Hotel El Sol — Hotel in Panajachel

PROS-Quiet within the dorm during my stay as it was "shoulder season" which I appreciated for rest. Curtains for every 2 dorm beds. Bed aren't bunk so they are all laid out in a big room. Hot water showers and soap and daily clean up. Hot and cold water dispenser for coffee/tea. Breakfast available (?) but i left too early to roam around (much of the Lake area breakfast is offered late, so sorry early birds). Staff made the bed daily for the dorms which is unheard of! No orientation so i didn't now there is roof/terrace/garden access. The lighting isn't great on the 2nd floor so not so great for reading. Owner is outside smoking on the swinging chair so no communal space. perpas a couple tables and chairs could be placed outside. Burning of coals in cooking by most villagers so abit of fumes from that--this is common all over the Lake area. The barking dogs are also common as they are strays all over the Lake area. i recommend just using earplugs. No communal kitchen. during the trip i despeartely needed to have some veggies due to the diet not including much. Perhaps they can offer use of the kitchen for a small fee. I just wanted to do simple boils, but never asked since I hardly saw the staff and there was a sign indicating no kitchen use.||CON-The man of few words. No customer service, not sure if it's just discrimination as others said they rec'd great customer service. He didn't help in arranging any rides for me. The dorm can get isolating because unlike other hostals there is no 'common area' to socialize. Not too many rooms and during my stay I had the dorm to myself most of the time (it's 15 min walk from the main drag which i didn't mind but some prefer to be in the drag). Which made it difficult for me to go back out at night after having to return and take a break. Bring a small flashlight if you plan to go out after dark--lucky someone i met day 2 gave me hers. The ppl cyclists here don't have reflectors and it can be very dangerous walking in the dark as there is little visibility and i'm shocked pedestrians are walking in the dark without reflective or bright colored clothes. No sidewalks so we are sharing the road with peds, cyclists,...

PROS-Quiet within the dorm during my stay as it was "shoulder season" which I appreciated for rest. Curtains for every 2 dorm beds. Bed aren't bunk so they are all laid out in a big room. Hot water showers and soap and daily clean up. Hot and cold water dispenser for coffee/tea. Breakfast available (?) but i left too early to roam around (much of the Lake area breakfast is offered late, so sorry early birds). Staff made the bed daily for the dorms which is unheard of! No orientation so i didn't now there is roof/terrace/garden access. The lighting isn't great on the 2nd floor so not so great for reading. Owner is outside smoking on the swinging chair so no communal space. perpas a couple tables and chairs could be placed outside. Burning of coals in cooking by most villagers so abit of fumes from that--this is common all over the Lake area. The barking dogs are also common as they are strays all over the Lake area. i recommend just using earplugs. No communal kitchen. during the trip i despeartely needed to have some veggies due to the diet not including much. Perhaps they can offer use of the kitchen for a small fee. I just wanted to do simple boils, but never asked since I hardly saw the staff and there was a sign indicating no kitchen use.||CON-The man of few words. No customer service, not sure if it's just discrimination as others said they rec'd great customer service. He didn't help in arranging any rides for me. The dorm can get isolating because unlike other hostals there is no 'common area' to socialize. Not too many rooms and during my stay I had the dorm to myself most of the time (it's 15 min walk from the main drag which i didn't mind but some prefer to be in the drag). Which made it difficult for me to go back out at night after having to return and take a break. Bring a small flashlight if you plan to go out after dark--lucky someone i met day 2 gave me hers. The ppl cyclists here don't have reflectors and it can be very dangerous walking in the dark as there is little visibility and i'm shocked pedestrians are walking in the dark without reflective or bright colored clothes. No sidewalks so we are sharing the road with peds, cyclists,...

This is probably the best value lodging in Guatemala, particularly in the Lake Atitlan region.

Located in the quieter residential area of Panajachel, it's a short Tuk Tuk ride (Q 10 per person) to the San Pedro boat dock. It's possible to walk, it's approximately 1.5 miles into the busy Calle Santander shopping area.

The room is very quaint with minimal furniture and decor. Beds are small but comfortable. Bathroom is very small sink and toilet but the shower stall is fairly large. Plenty of hot water (takes 1-2 minutes to heat up). Minimal amenities provided, and you get a very small TV with no English speaking channels. The tile flooring is beautiful, functional, and very clean.

The owner speaks Fluent Spanish and Japanese but minimal English. He is friendly and there is a seating area for a nice breakfast for a reasonable price. He also does laundry services, a great convenience so we could return home with suitcases full of clean clothes.

There is free instant coffee and purified hot and cold water in the lobby. There is a rooftop deck but no lounge furniture up there, but it is possible to see the sunset over the lake. He has a refrigerator in the common area for guests.

We think it is a great base for staying at the lake but it's not for everyone. Our rating is based on the overall value for the low price. Don't expect luxury here, but it is a very clean room and we...