Are you looking for a unique stay in Guatemala? In this list, we’ve compiled nine unique hotels in the Central American country. These are places that perfectly align with the adventure you embark on when traveling through Guatemala. The versatile country is ideal for adventurous travelers who love beautiful nature, hikes, and amazing views. Staying at one of the following locations will undoubtedly add to your great adventure. Sleep at a glamping site with an incredible view of a lake and volcanoes in the background, or stay at a beautiful eco-lodge in the midst of mangroves. Staying overnight in Guatemala doesn’t have to be boring and standard at all. These unique hotels prove that.
Sleep by the Water in a National Park
Sleeping in a national park always provides a unique experience. You wake up in the heart of nature, sometimes to the sounds of the animals around you. What makes El Hotelito Perdido, located in the Rio Dulce National Park, special is that it is partially on the water. Relax in one of the hammocks or swing above the river with your feet in the water. Rent a kayak, go hiking, or do both. This way, you can explore the surroundings in two very different ways and then, in the evening, find one of the many chill-out spots. This is one of those unique overnight stays that you shouldn’t miss during your trip to Guatemala.
Location: Rio Dulce
$ – View PricesUnique Overnight Stay on a Cliff at Lake Atitlán
Staying in a hotel at Lake Atitlán in Guatemala is already a dream come true. But those who manage to find a special hotel by the lake will experience a fantastic few days. Hotel La Casa del Mundo, located on a secluded cliff, provides such an experience. Some rooms offer a stunning view of the lake, although all guests can enjoy it from the terrace. But you can also gaze at the volcanoes from the many sun loungers, hammocks, or the delightful hot tub. La Casa del Mundo is an amazing place with hidden chill-out spots, each one more magical than the last. The decor is delightfully authentic with cheerful prints and plenty of plants.
Location: Lake Atitlan
$$$ – View PricesUnique Overnight Stay in a Colonial Building in Guatemala
Hotels in beautiful colonial buildings with their own café: it’s a concept you see a lot in Antigua, one of the most charming cities in Guatemala. Ojala is an example of this. But also Casi Casa, an old, beautiful colonial building with affordable rooms and dorms. Additionally, this hotel offers all the comfortable facilities you seek in a great stay: a bar, a rooftop terrace, a garden with a pool, and shaded hammocks. With that café under the same roof, you may not even need to step outside. It’s just that Antigua is filled with even more of these colonial buildings that create a picturesque streetscape. A unique city where you’ll definitely want to wander around.
Location: Antigua
$ – View PricesA Glamping Experience with a View of Lake Atitlán
Sleeping in a glamping tent is the ultimate accommodation for the adventurous traveler who secretly loves comfort too. El Picnic at Lake Atitlán is one of those stays that, among all the glampings you’ll ever experience, ranks in the top three. The view from your tent, overlooking the lake and the surrounding volcanoes, is breathtaking. Additionally, the site is equipped with all the amenities you need, and the food available on-site is sublime. Oh, and even a visit to the bathroom could be described as an experience. Here, you shower in the open air with a view of the volcanoes and the lake. Those are moments you won’t easily forget. This is unique accommodation in Guatemala at its best!
Location: Lake Atitlan
$$$ – View PricesA Surfer’s Paradise in Guatemala
You might not immediately think of Guatemala for a surf vacation. However, this versatile country does have places with good waves. Take El Paredon, for example, where you can also get surf lessons at a very reasonable price. If you want to immerse yourself in surfing in Guatemala for a few days, then Paredon Surf House is the ultimate stay for you. The hotel is right on the beach, beautifully nestled among the palm trees, has a swimming pool, and provides all the facilities for daily surf sessions. You can take surf lessons through the hotel or simply rent a surfboard. Not planning to be active in the water? The hotel warmly welcomes non-surfing guests as well.
Location: El Paredon
$$ – View PricesStay in a Lodge by the Water and in the Jungle
Sometimes you come across a hotel where you could easily spend your entire trip. Hotel Gringo Perdido is one such hotel. The grounds are beautifully landscaped and offer everything you need: a small, cozy restaurant, a prime location by the water, a swimming pool, and beautiful bungalows. Our favorite part of this stay? The cozy terrace right on the water. Imagine yourself here, after a day of kayaking, swimming, or paddleboarding, watching the sunset from the hammock. It’s the ultimate day in Guatemala, in our opinion. Breakfast and dinner are included in your stay.
Location: El Remate (near Tikal)
$$$$ – View PricesA Hostel in the Mountains with an Infinity Pool
Are you a backpacker looking for an amazing place to easily meet other travelers? Then you should check out Zephyr River Lodge. This hostel is known for its high ‘coziness factor.’ You often find such hostels in fairly standard places, but not in this case. The hotel is located at a considerable height, right in the natural surroundings of Lanquin. From the communal area, where you can play billiards or eat at picnic tables with other backpackers, you have a view of the mountains. But at Zephyr River Lodge, the main attraction is the pool area, where frequent pool parties take place. You’re guaranteed to have some unforgettable days and fun evenings here.
Location: Lanquin
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When the only way to reach a hotel requires a bumpy, adventurous ride, you already know that you’re going to a special place. That’s exactly the case when you stay in the mountains of Lanquin at Utopia Eco Hotel. If you stay here for a few nights, you’ll probably want to visit Semuc Champey, a beautiful natural wonder hidden in the mountains. From the hotel, you can walk to the unique waters of Semuc Champey in about an hour, following a beautiful route along the river. The fact that you can visit this world wonder on your own from this accommodation is a big plus. But the breakfasts with a view and the sounds of nature will also be highlights of your stay.
Location: Lanquin
$ – View PricesSleeping in the Middle of the Mangroves
Have you ever slept in the middle of the mangroves? You can do that at Boatique Hotel and Marina, located on the Rio Dulce River. The lodges are raised on stilts to ensure your feet stay dry. Some huts are higher off the ground than others. Will you go for a kind of treehouse or prefer a lower lodge? However, your feet won’t stay dry during the activities you can do here. You can, for example, paddleboard through the mangroves while listening to the jungle sounds. Or opt for a kayak and explore the area. Prefer to chill out? The hotel also has a pool and a terrace where you can relax with a book or simply enjoy the unique view of the mangroves.
Location: Rio Dulce
$$ – View PricesStay in a cottage with an priceless view
At Mountain Nest, you can book a room with a view! Here, you can enjoy a fantastic view of the Lanquin mountains from your own veranda. The sunsets are truly magical, and be sure to set your alarm for the sunrise as well. You’ll hear the jungle come to life while sipping on a cup of coffee. This view never gets old. Host Remy is incredibly friendly and will do everything to make your stay as pleasant as possible.
Location: 11 km (7 miles) from the entrance to Semuc Champey.
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