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Home » Destinations » Central America » Guatemala » 3 Budget Hotels You’ll Love in Antigua, Guatemala

3 Budget Hotels You’ll Love in Antigua, Guatemala

Posted March 15, 2015, Updated July 4, 2020 //  by Michele Peterson 16 Comments

We may earn income from links in this post. Please read this Disclosure for details.

Cheap Hotels in Antigua Guatemala

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. 

Cheap hotel in Antigua Guatemala
It’s easily possible to stay in a charming hotel in Antigua for under $100 USD a night

This UNESCO World Heritage Site, an hour from Guatemala City, 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.

Historic arch of Santa catarina in Antigua Guatemala
It’s possible to find nice budget hotels near the historic arch of Santa Catalina in Antigua Guatemala

Here are three budget hotels in Antigua, Guatemala for under $100  a night. They’re among the best places to stay when it comes to location and all are  well-run, clean, have private bathrooms and are full of character.

I’ve stayed in each of them and they’re among my favourite choices when recommending where to stay in Guatemala.  

1. Posada La Merced, Antigua Guatemala

View from rooftop patio of Posada La Merced
View of La Merced Church from rooftop patio of Posada La Merced

Pros: 

  • located near 7a Avenida North near beautiful La Merced Church
  • next door to Fernando’s Kaffee, the best coffee shop (and chocolatier) in Antigua. Enjoy a hearty breakfast 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
Posada La Merced Antigua Guatemala
Posada La Merced has an ideal location and is well maintained

Drawbacks:

  • 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.
View of courtyard at Posada La Merced
View of courtyard at Posada La Merced

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.

2. Hotel La Catedral – A Boutique Hotel in Antigua Guatemala

Budget Hotel La Catedral Antigua
View from rooftop terrace Hotel La Catedral

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
Courtyard at Hotel La Catedral Antigua
All of the rooms face the courtyard at the historic Hotel La Catedral in Antigua

Drawbacks:

  • 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. 
Guest room at budget boutique Hotel La Catedral Antigua Guatemala
One of the guest rooms at boutique Hotel La Catedral in Antigua Guatemala

Details:

  • Rooms cost around $75 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. 

3. HOTEL CIRILO

Luxurious interior of Hotel Cirilo in Antigua Guatemala
Luxurious interior of Hotel Cirilo in Antigua Guatemala

Pros:

  • This boutique hotel in Antigua is set within the restored gardens and archeological ruins of a 17th century convent. Filled with art it’s the priciest of our selected budget hotels but is well worth the splurge. 
  • Rooms begin at around $109  USD a night ( plus tax) for a single but do include breakfast. A double room is $119 so if you’re travelling as a pair the per person rate is quite affordable.
  • The property offers a swimming pool, a rare luxury in Antigua.
  • Breakfast is a hot, full breakfast with several options.
  • Free WiFi
  • Located in the Candelaria neighbourhood close to where the Quema del Diablo (Burning of the Devil) festivities take place in early December). It’s quite quiet and tranquil offering the sense that you’ve entered a private sanctuary.
Courtyard at historic Hotel Cirilo in Antigua Guatemala
Courtyard at historic Hotel Cirilo in Antigua Guatemala

Drawbacks:

  • The location Calle de los Duelos No. 11, is a bit out of the way. This can be a good thing if you’re looking for peace and quiet. But that means it’s a 10 minute walk to the heart of Antigua.
  • Tiny biting no–see-ums, those gnats that seem to seek me out no matter where I go, can be an  issue  in the garden area. If you forget and leave your door to your suite open, the pesky insects will  find your way into your bedroom and annoy you all night.    If this happens, ask the front desk for a package of Raid Laminitas, an electric insect zapper. Plug it into an electric socket  and in 30 minutes your room will be free of mosquitos, ants or whatever might be flying around.
  • I always travel with Laminitas, you can purchase a package for under $7 USD in most supermarkets in Mexico and Guatemala. Each insert lasts for 24 hours.

 

Luxurious bedroom at Hotel Cirilo Antigua Guatemala
Luxurious bedroom at Hotel Cirilo Antigua Guatemala

Details:

  • The priciest of my three hotel options, the rate of $109+ a night ( not including tax) is compensated by the fact that a full breakfast is included and you’re enjoying a unique and luxurious stay that would likely cost $500 USD or more anywhere else in the world.

Check for the lowest price on Hotel Cirilo on Booking.com to find the best deal.

Travel Guide to the Best Budget Hotels in Antigua Guatemala

HOW TO GET TO ANTIGUA FROM GUATEMALA CITY

  1. Antigua is closer than you think. It’s just 25 kilometres from Guatemala City’s La Aurora International Airport (GUA), which means that if there is no traffic, you can be at your hotel in just 45 minutes.
  2. 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.
  3. Many hotels in Antigua offer 24 hour service so even if you arrive after dark, you can still check-in. I arrived at Posada La Merced at 2:00 am and had no problem checking in , once the bellman woke up. If you arrive late, look for the buzzer and ring it to wake up the night watchman.
  4. Some hotels offer a private transfer service for their guests and that’s worth definitely considering if you’re travelling in a pair. The cost is usually around $36 USD.
  5. Another option is to book a shuttle from Guatemala City to Antigua with a provider such as Adrenalina Tours. They offer shuttle van throughout Guatemala ( and to Mexico) at reasonable rates and with offices in Antigua, Quetzaltenango and Panajachel, they can take you most anywhere you want to go.  The cost per person for a shuttle from Guatemala City to Antigua is $12 USD and you can book online with a minimum of two travellers.
  6. The shuttles drop you at your hotel, which sounds convenient, but can be less so if you’re in a full van and the last person dropped off. In Antigua, I’ve bounced around for 30 minutes or more in a shuttle while dropping or picking people up. If you’ve had a long international flight, it might be worth your peace of mind and comfort to book a private shuttle.
  7. Note that in the shuttles you can reserve the exact seat you want for no extra cost. If you can, try to choose a seat near the front of the van. If you’re prone to motion sickness choose the seat directly behind the driver as there will be less motion and the window generally opens. It’s a short ride to Antigua so where you sit likely doesn’t matter but on long haul trips, you’ll want to specify your seat.
  8. It’s also possible to find low cost shuttle services that will offer transportation for as low as $5. In my experience, this is NOT a wise idea. The most recent time 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 also over packed which meant I sat for 5 hours straddling a gear shift stick between my thighs. Not fun, or safe.

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 or subscribe to my blog for news and reviews.

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3 Budget Hotels in Antigua, Guatemala

Budget Hotels in Antigua Guatemala

Michele Peterson
Michele Peterson

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.

« 12 Reasons I’m Tempted to Drop Everything and Move to Grenada
Roca Blanca Beach: A Top Day Trip from Puerto Escondido »

About Michele Peterson

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.

Previous Post: «Petit Anse Beach in the morning 12 Reasons I’m Tempted to Drop Everything and Move to Grenada
Next Post: Roca Blanca Beach: A Top Day Trip from Puerto Escondido Almond tree at Playa Roca Blanca, el Cacalote, Oaxaca.»

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Charneice Keniell McKenzie

    May 17, 2022 at 11:12 am

    Tell me more about “Laminitas” from what I can find, it’s a disease that hurts horse’s hooves

    Reply
    • Michele Peterson

      May 19, 2022 at 8:42 am

      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

  2. Natasha

    March 30, 2016 at 5:44 am

    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

    Reply
  3. Pawan Kumar

    July 01, 2015 at 3:47 am

    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.

    Reply
  4. Sand In My Suitcase

    March 27, 2015 at 7:13 pm

    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 :-).

    Reply
  5. A Cook Not Mad (Nat)

    March 25, 2015 at 1:50 pm

    Those look like great hotels and you can’t beat those prices!

    Reply
  6. Carole Terwilliger Meyers

    March 24, 2015 at 8:16 pm

    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.

    Reply
  7. Suzanne Stavert

    March 24, 2015 at 11:33 am

    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!

    Reply
  8. Betsy Wuebker | PassingThru

    March 24, 2015 at 3:38 am

    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!

    Reply
  9. Susan Moore

    March 23, 2015 at 9:59 pm

    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.

    Reply
  10. Elaine J. Masters

    March 23, 2015 at 2:19 pm

    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.

    Reply
  11. Leigh

    March 23, 2015 at 10:04 am

    Haven’t made it to Antigua yet but would absolutely love too visit. The price sounds great for what you get.

    Reply
  12. Mary @ Green Global Travel

    March 17, 2015 at 11:36 am

    That volcano view is amazing! This three look like some great hotel options – thanks for sharing 🙂

    Reply
  13. Culture Tripper

    March 16, 2015 at 9:24 pm

    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.

    Reply
  14. Wandering Carol

    March 16, 2015 at 8:02 pm

    Love the look of the Hotel Cirilo. You should write a guidebook on this.

    Reply
  15. esperanza

    March 16, 2015 at 10:30 am

    The hotels sound lovely and the price and amenities are remarkable. Thanks for the caution re bargain transportation!

    Reply

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Michele Peterson in Tuscany Italy Credit Insight Vacations.

Hi, I'm Michele! Welcome to A Taste for Travel, one of the world’s top culinary travel blogs, welcoming over 1.5 million readers annually! 

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