Founded in 1542, Antigua is a living tapestry of Guatemala‘s colonial past. From centuries-old ruins devastated by earthquakes to colourful buildings, churches, and monasteries that continue to impart the volcano-fringed community its old-timey charms, Antigua is simply a destination you have to visit when in Central America.
The best part about the city is its ability to transport visitors through time by providing accommodations that accentuate the authentic colonial heritage of the destination while still providing modern amenities and contemporary comforts in various hotels that fit all budgets and travel styles.
From rustic lodging in the heart of the city’s historic centre to modern resort complexes in a more upscale neighbourhood, these are the best areas and hotels to help you determine where to stay in Antigua, Guatemala.
Where to Stay in Antigua: A Neighbourhood Guide
Where To Stay In Antigua, Guatemala: A Neighbourhood Guide
El Caseo (The Historic Centre)
Best Area to Stay in for Sightseeing & Nightlife
Home to a great selection of attractions, restaurants, shopping centres, and bars, El Caseo is the best neighbourhood for first-time visitors looking to experience all the sights and culture that Antigua offers.
Within this historic centre, you will find the symbol of the city — the Santa Catalina Arch — along with some of the city’s best ruins and social centres.
What’s even better is that the markets and attractions are all within a five-block radius of Parque Central, meaning you can explore the breadth of the city within walking distance of your El Caseo hotel.
The only drawback of staying within Antigua’s historic center is that it is the most popular area for locals and tourists alike, which often results in crowded and noisy streets. Luckily, the San Rafael Hotel and Mestizo Antigua promise a sense of quiet seclusion despite their close proximity to the city’s most popular hangout spots.
El Caseo (The Historic Centre) Mini Guide
Best Hotels: San Rafael Hotel | Mestizo Antigua | Las Cruces Boutique Hotel
Best Hostels: Tropicana Hostel | Maya Papaya | Hostal Antigua
Where to Eat: Hector’s Bistro $$ | Rooftop Antigua $$ | La Casa de las Mixtas $
Where to Drink: El Barrio | Reilly’s Antigua | Bullseye Sports Pub
Top Attractions: Santa Catalina Arch | Parque Central de Antigua | National Museum of Art
Barrio de la Concepción
Best Area to Stay in for Families and a Laid-Back Setting
Perfect for visitors looking for the convenience of staying near the city center without the noise and crowding that can often accompany it, the Barrio de la Concepción neighbourhood is set just to the northeast of Parque Central in a small area that leads up to the Cerro de la Cruz.
Popular amongst couples and families looking for a relaxing spot to hang out in the evenings, Barrio de la Concepcion is still just a short walk from the Santa Catalina Arch and Antigua Market. Meanwhile, several museums and ruins can be found directly in the region, making it the perfect spot to launch a walking tour of the city.
Hotel Museo Spa Casa Santo Domingo and the El Convento Boutique Hotel are among the area’s more lavish hotel offerings, while visitors looking for more budget-friendly lodging can book a bed at Adra Hostel or Flore Hostel.
Barrio de la Concepción Mini Guide
Best Hotels: Casa Santa Rosa Hotel Boutique | El Convento Boutique Hotel | Hotel Aurora
Best Hostels: Adra Hostel | Flore Hostel | Hostel Antigueno
Where to Eat: Restaurante 7 Caldos $$ | Cafe Sky $$ | Patio de la Primera $$
Where to Drink: Cafe Sky | Cafe No Se | Agua Antigua
Top Attractions: Cerro de la Cruz | Convento e Iglesia de Santo Domingo | Convento Capuchinas
Santa Ana
Best Area to Stay in for an Authentic Neighborhood Atmosphere
Set within the southeastern corner of Antigua, Santa Ana is slightly further from the city centre, taking about a 20-minute walk to reach Parque Central.
Despite its more removed location from the city’s attractions, Santa Ana is one of the best places to stay for those looking to experience a more authentic side of Antigua, with the charming neighbourhood boasting many of the city’s best restaurants and bars.
What’s more, thanks to its location along the outskirts of the city, Santa Ana serves as a great doorway to several fantastic hiking trails weaving their way throughout the surrounding countryside and mountain, making it a great option for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
Santa Ana Mini Guide
Best Hotels: Good Hotel Antigua | Meson Panza Verde | Posada del Angel
Best Hostels: Barbara’s Boutique Hostel | Casa Gitana Hostel | The Purpose Hostel
Where to Eat: Restaurante la Santa $ | El Tenedor $$ | Osteria di Francesco $$$
Where to Drink: El Alquimista Cafe Bar
Top Attractions: Museo del Hermano Pedro | Máscara en Antigua Guatemala | Antigua Mountain Trail
The 10 Best Hotels In Antigua, Guatemala
El Caseo (Historic Centre) | $$$
Set just two blocks from Parque Central and the Santa Catalina Arch, Casa Bella Boutique Hotel is a luxurious hotel in Antigua offering one of the best full-service stays in the city.
The hotel boasts traditional colonial architecture while providing all modern facilities and amenities that include satellite TV, air conditioning, minibars, and luxury bed linen available in each room.
Meanwhile, the hotel’s lounge and garden area offer a relaxing setting for escaping the bustle of the city with a card game along with outdoor furniture and tables.
The facility also features a 24-hour front desk, promising round-the-clock security and excursion planning services to nearby attractions and activities.
Barrio de la Concepción | $$$
The Luna Maya Antigua is located in the southern reaches of the city, near the quieter Santa Ana neighbourhood while still being within walking distance of Parque Central.
The 3-star hotel is the perfect place for visitors looking for a great valued stay, with nightly rates starting at around 60 CAD per night. While this is more expensive than staying at a local hostel, Hotel Luna Maya Antigua is a great option for those looking to maintain a budget while still embracing the comforts of a private room.
The hotel features a selection of double and twin rooms, each equipped with premium amenities, such as flat-screen TVs, private bathrooms with free toiletries, and beautiful mountain views.
Meanwhile, the hotel complex also features free private parking, beautiful gardens, a snack bar, and a rooftop terrace from which you can admire the entire city.
Santa Ana | $$
The Luna Maya Antigua is located in the southern reaches of the city, near the quieter Santa Ana neighbourhood while still being within walking distance of Parque Central.
The 3-star hotel is the perfect place for visitors looking for a great valued stay, with nightly rates starting at around 60 CAD per night. While this is more expensive than staying at a local hostel, Hotel Luna Maya Antigua is a great option for those looking to maintain a budget while still embracing the comforts of a private room.
The hotel features a selection of double and twin rooms, each equipped with premium amenities, such as flat-screen TVs, private bathrooms with free toiletries, and beautiful mountain views.
Meanwhile, the hotel complex also features free private parking, beautiful gardens, a snack bar, and a rooftop terrace from which you can admire the entire city.
El Caseo (Historic Centre) | $
Hotel Vista al Cerro is another great accommodation option in Antigua’s Historic Centre. Located just north of Parque Central, the hotel is within walking distance of the city’s top attractions, restaurants, and nightlife hotspots while being removed enough to still promise a quiet night’s sleep.
The hotel features free parking, complimentary wifi throughout the property, an onsite currency exchange, and a 24-hour front desk readily available to help plan your tour of the city and surrounding volcanoes.
The hotel features a selection of double-, triple-, and twin rooms, each equipped with cable TV, fine bed linen, and private ensuite bathrooms. All hotel guests also enjoy a free breakfast served in the lounge area.
El Caseo (Historic Centre) | $
Set near the footpath to Cerro de la Cruz, Selina Antigua is one of the most extensive hotel complexes in the city, promising a massive variety of onsite facilities that include an outdoor swimming pool, BBQ area, an onsite restaurant, a billiards table, sand bocce ball.
While a three-minute walk from the city centre, Selina Antigua offers bicycle rentals perfect for touring the town. However, the property also features plenty of onsite activities, including cooking classes, mixology workshops, and yoga classes.
Selina Antigua offers premium accommodation options in a selection of double rooms, although budget-friendly lodging is also available in a section of mixed and female-only dorms.
Finally, shuttle services available between the airport and various destinations across Guatemala, including Lake Atitlan and Selina Antigua, make for a great stay along with an extended tour of the country for all budgets.
El Caseo (Historic Centre) | $
Located two blocks from Parque Central, Posada Dona Luisa is another great 3-star hotel within Antigua’s El Caseo Neighbourhood and promises a selection of mid-range private rooms and budget-friendly dorms.
Each private unit is equipped with flat-screen TVs with cable channels, a fridge, a coffee machine, and a private bathroom with a shower and free toiletries.
Meanwhile, all guests receive access to shared facilities and services that include a roof terrace with outdoor furniture, a shared kitchen, and a 24-hour front desk that’ll happily plan your tour of the city.
El Caseo (Historic Centre) | $$
Boasting a beautiful garden courtyard and a spacious rooftop terrace just four blocks from Parque Central, El Carmen Suites offers a relaxing respite in the heart of the city for exploring all the marvellous and historical attractions of Antigua.
Every room at the pet-friendly hotel promises the comforts of home, with in-room amenities including private bathrooms with showers, free wifi, a private patio with garden views, and free breakfast served in the garden area or rooftop.
The hotel also features a 24-hour front desk, security, and tour desk available to plan your excursions and tours of the city.
Barrio de la Concepción | $
Nestled just below Cerro de la Cruz, Hotel Mansion del Ray is located in the fringes of the Barrio de la Concepcion and El Caseo neighbourhoods but promises cozy 3-star accommodation within walking distance of both areas’ various attractions.
The hotel offers a great selection of private rooms, including family suites capable of accommodating up to eight guests, making it the perfect choice for those visiting Antigua with their family or as part of a larger group.
Each unit is equipped with modern amenities and homey comforts, including private bathrooms with a bath or shower, free toiletries, and a private patio with garden views. Meanwhile, all guests also receive access to a complimentary breakfast, private parking, and free wifi available throughout the property.
Barrio de la Concepción | $
Offering a selection of private rooms and budget-friendly beds in a mixed dorm, Nikikot Hostel & Hotel in Antigua’s Barrio de la Concepcion neighbourhood is the perfect accommodation option for a laid-back social atmosphere.
Offering fantastic value for its affordable price, this 4-star accommodation boasts plenty of onsite facilities, including a restaurant and bar, an outdoor terrace, and beautiful lush gardens perfect for enjoying a morning coffee or evening cocktail.
All guest rooms are equipped with a modern bathroom with a shower, fine linens, and a patio with garden views. Meanwhile, a bed in a shared dorm is the perfect choice for budget travellers looking to take advantage of the communal facilities.
Additional services offered on the property include a 24-hour front desk, a currency exchange, and storage lockers, while additional services, restaurants, and attractions are just a short walk from the front door.
El Caseo (Historic Centre) | $$
Located just across the street from Mercado Central Antigua Guatemala in the El Caseo neighbourhood, Hotel Posada Don Valentino offers economy-friendly private rooms for visitors who prioritize their privacy while trying to maintain a budget.
The property offers its high-valued stays in a selection of single, double, triple, and quadruple rooms capable of accommodating up to eight guests. Each unit is equipped with a private bathroom, while guests also receive access to shared facilities, such as a lounge, terrace, and garden area.
The property also features a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, and a shared kitchen area perfect for preparing your own meals.
Where to Stay in Antigua, Guatemala: Tips & Advice
Getting to Antigua, Guatemala: Antigua is just about an hour’s drive from La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City. The easiest way to get to the colonial capital is via taxi, but this will run you about Q190 (32.75 CAD). The more affordable option is to take a shared shuttle, which will cost about half the price.
Getting Around Antigua, Guatemala: Once in Antigua, it is extremely easy to navigate the city, with most attractions, restaurants, and services being within walking distance of the hotel centres. For those slightly further away, you can also take a taxi.
Best Things to Do: Antigua is all about its historical charms. As such, the top things to do involve exploring its historical ruins and cultural attractions along a walking tour. Check out this post for a full list of fun and amazing things to do in Antigua, Guatemala.
Budget Saving Tips When Staying in Antigua, Guatemala: Antigua is easily one of the most expensive cities in Guatemala. Luckily, there are a few ways you can save your hard-earned travel dollars when visiting the city, starting with sticking to touring the city on foot. Other budget-saving tips include finding a free walking tour online and booking a hotel/hostel with a shared kitchen. There are plenty of markets within the city, and cooking food is the cheapest dining option.
Which area in Antigua, Guatemala, is the best place to stay?
- El Caseo: As the historical centre of Antigua, the El Caseo neighbourhood houses all of the city’s top attractions and ruins, making it the perfect base for visitors looking to engage in sightseeing and vibrant nightlife.
- Barrio de la Concepción: Slightly more removed from the city centre, Barrio de la Concepcion boasts the city’s top upscale accommodation options while being within walking distance of Parque Central, making it the top choice for travellers looking for a quiet neighbourhood while enjoying luxury amenities
- Santa Ana: Set about a 20-minute walk from the city centre, Santa Ana is a less visited neighbourhood along the fringes of Antigua, promising an authentic immersion into the local community while providing access to several hiking trails of the countryside.
The Average Hotel Prices of Accommodation in Antigua, Guatemala
- Backpacker’s Budget: Q58 to Q175 (10 CAD to 30 CAD) per night
- Mid-Range Budget: Q175 to Q465 (30 CAD to 80 CAD) per night
- Luxury Budget: Q465+ (80+ CAD) per night
