Guatemala City Hotels and Accommodation

(Guatemala City, Central Highlands, Guatemala)

Guatemala City has loads of hotels in all budgets and areas. However, it is not the place to just pick anywhere to stay, as there are some rather unsavory areas worth avoiding. Accommodation options range from down-at-heel guest houses in the Old Town, to swanky star-rated, business-type hotels in smart areas.

Zona 10 is the de facto 'good' area to stay, although accommodation here is pricey (relatively). The old part of Guatemala City, known as Zona 1, has the best selection of budget lodging. Zona 1 is a convenient place to base yourself if you plan to visit colonial sights and offers a vast choice of budget to mid-range digs. This area may be good value for money, but is riddled with pickpockets and scam artists, and therefore suits the more savvy traveller.

Where to Stay

Zones 9 and 10, to the east of the city centre, are the best bets for picking up a nice hotel in a comfortable area. These zones lie side-by-side and also come with numerous shops, restaurants and bars, along with a noticeable police presence. Many of the city's business-class hotels are located here, although there are budget accommodation options as well.

Zone 10 (Zona 10) is often known in Guatemala City as the Zona Viva (Alive Zone) and comes with many well-known chain hotels, such as the Marriott. There is also a Holiday Inn Hotel here, while the neighbouring Zone 9 is similarly endowed with familiar chain accommodation.

Not far away is Zone 11, which is slightly outside of downtown Guatemala City and its attractions, and is home to a modern high-rise hotel on the road to Antigua. This area is especially useful for those who plan on renting a car, since it has easy escape routes.

For being near to the airport, Zone 13 is the best lodging option and there are several decent hotels situated within close proximity. However, Zones 9 and 10 are only a ten-minute taxi ride from La Aurora Airport, and so you may like to consider the accommodation here as well.