The hotels and resorts in Lake Atitlán arguably have some of the most incredible panoramic views in the world, with three immense and ancient volcanoes and colorful lakeside towns as picturesque backdrops.
When we were living in Lake Atitlán as nomads, we often “oohed and aahed” at the hotels we passed by while traveling from town to town via boat.
Some of them you could clearly make out from the water, while others were hidden among a canopy of shady trees and tropical flora.
In this guide, I will clue you in on where to stay with details on the hotel, amenities, and the town it’s located in.
Whether you are looking for the best budget-friendly hostels, beautiful boutique hotels, and luxurious 5-star resorts, below you’ll find the top-rated places to stay in Lake Atitlán, Guatemala!
Best Hotels in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
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Before we get into the nitty-gritty, a quick word of advice on where to stay.
Lake Atitlán is much bigger than one might expect, and traveling to the different towns around the lake via boat can quickly get tiring.
From Panajachel to San Pedro, for example, will stop along 5–6 docks/towns to pick up/drop off travelers, and it will take a total of 35–40 minutes one-way.
If you are wanting to explore the lake’s municipalities in a few days, know that day trips are possible but taxing.
However, if you were to base yourself in San Pedro, San Marcos, or San Juan as this is where most of the activities are, it would be easier to get around and check off your bucket list.
The lesser-known towns of Santa Cruz, Santa Catarina Palopó, Jaibalito, Santiago Atitlán, Tzununá, etc, feature some of the best hotels in the area, but they are really for get-there-and-relax vacations.
Now let’s look at the top hotels in Lake Atitlán!
1. La Casa del Mundo
- Location: 9.5/10
- Highlights: Hot tub, sauna, pool, kayaks, garden, restaurant
- Town: Jaibalito
- Environmentally friendly 🌿 (solar-heated water, recycled trash/compost)
Everyone raves about La Casa del Mundo and it’s easy to see why. With an impeccable location overlooking Lake Atitlán and the three volcanoes, the views don’t get much better than this.
But even more magic awaits beyond the vistas!
Here, you can enjoy an outdoor pool, hot tub (Q300 extra), sauna, delicious meals and family-style dinners, free kayaks, relaxing hammocks, a private swimming spot, curated gardens, and overall a warm and attentive staff. There is even a cool hiking trail that passes behind the hotel; it’s one of our favorite hikes in Lake Atitlan.
All the rooms are lovingly decorated with textiles and handicrafts from all over Guatemala. You can choose from Standard, Suite, or the Deluxe Suite based on your budget.
La Casa del Mundo is the perfect hotel in Lake Atitlán if relaxing is your main objective.
Click here to check rates and reserve your room!
Fun Fact! 🐠
La Casa del Mundo is a popular snorkeling and dive spot in Lake Atitlán thanks to its submerged balcony and stairwell (the water levels have risen and fallen many times throughout history).
2. Villas B’alam Ya
- Location: 9.4/10
- Highlights: Deluxe rooms, balconies, kitchens, garden
- Town: In between Panajachel and Santa Catarina Palopó
- Pet-friendly 🐾 (charges may apply)
Nestled between the bustling town of Panajachel and the colorful municipality of Santa Catarina Palopó lies the Villas Balam Ya — a hotel with luxurious vacation rentals offering rest and respite from the world.
In this little oasis by the lake, you can recharge your batteries in peace and quiet. The hotel is set among beautiful gardens featuring cozy villas complete with full kitchens, balconies, deluxe bathrooms and bathtubs, and anything one might need for a rejuvenating stay.
Large windows let in soft, natural light and offer one the opportunity to gaze upon the lake and its majestic volcanoes straight from your balcony or bedroom!
While you could stay in the comforts of your villa all day, there are plenty of activities to enjoy; rent a bicycle and pedal to Santa Catarina Palopó, hire a private chef, kayak on the lake, soak in the tub, shop in Panajachel, learn pottery in San Antonio Palopó, and more.
Villas Balam Ya is perfect for couples or groups of family and friends and those wishing to stay nearby to Panajachel but without the noise of the town or crowds. Click here to book in advance as there are only four villas available (Mirador, Bambu, Jade Cottage, and Soluna).
3. Sababa Resort
- Location: 8.5/10
- Highlights: Outdoor pool, lakefront, bar, patios, yoga
- Town: San Pedro La Laguna
If you’re headed to the more backpacker-friendly town of San Pedro La Laguna, you can’t miss the Sababa Resort. Perched lakefront to the right of the docks, the hotel is in a prime location for beautiful lake views and accessing “downtown” San Pedro with a quick 5-minute walk.
Part boutique hotel, part hostel, Sababa Resort offers a mix of suites/dorms for every budget and occasion. It has arguably one of the prettiest outdoor pools with swings and loungers integrated right into the water. You can also enjoy a bar, hammocks by the beach, a private swimming spot, and sunrise yoga.
The Sababa Resort was one of the first hotels in Lake Atitlán that caught our eye. We lived in a tiny home on the slope of Volcán San Pedro for two months and went to the Sababa restaurant/cafe regularly for lava cake and fresh juice!
If you want to base yourself in one of the buzzing towns of Lake Atitlán, San Pedro is a great choice with lots of things to do and places to eat. Check room rates for Sababa Resort and reserve your spot! Booking.com offers free cancellation on most rooms.
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4. Tzampoc Resort
- Location: 8.7/10
- Highlights: Infinity pool, exceptional volcano views, bar, sauna
- Town: Santa Catarina Palopó
The gorgeous Txampoc Resort is one of the best luxury hotels in Lake Atitlán, hands down! The resort’s location set on the hillside above Santa Catarina Palopó affords its guests sweeping panoramic views of the three volcanoes and the lakeside towns.
Not to mention, Tzampoc has the most amazing outdoor infinity pool. You can’t beat these views! (You can even come here as a non-guest on a day pass to enjoy it.)
On top of the pool, views, gardens, and terraces, Tzampoc has incredibly decorated rooms (some with tubs and fireplaces) a delicious restaurant (with service from a private chef possible), and a luxurious firewood sauna, and more.
Click here to check availability for Tzampoc! If rooms are booked full (they go fast), then another amazing option to stay in the area is Hotel Casa Palopo.
5. Lush Atitlán
- Location: 9.0/10
- Highlights: Jungly gardens, healthy food, free entry to the natural resevoir
- Town: San Marcos La Laguna
Lush Atitlán is an Instagrammer’s delight, with tropical, jungly gardens, aesthetic healthy food, and rooms with clean and bohemian-style decor. While the views are not as drool-worthy as other places to stay in Lake Atitlan, the grounds of the hotel are beautiful and give a special vibe.
The hotel has a variety of room offerings; choose from honeymoon suites, deluxe rooms with king beds, standard rooms with shared showers, and more. There are several types of accommodation options for every travel style — click here to check room rates!
If you’re looking for a town with New Age vibes and eccentric energy, then San Marcos La Laguna is a good choice. This town tends to attract drum-circlers, hippies, and alternative folks. (I personally didn’t like it as much as the other towns around the lake, but that’s because I prefer places with more locals versus tourists.)
If you’re vibin’ with San Marcos but not with Lush Atitlán, then check out these other popular hotels in San Marcos La Laguna — Eagle’s Nest or the El Dragon Hotel.
6. Arca de Noé
- Location: 9.2/10
- Highlights: Lakefront, panoramic views, kayaks, restaurant, garden
- Town: Santa Cruz La Laguna
The Arca de Noé Hotel has one of the most exceptional views of Lake Atitlán. It is located just left off the docks of Santa Cruz La Laguna, a 10-minute boat ride from Panajachel, and is tucked away in its own little oasis with a tropical garden, shady trees, and hammocks.
We discovered this hotel the first time we set out to hike the Lower Mayan Trail. The path passes right in front of the hotel and it looked so cute that we decided to come back and stay for brunch.
You can stay in beachfront Bungalows or classic and standard room suites. From the friendly staff to the good food to the perfect location, there’s a lot to love about Arca de Noé.
Click here to reserve your stay at Arca de Noé, or, if you’re looking for other options in Santa Cruz, you might also want to check out the beautiful Iguana Perdida Hotel or the Atitlán Sunset Lodge. ☀️
7. Hotel Porta del Lago
- Location: 9.4/10
- Highlights: Lakefront, outdoor pool, gym, terrace, pets allowed
- Town: Panajachel
Hotel Porta del Lago is a boutique luxury hotel located in Panajachel with exceptional views, rooms and amenities — earning itself the reputation of offering “world-class” service to its guests.
The hotel is particularly ideal for families with kids. Adults can enjoy the naturally-sulfured cold tub, bar, sauna, or outdoor pool while kids can partake in the weekend activities as part of the exclusive children’s club.
If you need any help booking tours or day trips, the staff at Porta del Lago will guide you in the right direction! Click here to check availability.
8. Jenna’s River Bed & Breakfast
- Location: 8.9/10
- Highlights: Nature, bar, garden, outdoor pool, spa
- Town: Panajachel/Santa Catarina de Palopó
Jenna’s River Bed & Breakfast is a sweet little hotel located just outside of Panajachel!
It offers guests the chance to relax and unwind in their tastefully-decorated hotel room while enjoying the outdoor pool and jungly gardens. This is an adults-only hotel so you can fully relax and seep in the views, get a massage, or enjoy a glass of wine at sunset undisturbed.
Jenna’s is a local’s favorite place to stay to get some much-needed R&R. The view of Lake Atitlán from your bathtub or balcony is unbeatable. Click here to check room styles and rates!
9. Casa Prana
- Location: 8.5/10
- Highlights: Luxury villas, yoga, spa/wellness, outdoor pool, dining
- Town: Santa Cruz La Laguna
For the ultimate luxurious experience, check out Casa Prana!
This gorgeous 5-star hotel in Lake Atitlan rivals the top hotels in the world. A night here will cost you a pretty penny, but for those looking for just that, you can’t find better.
Casa Prana excels in every area: comfort, decor, dining, service, and more. There are five suite types: Junior, Luxury, Prana, Executive, and King available. Book now to get free cancellation on most rooms!
10. Selina Panajachel
- Location: 8.9/10
- Highlights: Coworking space, billiards, outdoor pool, wifi, yoga
- Town: Panajachel
Finally, if you are someone who wants to fuse community, coworking space, and coffee all into one, then consider staying at Selina in Panajachel.
As you may know, Selina is a chain hotel/hostel but one that is boutique in budget and style with bohemian and destination-inspired decorated rooms, enticing outdoor pools, coworking spaces with fast wifi, and a community of backpackers and nomads.
Whether or not you are a digital nomad living in Lake Atitlán or simply on vacation looking for community and strong wifi, then don’t overlook Selina!
Want to stay at Selina?
Reserve your room today as this is a popular place to stay in Lake Atitlán!
Bonus — Eco Hotel Uxlabil
- Location: 8.8/10
- Highlights: Eco-friendly, kayaks, lakefront, temazcal
- Town: San Juan La Laguna
Last but not least, if you are wanting to stay in a colorful Mayan town with lots to do, yet that’s off the beaten path, then check out accommodation options in San Juan La Laguna.
There aren’t many hotels in this town, but there is the Eco Hotel Uxlabil which is a beautiful hotel that’s also got a green thumb. 🌱
Here, you can enjoy all the comforts and luxuries you would at other hotels. There’s a beautiful pool set in a jungly garden, kayak rentals, solar-heated showers, spacious rooms, and more.
If you are wanting a unique and sustainable hotel in Lake Atitlán, check out Uxlabil. Check room rates and availability for your travel dates!
San Juan is one of my favorite towns around Lake Atitlán and deserves a spot on your Lake Atitlán bucket list. Hike to Indian Nose, take a weaving workshop, sip coffee at Maria’s, shop for textiles, tour a coffee farm, and more!
All of the hotels and resorts featured in this guide were selected with intention based on favorability, location, eco-friendly practices, service, and overall guest satisfaction.
If you have any questions about visiting Lake Atitlán, feel free to reach out and I’ll do my best to help!
Need more inspiration or help planning your trip to Guatemala?
Also Read:
- An Epic Lake Atitlán Itinerary — How to Spend Your Days Lakeside in Guatemala
- 15 Best Hotels in Antigua: Where to Stay in Guatemala’s Colonial Gem
- 23 Incredible Things to Do in Antigua, Guatemala
PIN & SAVE THIS LAKE ATITLAN HOTEL GUIDE FOR LATER
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