Best Lake Atitlan Waterfront Hotels

January, 2023

The best Lake Atitlan waterfront hotels are located in and around Panajachel, Guatemala. Choosing a waterfront hotel in Lake Atitlan can be quite challenging. Why? Because there are a wide variety of tourists that come to Lake Atitlan. There are Lake Atitlan luxury hotels and there are many other hotels/hostels for backpackers, students and yoga buffs. Therefore it will be important for you to determine what you are looking for. We, at Best Waterfront Destinations focus on more luxurious, waterfront hotels. 

Transportation: Since Lake Atitlan is quite remote, one of the first things that come to mind is how to get there. Well... the most luxurious method is by helicopter. The beautiful waterfront Hotel Atitlan has a helicopter landing pad right on the property! We suggest using a tourist or shuttle bus driven by professionals that can take you directly to the hotel. Keep in mind however that some of the waterfront hotels can only be reached by boat from Panajachel. If you are on a budget and can handle a rough ride then you can take a very colourful bus from Antigua, Guatamala. Uber is also another option. Once you arrive at the main city of Panajachel you can use TukTuks which are the most common form of transportation. Just don't expect them to transport much luggage or you may have to hire one per person.

Safety: Many parts of Guatamala are very safe. We have traveled to Antigua (you must go there for a few days) and to Lake Atitlan. We have felt very safe. However, the obvious. Do not wear any jewelry or flashy clothes around town. Wear modest clothing. Keep enough money for the day on your possession. Otherwise, keep the rest at the hotel in a safe spot. The locals love to be greeted by tourists who offer a sincere smile. Balance however needs to be exercised as some street vendors can be aggressive. 

Best time of year to visit: Hands down early December to late March.

Things to do: There are a few places offering horse tours, ATV tours etc.. However, one of the best towns around Lake Atitlan to visit is probably San Juan. It is developing an artistic theme of streets with large murals, streets with umbrellas and sombreros hanging overhead. Panajachel is the most active town with many restaurants and the most hotels. It has the Atitlan Nature Reserve offering zip lining, butterfly dome and a nice hike. It is also the main hub for boats leading to the smaller towns. A waterfront hotel worth making a day trip to (if you cannot stay there) is La Casa del Mundo en Jaibalito.  We strongly suggest you at very least go there for a lunch or early dinner! We went to visit and ended up just relaxing, enjoying lunch and taking a vast amount of photos.

La Fortuna Atitlan (Reviews and Booking Link)

Tucked away from the city of Panajachel in a very private bay, this Lake Atitlan boutique waterfront hotel is probably the best reviewed hotel I have seen. It is also an award winning hotel of worldwide status! Five minutes by boat from Panajachel and you enter a paradisiac world of tropical flora and beautiful views of the lake and volcanos. The suites offer beautiful garden bathrooms and standard bungalows have private garden bathrooms with rain shower. A swim up floating dock is at the front of the property and you may enjoy the fire heated hot tub as well. 

 Phone: 5808 1999    

Hotel Atitlan (Reviews and Booking Link)

This Atitlan luxury waterfront hotel is definitely focused on the American/European tourist. The Atitlan Hotel has a helicopter landing pad and easily accommodates weddings as well as business functions. Enjoy beautiful tropical and rose gardens. A beautiful pool and Jacuzzi with beautiful views of the lake and volcanos. Handcrafted furniture adorn the hotel common areas as well as your beautifully decorated room with private balcony. A very well deserved 2022 T/A Traveller's choice award recipient. It is located walking distance to Panajachel (or you may take a Tuk Tuk) if you wish to take a boat to visit the local towns surrounding the lake.

Address: C. de Finca San Buena Aventura, Panajachel  Phone: 7962-0404 

La Casa del Mundo (Reviews and Booking Link)

This Lake Atitlan waterfront boutique hotel is simply spectacular. We saw it from the boat on our way to visit one the popular town of San Juan. The next day we decided to stop and have lunch at the restaurant. It was simply spectacular from the dock to the simply lovely restaurant offering great cuisine. The gardens are lush, the rockwork of the stairs and the suites is simply breathtaking. There are currently only 19 rooms. Next time we are in Lake Atitlan we will definitely book at least two nights. If you cannot book this hotel we strongly suggest stopping by for lunch and touring this property! Boat access only and lots of stairs. Easy boat access to all parts of Lake Atitlan.

Address: El Jaibalito, Lake Atitlán,  Phone: 5204 5558

Porta Hotel del Lago (Reviews and Booking Link)

One of the larger hotels in Panajachel with 100 rooms of various sizes. Great location near to the public ferry boats, easy access to shopping areas of Panajachel. You'll enjoy the great views of Lake Atitlan and the volcanos from this hotel. There's a small gym and a nice swimming pool a play area for the children to enjoy. There's free supervised childcare & children's club so parents can enjoy some alone time. Spa services are available. Well reviewed and recipient of T/A 2022 Traveler's Choice Award.

Address: 17, 2A Avenida, Panajachel 07000,  Phone: 2244 0700

Hotel Posada de Don Rodrigo (Reviews and Booking Link)

This Antigua waterfront hotel is very well located at the end of the main street where you will find many tourist shops, restaurants and more. It offers a sauna and a pool with a waterslide for the children to enjoy. There is plenty of space on the grounds and nice garden areas. A good hotel for families to enjoy with easy access to everything. Don Rodrigo also has a hotel in Antigua, Guatemala!

Address: Calle Santander Final, Panajachel, Phone: 7762 2326

Villas B'alam Ya (Reviews and Booking Link)

If you are looking for peace and quiet and a beautiful waterfront boutique hotel this may be the ticket. Lovely place for a bit of solitude, meditation as well as yoga. This is a place to do some personal soul searching, reconnecting with your significant other. Hot tub and a free breakfast. Rooms feature a small kitchenette. Enjoy the video! 

Address: Km 4 carretera hacia Santa Catarina Palopó, 07011, Phone: 4833 8076

Jardines del Lago (Reviews and Booking Link)

A great location for this Lake Atitlan waterfront hotel. Close to the main tourist area but far enough to be fairly quiet. Very close to the public ferries to the smaller towns around the lake. This larger hotel  offers facilities for weddings and conventions. They offer a free breakfast to get your day started. Also you may enjoy some water activities here such as kayaking, Jet skiing, as well as a swimming pool. A great hotel for families and special larger events.

Address: Calle Monterrey, Panajachel 07010, Phone: 7762 6114

Hotel San Buenaventura (Reviews and Booking Link)

Within walkable distance to town, this Lake Atitlan waterfront hotel probably is one of the very few with an actual beach with sand to enjoy! Located close to the Atitlan Nature Reserve. Guests will enjoy the private wooded trails on the property as well as the coffee grove. You may rent the lovely hotel rooms or you may rent fully furnished homes with kitchens with a capacity of six guests. These can be rented for longer term stays. This is an excellent choice for full flexibility, great location for families. 

Address: Finca San Buenaventura Panajachel, Sololá, 07010, Phone: 7762 2559

Casa Prana Resort Hotel (Reviews and Booking Link)

Casa Prana Resort Hotel is a newer 5 star waterfront hotel in Lake Atitlan. However... it is a perfect blend of modern and colonial architecture and decor. A delight of 9 acres of gardens with panoramic views of Lake Atitlan. The private luxury retreat can be reached by boat or helicopter. It is very focused on wellness and its location is perfect for this. Enjoy the peace and serenity at the Yoga space or outdoor lounges and hammocks. Healthy, tasty meals, a massage, lounging by the heated saltwater pool or find your quiet place anywhere on the lush tropical property. Kayaks and Kayoukos are also available. 

Address: Paxanax Santa Cruz La laguna solola, 00501, Phone: 5361 0270

Jenna's River Bed and Breakfast (Reviews and Booking Link)

Here is a bit of a gem. It is NOT waterfront. However it is quite a lovely bed and breakfast. Filled with lovely lush tropical plants throughout the property, a swimming pool and a very proud owner. Jenna is very much a hands on owner and loves to ensure everyone is very happy. A lovely little bar with happy hour and a cozy restaurant with beautiful views. A little ways out of town but taking a Tuk Tuk is easily arranged. Definitely worth considering. 

Address: km 1.7 Carreterra a Santa Catarina, Panajachel,  Phone: 5468 1984

Atitlan Waterfront Vacation Rentals

If you are looking for the larger waterfront accommodations in Lake Atitlan to accommodate your family or group of friends, we recommend a nice vacation rental from VRBO. With most of these you will have full cooking facilities and more privacy. Enjoy these private Lake Atitlan vacation rentals

Warning: Always use extreme caution at any beach you may visit. Water conditions change from day to day depending on weather etc..  Never swim alone and supervise children at all times. Rogue waves may occur anytime.

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