La Chacra de Joel Hotel

We left feeling the place was run terribly, and I wouldn't recommend it. The pool was empty, some areas looked abandoned, and the furniture was old and dirty. After a short walk around, we decided to leave and ask for a refund. The room was humid, had a terrible view of the back of the construction, and didn't feel worth the price. We'd booked through a booking site and received confirmation the day before. When we arrived, the staff seemed irritated that we'd interrupted their conversation. A woman searched the computer for five minutes, then said she couldn't find our reservation. She quoted us for a double room at twice the booking-site price, and above what the INGUAT certificate on the wall listed. We were tired and unfamiliar with the area, so we agreed to pay. When I handed over my card, she said there'd be a 7% charge. In 2021, that felt especially unfair: card surcharges like that were banned in Guatemala, and the hotel was charging 7% when banks charged businesses 3.5% for the transaction. Another staff member showed us to a room at the very back. Staff walked past and stared without saying anything. We chose this place because it had good reviews from a few years earlier. I didn't realize how old they were until after all this, and now the place looks abandoned.

The staff were super helpful, and the property itself was beautiful and quiet. I thought it was a good price, too. Breakfast turned out to be included, which I hadn't realized, and it was very good. They can bring it to your room between 7-7:30am. There's also an on-site restaurant with room service, printing, and good internet. It's a 15-20 minute walk from the bus terminal, or you can take a taxi. This has to be the best hotel in HueHuetenango. Keep up the good work.

The hotel is a bit dated, though it was clean. It was also quiet, with a lovely courtyard. I didn't see breakfast, but my group ate somewhere else.

The check-in was quick and easy, and the courtyard and grounds looked beautiful. Everything was great, though a few touchups would help.