Under US$25

Hospedaje Girón (6a Calle 4-52 Zona 1, tel. 7756-1156) has basic, passable rooms for $7 d with shared bath or $13 d with private bath. The rooms downstairs can feel a bit damp.

Friendly Hotel y Cafetería Tutto’s (12 Calle 6-29 Zona 1, tel. 7756-1540, $18 d) has spotless rooms with private bathroom and cable TV in addition to a downstairs café with beautiful mountain views.

Chalet House (3a Calle “C” 7-44, tel. 7756-1360, $20 d) is on a quiet street and has pleasant rooms with private bathroom, warm wool blankets, and eye-catching textiles.

US$25–50

The excellent-value Posada El Arco (4a Calle 4-36 Zona 1, tel. 7756-1255, $30 d) has friendly owners and seven spacious rooms with attractive Guatemalan decor, fireplace, and private hot-water bathroom; some have balconies with splendid mountain views over the well-tended garden. Some beds are firmer than others.

The Maya Lodge (6a Calle ’A’ 4-08, tel. 7756-1167, $26 d) is rather “plain Jane,” though it’s right on the plaza.

Hotel Chugüila (5a Avenida 5-24 Zona 1, tel. 7756-1134) has 15 rooms, all except one with chimney, and it is expanding. Rooms are set around a courtyard and have TV and nice patios.

US$50–100

At the entrance to town on the left-hand side is Hotel Casa del Rey (Km. 144, entrance to Chichicastenango, www.hotelcasadelrey.com, tel. 7756-1053, $45–60 d) in simple motel style with a restaurant/bar and swimming pool. You’ll see large tour buses parked here, as it’s a favorite for folks on overnight package tours, giving the property some semblance of atmosphere.

In the heart of town, Hotel Santo Tomás (7a Avenida 5-32 Zona 1, tel. 7756-1051, $100 d) is a lovely colonial-style hotel with rooms centered around a graceful courtyard fountain complete with squawking macaws. There are a pool, hot tub, gift shop, a lively bar, and restaurant.

A longtime favorite with travelers to Chichicastenango is the Mayan Inn (8a Calle “A” 1-91 Zona 1, tel. 7756-1176, www.mayaninn.com.gt, $100 d), established by Alfred S. Clark, founder of Clark Tours, in 1932. The 30 rooms are beautifully decorated with antique furnishings and have fireplaces. Most of the bathrooms have tubs. Each room has its own attendant dressed in traditional village costume, as there are no locks on the doors from the outside. Rest assured, you can lock yourself in at night. There’s a good restaurant here. The market is literally at your doorstep.

© Al Argueta from Moon Guatemala, 3rd Edition. Photos © Al Argueta www.alargueta.com