Guatemala is a beautiful country popular for its rich Mayan history, lush jungles, and volcanic landscapes, making it a go-to destination for travelers seeking a unique lodging experience. One of the best ways to enjoy the charm of Guatemala is by staying in boutique hotels, which offer beautiful interiors, personalized service, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Whether you are looking for a tranquil retreat by Lake Atitlan, a colonial-inspired gem in Antigua, or an eco-friendly jungle hideaway in the highlands, Guatemala has accommodations to suit every traveler’s needs. Here are some of the best boutique hotels in Guatemala.
Casa Palopo
Located on the shores of Lake Atitlan, this colonial-style hotel offers a mix of luxury, tranquility, and breathtaking scenery. Casa Palopo’s owners have decorated the hotel with vibrant colors and local artwork, which showcases the vibrant Guatemalan culture. The hotel’s rooms have handwoven textile decorations, rustic wood furniture, and private terraces where you can enjoy your vacation time uninterrupted.
Casa Palopo’s terrace overlooks the lake and its three cone-shaped volcanoes. It is often visited by hummingbirds, providing a perfect picture of nature. The proximity to Lake Atitlan allows guests to enjoy boat tours and other water activities. The hotel has a fine-dining restaurant which serves gourmet Guatemalan and international cuisine. Guests also enjoy an outdoor infinity pool and personalized spa treatments at the hotel.
Meson Panza Verde
The Meson Panza Verde is a gorgeous property in a restored colonial mansion just a few minutes from Antigua’s central plaza. Due to its location, this hotel is ideal for tourists to rest and relax after their adventures in the city. Furnishings in this charming hotel include French beds, mosaic baths, and Guatemalan textile decorations. The traditional Spanish architecture, stone courtyards, arches, and lush gardens give the hotel a classical, elegant look, which comes out beautifully in pictures.
The highlight of the Meson Panza Verde is its world-class restaurant, known for its candle-lit ambiance and gourmet fusion cuisine. The hotel also has a bar which often plays live music. You can take walks in the central garden, relax in the hotel’s shaded patios, or enjoy the views of Antigua on the rooftop terrace.
El Convento
El Convento offers serene accommodations for guests looking to spend time in a quiet location in Guatemala. Due to its location, this hotel allows you to visit Las Capuchinas, among Guatemala’s most visited convents. Besides the convent, this hotel is a few minutes’ distance from popular sites like the ruins of San Gerónimo and the 16th-century Baroque churches.
El Convento offers 20 spacious suites with a vaulted ceiling, exposed brick walls, and antique furnishings. The suites surround a central courtyard, and each suite has a private roof terrace that offers a view of the courtyard and the volcanoes surrounding Antigua. Several suites in El Convento have hot tubs, which are the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring Antigua.
The hotel also includes a fine dining restaurant that serves traditional Guatemalan foods and international dishes.
Las Lagunas
Las Laguna is a sustainable paradise amid Peten’s jungles that offers an exclusive stay near the archaeological wonders of Tikal, Uaxactun, and Yaxha. Surrounded by its private nature reserve, this eco-hotel is the ideal accommodation for eco-conscious travelers. The hotel offers activities like boat trips to the nearby island, birdwatching, and canoeing, which you will enjoy if you love nature.
The lodge features spacious wooden bungalows constructed using locally sourced materials, with large windows with a view of the water. The rooms have vaulted wooden beam ceilings, primarily wooden furnishings, and décor to suit the natural surroundings. Each suite has a private patio and hot tub, which you can enjoy when not exploring nature. Walkways connect the individual bungalows with the main building, allowing guests to move freely from their suites to the restaurant, pool, and spa.
San Rafael
San Rafael is a quaint boutique hotel in Antigua’s heart, within walking distance from the Arco de Santa Catalina and the Iglesia de La Merced. This hotel is a restored 17th-century building showcasing contemporary art pieces its owners have purchased during their travels worldwide. San Rafael has seven elegant rooms with European-aesthetic fixtures and fittings, like four poster beds, antique chandeliers, Persian carpets, and stained-wood coffee tables. Each room has its own unique aesthetic in line with the old-century European style, and the bathrooms are spacious, with floral tiling.
Instead of a restaurant, the hotel cooks its meals on-site and serves them in the courtyard, where guests can enjoy the fresh scent of flowers and evergreens. The San Rafael signature breakfast of pesto salsa, poached eggs, and hash browns is a hit with most guests. The hotel also serves a wide selection of Spanish, Chilean, and Argentinian wines.
Stay in the Best Boutique Hotels in Guatemala
Guatemala’s boutique hotels offer diverse experiences, from eco-resorts and lakeside havens to colonial-style hotels catering to guests’ preferences. These hotels provide exceptional services and showcase the best of Guatemala’s natural beauty, history, and culture. Whether you are in Guatemala exploring the sites in Antigua, seeing volcanoes surrounding Lake Atitlan, or exploring the jungles in Peten, you can find the right hotel. Talk to a travel consultant for more guidance on accommodation options in Guatemala.
