Where to Stay in Flores: Best Hotels on Guatemala's Island Town (2026)

Flores: Guatemala's Charming Island Gateway

Perched on a tiny island in Lake Petén Itzá, Flores is one of Guatemala's most picturesque towns. Connected to the mainland by a causeway, this colonial gem with colorful buildings and cobblestone streets serves as the perfect base for exploring the ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal and beyond.

Unlike Guatemala City or Antigua, Flores has retained an authentic, unhurried atmosphere. Restaurants overlook the lake, boats come and go from small docks, and the sunset views from the waterfront are simply magical. Whether you're here for Tikal or simply to enjoy the lakeside ambiance, you'll find Flores hard to leave.

Understanding the Area: Flores vs Santa Elena

Flores Island

The historic island is where most travelers stay. It's small enough to walk everywhere, packed with restaurants, tour agencies, and accommodations ranging from budget hostels to boutique hotels.

Pros of staying on Flores Island:

• Walkable, car-free atmosphere
• Best restaurants and nightlife
• Lake views from many hotels
• Tour agencies steps away
• Charming colonial character

Cons to consider:

• Limited parking if you have a car
• Can feel busy during high season
• Smaller room sizes in some properties

Santa Elena (Mainland)

Across the causeway, Santa Elena is a larger, more practical town with supermarkets, banks, and the airport. Some hotels here offer larger grounds and lower prices.

Pros of Santa Elena:

• Near the airport
• More affordable options
• Larger hotel grounds
• Easy parking

Cons to consider:

• Less atmosphere
• Need to walk/taxi to Flores restaurants
• Less scenic

Best Boutique Hotels

Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel

Set on a private nature reserve beside Quexil Lagoon, Las Lagunas offers the most exclusive experience near Flores. Private jungle bungalows feature vaulted beamed ceilings, patios, hot tubs, and minibars. The hotel has its own dock for sightseeing boat rides.

Best for: Couples, honeymoons, luxury seekers Price: From $180 USD/night Highlights: Private bungalows, hot tubs, nature reserve, lagoon views

Bolontiku Boutique Hotel (Cayuga Collection)

A member of the prestigious Cayuga Collection, Bolontiku combines boutique elegance with environmental consciousness. Known for excellent breakfasts and romantic atmosphere, it's consistently rated among the best in the region.

Best for: Couples, romantic getaways Price: From $150 USD/night Highlights: Highly-rated breakfast, Cayuga Collection quality, couples-focused

Hotel Villa Maya

An elegant property on a tropical estate along the shores of Petenchel and Monifata Lagoons. Rooms open to forest and lagoon views, decorated with local wood and Guatemalan textiles.

Best for: Nature lovers, those wanting tranquility Price: From $120 USD/night Highlights: Lagoon setting, tropical gardens, quiet location

Best Mid-Range Hotels

Casona de la Isla

A small, peaceful hotel on the shores of Lake Petén Itzá offering 26 lake-view rooms with air conditioning and private baths. The jacuzzi overlooking the lake is a perfect spot to relax after a day at Tikal.

Best for: Comfort seekers on moderate budgets Price: From $75 USD/night Highlights: Lake views, jacuzzi, air conditioning, peaceful setting

Hotel Casona del Lago

Located directly on the lakeshore facing Flores Island, this hotel offers 32 comfortable rooms plus a large pool and jacuzzi with lake views. It's an excellent choice for those who want resort amenities near the island.

Best for: Families, pool lovers Price: From $85 USD/night Highlights: Swimming pool, jacuzzi, lake views, family-friendly

Hotel Casazul

Standing out with its bright blue façade, Casazul offers charming interiors filled with Guatemalan textiles and local art. Rooms have air conditioning and balconies overlooking Lake Petén Itzá.

Best for: Art and culture lovers Price: From $65 USD/night Highlights: Local art, colorful design, lake-view balconies, central location

Casa Ramona

A stylish option one block from the waterfront with bright, airy rooms featuring balconies with lake views. Perfect for couples who want boutique vibes without the boutique price tag.

Best for: Budget-conscious couples Price: From $55 USD/night Highlights: Stylish design, lake views, great value

Best Budget Options

Hotel Isla de Flores

A well-located mid-range option with a rooftop terrace offering panoramic lake views. Clean rooms and friendly service make it popular with all types of travelers.

Best for: Budget travelers wanting comfort Price: From $45 USD/night Highlights: Rooftop terrace, lake views, central location

Hostal Don Cenobio

Offering both dorms with shared bathrooms and private rooms, Don Cenobio features an upstairs terrace with views over Lake Petén Itzá. A social atmosphere makes it great for solo travelers.

Best for: Backpackers, solo travelers Price: From $12 USD/night (dorm) Highlights: Lake-view terrace, social vibe, budget-friendly

Los Amigos Hostel

The backpacker hub of Flores, Los Amigos has private rooms and dorms, a lively bar area, and staff who can arrange tours to Tikal, Yaxhá, and other sites.

Best for: Social travelers, tour arranging Price: From $10 USD/night (dorm) Highlights: Tours arranged, social scene, great location

Day Trips from Flores

Flores is the base for exploring the entire Petén region:

• Tikal: 1 hour away, Guatemala's most famous Mayan ruins
• Yaxhá: Mayan site on a lake with fewer crowds than Tikal
• El Mirador: Remote jungle trek to massive pyramids (3-5 day expedition)
• Uaxactún: Off-the-beaten-path Mayan site north of Tikal
• Actun Kan Caves: Underground adventure near Santa Elena

Practical Information

Getting to Flores

• By air: Mundo Maya International Airport (FRS) in Santa Elena, 10 minutes from Flores Island
• By bus: Direct shuttles from Guatemala City (8-10 hours), Antigua (10-11 hours), and Belize
• By boat: From Belize via the Río Dulce route

Best Time to Visit

• Dry season (Nov-Apr): Best weather, ideal for Tikal visits
• Rainy season (May-Oct): Afternoon showers, greener jungle, fewer tourists

Money Tips

ATMs are available in Santa Elena, but it's wise to bring cash as some smaller establishments on the island don't accept cards.

Connecting to Other Destinations

From Flores, many travelers head to:

• Semuc Champey (5-6 hours south)
• Belize (3-4 hours to the border)
• Lake Atitlan via Guatemala City

For a complete Guatemala itinerary, see our guide to things to do in Guatemala.

Conclusion

Flores offers the perfect blend of charm and convenience for exploring Guatemala's Petén region. Whether you choose a lakeside boutique hotel or a budget-friendly hostel, you'll find the island's colorful streets and stunning sunsets create an unforgettable base for your Mayan adventures.

Book early during high season (December-April) when tours to Tikal fill up quickly. Use our search widget below to compare hotels and find the best rates!