🧭 Field Guide · Lake Atitlán
Where to Stay at Lake Atitlán: What We'd Book Next Time
We spent 5 weeks at Lake Atitlán. During that time, we stayed at two different accommodations. One of those accommodations turned into our first negative Airbnb stay. We also visited or ate at a few places with stay options. We heard about many through other travelers and locals. In this article, we will round them up and put them into three categories:
- Tier 1: Stayed there
- Tier 2: Ate/visited there
- Tier 3: Researched & Recommended
Quick-Answer Summary
| Property | Town | Tier | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Villa María Apartment | San Pedro La Laguna | 1: Stayed | Friends, Couples | $75/night |
| Alas del Angel | San Marcos La Laguna | 2: Visited | Couples, Families, Solo travelers | Approximately $100 per night |
| Dina’s family homestay | San Juan La Laguna | 2: Visited | Travelers interested in living with a local family | Starting at $23 per night |
| The Yellow Orchid (Lakefront home) | San Juan La Laguna | 3: Researched & Recommended | Families, Large groups of friends | Approximately $390–$430 per night |
| Casa Lolita’s | San Juan La Laguna | 3: Researched & Recommended | Solo travelers | Starting at $15 per night |
| Eco Hotel Uxlabil Atitlan | San Juan La Laguna | 3: Researched & Recommended | Nature lovers | Approximately $50–$70 per night |
| Mikaso Hotel | San Pedro La Laguna | 3: Researched & Recommended | Couples, Families | Approximately $40–$50 per night |
| Sababa Resort | San Pedro La Laguna | 3: Researched & Recommended | Those seeking a luxury experience | Ranging from $32 to $201 per night |
| Laguna Lodge Eco-Resort & Nature Reserve | Santa Cruz La Laguna | 3: Researched & Recommended | Nature lovers | Approximately $280–$320 per night depending on room type |
| GuateMia Beach Resort | Santa Cruz La Laguna | 3: Researched & Recommended | Couples, Friends | Approximately $50 to $120+ per night |
| Casa Sirena (long-term stay Airbnb or the other unit) | Santa Cruz La Laguna | 3: Researched & Recommended | Long-term travelers | Approximately $50–$80 per night |
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Where We Stayed
Airbnb Stay 1: When Our Airbnb Stay Went Wrong (What a start!)
Location: Outside of San Marcos La Laguna
Cost: $796.45 for the month
We booked this place for our entire stay at Lake Atitlán, but the treatment we received from the host when we interacted was terrible, abysmal, and a 0 out of 10. We still use Airbnb regularly, but it would be insincere of us to pretend like nothing weird/bad has ever happened during a stay.
What we liked about the property: We loved being greeted by the sunrise every morning outside our balcony. We had a private dock where Carly could jump in the lake and swim whenever she wanted. The views from this place were incredible, and the price was nice, but we’d never book this place again.
We’re not naming or linking to this one. We wouldn’t recommend it based on our stay experience.
Airbnb Stay 2: Villa María Apartment
Location: On one of the main roads in San Pedro La Laguna.
Cost: $150 for 2 nights for 3 people
As we mentioned in our guide to getting to and around Lake Atitlán, due to the lancha (boat) schedule, we couldn’t stay out late in other towns a lot of the time. When our friend, Taylor, came to the lake, we decided to rent an Airbnb for the weekend in San Pedro La Laguna.
This Airbnb stay was in an excellent walkable location. It was in a safe, well-trafficked area. One of the main roads was just outside our doorstep, which means it wasn’t the quietest place, but we slept fine.
One morning, I was hanging out on the balcony, and I saw a man snorkeling with a machete in hand, cutting back the weeds in the lake. I really enjoyed seeing how the lake formed a part of the daily chores and leisure activities of the locals.
If you’d like to see the property for yourself, check out the Villa María listing on Airbnb.
What We’d Book Instead (Places we dined at/visited)
San Marcos La Laguna
Cost: approximately $100 per night depending on room type
Close to where we actually stayed. We would walk over and enjoy their restaurant frequently.
Highlights:
- Private dock
- Beautiful property
- Lovely staff
- Locally owned business
The hotel might be able to arrange lancha pick-ups from its private dock, but we are not sure.
San Juan La Laguna
Cost: Starting at $23 per night
We filmed an episode of At Her Table with Dina. We enjoyed spending the day with her and her family, enjoying her pepián recipe. She and her husband Don Nico are very kind, hospitable people. They ended up showing us their homestay accommodations afterwards, and we definitely want to stay there on our next visit to the lake.
Highlights:
- Well-kept
- Great location (near Calle de las Sombrillas)
- Wonderful hosts
- Cute outdoor area with hammocks and BBQ grill
Instagram: @hospedajedonnico
Researched Picks
San Juan La Laguna
The Yellow Orchid (Lakefront home)
Cost: approximately $390–$430 per night
This place looks stunning! We would love to bring our friends and family to the lake, and this place looks perfect for hosting large groups.
Highlights:
- The views
- Lake access
- Private chef service (additional fee)
- Helpful host and staff
Cost:
- Budget/standard private rooms: $15–$22 per night
- Double/deluxe rooms: starting from $25 per night
This place looks cute and comfortable at a good price point.
Highlights:
- Located at the center of the village
- Nature views
- Spacious rooms
Cost: approximately $50–$70 per night
No bad views here. What I like about this hotel is that it really embraces nature. It offers bird watching activities and other nature and cultural experiences.
Highlights:
- Beautiful location
- Free breakfast
- Various tours can be arranged
- Sauna
San Pedro La Laguna
Cost: approximately $40–$50 per night
Not only does this hotel have beautiful views, but it also has lots of shared spaces, which is great for meeting other travelers.
Highlights:
- Affordable
- Private beach access
- Communal kitchen for long-term guests who want the option
- Located on the outskirts of the “party street of San Pedro” but still walkable to the center
Cost:
- Shared dorm: starting from $32 per night
- Lake View Suite: starting from $133 per night
- Mountain View Room: starting from $201 per night
We ate at the Sababa restaurants, and if their accommodations are as good as the food, you will be in good hands.
Highlights:
- Pool
- Beach view
- Amazing location
- So many activities!!! (additional fee)
Santa Cruz La Laguna
Laguna Lodge Eco-Resort & Nature Reserve
Cost: approximately $280–$320 per night depending on room type
I love the jungle vibes and that the owners seem committed to conservation. There’s a private nature reserve on-site, which is interesting. This place is only accessible by lancha, and they can arrange for a lancha to pick you up from Panajachel. It’s about a 10-minute boat ride.
Highlights:
- Spa
- Vegetarian meals
- Tours and water sport activities can be arranged
- Nature reserve
Cost: approximately $50–$120+ per night
This place looks like it has a fun, chill atmosphere.
Highlights:
- Private beach
- Spa
- More affordable compared to other resort-style hotels
- Beautiful aesthetics
- Excellent location
Casa Sirena: long-term stay Airbnb or the other Casa Sirena unit (part of the same house with two separate units)
Cost: approximately $50–$80 per night
This property has rave reviews on Airbnb for its amazing views of the lake, cleanliness, and cozy vibes.
Highlights:
- The views
- Starlink internet
- Easy access to tuktuks and lanchas
Honorable Mentions: Hostel Edition
Back in the day, I really enjoyed staying in hostels. It was so affordable for me as a college student, and it was a great way to maybe make a friend and find out about excursions in a new city.
Location: San Pedro La Laguna
Cost: $20–$40 per night, depending on the room you select
This place first came to my radar via a flyer for their weekly boat party. That sounded like a good time to me! I never actually got to go to the boat party because I got violently ill the week I was planning on going. Sad.
Highlights:
- Boat party on the lake every Thursday at 10 am. Cost: $32 and up.
- Pub crawl every Tuesday and Saturday at 5 pm. Cost: $23 and up.
- Mullets for Good: environmental and educational outreach in the community
Who says you can’t have fun and give back! No idea what it’s like to stay there, but it could be worth checking out.
Location: Santa Cruz La Laguna
Cost:
- Shared Glamping: $15–$25 per night
- Private Glamping and Bamboo Casitas: $60–$80 per night
- Lakehouse: $80–$110 per night
Carly heard about this place on social media. I live under a rock, so I only found it when I was browsing the different areas of the lake on a Google map.
Highlights:
- Lakefront views
- Free beer happy hour
- Unique accommodations
- Lots of activities to choose from
It looks like a nice place with the same fun, happy energy that Mr. Mullet’s Hostel showcases.
FAQ
What’s the best area to stay in at Lake Atitlán?
Probably San Pedro La Laguna or San Juan La Laguna because there’s a wide selection of places to stay across a range of budgets. Check out our article on the best villages around Lake Atitlán.
Are Airbnbs or hotels better at Lake Atitlán?
It really depends on what you want. If you are seeking a long-term stay or you are working and need a desk and strong Wi-Fi, we recommend Airbnbs. If you are going on vacation for a few days or seeking certain amenities such as an on-site restaurant, we’d recommend a hotel.
What should you watch out for when booking Atitlán accommodations?
Some hotels and Airbnbs advertise “lake views,” but double-check because sometimes it’s inaccurate. Some listings show hot tubs or jacuzzis and make it look like it’s for your room specifically, but they end up being shared. Sometimes you just want to chill and relax in a remote accommodation, but ask questions about access to lanchas or tuktuks or the village center because sometimes one of those is an issue. Don’t just judge distance based on what Google Maps says because sometimes a 10-minute walk can be up a very steep incline. Read the accommodation reviews on booking sites closely.
How far in advance should you book?
Three months out if you plan to go during peak season.
Who This Guide Is For
Anyone choosing where to stay at Lake Atitlán who wants honest picks: where we stayed, where we visited, and what we researched, from budget hostels to lakefront splurges.