Most of the lodging, dining, and Spanish Schools in Xela are centered around Parque Central, making everything within easy walking distance. Hostal Don Diego, and Black Cat are both just a few blocks from the park. Casa Argentina is a slightly farther walk, but not far, and beds here are slightly cheaper as well.
Hostal Don Diego:
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Don Diego offers both dorms and private rooms. Bathrooms are shared, as is the kitchen, which is well-stocked and large enough to accommodate a number of people. The staff here are great, and very hospitable even when you wake them up late at night to be let in. Towels come with the room, and extra blankets are offered generously, because in case no one told you, it tends to get cool at night in Xela.
There are several rooms on the main floor, and a handful upstairs. The rooms on the right upstairs let in sun and warm up during the day. Also upstairs feels a little more private.
While not a party hostel, you’re still likely to meet lots of other travelers passing through town, some staying just a few days, and others a few weeks. Discounts for longer stays are offered. And all the information you would need is available on their website. The tap water here is filtered, but bottled water is still our preference, which they sell for Q7 for 2 liters. (You can also stock up at the Dispensa.) WIFI is available in the rooms and common areas, and there are lockers for the dorms.
Also, the well-reputed Adrenalina Tours operates out of Don Diego, making it easy to book trips to any of the nearby sights and attractions, or to book shuttles to your next destination.
Prices:
Dorm bed: Q60 ($7.70 USD) / night
Single w/ small bed: Q70 ($9 USD) / night
Double: Q130 ($16.70 USD) / night
Rates decrease by the week or month.
Contact:
6 Calle 15-12, Zona 1 (just 3 blocks from Parque Central)
Phone: 7763 1000
Email: info@hostaldondiegoxela.com
Black Cat
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Located just two blocks from Parque Central, Black Cat is a popular hostal for those passing through town. Most of the rooms are dormitories, with six or eight beds. Private rooms are a little pricier, but all rooms include breakfast with your stay. There is also a restaurant at Black Cat, with a varied menu and large portions. Coffee here is Q10, refills included. There is also a computer for guest use, and laundry service available for Q30 per load. There is no kitchen, but the restaurant is open from 8am-10pm daily, and water bottles can be refilled for a small fee. (Note: If you’ve stayed at Black Cat in Antigua, this is under the same franchise. However, as of November 2013, the Black Cat Antigua has closed its doors.)
Prices:
Dorm: Q60 ($7.70 USD) / night
Private room, shared bath: Q160 ($20.50 USD) / night
Private room, private bath: Q200 ($25.65 USD) / night
Contact:
13 Avenida 3-33, Zona 1
Phone: 7765 8951
Email: xela@blackcathostels.net
Casa Argentina
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Located a couple extra blocks from Parque Central, Casa Argentina is a large hostel that in some ways feels more like an apartment building. On the property, the hiking outfit, Quetzaltrekkers has an office, and those passing through for treks often sleep at Argentina, while others make this place their home for much longer periods of time. Casa Argentina has a reputation that proceeds it, basically as long term housing for hippies in Xela. Some who’ve stayed here call it “an experience.” Some wouldn’t stay anywhere else. We’ve met people who return year after year. However, at the time of our visit, several of the longer term residents had been asked to leave. So we aren’t sure what this means for the reputation, or the experience. If you’re visiting, leave a comment and let us know.
The rooms here are cheap and spacious. The dorm resembles a storage facility for extra beds. There just happens to be walking space in between them. But, if a bed is all you need, why pay for more?
There is a kitchen on site for guest use, as well as drinking water, and WIFI. And also apparently a new pizza/restaurant venture, taking place on the grounds. We didn’t get a chance to try one, so let us know if you do.
Prices:
Dorm: Q30 ($3.85 USD) / night
Private for one person, shared bath: Q40 (around $5 USD) / night
Private for one person, private bath: Q50 ($6.41 USD) / night
Private for two people, shared bath: Q75 ($9.62 USD) / night
Private for two peope, private bath: Q105 ($13.46 USD) / night
Contact:
Diagonal 12, 8-43, Zona 1
Phone: 7763 2320 or 4156 4510
Email: casaargentina.xela@gmail.com
GETTING // GOING • SLEEPING • EATING • DOING