Antigua Guatemala is a breathtaking colonial city located in the heart of Central America. With its cobblestone streets, brightly pastel-coloured buildings, and stunning Spanish architecture, Antigua is unique in Guatemala.
You may be asking yourself, where to stay in Antigua? Luckily, I’ve visited recently, and done all the homework for you. Antigua has some of the best cheap accommodation options in all Central America, so you will be spoilt for choice. It really is a backpackers paradise!
The city was once the capital of Spanish colonial Central America and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its well-preserved colonial charm and rich history. Whether you are a history buff, an architecture aficionado, or just someone looking for a unique travel experience, Antigua is the perfect destination.
From its stunning cathedrals and grand plazas to its vibrant local markets and delicious street food, Antigua has something to offer everyone.
One of my favourite aspects of Antigua is some of the charming accommodations. Many hotels and hostels are found within reconstructed old colonial mansions with beautiful courtyards and years of history.
Refer to the map below to see the centre of the Town. I have highlighted all recommended accommodations. If you stay outside of this central area, I advise taking taxis late at night. All attractions you will want to see and do can be found centrally so it makes sense to base yourself in this area.
Where is the cheapest site to book your travel?
When you are deciding where to stay in Antigua Guatemala, two of the most popular accommodation sites I use to book accommodation is Hostelworld and booking.com.
I did my own research to find out which one was the best. In 85% of results, Hostelworld had slightly better rates. Booking.com does however have a greater choice as they have many hotels as well as hostels.
My advice is to compare the two, to ensure you always get the best deal. I have added shortcuts to both sites if available.
Where to stay in Antigua Guatemala: Top Picks
Hostal Antigueno - Best Social Hostel
Hostal Antigueno is a budget-friendly hostel located in the historic centre of Antigua Guatemala. It offers a variety of accommodations including private rooms and shared dorms, all with shared bathrooms.
The hostel features a large open communal area, great for meeting fellow travellers. There is a great indoor/outdoor flow with space to relax in the shade or in the sun, on their landscaped gardens.
It’s within walking distance of many popular attractions, restaurants, and bars in Antigua. Overall, Hostal Antigueno is a good option for travellers on a budget who want to stay in a central location.
Selina Antigua - Best for Digital Nomads
Selina Antigua is a stylish and modern hostel located in the heart of Antigua Guatemala. You will find ‘Selina’ hostels in most major towns throughout the region.
Selina Antigua is a more upmarket hostel, a favourite among a younger crowd as well as digital nomads who want a fast internet connection.
The hostel offers a range of accommodations including private rooms and shared dorms, all with private bathrooms. One big plus at Selina Hostel is the relaxing outdoor courtyard including swimming pool.
If that’s not enough, enjoy the pool table in the large shared lounge and TV area and yoga classes on the rooftop.
Ojala Antigua
Ojala is one of those places I mentioned that is set within an old architectural gem of a building. Enjoy a quiet courtyard and relax in a hammock or egg chair surrounded by plants and manicured gardens. If that’s not enough, take in the stunning views of the surrounding volcanoes from the rooftop.
Ojala offers private rooms and dorms. Everything is modern and classy. The dorm beds each have a privacy curtain, personal reading lamp, power socket and shelf.
Ojala has a fast internet connection so if you want to work from here, no problem at all. They also have their own café and bar on site if you need some refreshments
Ojala is highly rated for its cleanliness and friendliness of staff. If you want a bit of luxury at hostel prices Ojala is the place for you. Ojala is a great choice when deciding where to stay in Antigua.
Maya Papaya
Maya Papaya is fantastic for its outdoor social areas. There is a large courtyard to sit and met fellow travellers or sit down and get some work or reading done.
Inside, you’ll find a cosy little reading room, ping pong table, access to Netflix and a communal kitchen if you want to cook your own food.
Another benefit to staying at Maya Papaya is the free breakfast that is included with every reservation.
Dorm rooms and privates are offered. Dorms have privacy curtains, and personal reading light, power socket and locker.
Unlike some hostels, they have plenty of bathrooms and toilets so you shouldn’t be waiting too long in the mornings.
If all of that isn’t enough to convince you to stay, how about daily bar specials, including Q20 mojitos.
Casi Casa
Casi Casa is set in an old colonial home on one of the main high streets in Antigua, la Calle de Arco. Casi Casa is owned by the same people that run Ojala and Maya Papaya so these guys obviously know what they’re doing.
If you stay at Casi Casa, you can not only enjoy a swimming pool, but also a sauna on site. The swimming pool is big enough to relax and cool down, maybe not large enough to actually do much swimming. In a city as hot as Antigua, and kind of pool is welcome, and provides opportunity to cool down.
The outdoor courtyard space offers opportunity to relax in the sun and improve your tan, or if the weather is too hot,, there is plenty of shaded areas to chill and relax.
Casi Casa also has a bar if you want some refreshments and they provide a free breakfast to all guests.
Similar to Maya Papaya and Ojala, all dorm beds come with a privacy curtain, personal reading light, shelf and locker storage for your valuables.
The Purpose Hostel - Most Affordable Option
The final candidate of where to stay in Antigua Guatemala is The Purpose Hostel. They offer dorm, doubles, and family rooms at very good prices. This is one of the highest rated accommodations in Antigua, as well as one of the cheapest.
If you want to connect more with the local community The Purpose Hostel could be the place for you. The hostel also serves as a training facility and community skill centre for locals.
My favourite element to this hostel is the colourful vibrant rooftop garden, with panoramic views of the 3 volcanoes watching over Antigua. The hostel has a rustic feel to it, with multiple usage of old crates as seats and tables and decoration throughout.
Inside there are desks for working, and a seated area for chilling or reading a book.
This is a slightly cheaper option than others in this list; the beds do have privacy curtains but are not quite as sturdy as other hostels listed here. You still benefit from your own reading light and power socket too.
Note that breakfast is not included here, which in part might explain why it is a cheaper option. This isn’t a problem as it gives you the opportunity to explore one of Antigua’s many cafes for breakfast or brunch.
Where next after Antigua, Guatemala
Antigua is often a first stop on a Guatemala itinerary. For inspiration of where else to visit in this amazing country read the following article – The Best Guatemala Travel Itinerary – 7 Amazing Destinations