BEST Hostels In Antigua Guatemala: 2023 Review
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Looking for the best hostels in Antigua, Guatemala? You’re in the right place! Finding the best place to stay can make or break your trip, so choosing the right hostel is essential.
In the following list, I have included the seven best hostels in Antigua. Whilst these are all accurate of this current time, it’s always important to still check the reviews and decide for yourself when booking.
So, let’s find out the best hostels in Antigua, and ensure your stay is as successful as possible!
Not into hostels? I’ve also included a few great hotel stays in Antigua at the bottom of the list!
🇬🇹 Other Guatemala posts:
- Antigua To Rio Dulce + Livingston (Guatemala) FULL Guide
- 3 Days in Antigua Guatemala: The Perfect Itinerary
- Pacaya VS Acatenango: Which Volcano Hike Is Best?
- Acatenango Hike Difficulty: COMPLETE Guide
Best Hostels in Antigua Guatemala: A Summary
The best thing about the hostels in Antigua Guatemala is that they are all in a good location. Antigua is entirely walkable, so no matter where you stay, you’ll only be a few minutes walk from all of the action.
The hostel you choose in Antigua will depend on your personal preferences. Luckily, Antigua has accommodations to suit everyone.
From raging party hostels (cough, cough, Tropicana), to more luxurious boutique hostels (Barbara’s Boutique) and ones with rooftops perfect for relaxing (aka our top pick, Somos), there’s a hostel for every type of traveller.
➡ Travelling to Lake Atitlan? Check out my full post on how to travel around the lake via a lancha and visit all of the beautiful lakeside towns!
Our Top 3 Hostels In Antigua
#1 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: Somos
✔️ Free cancellation | ✔️ Private and shared dorm rooms | ✔️ EXCELLENT location | ✔️ Chilled social atmosphere | ✔️Volcano views
#2 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: Hostel Antigueno
✔️ Free cancellation | ✔️ Private and shared dorm rooms | ✔️ EXCELLENT location | ✔️ Chilled social atmosphere | ✔️ Large courtyard for co-working and volcano views
#3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: Barbara’s Boutique Hostel
✔️ Free cancellation | ✔️ Private and shared dorm rooms | ✔️ Luxury stay at hostel prices | ✔️ Perfect for couples and digital nomads
Best 7 Hostels in Antigua Guatemala
1. Somos
😀 Best for: solo travellers, couples, groups
⭐️ Overall Rating: 9.5 (Superb)
📍 Location: City centre
💸 Budget: ££
🥳 Hostel vibe: Social but not party
❄️ Air conditioning: No
💻 Wifi: Yes, strong
🍽 Kitchen: Yes, and breakfast is included
🏊♀️ Facilities/extras: Outdoor terrace, hot tub, rooftop, 24-hour security, laundry, airport transfers, tour organisations, onsite bar
🏖️ What’s nearby?: All major Antigua attractions, cafes, restaurants and bars
Find out more on Hostelworld.com.
Somos is the most popular backpacker hostel in Antigua and for good reason. It’s perfectly located in the city, has incredible rooftop views, has a good social atmosphere, and the rooms are perfectly clean, modern and comfortable.
“This is without a doubt one of the best hostels I’ve stayed in! The staff are the most lovely and helpful people ever. Especially had fun with Keelan on the bar! The facilities and location are also superb. I wouldn’t book anywhere else if you are in Antigua!“
–Hostelworld.com review (Read more here)
2. Hostel Antigueno
😀 Best for: solo travellers, couples, groups, digital nomads
⭐️ Overall Rating: 9 (Superb)
📍 Location: City centre
💸 Budget: ££
🥳 Hostel vibe: Social but chilled
❄️ Air conditioning: No
💻 Wifi: Yes, strong
🍽 Kitchen: Yes
🏊♀️ Facilities/extras: large courtyard for co-working, tours, transfers to other locations in Guatemala, onsite cafe, 24-hour security
🏖️ What’s nearby?: cafes, restaurants, bars, the Cerro de la Cruz hike, all of the main Antigua attractions
Find out more on Hostelworld.com.
We really loved our time at Hostel Antigueno, and highly recommend it. It’s the perfect location for most of the attractions in the city and is just a 5-minute walk to the main food market outside Iglesia de la Merced.
“Great hostel, good communal area with lots of couches and chairs inside and outside in courtyard. Central location, whole town is small so easy to get around.”
–Hostelworld.com review (Read more here)
3. The Purpose Hostel
😀 Best for: solo travellers, couples, groups
⭐️ Overall Rating: 9.5 (Superb)
📍 Location: City centre
💸 Budget: ££
🥳 Hostel vibe: Social but chilled
❄️ Air conditioning: No
💻 Wifi: Yes
🍽 Kitchen: Yes
🏊♀️ Facilities/extras: Beautiful rooftop views, 24-hour security, laundry, airport transfers, tours, comfortable lounge areas
🏖️ What’s nearby?: All main Antigua attractions
Find out more on Hostelworld.com.
The Purpose Hostel is also known as one of the best hostels in Antigua. With beautiful views, friendly staff, comfortable lounge areas, yoga classes, free coffee, comfy beds and even a rooftop bar, Purpose is a great place to rest and relax in Antigua.
“This is our favourite hostel ever. The staff are incredible, the facilities are great, and the decor and set up is gorgeous. Perfect place to chill before or after Acatenango.”
–Hostelworld.com review (Read more here)
4. Barbara’s Boutique Hostel
😀 Best for: solo travellers, couples, groups, digital nomads
⭐️ Overall Rating: 9.6 (Superb)
📍 Location: City centre
💸 Budget: £££
🥳 Hostel vibe: Chilled but social
❄️ Air conditioning: Yes
💻 Wifi: Yes, strong
🍽 Kitchen: Yes
🏊♀️ Facilities/extras: Beautiful rooftop views, 24-hour security, laundry, airport transfers, tour organisations, onsite cafe
🏖️ What’s nearby?: All major Antigua attractions
Find out more on Hostelworld.com.
Barbara’s Boutique Hostel is a touch of luxury in Antigua for backpackers. Rather than your bog standard dorm and basic hostel facilities, Barbara’s Hostel goes the extra mile to make your stay as comfortable and successful as possible.
The interior decor is stunning, and the rooftop views of the surrounding volcanoes and Antigua town give it an extra edge. It’s a beautiful hostel in Antigua, and if they have availability, book it!
“This is the best hostel I have stayed at in all of my travels. This is an awesome hostel. It will really make your stay relaxing. The rooftop has a very good view.”
–Hostelworld.com review (Read more here)
5. Casi Casa
😀 Best for: solo travellers, couples, groups
⭐️ Overall Rating: 9.7 (Superb)
📍 Location: City centre
💸 Budget: ££
🥳 Hostel vibe: chilled and authentic
❄️ Air conditioning: No
💻 Wifi: Yes
🍽 Kitchen: Yes
🏊♀️ Facilities/extras: Outdoor swimming pool, 24-hour security, laundry, airport transfers, tours
🏖️ What’s nearby?: All main Antigua attractions
Find out more on Hostelworld.com.
One of the most wholesome and authentic hostels in Antigua is Casi Casa. Known for its beautiful interiors, outdoor swimming pool and relaxed atmosphere, it’s the perfect hostel in Antigua if you need a good night’s sleep and a place to relax after Acatenango.
“Casi Casa is so comfy and cozy. I felt so safe and the breakfast each morning was DELICIOUS!!! The staff are very friendly and the vibe is relaxing. Not a party hostel (which I liked in this case) but it’s still very easy to meet travellers and have a relaxing, good time. Would so so recommend for a solid proper good stay.”
–Hostelworld.com review (Read more here)
6. Tropicana
😀 Best for: solo travellers, couples, groups. Known as the best party hostel in Antigua!
⭐️ Overall Rating: 9.3 (Superb)
📍 Location: City centre
💸 Budget: £
🥳 Hostel vibe: Party
❄️ Air conditioning: No
💻 Wifi: Yes
🍽 Kitchen: Yes
🏊♀️ Facilities/extras: party events, social events, bar crawls, swimming pool, onsite restaurant
🏖️ What’s nearby?: All main Antigua attractions
Find out more on Hostelworld.com.
Even though Tropicana is known for being the best party hostel in Antigua, you can also get a good night’s sleep there, so don’t let that put you off. It’s down to you whether you join in in the festivities, as the music will be turned off at around 11 pm. Those wanting to continue the party just head out to Antigua’s best bars and pubs!
“Best hostel in Antigua, super clean, very kind and helpful staff and the best of all, amazing breakfast!! Been there twice and enjoyed every moment!”
–Hostelworld.com review (Read more here)
7. Flore Hostel
😀 Best for: couples, groups, digital nomads
⭐️ Overall Rating: 9.7 (Superb)
📍 Location: City centre
💸 Budget: ££
🥳 Hostel vibe: Chilled and calm
❄️ Air conditioning: No
💻 Wifi: Yes, strong
🍽 Kitchen: No, but an onsite cafe
🏊♀️ Facilities/extras: Onsite coffee shop, lunch options, cosy lounge areas, 24-hour security, laundry, airport transfers, tours
🏖️ What’s nearby?: All main attractions
Find out more on Hostelworld.com.
Flore is a cosy boutique hostel in the middle of Antigua. With a beautiful patio and terrace area, plus modern and clean interiors, it’s one of the best hostels in Antigua for digital nomads and couples.
Flore also has its own coffee shop, where you can buy sandwiches, smoothies and hot drinks throughout the day. They also (uniquely) have options for vegans, gluten-free and other dietary restrictions (trust me, you don’t get that in most places in Latin America!)
“Beautiful hostel! Very cozy, quiet and amazing breakfast. Perfectly clean and great, very helpful staff. Absolutely recommend. 😊”
-Hostelworld.com review (Read more here)
Best hotels in Antigua, Guatemala
Looking for the best hotels in Antigua, rather than a backpacker hostel? I’ve got you covered! Below are some of the best hotels in Antigua.
- Meson Panza Verde: a luxury hotel in the middle of Antigua. Beautiful decor and interior and an excellent location! CHECK PRICES NOW!
- Camino Real Antigua: for a touch of the countryside in the heart of Antigua. CHECK PRICES NOW!
Is Antigua Guatemala safe for backpackers?
Yes, Antigua Guatemala is absolutely safe for backpackers! There are many negative concerns about Antigua’s safety, but this is simply not true. Antigua is a safe place for tourists and backpackers to visit.
In fact, we found Antigua to be one of the safest areas for us to visit as backpackers! I would often walk solo around Antigua, both during the day and at night. It was our favourite place in the whole of Guatemala, and we would return in a heartbeat!
Related posts: 3 Days in Antigua Guatemala: The Perfect Itinerary | Backpacking Guatemala: COMPLETE Guide + ROUTES
Best hostels in Antigua Guatemala: FAQs
1) What is the best party hostel in Antigua Guatemala?
Tropicana is known as the best party hostel in Antigua Guatemala. Expect bar crawls, nights out, pre-drinking, cheap beer, pool parties, social events and more when staying at Tropicana.
2) What is the best hostel for digital nomads in Antigua Guatemala?
Flore is a cosy boutique hostel in the middle of Antigua, great for digital nomads. With an onsite coffee shop, you can grab your cappuccino and breakfast without leaving the front door. It also has high speed internet and plenty of co-working spaces.
3) What is the best hostel for couples in Antigua Guatemala?
Barbara’s Boutique is a great hostel in Antigua for couples. It’s more of a luxurious stay, with beautifully decorated rooms, large common areas and a chilled and calm atmosphere.
4) Where to go AFTER Antigua Guatemala?
Antigua may be at the start or the end of your Guatemalan trip. If you’re unsure about where to go next, I’ve listed some of the most popular options below.
🇬🇹 Lake Atitlan: If you’re staying in Guatemala, Lake Atitlan is just a 2-hour drive away. ➡ Full Antigua to Lake Atitlan guide here | Travelling by boat around Lake Atitlan full guide
🇬🇹 El Paredon: Some backpackers go to the coast after Antigua, especially if you’d like to spend time surfing. You can book shuttles from Antigua to El Paredon easily in town or online here.
🇬🇹 Rio Dulce or Livingston: to experience rural Guatemala. ➡ Full Antigua to Rio Dulce and Livingston guide here.
🇬🇹 Semuc Champey: If you’re travelling north, there are plenty of shuttles that run from Antigua to Lanquin for Semuc Champey. ➡ Full Antigua to Semuc Champey guide here.
✈️ Fly out of the country from Guatemala City airport. If you would like to fly to a different country, Guatemala City is a short 60-minute drive from Antigua. You can also save time on a shuttle and fly direct from Guatemala City > Flores.
🇸🇻 El Salvador: backpacking Central America? The most popular option is to travel south and head to Santa Ana in El Salvador. 🫣 Not sure about visiting El Salvador? Check out my honest opinion on safety here!
🇭🇳 Honduras: we had some friends who went directly from Antigua to Honduras. Again, shuttles can be easily booked from the city centre in Antigua or pre-booked online here.
🇧🇿 Belize: Whilst it will take a while to get from Antigua to Belize, it can be done over 2 days. I do recommend stopping off in Flores, first though, otherwise that’s a hectic few days of travel! Your first stop from Guatemala in Belize will be San Ignacio.
5) Do I need a SIM card to travel around Guatemala?
Yes, I highly recommend downloading an eSIM on your phone to ensure you can use it for directions and safety in Guatemala. We found most of the cities to be chaotic and difficult to find local SIM cards.
ESIMs are easy to download and ready to use within a few minutes of purchasing, so there’s no longer a need to hunt down free Wifi! ➡ You can check out the prices and packages for eSIMs here!
Best backpacker travel insurance for Central America
If you’re visiting Central America as a backpacker, or even for a short vacation, it is so important to have travel insurance. And if you ended up on a post that’s called ‘epic party tips’, you know (just as well as I do) that you definitely need travel insurance.
Personally, I recommend SafetyWing. As a digital nomad and world traveller myself, I can confirm it is the best travel insurance out there. And one of the cheapest – they have deals that start at just $42 USD per month.
I know, I know, you’re thinking ‘but I can’t afford that!’. I was the same! It’s tough to fork out $42 a month on something ‘you might not need’. But what if something DOES happen? That extra Mezcal shot results in you falling down the stairs, or you eat something dodgy from a street food van.
If you need medical help at any point whilst in Central America, you need travel insurance.
With SafetyWing, you’re covered on travel emergencies, basic medical costs and medical expenses throughout your trip, so you can travel without worry (at a backpacker’s price!)
Don’t even think twice about getting travel insurance for Central America. Trust me, I have heard enough horror stories about backpackers who haven’t had insurance and have ended up in a lot of debt. Don’t be that person!
If you’ve been putting the job off because it takes a lot of time and effort to research the best travel insurance companies, I understand. That’s why I’ve done the hard work for you. Sign up for SafetyWing, and the job is done!
Best Hostels in Antigua Guatemala: In A Nutshell
So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about the best hostels in Antigua Guatemala. As a digital nomad myself, I know how important this can be – so I hope it helps!
When you’re planning a trip to Guatemala, make sure you let me know over on Instagram or in the comments below!
If you haven’t seen my blog before, I write posts aimed at first-time backpackers on a budget. I’m currently travelling around the world with my boyfriend (read more here!), creating guides and itineraries for you to follow in our footsteps!
Keep an eye out for more Guatemala content, all written from a personal and realistic point of view. You can sign up for my newsletter and juicy travel updates here!
As always, thanks for reading and supporting the blog!
Happy travelling 🙂
Jennie x
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MEET THE AUTHOR!
Hi! I'm Jennie! As a part-time travel blogger based in London, I'm using my 10+ years of travel expertise to encourage & inspire you to step out of your comfort zone through sustainable, mindful and purposeful travel.
If I'm not writing, I'm either reading, drinking coffee or taking a wild swim (all at the same time if I'm feeling impressive).
