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Looking for a budget hotel in Antigua Guatemala? You don’t need to suffer in a grim room or a noisy hostel when you don’t have to.
The colonial city of La Antigua, Guatemala is one of those serendipitous places where being surrounded by beauty doesn’t mean you have to pay a fortune for nice, safe and clean accommodation.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site, an hour from Guatemala City by private shuttle or taxi, offers plenty of lovely hotels for every budget. I’ve even found lodging as low as $35 USD a night!
Antigua is a hub for many of the most amazing things to do in Guatemala. That means you’ll want to stay there for awhile.
So it’s worth looking for the best place to stay so you don’t overpay and you’re not in a bad location.
Here are three budget hotels in Antigua, Guatemala for less than $150 USD a night (standard room, excluding tax).
They’re among the best places to stay when it comes to location. All are well-run, clean, have private bathrooms and are full of character.
I’ve stayed in each of these hotels and they’re among my favourite choices when recommending where to stay in Guatemala.
1. Hotel La Catedral – A Boutique Hotel in Antigua, Guatemala
Pros:
- If you’re attending Semana Santa (Holy Week) in Guatemala, this small boutique inn is the best budget hotel in Antigua to watch the processions.
- Hotel La Catedral is also near my Spanish language school of choice, PROBIGUA. Read about my favourite language school in Antigua in the post Study Spanish in Antigua.
- Rooftop terrace offers spectacular views of Volcan de Agua
- An excellent a la carte breakfast is served in the courtyard’s garden.
- Free WiFi works well.
- It’s clean, bright and well-managed with friendly and helpful staff
Good to Know:
- The hostel next door can be noisy during holiday periods. So try to get a room that’s not at the back.
- Soundproofing could be better.
Details:
- Rooms cost around $100 USD a night. Check availability and rates for Hotel La Catedral on Booking.com.
- Hotel La Catedral is located within a historic Spanish colonial house directly behind the Palace of the Captain Generals constructed in 1558 and facing the Central Plaza of Antigua.
- The hotel features a beautiful central garden filled with tropical flowers, ferns and greenery. Antique furnishings and artwork add to the appeal of this budget boutique hotel in Antigua.
2. Posada La Merced, Antigua Guatemala
Pros:
- located near 7a Avenida North near beautiful La Merced Church, a top spot to enjoy some Guatemalan street food.
- next door to Fernando’s Kaffee, the best coffee shop (and chocolatier) in Antigua. Enjoy a hearty breakfast with a mug of shade-grown Guatemalan coffee in the leafy courtyard or hang out in the afternoon.
- a communal kitchen makes it handy to prepare a light dinner or breakfast.
- pretty courtyard filled with plants, tropical flowers and butterflies.
- free coffee, tea and filtered water.
- free WiFi.
Good to Know:
- Some rooms can be noisy with people coming and going in the courtyard.
- This budget hotel is popular with groups so it can be tough to get your room of choice.
Details:
- While studying Spanish in Antigua, I chose one of the 7 rooms surrounding the back garden-patio but there are also 16 rooms on a multi-level courtyard in the front patio.
- The room rates are quite cheap and range as low as $45 for the back patio and $35 for the front patio for one person including tax (subject to change without notice).
- The hotel will arrange an airport transfer from Guatemala City Airport for $36 USD for 1-3 people.
- If you’re attending Semana Santa or one of Guatemala’s other amazing festivals, Posada La Merced is a prime location. It’s also very convenient during the Posadas de Navidad as many of the processions depart from the church of the same name around the corner.
Check for the lowest price for Posada La Merced Antigua on Booking.com to find the best deal.
3. Hotel Mestizo – Colonial Elegance in Heart of Antigua
Even though I’ve stayed in several luxury hotels in Antigua (at double or even triple the rate of the Mestizo Antigua), I’d choose to stay here again.
You’ll find a contemporary, youthful vibe at this 6-room boutique hotel. It’s the priciest of our selected budget hotels but offers excellent value. The feel is akin to the upscale luxury of a design hotel.
Pros:
- This boutique hotel in Antigua is set within a restored colonial mansion in the heart of Antigua.
- Standard rooms begin at around $1125 USD a night (plus tax) for a single but do include breakfast. A double room is more so if you’re travelling as a pair the per person rate is quite affordable.
- The property offers a second floor with hammocks, outdoor seating and a rooftop terrace.
- Breakfast is a hot, full breakfast with several options.
- Free WiFi.
- Soaring ceilings and spacious rooms. Bathrooms have hair dryers, rainshowers, hand-painted sinks, make-up mirrors and plush towels.
- With its multiple courtyards, Hotel Meztizo is quite quiet and tranquil offering the sense that you’ve entered a private sanctuary.
- Portable AC units (included at no extra cost) are a nice perk. Guest rooms can get stuffy in colonial buildings.
Good to Know:
- The best rooms are on the second floor as they are more private than those on the ground floor.
- With only six guest rooms Hotel Mestizo Antigua could sell out quickly.
- Restaurant/bistro, boutique shops and beauty salon are open to the public.
Details:
- The priciest of my three hotel options, the rate of $150 USD+ a night (not including tax) is compensated by the fact that a full breakfast is included. Plus you’re enjoying a stay that would likely cost $500 USD or more anywhere else in the world.
Check rates and availability of Hotel Mestizo Antigua on Booking.com
Honorable Mention: El Mesón de María
The lovely, family-run El Meson de Maria is another budget hotel in Antigua, Guatemala that should also be on your radar.
While I’ve meant to overnight here, I haven’t yet had the opportunity. However I’ve personally seen the hotel’s interior, spoken to the friendly staff and walked past it many times.
It’s clean, charming and well-located (Google Map) near the Arco de Santa Catarina landmark and local restaurants.
Plus, a standard room will set you back less than $100 USD.
Check rates and availability of El Meson de Maria on Booking.com.
Travel Guide to the Best Budget Hotels in Antigua Guatemala
How to Get to Antigua from La Aurora International Airport (GUA).
- Antigua is closer than you think. It’s just 25 kilometres from Guatemala City’s La Aurora International Airport (GUA). This means that if there is no traffic, you can be at your hotel in just 45 minutes.
- So, unless you really want to spend time in Guatemala City (and there are lots of reasons to do so) I recommend you travel directly to your hotel in Antigua rather than overnight in Guatemala City.
- Many hotels in Antigua offer 24 hour service so even if you arrive after dark, you can still check-in. If you arrive late, look for the buzzer and ring it to wake up the night watchman.
- The fastest and most stress-free way to get to Antigua from Guatemala City is by private transfer. The cost ranges from $50-60 USD. If you’ve had a long international flight, it’s well worth the nominal extra expense compared to a shared shuttle.
- While a shared shuttle might sound appealing as they drop you off at your hotel. But if you’re in a full van and the last person dropped off you can be stuck in the van for an extra hour bouncing around the cobblestone streets of Antigua rather than relaxing in your hotel.
🌟 Pro Tip: Some blogs recommend ultra, low-cost transportation. In my experience, this is NOT a wise idea. The few times I took a budget shuttle, the tires were bald, the brakes squealed like a pen of pigs and the speedometer on the dashboard didn’t work, but I swear we hit speeds of 140 kilometres. The van was so packed I spent hours straddling a gear shift stick between my thighs. Not fun. Or safe!
Check rates and availability of a private transfer from La Aurora (Guatemala City) Airport to Antigua on Viator.com.
Note: This article was originally written in 2015 but has been updated following onsite research in 2024. Note that if looking for Hotel Cirilo (pictured here) unfortunately it’s now permanently closed.
For more tips on safety, hotel, restaurant and sightseeing tips on travel to Guatemala, check out my post Is Guatemala Safe? Tips for Safe Travel in Guatemala.
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Dividing her time between Canada, Guatemala and Mexico (or the nearest tropical beach), Michele Peterson is the founder of A Taste for Travel. Her award-winning travel and food writing has appeared in Lonely Planet’s cookbook Mexico: From the Source, National Geographic Traveler, Fodor’s and 100+ other publications.
Read more about Michele Peterson.
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Charneice Keniell McKenzie
Tell me more about “Laminitas” from what I can find, it’s a disease that hurts horse’s hooves
Michele Peterson
Laminitas is the name of a brand of insect repellent plug-ins used in Mexico and Guatemala. You plug them into an outlet and they emit an insecticide that will kill mosquitos and biting flies. I don’t recommend using them in small enclosed spaces or while you’re sleeping.You can find them in most supermarkets. I
Natasha
All of these places look lovely! And THE VIEW from thaat rooftop patio! I’m envious of your journey, can’t wait to get to Antigua someday
Pawan Kumar
Good to see that type of amazing and luxurious hotels. This three look like some great hotel and i love to go there. Thanks for sharing it.
Sand In My Suitcase
Hotel Cirilo would be our pick! And the price is right too :-). It’s great one can book some affordable luxury (which as you say, would likely cost loads more in other places around the world). Everyone deserves a little luxury every now and then :-).
A Cook Not Mad (Nat)
Those look like great hotels and you can’t beat those prices!
Carole Terwilliger Meyers
Antigua sounds like a place I’d like to visit and I like the three hotels you’ve chosen. I’d be happy in any, and am already looking forward to breakfast at Fernando’s Kaffee.
Suzanne Stavert
What a helpful guide! Although all of the properties exude charm, my pick would be Hotel Cirilo. I can’t believe the price! I have to giggle at the offer of the wi-fi amenity, that is quite a valuable resource these days!
Betsy Wuebker | PassingThru
The Hotel Cirilo looks absolutely enchanting, and if the only con item is as easily dispensed with as you convery, it’s the winner in my book. Price is the equivalent for what you’d pay at a chain motel in the U.S. Crazy!
Susan Moore
I haven’t been to Antigua but these all seem like decent choices for accommodation. I am usually out of my room so much that I do tend to go for less expensive hotels – these are some great options.
Elaine J. Masters
Depending on where I am in a journey I go for budget or the more luxurious rooms. Would love to stay in the historic hotel and you’re right, when you look at the total amenity package, the price works. Great information and details.
Leigh
Haven’t made it to Antigua yet but would absolutely love too visit. The price sounds great for what you get.
Mary @ Green Global Travel
That volcano view is amazing! This three look like some great hotel options – thanks for sharing 🙂
Culture Tripper
I had no idea it was so easy to get to Antigua from the airport at Guatemala City. I’d like to stay near La Merced church but Hotel Cirilo looks like an amazing mini-splurge. What a great idea to settle in for awhile and sign up for language lessons in Antigua.
Wandering Carol
Love the look of the Hotel Cirilo. You should write a guidebook on this.
esperanza
The hotels sound lovely and the price and amenities are remarkable. Thanks for the caution re bargain transportation!