Whenever I think about my favorite hotels in Guatemala, I think about Lake Atitlan Hotels. So if you’re are planning your first trip to Guatemala and have chosen to spend a few days in Lake Atitlan, you are making a good decision!
Lake Atitlan is a beautiful place surrounded by four enchanting volcanoes and stunning views. In this post, I will give you an extended list of my favorite Lake Atitlan hotels, and I have even included some handy directions to help you understand how the towns around the lake are divided and how you can move around easily. Because let’s be honest… why staying just one of the Lake Atitlan villages when you can stay in several!
Keep in mind that each town around the lake is very different from the other. You will find luxury hotels, yoga retreats, and beautiful hotels run by locals.
If you are looking for more information about where to eat, things to do, and all that fun stuff, take a look at my Lake Atitlan Travel Guide. Also, if you need help getting to Lake Atitlan, here is a How To Get From Antigua To Lake Atitlan.
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Where to Stay in Lake Atitlan
First thing’s first, before you decide where to stay in Lake Atitlan, you have to know which of the Lake Atitlan villages you want to visit. Whether you are joining a yoga retreat, taking Spanish lessons, or just want a vacation in a picturesque town around the lake. It is easier to reach a decision when you know where you want to go, and what kind of Lake Atitlan accommodation you want. This is why I have chosen hotels in seven out of the twelve towns around the lake, and I wrote a brief description of what you can find in each town to help you decide.
SANTIAGO ATITLAN
Santiago Atitlan is full of Guatemalan history. You can choose if you want to hire a local guide to walk you through all the historical places or you can choose to go on your own. Santiago is also well known for Maximon. Maximon translates as “the grandfather” as the legend goes that this figure is the protector of the ones who worship and respect him. A note, if you are looking for fancy or luxurious accommodation, Santiago Atitlan is not for you, though, must options offer free wifi.
In my opinion, it can get a little crowded, especially during the weekend when all the Guatemalan tourists go to the lake to enjoy their weekends off. If you visit Santiago Atitlan, I suggest you do it with a guide or with a friend as there are some slightly unsafe areas and streets that you would not want to walk alone.
Hotels in Santiago Atitlan
In this hotel, you will find all the basic things you need for a good night’s sleep, a comfortable bed, a tv, and a hot shower. It’s in a safe area and it’s budget-friendly.
Booking.com rating 8.8
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The gardens in this hotel are without a doubt one of the highlights of the place. It’s the perfect place to have a few days off relaxing.
Booking.com rating 8.3
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SAN PEDRO LA LAGUNA
Oh, San Pedro, for some people is well-known as a party place, but if you are not interested in that side of the town, it is also a place where you will find excellent Spanish schools. This is why you will find a lot of accommodation options, restaurants, cafes, and bars. If you want to know more about how to get there, what to do and where to go, read my complete guide to San Pedro la Laguna. You’re welcome!
Hotels in San Pedro la Laguna
This is a full-equipped and free wifi apartment at the shore of the lake, which means AN INCREDIBLE VIEW! And it is all for yourself.
Booking.com rating 8.9
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This place is relatively new. They have a restaurant, pool, free wifi and very beautiful facilities overlooking the lake. If you are looking for an instagrammable place, this is the one.
Booking.com rating 8.6
Tripadvisor rating 4.0
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This is not a fancy place, but it is the perfect place for travelers looking for a clean, quiet, and comfortable place to meet other travelers close to the docks.
Booking.com rating 8.4
Tripadvisor rating 4.5
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The previous option was quiet, this place, on the other hand, is a good place if you are looking for a little bit of nightlife. Also, if you ask around, this is one of the most known hostels in Lake Atitlan.
Booking.com rating 8.2
Tripadvisor rating 3.5
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SAN MARCOS LA LAGUNA
This place has a very special something, don’t ask me to go deep into that because it is something you can hardly describe unless you are there. Because of this special vibe, you will find healers and people wanting to be healed. If you have any health, emotional or spiritual issues San Marcos in Lake Atitlan is the place you can be guaranteed to find the right therapist (and therapy) to help you heal.
San Marcos is also a great place to study yoga. Whether you want to do your Yoga Teacher Training in Guatemala or just do a Yoga Retreat in Guatemala, there are a number of options. San Marcos has many Ashrams offering teacher training, and retreat centers offering everything from Crystal Healing training to learning to grow medicinal mushrooms… or any other kind of mushroom you might like to grow!
Click here to find my Guide to San Marcos Lake Atitlan to find everything you need to know!
Hotels in San Marcos la Laguna
Would you like to have a hammock in your room, with a fantastic view of the lake and the mountains, with gorgeous decoration? Other than that, you can practice yoga or get a massage.
Booking.com rating 9.4
Tripadvisor rating 5.0
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All I can say about this place is that it is dreamy. Either you are looking to go on a fun escapade with your friends or you are looking to celebrate your honeymoon or anniversary. This is a beautiful place for all the above-mentioned.
Booking.com rating 8.9
Tripadvisor rating 4.5
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For all of you who are looking for more affordable accommodation with common areas with wifi and a shared kitchen, this place is an excellent option.
Booking.com rating 9.7
Tripadvisor rating 4.5
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PANAJACHEL
For most people, Panajachel is a place where you immediately hop to another town. That aside, you can find a few of the best Lake Atitlan Hotels there.
Hotels in Panajachel
This may be one of the biggest hotels around Lake Atitlan with a gym, pool, bar, restaurant, sauna, and of course, a view of the lake. If you are planning a family trip, this could be one of the options you may want to consider.
Booking.com rating 8.5
Tripadvisor rating 4.0
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This hotel is located on a mountain, and it has a rustic look. It is not exactly in Panajachel (sorry!) but, I couldn’t leave it out.
Booking.com rating 9.2
Tripadvisor rating 4.5
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If you have traveled around Central America, you must know Selina hostels. Selina Lake Atitlan definitely does not disappoint. These places are built for travelers looking for a fun, safe, and clean space. Whether you just want to take a few days off to relax, or if you are traveling around with your computer ready to take on work. Selina Lake Atitlan is the only place around the lake where you will find a coworking space.
Booking.com rating 8.4
Tripadvisor rating 2.0
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This is an affordable and comfortable place. Not luxurious at all, but it is an excellent option for a good night’s sleep.
Booking.com rating 8.5
Tripadvisor rating 4.0
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SANTA CATARINA PALOPO
This village has become a very “trendy” place over the last couple of years because of its colorful streets, pottery, and the beautiful textiles that are created there. All of that is the perfect formula for attracting artists. It is definitely a place you don’t want to miss, but I must warn you, it is not the cheapest place to find hotels in Lake Atitlan.
Also, from the options I added, only Villa Santa Catarina is in the village (sorry!) I just couldn’t leave out the other options that are toooooo pretty!
Hotels in Santa Catarina Palopo
This place has a little of a “hacienda” look which is pretty nice. And, of course, the view is stunning.
Booking.com rating 8.7
Tripadvisor rating 4.0
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If you visit Santa Catarina Palopo, you will see that the traditional garments from the male and female in this town are made with different shades of blue, which emulates the movement of the lake tide. The owners of this hotel took a light blue and used it for their wall painting.
Booking.com rating 8.7
Tripadvisor rating 4.5
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This is a beautiful place that other than the accommodation, offers different activities like hiking, kayaking, excursions to the lake, etc.
Booking.com rating 9.0
Tripadvisor rating 4.0
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SAN ANTONIO PALOPO
The hand-painted pottery is one of the highlights of this village. They are the result of art transmitted from generation to generation. It is not one of the most known villages, and I don’t know it that well, but the art is beautiful. Also, the hotels in San Antonio Palopo won’t be as fancy as others, but it is nice to have a more simple experience.
Hotels in San Antonio Palopo
This hotel has a very simple infrastructure build on decks surrounded by trees and beautiful views of the lake.
Booking.com rating 8.6
Tripadvisor rating 4.0
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Hotel Nuestro Sueño is another simple but comfortable place to stay. And the price is great for what you get.
Booking.com rating 8.7
Tripadvisor rating 4.5
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SAN LUCAS TOLIMAN
This village is not touristy at all, but if you are a coffee lover and you are sourcing for some good specialty coffee, you will find coffee cooperatives here. It is a nice town if you want to walk around and dive in the fresh waters of Lake Atitlan.
If you take some time to walk around San Lucas Toliman you will see that there is nothing fancy about it, but it is still a very beautiful and serene village. Now when you go inside this hotel, you wouldn’t think is this nice with spacious rooms, common areas and a pool to relax.
Booking.com rating 8.9
Tripadvisor rating 5.0
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This is a very basic and affordable place with a shared kitchen and close to nature.
Booking.com rating 8.3
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Final Thoughts
Many of the villages around Lake Atitlan still have a very quiet and peaceful vibe where you can just put all your thoughts together. Or, if you are looking to socializing with other travelers and spending a couple of nights out and about to have some fun, you will also find plenty of good options. Of course, that is why I decided to write this article about The Best Lake Atitlan Hotels.
Like I mentioned before, every village is different, so if you are looking for some luxury, places like Santiago Atitlan or San Antonio Palopo may not be the best choices for you. Or, if you are a digital nomad like me, you would want to stay at places with a good wifi connection like San Pedro, San Marcos, or Panajachel. if you are on a vacation and don’t mind spending a little more money, Santa Catarina Palopo is perfect for that.
Whatever the case may be, you can always take one town as your home base and travel around to get to know each one.
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