There is not a lack of options for places to lay your head in Panajachel. Hotel after hotel can be found on the main streets, and more are tucked away in the side streets or alleyways. Upon asking for recommendations on some of the better budget options in Pana, we were kindly reminded that sometimes, you get what you pay for. Especially because prices in Pana seem to be higher than some other towns, its worth shopping around or just accepting that you might pay a little more than you would for similar accommodations in some of the other towns around the lake. There are plenty of budget options in Pana (around $10 or less) but if you would prefer amenities such as drinking water, hot water, or wifi, its work checking on their availability when you arrive. However, now forewarned, here are some of the places we’ve visited (and liked!) in Pana:

Lakefront:

 

Tucked down an alleyway off of the Playa Publica, you’ll find the following three hotels, all with clean rooms, helpful staff, and great views of the lake. They aren’t the cheapest options in town, but the prices are at least competitive. And, if you aren’t traveling solo, double and triple rooms here are a little cheaper than the singles.

The signs for these hotels can be easy to miss, and the alleyway easily passed by as well. Ask for directions, or check out the picture above to view the entrance.

Hotel Vinas del Lago

Located near the piers, this place is affordable and clean, and has beautiful balconies covered with vines and plants. They offer WIFI, two computers for guest use, and drinking water. Oh yeah, and TVs.

RATES:

Single for one person with private bathroom: Q85/night (around $11 USD)

Double with private bathroom: Q150/night ($19 USD)

Room for Three People: Q225/night ($29 USD)

Contact:

Phone: 7762 0389

Email: braulio.pana@hotmail.com

 

Hotel Sueno Real

A little higher in price than neighboring Vinas, Hotel Sueno Real also offers WIFI, drinking water, hot water, and if you ask about breakfast in advance, it’s possible to make arrangements for breakfast, for Q15/person. Though this offer may not be available at all times.

RATES:

One person, shared bathroom: Q100/night (around $13 USD)

One person, private bathroom: Q150/night ($19 USD)

2 people, private bathroom: Q180/night ($23 USD)

2 people, for the best view in the hotel, with private bath: Q250/night ($32 USD)

3 beds with private bath: Q300/night ($39 USD)

4-5 people with private bath: Q350/night ($45 USD)

Contact:

Phone: 7762 0608

Email: suenorealhotel@gmail.com

Hospedaje Contemporaneo

Continuing on past Sueno Real, Hospedaje Contemporaneo is just next door. They offer WIFI, drinking water, and their prices are slightly cheaper than their two neighbors. Also, if you’re planning a get away with friends, Contemporaneo also has a guest house, which can be rented for 5-10 people, at a rate of Q60/person/night ($7-$8 USD). The guesthouse offers a large living room, refrigerator, parking, television, and an outdoor space. Use the contact information below to ask for more information.

Rates:

Single with Private Bath: Q75/night ($10 USD)

Double with Private Bath: Q140/night ($18 USD)

3 beds, private bath: Q200/night ($26/night)

Contact:

Phone: 7762 2214

Centrally Located:

Mario’s Rooms

Mario’s Rooms was the first place recommended to us in Pana. Here, the beds are comfortable, the rooms are kept immaculately clean, WIFI works well, and a light breakfast is included in the price. Considering most breakfasts in town run Q20-Q30, having your first meal provided can be worth the extra quetzales. And again, traveling with two people is going to be a little cheaper than sleeping alone.

RATES:

Breakfast included – choice of eggs w/ beans and bread, oatmeal with fruit, toast with butter and jam, or an egg or ham sandwich. Coffee or Tea included.

1 person, shared bathroom: Q100/night ($13 USD)

1 person, private bath: Q130/night ($17 USD)

2 people, shared bath: Q180/night ($23 USD)

2 people, private bath: Q220/night ($28 USD)

 

Hospedaje El Viajero

For the common rate of Q75/night, Hospedaje El Viajero offers the benefit of kitchen use during your stay. They also have WIFI, drinking water, and computers for guest use.

Rates:

1 Person: Q75/night

2 people: Q65/person/night

And for more than 2 people in a room, the rates are also slightly less. You can inquire for more info.

Contact:

Phone: 7762-0128

Email: elviajerohospedaje@gmail.com

www.hospedajeelviajero.com

Larry’s Place

Larry’s place lacks WIFI access, but instead offer’s a beautiful garden area in front of the hostel. The rooms here are very well kept, and all have private baths. Parking is also available here.

Rates:

Single: Q100/night ($13 uSD)

Double: Q150/night ($19 USD)

Contact:

14 Calle de Febrero

Phone: 7762 0767

 

Budget Options:

Well within a $20 a day budget, these options leave plenty of cash for eating, paragliding, or souvenir shopping during your stay in Pana. If the higher prices at the options above aren’t in your budget, you’re still in luck:

Villa Lupita

Recommended by the neighboring Spanish School, Villa Lupita has the cheapest rates we’ve seen in Pana, with rooms that are comparable to other hotels in town. Villa Lupita is a little further from the water, but still not a far walk from restaurants or cafes. WIFI is available here, though the signal isn’t as strong or as reliable as other locations. Also, drinking water and NesCafe are available at all times for guests. And while Q40 is an ideal price for a private room with shared bathroom, you may want to inquire as to how many other guests are sharing the bathroom. If it’s not busy, you should have no problems. But if the place is near capacity, you might want to consider the convenience of having your own bath.

Rates:

 1 person, shared bath: Q40/night (just over $5 USD)

1 person, private bath: Q70/night ($9 USD)

2 people, shared bath: Q75/night ($10 USD)

2 people, private bath: Q120/night ($15 USD)

Contact:

Callejon el Tino, Frente a Iglesia

Phone: 5054 2447 or 4331 3042

Hostel La Palapa

Located in the back rooms of La Palapa Restaurant are two rooms with large beds, lockers, and not much else. But if what you’re looking for is a place to store your stuff, and possibly even catch some sleep, La Palapa has great rates  for a bed in Pana. Plus, the bar seems to be a hang-out for expats around the lake, as well as travelers. If you find yourself at the bar, you’re sure to meet people. And Hostel owner, Bruce, is well versed in travels in Guatemala. Also, WIFI is available.

Rates:

Q50/person/night

GETTING // GOING          •          SLEEPING          •          EATING          •         DOING          •         OUR STORY

Take me back to LAKE ATITLAN // Take me back HOME