolute heart of the action.

Pros:

  • • Walking distance to everything
  • • Maximum convenience
  • • Safest area with constant police presence
  • • Best restaurant selection nearby

Cons:

  • • Can be noisy, especially on weekends
  • • Higher hotel prices
  • • More tourist crowds

Near Santa Catalina Arch

The streets around the famous yellow arch (5a Avenida Norte) offer a perfect balance. You're still central but slightly removed from the main plaza's hustle. This area has excellent restaurants, cafes, and some of Antigua's most photogenic streets.

Pros:

  • • Iconic volcano views down 5a Avenida
  • • Quieter than Central Park area
  • • Still very walkable to everything
  • • Great restaurant concentration

Cons:

  • • 5-10 minute walk to Central Park
  • • Slightly higher prices

Quiet Residential Areas

Streets like 1a Avenida Sur or the area east of Central Park offer peaceful residential settings while remaining within the colonial center. These neighborhoods feel more local and provide a quieter experience.

Pros:

  • • Peaceful and quiet
  • • More authentic local feel
  • • Better value for money
  • • Still walkable to attractions

Cons:

  • • 10-15 minute walk to Central Park
  • • Fewer restaurants immediately nearby
  • • Less atmospheric at night

Outside the Center (Budget Options)

Hotels outside the colonial center offer lower prices but require taxis or tuk-tuks to reach attractions. This works for budget travelers or those with rental cars, but you'll miss the walkability that makes Antigua special.

Pros:

  • • Significantly lower prices
  • • Parking usually included
  • • Larger properties with more amenities

Cons:

  • • Not walkable to attractions
  • • Taxi costs add up
  • • Less safe to walk at night
  • • Miss the colonial atmosphere

Best Luxury Hotels in Antigua Guatemala

Casa Santo Domingo

$250-400/night

Built within the ruins of a 16th-century monastery, Casa Santo Domingo is Antigua's most iconic luxury hotel. The property features museum-quality colonial art, multiple courtyards, a spa, and rooms that blend historical architecture with modern luxury.

Ideal For:

Couples, honeymoons, luxury travelers seeking authentic colonial experience

Standout Features:

On-site museums, colonial ruins, multiple restaurants, spa, heated pool

Pros:

  • • Unmatched historical atmosphere
  • • World-class service
  • • Multiple dining options on-site
  • • Walking distance to Central Park

Considerations:

  • • Premium pricing
  • • Large property can feel less intimate
  • • Some rooms lack natural light

Porta Hotel Antigua

$200-350/night

A beautifully restored colonial mansion with elegant rooms, lush gardens, and a prime location near Central Park. Porta Hotel combines old-world charm with modern amenities and exceptional service.

Ideal For:

Couples, business travelers, those wanting luxury with perfect location

Standout Features:

Central location, beautiful courtyard, excellent restaurant, rooftop terrace

Pros:

  • • Perfect central location
  • • Consistently excellent service
  • • Beautiful colonial architecture
  • • Great on-site restaurant

Considerations:

  • • Can hear street noise in some rooms
  • • No pool
  • • Smaller property

Camino Real Antigua

$180-300/night

Set in a restored 17th-century convent, Camino Real offers spacious rooms, beautiful gardens, and a peaceful atmosphere. The property features original colonial architecture with modern luxury touches throughout.

Ideal For:

Families, couples, travelers wanting space and tranquility

Standout Features:

Large pool, extensive gardens, spacious rooms, colonial chapel

Pros:

  • • Peaceful garden setting
  • • Large swimming pool
  • • Spacious rooms
  • • Good for families

Considerations:

  • • 10-minute walk to Central Park
  • • Service can be inconsistent
  • • Feels more resort-like than boutique

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Best Boutique Hotels in Antigua Guatemala

Hotel Cirilo

$120-180/night

A charming boutique hotel with individually decorated rooms, rooftop terrace with volcano views, and a prime location near Santa Catalina Arch. Hotel Cirilo perfectly balances colonial character with modern comfort.

Ideal For:

Couples, solo travelers, those seeking authentic boutique experience

Standout Features:

Rooftop volcano views, unique room designs, excellent breakfast, central location

Pros:

  • • Excellent location near the Arch
  • • Personalized service
  • • Beautiful rooftop terrace
  • • Great value for quality

Considerations:

  • • Small property, limited availability
  • • No pool
  • • Stairs to upper floors

Mesón Panza Verde

$140-200/night

An intimate boutique hotel known for its exceptional restaurant, art-filled interiors, and romantic atmosphere. Each room is uniquely decorated with antiques and original artwork.

Ideal For:

Couples, foodies, art lovers, romantic getaways

Standout Features:

Award-winning restaurant, art collection, intimate atmosphere, garden courtyard

Pros:

  • • Outstanding on-site restaurant
  • • Romantic and intimate
  • • Unique artistic character
  • • Attentive service

Considerations:

  • • Only 12 rooms, books quickly
  • • Higher price point
  • • Not ideal for families

Hotel Convento Santa Catalina

$100-160/night

Located directly beside the famous Santa Catalina Arch, this boutique hotel offers unbeatable views and location. The property features colonial architecture, comfortable rooms, and a rooftop terrace overlooking the arch and volcanoes.

Ideal For:

Photographers, couples, first-time visitors wanting iconic location

Standout Features:

Next to Santa Catalina Arch, volcano views, rooftop terrace, central location

Pros:

  • • Unbeatable location
  • • Iconic arch views
  • • Good value for location
  • • Walking distance to everything

Considerations:

  • • Can be noisy from street traffic
  • • Rooms vary in quality
  • • No pool or spa

El Convento Boutique Hotel

$110-170/night

A beautifully restored colonial building with modern amenities, rooftop pool, and stylish rooms. El Convento offers excellent value with a perfect blend of historic charm and contemporary comfort.

Ideal For:

Couples, digital nomads, travelers wanting modern comfort in colonial setting

Standout Features:

Rooftop pool, modern design, central location, good WiFi

Pros:

  • • Rooftop pool with views
  • • Modern amenities
  • • Excellent WiFi
  • • Great value

Considerations:

  • • Less traditional colonial feel
  • • Small pool
  • • Limited common areas

Best Budget Hotels in Antigua Guatemala

Hotel Posada de Don Rodrigo

$60-90/night

A colonial-style hotel with traditional Guatemalan decor, multiple courtyards, and a central location. Don Rodrigo offers authentic atmosphere at budget-friendly prices with breakfast included.

Ideal For:

Budget travelers, families, those wanting colonial character without luxury prices

Standout Features:

Central location, traditional decor, included breakfast, multiple courtyards

Pros:

  • • Excellent value for location
  • • Authentic colonial atmosphere
  • • Breakfast included
  • • Walking distance to Central Park

Considerations:

  • • Rooms are basic
  • • WiFi can be slow
  • • No pool

Hotel Casa Rustica

$50-75/night

A clean, comfortable budget hotel with friendly service and a good location. Casa Rustica provides the essentials without frills, making it perfect for travelers who plan to spend most of their time exploring.

Ideal For:

Budget travelers, backpackers, those prioritizing location over amenities

Standout Features:

Affordable rates, clean rooms, friendly staff, central location

Pros:

  • • Very affordable
  • • Clean and well-maintained
  • • Good location
  • • Helpful staff

Considerations:

  • • Very basic amenities
  • • Small rooms
  • • No breakfast included

Hotel Antigua

$40-65/night

A no-frills budget option with clean rooms, hot water, and a central location. Hotel Antigua provides the basics at rock-bottom prices, perfect for travelers on a tight budget who want to stay in the colonial center.

Ideal For:

Backpackers, budget travelers, those needing just a place to sleep

Standout Features:

Lowest prices in colonial center, clean, hot water, central location

Pros:

  • • Cheapest option in center
  • • Clean and safe
  • • Hot water
  • • Central location

Considerations:

  • • Very basic facilities
  • • Thin walls
  • • No amenities
  • • Dated decor

Best Hotels for Specific Travel Styles

Best Hotels for Couples

Romantic hotels in Antigua Guatemala should offer intimate settings, beautiful architecture, and special touches. Look for properties with rooftop terraces, excellent restaurants, and rooms with character.

  • Casa Santo Domingo - Ultimate romantic luxury with monastery ruins
  • Mesón Panza Verde - Intimate boutique with exceptional dining
  • Hotel Cirilo - Charming boutique with volcano views
  • Porta Hotel Antigua - Elegant colonial mansion near Central Park

Best Hotels for Families

Family-friendly hotels need space, pools, and locations that make exploring with kids easier. Properties with gardens and multiple room configurations work best.

  • Camino Real Antigua - Large pool, spacious rooms, gardens
  • Casa Santo Domingo - Multiple courtyards, museums, space to explore
  • Hotel Posada de Don Rodrigo - Budget-friendly with family rooms

Best Hotels for Digital Nomads

Digital nomads need reliable WiFi, comfortable workspaces, and good coffee. Look for hotels with common areas, strong internet, and longer-stay discounts.

  • El Convento Boutique Hotel - Excellent WiFi, modern amenities, rooftop workspace
  • Hotel Cirilo - Good internet, rooftop terrace for working, central location
  • Selina Antigua - Co-working space, digital nomad community, affordable

Best Hotels with Volcano Views

Volcano views in Antigua Guatemala are spectacular, especially at sunrise and sunset. Hotels on the eastern side of the colonial center or with rooftop terraces offer the best views of Agua Volcano.

  • Hotel Cirilo - Rooftop terrace with direct Agua Volcano views
  • Hotel Convento Santa Catalina - Views down 5a Avenida to volcanoes
  • Casa Santo Domingo - Multiple viewpoints throughout property
  • El Convento Boutique Hotel - Rooftop pool with volcano backdrop

Best Hotels Near Central Park

Staying near Central Park puts you in the absolute heart of Antigua. You can walk to restaurants, shops, and attractions in minutes. These hotels offer maximum convenience.

  • Porta Hotel Antigua - One block from Central Park
  • Hotel Posada de Don Rodrigo - Two blocks from Central Park
  • Casa Santo Domingo - Five-minute walk to Central Park
  • Hotel Convento Santa Catalina - Three blocks from Central Park

How Much Do Hotels in Antigua Cost?

Budget

$25-60

Per night for basic hotels and hostels in the colonial center. Expect clean rooms with hot water but minimal amenities.

  • • Basic rooms
  • • Hot water
  • • Central location
  • • No breakfast usually
  • • Shared or private bathrooms

Mid-Range

$80-150

Per night for boutique hotels with colonial charm, good service, and excellent locations. Best value category.

  • • Colonial architecture
  • • Breakfast included
  • • Prime locations
  • • Rooftop terraces
  • • Personalized service

Luxury

$200-400+

Per night for luxury properties with exceptional service, spas, multiple restaurants, and unique historical settings.

  • • Luxury amenities
  • • Spa services
  • • Multiple restaurants
  • • Pools and gardens
  • • Concierge services

Price Comparison to US Hotels

Hotels in Antigua Guatemala offer exceptional value compared to similar properties in the United States. A luxury boutique hotel that would cost $400-600 per night in a US city like Charleston or Santa Fe typically costs $200-300 in Antigua. Mid-range boutique hotels that would be $200-300 in the US cost $80-150 in Antigua.

The best value is in the mid-range and luxury categories, where you get authentic colonial architecture, personalized service, and unique character that would be significantly more expensive in the US. Budget options are comparable to US hostel prices but often include private rooms and better locations.

Hotel Comparison Table

HotelCategoryPrice RangeBest ForWalk to ParkPoolRating
Casa Santo DomingoLuxury$250-400Couples, Honeymoon5 min9.2/10
Porta Hotel AntiguaLuxury$200-350Couples, Business1 min9.0/10
Camino Real AntiguaLuxury$180-300Families, Relaxation10 min8.8/10
Hotel CiriloBoutique$120-180Couples, Solo3 min9.3/10
Mesón Panza VerdeBoutique$140-200Couples, Foodies8 min9.1/10
Hotel Convento Santa CatalinaBoutique$100-160Photographers, Couples3 min8.7/10
El Convento Boutique HotelBoutique$110-170Digital Nomads5 min8.9/10
Hotel Posada de Don RodrigoBudget$60-90Budget, Families4 min8.3/10
Hotel Casa RusticaBudget$50-75Backpackers6 min8.1/10
Hotel AntiguaBudget$40-65Budget Travelers7 min7.8/10

Tips for Booking Hotels in Antigua

High Season vs Low Season

High Season (November-April): Dry weather, higher prices, advance booking essential. December-March is peak season.

Low Season (May-October): Afternoon rain showers, lower prices (30-50% off), easier availability. May-June and September-October offer the best deals.

Semana Santa Pricing

Holy Week (Semana Santa) in March or April is Antigua's busiest time. Hotel prices often double or triple, and properties book out months in advance.

Tip: Book at least 6 months ahead for Semana Santa. Expect minimum 3-4 night stays and significantly higher rates.

Walking Distance Importance

Antigua is a walking city. Staying within the colonial center (within 10 blocks of Central Park) makes a huge difference in your experience.

Tip: Pay slightly more for a central location rather than saving money on a hotel outside the center. You'll save on taxis and enjoy the city more.

Booking Platforms vs Direct

Booking.com and Airbnb work well in Antigua, but booking directly with hotels often gets you better rates, free upgrades, or included breakfast.

Tip: Check hotel websites directly and email them for rates. Many boutique hotels offer 10-15% discounts for direct bookings.

Safety Considerations

Hotels in Antigua's colonial center are generally very safe. Look for properties with 24-hour security, gated entrances, and good reviews mentioning safety.

Tip: Read recent reviews about safety and security. Most established hotels have excellent security measures in place.

Breakfast Inclusion

Many mid-range and luxury hotels include breakfast. This typically features fresh fruit, eggs, beans, tortillas, and excellent Guatemalan coffee.

Tip: Included breakfast adds significant value. A typical breakfast in Antigua costs $5-10, so this can save $50-100 per week.

Best Booking Strategy

  1. 1. Choose your dates: Consider weather and crowds. November-April is dry but more expensive.
  2. 2. Set your budget: Decide between budget ($25-60), mid-range ($80-150), or luxury ($200-400+).
  3. 3. Prioritize location: Stay within 10 blocks of Central Park for the best experience.
  4. 4. Check direct rates: Email hotels directly before booking through platforms.
  5. 5. Read recent reviews: Focus on reviews from the last 6 months about location, safety, and service.
  6. 6. Book early for high season: Reserve 2-3 months ahead for December-March, 6+ months for Semana Santa.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best area to stay in Antigua?

The best area to stay in Antigua Guatemala is within walking distance of Central Park (Parque Central). This puts you in the heart of the colonial center with easy access to restaurants, shops, and attractions. The area around Santa Catalina Arch is particularly popular for its iconic views and central location.

Are hotels in Antigua expensive?

Hotel prices in Antigua vary widely. Budget hotels start around $25-40 per night, mid-range boutique hotels cost $80-150, and luxury properties range from $200-400+ per night. Compared to US hotel prices, Antigua offers excellent value, especially in the boutique and luxury categories.

Is it better to stay inside the colonial center?

Yes, staying inside the colonial center is highly recommended. Antigua is a walking city, and staying centrally means you can easily explore on foot, return to your hotel during the day, and avoid taxi costs. The colonial center is also the safest and most atmospheric area.

Are Antigua hotels safe?

Yes, hotels in Antigua's colonial center are generally very safe. Most properties have 24-hour security, gated entrances, and secure parking. The tourist police (POLITUR) patrol the central area regularly. Choose hotels with good reviews and security features for peace of mind.

Do hotels include breakfast?

Many hotels in Antigua include breakfast, especially boutique and luxury properties. Budget hotels may charge extra. Breakfast typically includes fresh fruit, eggs, beans, tortillas, and excellent Guatemalan coffee. Always check what's included when booking.

Is Airbnb better than hotels?

Hotels in Antigua often provide better value than Airbnb, especially boutique properties. Hotels offer daily housekeeping, breakfast, concierge services, and better security. Airbnb can work for longer stays or groups, but for typical visits, hotels provide a more complete experience.

Are there hotels with volcano views?

Yes, several hotels in Antigua offer volcano views, particularly of Agua Volcano. Look for properties with rooftop terraces or rooms on upper floors. Hotels on the eastern side of the colonial center tend to have the best volcano views.

How far is Antigua from the airport?

Antigua is approximately 45 minutes from Guatemala City's La Aurora International Airport (GUA). Most hotels can arrange airport transfers for $30-50 USD. Shared shuttles are also available for around $10-15 per person. Read our complete airport transfer guide.

When is hotel season most expensive?

Hotel prices peak during Semana Santa (Holy Week, March or April), Christmas/New Year, and July-August. Semana Santa is the most expensive time, with prices often doubling or tripling. Book well in advance for these periods. The best deals are May-June and September-October.

Is Antigua good for honeymoon?

Yes, Antigua is an excellent honeymoon destination. The colonial architecture, romantic restaurants, luxury boutique hotels, and nearby volcano adventures create a perfect mix of romance and adventure. Many hotels offer honeymoon packages with special amenities.

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