Our Room:
This room was definitely not one of the best that we had. It was pretty clean, but very well-worn. There was a bed and a shelf, and nothing more. There were plastic tables and chairs in the hallway/courtyard to use if needed. The room was quite dark and a bit damp. I looked at numerous other rooms as well and all seemed about the same. Towels were provided.
Private or Shared Bath?
Private. We chose Hotel Gobernador specifically because our Lonely Planet guidebook mentioned that it had "extra-hot" showers. Because the Highlands are so cold at night, the lukewarm showers we had been getting were getting more and more unsatisfying. We didn’t even look anywhere else after confirming the existence of said hot water. The shower had good water pressure and did not disappoint – it was almost too hot to stand under!
The Atmosphere:
Despite the dark, well-used rooms, there were a few things about Hotel Gobernador that I liked (besides the hot showers) that make me recommend it. First, it is a family-run hotel and everyone was extremely helpful and friendly. Also, there was a small TV room by the lobby, which provided entertainment during rainy weather and a hanging out spot to meet fellow travelers. I met an American woman who had lived in the nearby village of Todos Santos, Guatemala for four years – she was fun to talk to and gave me a ton of information. She also convinced me to visit Todos Santos, which turned out to be my favorite Guatemalan village.
Food and Other Amenities:
There is no restaurant at Hotel Gobernador, but it is just a 5-minute walk from the Center Square, around which are numerous restaurants and pastry shops.
Location:
As I just mentioned, Hotel Gobernador has a great location near the plaza, around which all the necessities can be found. It was a bit of a walk from where we got off the bus – we just got out where everyone else did. I’m not sure if the bus was heading toward the plaza or not, but it would have been nice to get a little closer if possible. From the north end of the plaza, follow 2a Calle west for half a block, then turn left on 4a Avenida – hotel is half a block up on the right.
Security:
Because all rooms are reached through the lobby, Hotel Gobernador is quite secure. The staff seemed trustworthy, but who knows?
Price:
It cost $8.00 per room for double occupancy. Lower rates for singles were available, and there are also cheaper rooms with a shared bath.