Best Hotels for Every Budget in Antigua, Guatemala

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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.

After visiting Antigua for more than 20 years, I’ve learned that this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of those serendipitous places where being surrounded by beauty doesn’t mean you have to pay a fortune for safe, clean accommodation.

It’s also the ideal place to splurge!

Check out my list of the best places to stay in La Antigua, Guatemala for every budget.

Budget Hotels

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.

I’ve even found lodging as low as $35 USD a night!

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. 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. 

3. Posada La Merced 

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.

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 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).
• If you’re attending Semana Santa or one of Guatemala’s other amazing festivals, Posada La Merced is a prime location.

Check for the lowest price for Posada La Merced Antigua on Booking.com to find the best deal.

Mid-Range Hotels in Antigua

1. Hotel Mestizo – Boutique Hotel 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 $125 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 sells out quickly.
• Restaurant/bistro, boutique shops and beauty salon are open to the public.

Details:

• The rate of $125 USD+ a night (not including tax) includes a full breakfast.  Plus you’re enjoying a boutique 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 

Note: Stay at Hotel Mestizo and you’ll be just steps from Hugo’s Ceviche Restaurante (Google Map). It’s the birthplace of the picosita, the famous Guatemalan beer cocktail similar to a Michelada.

2. Good Hotel Antigua

There’s lots to love about Good Hotel Antigua. Not only is it a refreshing fusion of sleek design and typical Maya textiles, but it has a heartfelt purpose, with its profits directed toward supporting local education initiatives.

Housed in a restored colonial mansion, the hotel offers 20 minimalist rooms designed with a Scandi-meets-colonial aesthetic, where natural wood and white walls create a serene retreat.

The communal courtyard with a tranquil reflecting pool and café encourages mingling among travelers, while its small library adds a quiet charm.

Located a short walk from the city’s central park, it’s close to Antigua’s bustling attractions but far enough to feel peaceful.

Its social impact and curated simplicity make it a standout option for conscious travelers.

Check rates and availability of Good Hotel Antigua on Booking.com. 

Luxury Hotels in Antigua

1. Meson Panza Verde

One of the very first (and dreamiest) places we’ve ever stayed at in Antigua, Panza Verde exudes romance and artistry. Its 12 individually designed suites and rooms are surrounded by lush greenery and atmospheric lighting.

This luxury property doubles as an art gallery, and its architecture blends colonial elements with eclectic flourishes—think stone arches, wrought iron details, and rooftop terraces with sweeping volcano views.

Located slightly off the main drag, it offers a tranquil escape while still being a pleasant walk to the city center. The restaurant is a highlight, known for its gourmet cuisine served in candlelit ambiance, though some might find the prices steep.

The vibe is decidedly upscale and ideal for couples, though the limited room count means it books up quickly.

Check prices and availability of Meson Panza Verde on Booking.com 

2. Porta Hotel Antigua

With 110 rooms ranging from standard options to luxurious suites,Porta Hotel Antigua strikes a balance between modern comfort and traditional charm.

🌟 Pro Tip: For convenience, opt for a room in the main building NOT one across the street.

Its large swimming pool and lush gardens make it a family-friendly option, while its proximity to Antigua’s main square—just a five-minute walk—ensures you’re never far from the action.

The hotel’s on-site restaurant, serving traditional Guatemalan dishes and international specialties, adds to the appeal. Its Sunday Buffet, complete with live marimba music,  is a must-do.

However, its larger size means it lacks the intimacy of smaller boutique properties. Much like Porta Hotel’s sister property in Panajachel, the vibe is a bit corporate as the hotel’s size also appeals to groups and business travellers alike.

The hotel’s historic details, like its colonial arches and handwoven textiles, provide a connection to Antigua’s rich heritage without sacrificing contemporary amenities.

It’s ideally located for Semana Santa and other important Guatemalan celebrations as you’re steps to the action.

Check prices and availability of Porta Hotel Antigua on Booking.com. 

Travel Guide to the Best Hotels in Antigua Guatemala for Every Budget

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. If there’s traffic, expect it to take 2 or more hours.
• 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.

Private Transfer vs Shared Shuttle

• 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 below), 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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