Best Places to Stay in Flores, Guatemala
Not sure where to stay in Flores Guatemala? Look no further.
Flores is a picturesque island town sitting in the middle of Lake Petén Itzá in northern Guatemala. Whilst it’s a popular base for those exploring the nearby ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal, the town itself also offers a blend of colourful streets, charming lakeside views and a relaxed vibe.
Whether you’re a budget backpacker or looking for more comfort, there are plenty of accommodation options available. Below, I’ve highlighted 15 of the best places to stay in Flores, Guatemala; some on the island, others elsewhere around the lake or near Tikal. This guide will help you decide the best places for you!
Where to Stay in Flores, Guatemala (Quick Summary)
- Best value: Los Amigos Hostel
- Best social: Los Amigos Hostel
- Best luxury: Las Lagunas Hotel
- Best for Tikal: Hotel Tikal Inn
- Best for adventure: Tikal Camping
Which area to stay in Flores? + Map
When people visit ‘Flores’ there are three main areas to stay:
- Flores Peninsula (Isla de Flores): This is the small island on Lake Petén Itzá, and where the majority of people stay as this is where restaurants, transport and most other activities are centered. Given its relatively small size, places sometimes sell out during the high season.
- Around Lake Petén Itzá: There are plenty of accommodation options dotted along the edge of this vast lake. Usually isolated from the towns, they are ideal for escapes into nature and peaceful retreats.
- Near Tikal: Staying near Tikal is fantastic for a visit to this historic site, though not great for much else… Consider this option if Tikal is the primary reason for your visit. You might consider staying here for a night or two while exploring Tikal and the jungle, before moving elsewhere.
Where to Stay in Isla de Flores
1. Los Amigos Hostel
- 📍 Location: Isla de Flores
- 🙌 Highlights: Restaurant, cozy courtyard, bar, tour/transport bookings
- 💰 Price: $
- ⭐️ Average rating: 8.7/10
- 🛏️ Room types: Dorms, private rooms, family rooms
Los Amigos is the most popular hostel in Flores. Located in the heart of the island, it’s a vibrant, social hub for meeting other travellers and booking transport and excursions. Known for its communal vibe, this hostel feels like a mini jungle with lush greenery and hammocks in a cozy courtyard. They offer everything from dorm beds to private rooms, and whilst it’s not the cheapest hostel available, it works for most travellers on a budget. It has a convenient in-house restaurant, plus a hidden club in the back! 🕺
During my stay here, I valued how easy they made everything and its natural vibe. The only thing I found strange was the communal bathrooms which were right beside the public restaurant!
2. Hotel Petén Express Tikal
- 📍 Location: Isla de Flores
- 🙌 Highlights: Free breakfast, swimming pool, laundry service
- 💰 Price: $
- ⭐️ Average rating: 8.8/10
- 🛏️ Room types: Dorms, private rooms with or without bathrooms
Hotel Petén Express is a common alternative to Los Amigos and, given it’s a cross between a hostel and hotel, it offers a slightly different vibe. The main highlight is its awesome pool overlooking the lake which is perfect for chilling out after sunrise at Tikal or watching the sunset!
This option offers modern, budget-friendly accommodations with a touch of comfort. With comfortable rooms, a lakeside terrace, and easy access to the island’s attractions, it’s ideal for travellers seeking convenience and a relaxed atmosphere while exploring Flores and Tikal.
3. Hostal Don Cenobio
- 📍 Location: Isla de Flores
- 🙌 Highlights: Free breakfast
- 💰 Price: $
- ⭐️ Average rating: 9.3/10
- 🛏️ Room types: Dorms, private rooms with or without bathrooms
Situated in the heart of Flores and one of the highest-rated accommodation options, Hostal Don Cenobio offers a budget-friendly, laid-back stay with a local touch. It’s a small family-run hostel with clean, basic rooms, a communal kitchen, and welcoming staff to create a homely atmosphere for travellers. Its central location, a short walk from the main square, makes it a handy base for exploring Flores.
4. Ahau Tikal Hostel
- 📍 Location: Isla de Flores
- 🙌 Highlights: Morning yoga, kitchen facilities
- 💰 Price: $
- ⭐️ Average rating: 9.9/10
- 🛏️ Room types: Dorms and private rooms
A relatively new addition to Flores’s hostel scene. This small and budget-friendly hostel is a fantastic option for backpackers looking to relax and socialize. Ahau Tikal‘s vibe is homely and laid-back, with a really helpful owner. Located on the island, it’s a perfect base for exploring Flores’ charming streets, with attractions just a short walk away. Also, Nelson the owner has a cute hostel cat called Nieve! 🐈
5. Hotel Isla de Flores
- 📍 Location: Isla de Flores
- 🙌 Highlights: Swimming pool, free airport shuttle, breakfast
- 💰 Price: $$
- ⭐️ Average rating: 8.9/10
- 🛏️ Room types: Double rooms
Hotel Isla de Flores is a boutique hotel offering modern comforts, perfect for travellers or couples seeking something a little fancier (given there aren’t many high-end options on the island). You can recognise the hotel by its Mediterranean vibe and its aesthetic lights which illuminate the street. Rooms here are spacious, some even come with balconies offering stunning lake views. It has a small swimming pool, bar and restaurant. Plus its central location means you’re just steps away from all the main attractions on the island.
Where to stay at Lake Petén Itzá
6. Gacumatz Lakeside Inn
- 📍 Location: Lake Petén Itzá
- 🙌 Highlights: Games room, kitchen facilities
- 💰 Price: $
- ⭐️ Average rating: 9.9/10
- 🛏️ Room types: Dorms, private rooms with or without bathrooms
Located discretely on the shores of Lake Petén Itzá, Gacumatz Lakeside Inn offers tranquil, lakeside accommodations with a focus on relaxation and nature. The inn features comfortable rooms with private balconies and beautiful lake views, a chill setting for unwinding after exploring Flores and Tikal. With direct access to the lake and a peaceful atmosphere, it’s ideal for travellers seeking a peaceful escape close to nature whilst still keeping to a budget.
7. Las Lagunas Hotel
- 📍 Location: Lake Petén Itzá
- 🙌 Highlights: Monkey island, activities, free breakfast
- 💰 Price: $$$
- ⭐️ Average rating: 9.6/10
- 🛏️ Room types: Lake-facing cabanas
Las Lagunas is the epitome of luxury by Lake Petén Itzá. This boutique hotel, set within a huge private nature reserve, features private suites with stunning views, as well as an infinity pool and spa facilities. It’s a perfect option for those wanting to immerse themselves in nature while still enjoying high-end amenities.
8. Bolontiku Hotel
- 📍 Location: Lake Petén Itzá
- 🙌 Highlights: Free breakfast, shuttle service to Flores Island
- 💰 Price: $$$
- ⭐️ Average rating: 9.4/10
- 🛏️ Room types: Terraced or balcony rooms
Situated along the quieter shores of Lake Petén Itzá, Bolontiku Hotel is a luxurious hideaway surrounded by nature. The hotel features spacious suites with modern touches, a lakeside infinity pool, and excellent dining options. Ideal for couples or anyone looking for a more serene, off-the-grid experience. They also offer spa treatments!
9. La Lancha
- 📍 Location: Lake Petén Itzá
- 🙌 Highlights: Free breakfast
- 💰 Price: $$$
- ⭐️ Average rating: 9.3/10
- 🛏️ Room types: Various suites and bungalows
If you want to treat yourself, La Lancha is a luxury eco-lodge owned by the renowned filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola. It offers incredible views of the lake and surrounding jungle, with upscale bungalows that blend natural beauty and modern comfort. The property is beautifully designed, with wooden walkways, a gorgeous infinity pool, and a restaurant serving gourmet food.
10. Hotel Gringo Perdido
- 📍 Location: Isla de Flores
- 🙌 Highlights: Free kayak or paddleboard, free breakfast, fitness centre
- 💰 Price: $$$
- ⭐️ Average rating: 9.4/10
- 🛏️ Room types: Double rooms, family rooms, king rooms
Located near the town of Remate, Gringo Perdido is a relaxed, lakeside retreat that combines rustic charm with beautiful surroundings. This eco-friendly hotel offers lakeside bungalows that come with private terraces. Plus the hotel offers free kayaks and paddleboards for guests looking to explore the lake.
Where to stay near Tikal?
11. Hotel Tikal Inn
- 📍 Location: Tikal
- 🙌 Highlights: Swimming pool, next to Tikal
- 💰 Price: $$
- ⭐️ Average rating: 8.7/10
- 🛏️ Room types: Double rooms, bungalows with private bathrooms
Just minutes from the Tikal ruins, Hotel Tikal Inn provides cozy, rustic accommodations surrounded by jungle. With a pool and early access to the archaeological site, it’s an excellent choice for travellers eager to explore Tikal at sunrise. The hotel provides guests with the unique advantage of staying inside the park, allowing for easy access to sunrise or sunset tours. This is the most popular option at the Tikal entrance, meaning it often books out in advance.
12. Hotel Jaguar Inn Tikal
- 📍 Location: Tikal
- 🙌 Highlights: Free breakfast, next to Tikal
- 💰 Price: $$
- ⭐️ Average rating: 7.6/10
- 🛏️ Room types: Double room, king room, triple room, family rooms with private bathrooms
Located within Tikal National Park, Hotel Jaguar Inn offers eco-friendly bungalows just steps from the ancient Maya ruins. The accommodations are simple yet comfortable, with eco-friendly bungalows that blend seamlessly into the surrounding nature. The real draw is the location—just a 10-minute walk from the Tikal ruins—allowing guests to easily explore the archaeological site during the quieter early morning or late afternoon hours to avoid crowds.
13. Jungle Lodge Tikal Hostal
- 📍 Location: Tikal
- 🙌 Highlights: Swimming pool, next to Tikal
- 💰 Price: $$
- ⭐️ Average rating: 8.4/10
- 🛏️ Room types: Double rooms, twin rooms
Jungle Lodge Tikal Hostal is the cheapest option in the Tikal area and is located at the entrance to the Tikal National Park. This option provides the essential amenities while placing guests just steps from the ruins. With its friendly, laid-back atmosphere, it’s perfect for backpackers and adventurers eager to explore Tikal without sacrificing comfort.
14. Hotel Jungle Lodge Tikal
- 📍 Location: Tikal
- 🙌 Highlights: Swimming pool, next to Tikal
- 💰 Price: $$$
- ⭐️ Average rating: 8.4/10
- 🛏️ Room types: Double rooms (with or without private bathroom), suites
Hotel Jungle Lodge Tikal offers guests a comfortable stay in charming bungalows set amidst the jungle. Established by archaeologists during the site’s excavation, the lodge blends historical significance with modern amenities, including an outdoor pool. This is the most expensive option of the four by Tikal.
15. Tikal Camping
- 📍 Location: Tikal
- 🙌 Highlights: Sleeping under the stars, sounds of the jungle, next to Tikal
- 💰 Price: $
- ⭐️ Average rating: N/A
- 🛏️ Room types: Tents
Whilst you can’t just pitch up a tent anywhere in Tikal National Park, there is still the option to camp! This is the best option for your budget. You can’t pre-book a pitch; you simply need to purchase a camping pass at the entrance (50Q). At the campsite, you have the option to rent or use your own tent.
Before you go
Thank you for reading my travel guide on where to stay in Flores, Guatemala. If guides, itineraries, and travel content like this interest you, head over to my blog page to find out more.
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