Our Room:
The first room that we were given smelled very musty, and the sink leaked. We requested a different room the next day and the second room was much better – it was clean and dry and comfortable. We had twin beds rather than a large bed, but that was OK.
Private or Shared Bath?
Rooms with both private or shared bath are available. The showers were at best lukewarm. Because of the high elevation and cool nights, a hot shower would have been nice.
The Atmosphere:
When we first arrived at Hotel La Paz, we did not find the owners or employees to be very friendly. Maybe I had done a social no-no when checking in or something, but we were definitely not greeted with open arms (although they did bring some bottled water up to our room as we were settling in). When I asked to change rooms because of the musty smell and leaking sink, we were visited by the owner and reprimanded for using a bath towel to clean up the water from the leak. But after we got a new room, and after they found out how sick Dan was, and as we stayed multiple nights, I think that a more friendly atmosphere developed. The owners 8 year old daughter LOVED to play the "Memory" card game, and I spent many hours playing with her (and learning Spanish words) while Dan was resting from his illness. I ate some meals in the small restaurant and talked with the family, they told me where the 24-hour medical clinic was, and I shared some pictures from home. I also met a gregarious – and often drunk – businessman from Guatemala City, who was always good for a friendly chat. There is also a nice courtyard with plants and flowers, and small tables and chairs to hang out in to read or write in your journal.
Food and Other Amenities:
There was a limited food offering at Hotel La Paz. I ate there mostly for convenience and for entertainment from the owner’s young daughter. She always wanted to play games and sing songs, which was fun and nice. Otherwise, there was a good and cheap comedor (I had grilled chicken, potatoes, rice, and tortillas for 10 quetzales/US$1.25) on the same street as the hotel, but a couple blocks north, and plenty of other choices on the main busy street and near the town square.
Location:
Hotel La Paz is about a 5-10 minute walk from the main town square. I did like that it had a well-stocked and inexpensive corner store next door and that it was a bit removed from the bulk of the car traffic. It was also fairly close to Las Victorias Park and El
Calvario Church.
Security:
This seemed to be a safe place - the building was secured after dark, guests ring a bell to get in.
Price:
Room with private bath cost 72 quetzales/US$9
Room with shared bath cost 60 quetzales/US$7.50