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After a month of volunteering in Guatemala, I needed a getaway. My apartment in Panajachel, while cute and colourful, was, after all just one room.
So, I set out to find a hotel pool day pass in Panajachel where I could spend the day lounging around a swimming pool, sipping a cocktail and enjoying the views of Lake Atitlan.
My requirements were simple: a swimming pool and a lounger where I could read a paperback and soak up the sun. Given I was travelling solo I also wanted a secure setting.
Related: Read more about safety in 21 Top Tips for Safe Travel in Guatemala.
If I could order a cocktail or two, all the better. After scouting around, I came across some hotel gates that looked like they held a bounty of luxe experiences behind their wrought iron railings.
Indeed, I’d hit the jackpot. Hotel Porta del Lago offered everything I was looking for – a large freeform swimming pool, incredible views of Atitlan, Toliman and San Pedro volcanoes, plenty of loungers, a gymnasium and even a spa.
The onsite restaurant and bar offered a wide range of food for purchase including traditional Guatemalan dishes such as jocon de pollo as well as snacks such as guacamole with taco chips.
“We only sell memberships by the month, ” said the friendly but efficient front desk clerk.
This could be a problem I thought as I didn’t have that much time.
“How much does that cost?” I asked.
“$35 USD a month but we can sell you a half-month pass for $17,” he said doing the quick calculations from quetzals to dollars.
“Count me in,” I said.
And after much stamping of official looking papers, in duplicate and triplicate, I had a Hotel del Lago Membership Card in hand and was able to spend the day lounging in comfort poolside.
During my visit there were few other visitors. However it’s worth noting that during peak periods such as Guatemalan holidays such as Semana Santa and Christmas, this hotel, like many others in Guatemala is packed to overflowing.
Details on Getting a Hotel Pool Day Pass in Panajchel
Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering a day pass to Porta Hotel in Panajachel:
- A monthly membership costs 280 queztals (around 35 USD). Visa credit cards are accepted;
- Your Membership card entitles you to use the gym, the pool, change rooms with showers and sauna;
- Once you have your Membership Card in hand, proceed to a little office beside the pool where an attendant registers your name and card on a master list. After that you won’t need to show your card again;
- You can rent a towel for 5 Q at the front desk;
- The water in the large, freeform swimming pool is chilly but refreshing once you’ve baked in the sun for awhile;
- Don’t expect to see the hygiene standards posted poolside enforced. Although the resort seems clean — the servers wear hairnets and there is plenty of hand sanitizer at the restaurant– strangely enough I saw a family of five eating hamburgers and guacamole while in the pool;
- Arrive early to get a lounge chair during peak season. The servers will happily help you move your lounger into the shade once you’ve had your fill of sun;
- A one-hour massage treatment costs 336 Q. Book one day in advance (definitely on my list for next visit);
- You can order food, drink and yes, even cocktails in the pool area while enjoying your day pass. Your Membership Card gets you a 10% discount off food and beverages (excluding alcohol);
Prices are subject to change without notice.
Check rates and availability of Porta Hotel del Lago, Panajachel, Guatemala on Booking.com.
Travel Planner
Bella Guatemala Travel offers organized tours with experienced, accredited guides to Lake Atitlan’s weaving villages as well as several other attractions in the country including Tikal, Antigua and Guatemala City.
Address: 2 Avenida 06-17 Zona 2 Panajachel, Solola
Phone: (502) 22440700
You Might Also Like:
- For things to do in Panajachel and Lake Atitlan, check out the Ultimate Guide to One Month in Panajachel, Guatemala
- 15 Bucket List Things to Do in Guatemala
- Natural swimming pools at Pasabien, Guatemala.
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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pat
I too stayed in this small one room apartment in Panajachel….liked it so much going back to the same place for a month this coming summer. I like Pana….things to see and do….bars, restaurants etc. Nice town.
Michele Peterson
Yes, I’d go back there too! What a great lending library
Jillian
Hi Michelle,
Great blog! I too am traveling to Panajachel next month to do some volunteer work. Do you have any recommendations on what to pack (or what not to pack) or any advice for a first time visitor to Guatemala (or specifically Panajachel)? I’d really appreciate it!
Thanks,
Jill
Michele Peterson
Hi Jillian. Great to hear from you. I would be sure to pack any workout gear you might need ( yoga mat, gym clothes, bathing suit) because there are really none to buy in Panajachel at a reasonable cost. Also be sure to take warm clothing as it gets quite chilly at night and is often windy. Other than that, if you have room in your bag ( and budget) for boxes of children’s multivitamins to donate to organizations such as Mayan Families, that is very much appreciated by the doctors who work with malnourished kids. Enjoy your time in Guatemala ..please stop back in and let us know how it’s going.
Chris Rawstern
Michele, I had never forgotten how beautiful Guatemala is, and particularly Panajachel. There was no large anything at all in Panajachel in the 1970s. Certainly no pool. Little in the way of food; menu at the ONE hotel was a set menu with no choices. It was still lovely. Love your photos. I was living and raising my children there, so my old Instamatic photos were mostly of the children. I have very few photos of scenery. None at all of food, alas. I wish I could go back for a photo journey.
patricia
i love the apartment in Pana!! I am in fact coming to Pana and I have rented a place, it’s definitely not as nice as urs and costs much much more….Enjoy!…
Also, the infor re the membership is priceless….thank you very much!!! Best wishes to you!!
Michele Peterson
Thanks so much for your comment! I hope you enjoy your stay in Panajachel..no matter where you are the views will be incredible!
esperanza
what a gorgeous place to be! Would love to join you in that serene pool with impressive view of volcanos. Room in Panajachel so sweetly decorated.
Carol Perehudoff
Glad to know I’ve inspired you! You’ve inspired me to get warm! Happy holidays Michele.
Lesley Peterson
Gorgeous view of the volcanoes, Michele! and $17 for a half-month pass is a terrific deal.
Suzanne Fluhr (Boomeresque)
Your regular room looks adorable, but I can imagine that a day of being pampered could be restorative when you’re working hard. I miss Latin America, but for us, this year’s travels look to be Asia, Europe and Africa. Oh well. Feliz año nuevo.