Ojala Hotel — Hotel in Sacatepéquez

Many problems with integrity and honesty— we constantly felt like they were trying to sneak a cheap dollar. The location itself is without a doubt beautiful, the rooms themselves were average. Offerings were standard.

The large problem arises with the staff. Upon arrival, they increased the price original given with the explanation taxes and conversions (although our original payment included both taxes and conversions in the invoice), yet their back of the envelope calculations kept coming up differently each time. They could never consistently explain the price difference. After traveling all morning and being exhausted, we decided to just pay even though from the flightiness of the receptionist we could tell he was lying. He also was curt and rude, and kept a defensive composure. During our time in Antigua we completed a volcano hike where they gave us a congratulations corona. The bar volunteered to help pop the beer lid. When we checked out at 3am, we found that the bartender had charged us for the cost of two beers from that encounter. When speaking to my friend, the front desk pretended not to speak English. Being fluent in Spanish, definitely surprised the front desk and he began to backtrack and say it was an error and would be taken off. Check credit card statement and they left the charge. Again, disappointing lack of honesty.

Although beautiful, the front desk service and lack of integrity was a serious turnoff and with the abundance of beauty and other availabilities in Antigua, we’d advise skipping this location unless you want to double guess every invoice and encounter while they try to make a quick buck.

**Updated reply from Ojala again demonstrates their dishonesty. If the front desk representative is bilingual, then it is even more disappointing that he pretended not to know English to deceive my friend. Also, the maid eagerly offered to open our beer and never mentioned a corkage fee. Again, it’s not that these fees were outrageously high, but it was the principle that they constantly wanted to cheat their guests. Disappointing because the location is lovely, but definitely pass as their staff will do anything to make a...

This hostel should really consider an employee training and an exterminator. The room next to the reception has a lot of cockroaches, when I told the lady at the reception she told me, she knew about it. I had to be persistent to get another room, I did not understand why I got checked in, in that room in the first place. My backpack was on the floor and when I moved it, I found A LOT OF cockroaches under and later in it. I had to go trough and clean all my stuff in the evening. There were cockroaches in the wooden Cabin and on my bed. Instead of helping or refunding me the money, she laughed about it. The only help I got was from the coworker who sprayed my backpack with bug spray. When two new tourists arrived 10 mins later, she checked them in, in the same room. Which is why I pointed that out to them. When they asked for another room the lady at the desk said there were no cockroaches in the room. Which is why I stepped in and told her to give them another room and close this dorm for the day until they find a solution for their situation the next day. What an irresponsible and disrespectful way to not give a shit about your costumers. In addition to that, The young girl on the reception was constantly giving me attitude for no reason whenever I had a question. For example taking my breakfast the next morning to go, because I had an early bus. When I wanted to leave in the morning the college did not know about it. Had to go for a 12 hour bus ride without breakfast. What a pity this could be a nice place if it didn’t have incompetent and...

Ojalá is a wonderful concept of trying to create an upscale accomodation but still retaining the hostel vibe and I think they do incredibly well to pull it off. You can see the attention to detail and design the minute you walk in through the front gate. They have two charming courtyard gardens where they serve a delicious Guatemalan breakfast and hammocks, lounge furniture in the corridor that connects the two. Our queen room with an attached bathroom was towards the back of the property and had a wonderful view of the mountain through the glass paned double doors. The bed was super comfortable unlike any I've slept on at a hostel, its more like beds you find at fancy hotels. The bathroom had a rain shower with fantastic water pressure and all toiletries included. There was no closet but it did have two nightstands and ledge with hangers. To get all these amenities at a hostel price is just phenomenal. To add to it the staff are all so friendly and helpful, especially Yesenia who is an absolute gem. If I'm ever back in Antigua will stay here again without hesitation.

(Currently they are not offering bar service but it seems to be a temporary measure because of covid and honestly did not take away from the...