With its postcard-perfect scenery of shimmering blue waters surrounded by massive volcanoes, indigenous villages, and luxury resorts, it’s no wonder that Lake Atitlan is widely considered to be the ‘Jewel of the Highlands’ in Guatemala. And while this idyllic destination is definitely popular with high-end experience seekers, its mix of affordable and premium accommodation options makes it ideal for just about all travelers, regardless of your budget! This makes Lake Atitlan one of the best destinations to include in your Guatemala itinerary.
Whether you’re looking for a 5-star retreat in the mountains, a rustic eco-resort in a rainforest nature reserve, or a hostel with shared dorm-style tents by the water’s edge, we’ve got you covered with this extensive list of the 15 best hotels in Lake Atitlan.
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Best Hotels in Lake Atitlan
Best Hotels in Lake Atitlan – At a Glance
- La Casa del Mundo – Most Picturesque Hotel
- Selina – Best Accommodation for Digital Nomads
- Eagle’s Nest – Best Ecological Yoga Resort
- Free Cerveza – Best Hostel for Solo Travelers
- Casa Prana – Best 5-Star Hotel
- Eco Hotel Uxlabil Atitlan – Best Mid-Range Hotel
- Sababa Resort – Most Atmospheric Hotel
- Villas B’alam Ya – Best Private Villa Resort
- Hotel Casa Palopo – Best Romantic Hotel
- Porta Hotel del Lago – Best Hotel for Families
- Tzampoc Resort – Best Hotel for Views
- Lush Atitlan – Best Boutique Hotel for Health Food Lovers
- Hotel Arca de Noé – Best Rustic Hotel
- Laguna Lodge Eco-Resort and Nature Reserve – Best Eco-Friendly Luxury Resort
- Jenna’s River Bed & Breakfast – Best Adults-Only Retreat
1. La Casa del Mundo (Jaibalito)
Most Picturesque Hotel
At a Glance:
- Wood fire-fueled hot tub and spa facilities
- Gorgeous gardens and the best views of the lake
- Lakefront with water activities
- Close to El Jaibalito
- Onsite health restaurant
Perched on the hillside overlooking Lake Atitlan, the fairytale-esque La Casa del Mundo occupies a brick-and-stone hotel with a whimsical charm. Adding to the resort’s good looks are stunning gardens and guest rooms decorated with woven textiles, indigenous art, and quirky curios around every corner. We personally stayed here during our trip to Lake Atitlan after seeing this gorgeous hotel on TikTok, and it definitely was worth the hype!
This hotel is definitely one of the most premium facilities in the region, with an on-site restaurant/bar that’s ideal for taking in the sunset with a cocktail, which we did many times. For activities, you can take part in water sports like paddleboarding and kayaking. If you’d rather unwind, take advantage of La Casa del Mundo’s massage service, or we highly recommend booking the hot tub! You can explore the hotel’s surroundings and the charming neighboring village of El Jaibalito by hiking. And if you want to explore the other villages, no worries; the public boat passes by every 10 minutes or so.
Keep in mind that the hot tub at La Casa Del Mundo must be reserved ahead of time and costs an additional 300 Quetzales (40 USD).
This is a pretty pricey hotel, but the views and unique facilities are definitely worth the price if you have a higher budget!
2. Selina Atitlan (Panajachel)
Best Accommodation for Digital Nomads
At a Glance:
- Dorm room lodgings with cultural decors
- Dedicated workstations
- Outdoor pool
- Yoga deck, restaurant, movie room
Selina is a luxe Latin American chain of hostels with properties geared towards digital nomads in many of the world’s most exciting destinations – Lake Atitlan in Guatemala being one of our favorites.
Selina’s dorms, affectionately known as ‘community rooms,’ feature decors that give a nod to the local culture. And don’t worry if you prefer having your own space, Selina offers private rooms as well. When you’re not relaxing in the cozy accommodation of your choice, you can join fellow travelers at the pool, the large lounge, the yoga deck by the lake, the restaurant, or the movie room.
Best of all, for those who need to work on the go, Selina is home to its own dedicated coworking space with modern and comfortable workstations plus complimentary Wi-Fi. This is why we always rate Selina near the top of our list of any accommodation we recommend. We are digital nomads, after all!
3. Eagle’s Nest (San Marcos)
Best Ecological Yoga Resort
At a Glance:
- Regular yoga classes
- Nature retreats
- Onsite organic restaurant
- Range of accommodation, including dorms, rooms, and studios
If you’re looking to harness your inner zen while staying near Lake Atitlan, consider reserving a room at the Eagle’s Nest, which takes inspiration from the spiritual cultures of the Tz’utujil and Kaqchikel shamans living nearby. While the ethos of Mayan mysticism is apparent, Eagle’s Nest also exudes a new-age vibe.
Eagle’s Nest is in San Marcos, which is a very hippie/yogi village with tons of vegan restaurants and holistic shops. If this is the vibe you are looking for during your trip to Lake Atitlan, we highly recommend checking out Eagle’s Nest.
Popular activities at this tranquil hotel include regular yoga classes and nature retreats. After a day of soul searching, you can dig into tasty organic treats made with ingredients from the garden at the onsite restaurant. Then, you can retreat to your nest-like room, where you can get stunning views of the lake. I guess that is why they call it the Eagle’s Nest!
4. Free Cerveza (Santa Cruz)
Best Hostel for Solo Travelers
At a Glance:
- Free beer for 2 hours at dinner (Free Cerveza, get it?)
- Communal lounges and kitchen
- Lakeside yoga and meditation classes
- Hosted nightly dinners
- Dorm-style shared tents
If you’re traveling alone, you can mingle with a community of like-minded solo explorers at Free Cerveza, where all guests are treated to a free, ice-cold beer (honestly, what a name and concept for a hostel!). And you can do much more than just let your hair down at this top-rated hostel.
When you just want to kick back with nomads from all corners of the globe, you can relax in the comfortable lounge areas or the communal kitchen (a handy amenity for those who want to shave a few dollars/quetzals off food costs). There are also activities such as yoga and meditation classes right by the lake. I mean, how picturesque does that sound? In the evening, you can sit down with the host family to enjoy whatever special dinner is being served on the day. Oh, and the best part? You get 2 hours of free beer with dinner!
5. Casa Prana (Santa Cruz)
Best 5-Star Hotel
At a Glance:
- Accessible by boat or helicopter
- Located inside a stone mansion
- All-wood, rustic-luxe guest rooms
- 5-star facilities
- Wellness activities
If you want to treat yourself to a spot of exclusivity during your trip to Lake Atitlan, you might want to stay at the 5-star Casa Prana, which is only accessible by boat or helicopter. Situated inside a sprawling stone mansion, this plush hotel sits amid volcanoes with breathtaking natural views and facilities to match.
The all-wood guest rooms represent the epitome of rustic luxe, with fixtures that include tables crafted from giant tree trunks, wood-gabled ceilings, and four-poster beds. From your balcony, you can soak up views of the hotel’s grounds, pool deck, and extensive gardens, with the blue waters of Lake Atitlan shimmering in the distance.
Besides a vast pool, Casa Prana’s amenities include a yoga studio, lake access, a spa, and a restaurant serving locally sourced organic meals. It’s not the cheapest hotel in Lake Atitlan, but it’s certainly one of the best for those who want to splash out on some premium accommodation!
6. Eco Hotel Uxlabil Atitlan (San Juan)
Best Mid-Range Hotel
At a Glance:
- High-value nightly rates
- Cozy guest rooms
- Foliage-covered façade
- Grab-and-go breakfasts
The Eco Hotel Uxlabil Atitlan may not be as swanky as some of its 5-star neighbors, but its high-value prices, premium facilities, incredible activities, and famously friendly hospitality staff make it one of Lake Atitlan’s best budget-friendly accommodation options.
Décor-wise, the Eco Hotel Uxlabil Atitlan features simple whitewashed guestrooms and a foliage-draped exterior. You’ll also notice rustic and colorful touches that complement the resort’s surroundings.
While you’re here, treat yourself to a grab-and-go breakfast before heading out for an excursion into nature for the day. The Guatemalan coffee will definitely perk you up and get you ready for your day!
7. Sababa Resort (San Pedro)
Most Atmospheric Hotel
At a Glance:
- Basic dorms to luxury suites
- Outdoor pool and beach
- Water sports
- Wellness activities
- Located in San Pedro la Laguna
Located in the backpacker-friendly town of San Pedro la Laguna on the lakefront by the docks, the Sababa Resort has a little something for all types of travelers. Lodging options range from basic dorms to luxurious suites. And the number of activities and facilities on offer make it a super entertaining place to stay.
Our favorite amenity at Sababa Resort is definitely the pretty outdoor pool that boasts loungers integrated with the water, swings, and a bar. There’s also a beach with hammocks, sunrise yoga classes, beach activities, and much more. However, keep in mind this is a lake, not the ocean. If you are looking for proper beach vibes in Guatemala, you’ll want to head to El Paredon.
When you want to explore beyond the confines of your hotel, you can walk to the bustling town of San Pedro in about five minutes.
8. Villas B’alam Ya (Panajacahel)
Best Private Villa Resort is Atitlan
At a Glance:
- Private villa accommodation
- Onsite spa
- Private chefs on request
- Yoga classes and cultural workshops
If you want a private villa to call home while holidaying in Lake Atitlan, you won’t regret reserving a luxurious abode at the Villas B’alam Ya Resort. Besides inspiring views of the lake, Villas B’alam Ya boasts plenty of other facilities to keep you occupied, including a pampering spa and an onsite restaurant. Not far from Villas B’alam Ya is the town of Panajachel, where you’ll find plenty of nightlife and dining options just a tuk tuk drive away. Panajachel is definitely the busiest and most developed area of Lake Atitlan, so you’ll be near all the amenities.
The five private villas at Villas B’alam Ya are extremely spacious, featuring fully equipped kitchens, cozy living areas, and shaded terraces with dining tables that provide unobstructed views of the lake and surrounding volcanoes. When you’re not relaxing indoors, you can take part in yoga classes, weaving workshops, walking tours, kayaking, and trips to nearby villages.
9. Hotel Casa Palopo (Santa Catarina Palopo)
Best Romantic Hotel in Atitlan
At a Glance:
- Rooftop pool deck
- Water sports
- Spa treatments
- Onsite restaurant
- Intimate guest rooms
What was once a private, Spanish-style home is now one of the most unique abodes for couples in Lake Atitlan. We spotted this hotel from the lake and were mesmerized by how beautiful the historic building is. Located just a few kilometers from Panajechel, Hotel Casa Palopo features a rooftop pool and deck with meditative mountain views. Onsite activities include lake walks, spa treatments, kayaking, and paddleboarding. There’s also a restaurant where you can sample authentic Guatemalan delicacies.
The guest rooms are arguably the highlight of Hotel Casa Palopo; these stylish retreats feature exposed beams, Juliet balconies, and heavy iron beds. What more could you want from a romantic getaway?
10. Porta Hotel del Lago (Panajachel)
Best Hotel for Families in Lake Atitlan
At a Glance:
- Dedicated children’s club
- Sauna and sulfured cold tub
- Outdoor pool
- Water sports
- Culture tours
If you want to treat the entire family to a luxurious trip to Lake Atitlan, consider staying at the Porta Hotel del Lago boutique hotel, which is known for its world-class service, excellent amenities, and exceptional lake and volcano views.
Traveling with the kids is a breeze thanks to the hotel’s dedicated children’s club. While the kids are being entertained, you can make the most of facilities such as the naturally sulfured cold tub, the sauna, or the bar, where you can enjoy a range of tasty bites and cocktails while basking in Guatemala’s gorgeous climate.
But when the entire family is together, you can all enjoy the large outdoor pool and the delicious onsite restaurant (kid’s meals are available). You can also take part in a range of activities, such as diving, canoeing, windsurfing, snorkeling, table tennis, fishing, cultural tours, and more. The town of Panajachel is just a short drive away.
11. Tzampoc Resort (Santa Catarina Palopo)
Best Hotel for Views
At a Glance:
- Commitments to preservation and sustainability
- Rustic style with wooden finishes
- Private chef on request
- Close to Panajachel for other amenities
- Onsite Guatemalan restaurant
For an unforgettable stay at a truly exceptional eco-lodge, book a room at the Tzampoc Resort. This resort has an unwavering commitment to preserving the local surroundings while promoting travel sustainability. Seamlessly blending in with its environment, the Tzampoc Resort features rustic touches such as exposed wooden beams, hardwood floors, thatched roofs, natural stone, and warm colors.
During your stay, you can take advantage of popular activities, such as sunbathing, swimming, and kayaking. And when you get peckish, the restaurant rustles up tasty cuisine using local ingredients, giving you the chance to sample authentic Guatemalan fare while soaking up elements of Mayan culture.
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind experience at an eco-conscious retreat with plenty of high-end amenities, the Tzampoc Resort is likely right up your street.
12. Lush Atitlan (San Marcos)
Best Boutique Hotel for Health Food Lovers
At a Glance:
- Onsite botanical gardens
- Lake and volcano views
- Located in San Marcos
- Spa, saltwater infinity pool, and yoga deck
- Farm-to-table restaurant
Needless to say, a stay at Lake Atitlan is all about embracing the best of the outdoors, which you’ll have ample opportunity to do during a stay at the Lush Atitlan boutique hotel. This exclusive resort is home to stunning botanical gardens that look almost as impressive as the views of the lake backdropped by highland volcanoes in the distance.
Besides manicured gardens, Lush Atitlan’s facilities include a spa, a saltwater infinity pool, and an outdoor yoga deck with sprawling lake views. Plus, the restaurant serves a range of farm-to-table delights. In the nearby town of San Marcos La Laguna, you’ll find plenty of wellness and spiritual activities.
13. Hotel Arca de Noé (Santa Cruz)
Best Rustic Hotel in Lake Atitlan
At a Glance:
- Tropical garden with hammocks and shady trees
- Beachfront bungalows and standard suites
- Activities for eco-conscious travelers
- Budget-friendly
Situated right beside the docks in Santa Cruz La Laguna, an easy boat ride from Panajachel, the Hotel Arca de Noé offers what we believe to be some of the best views of Lake Atitlan. Facilities such as a tropical garden with hammocks and shady trees make the Hotel Arca de Noé a welcoming oasis.
While the standard room suites are incredibly cozy, we recommend treating yourself to a bungalow on the beach to really take advantage of your stay here. Expect rustic decorative touches, eco-friendly activities, and hospitable staff. Despite this hotel’s undeniable appeal and natural beauty, it’s an ideal choice for budget-conscious travelers.
14. Laguna Lodge Eco-Resort and Nature Reserve (Santa Cruz)
Best Eco-Friendly Luxury Resort
At a Glance:
- Luxurious eco-resort with private nature reserve
- Rustic décor and palm-thatched roofs
- Onsite spa
- Water sports in the private dock
With its stylish shaggy looks and palm-thatched roofs, the Laguna Lodge Eco-Resort and Nature Reserve seamlessly blends in with its rainforest backdrop right on the edge of the lake. While this resort has a natural rustic charm, it also boasts luxurious fixtures such as Rococo-framed mirrors, antique furniture, and candelabra chandeliers.
During your stay at the Laguna Lodge, you’ll be able to feast on organic delights at the onsite restaurant, kayak and swim in the private dock area, and rejuvenate with a few indulgent spa treatments (because why not?). You’ll also be in the heart of a nature reserve, so there’ll be plenty of flora and fauna to spot.
While the Laguna Lodge has all the facilities you need for an eco-friendly, luxurious stay at Lake Atitlan, you’ll find plenty of restaurants, cafés, and attractions by heading to the nearby villages on the lake via public or private boat.
15. Jenna’s River Bed & Breakfast (Panajachel)
Best Adults-Only Retreat
At a Glance:
- Over 18s only
- Outdoor pool and gardens
- Onsite spa
- Guest rooms with balconies and bathtubs
Need a break from loud families (and children) during your getaway to Lake Atitlan in Guatemala? Jenna’s River Bed & Breakfast is a quaint, adults-only retreat just outside the town of Panajachel. The hotel has excellent facilities, tastefully decorated guest rooms, superb views, and a tranquil atmosphere – perfect for those in need of some peaceful R&R.
While you’re here, you can enjoy facilities that include an outdoor pool and beautiful gardens. There’s also an onsite restaurant and an amazing spa with treatments ranging from massages to beauty therapies. When you want to unwind in privacy, you can relax on your balcony or in your bathtub while soaking up the view of Lake Atitlan.
Stay in One of the Best Hotels in Lake Atitlan!
If you want to escape the bustle of the city and embrace a getaway at one of the most scenic destinations in Guatemala, a stay at one of the best hotels in Lake Atitlan should be near the top of your bucket list. While you’re here, you can enjoy hikes in stunning natural settings, rejuvenate your mind and soul at wellness retreats, and discover the indigenous cultures in charming villages by the water’s edge. And you won’t struggle to fill your Instagram feed with incredible photos of awe-inspiring vistas as well!
Are you going to continue on your trip to Antigua? If so, you should check out our list of the best hotels in Antigua Guatemala!
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