Hotel Zaculeu

The market just outside Hotel Zaculeu was a highlight for us. It stretches over 4-5 city blocks and is full of fresh vegetables, meat, clothes, shoes, and all kinds of goods. Walking around for an afternoon, watching and listening to residents selling along the sidewalks, was crowded but lively. The ancient Maya site of "Zaculeu" is about 3 miles out of town, beautiful among the mountains and amazing to see. We stayed five days in this old hotel in the heart of the city, with mountain views from the windows and the bustle all around. It has a modest dining room with very good food, and the rooms are modest but clean. Hot water was adequate, though slow to arrive in some rooms. Rates and food were very reasonable, and parking is inside the hotel grounds, a safe spot in a vibrant old city. The owners are physicians with a small medical clinic on the grounds. They live there with their family and are very nice people doing good work for the community. Whatever you need, they’re eager to help, and English-speaking staff are available. It isn’t a typical "American Style" hotel, but it gives you a feel for this old city.