Is This The Best Hostel In The World?
I have changed beds and slept in so many different kinds of accommodations over the years. Whether it has been a luxury beach resort, a simple airport hotel, a cozy Airbnb, or a hostel, I have had my fair share of experiences that range from extremely good to extremely bad and everything in between.
At this point I have stayed in hundreds of hostels and have seen some of the worst dorm rooms and some of the best.
But recently in Guatemala, I stayed at a hostel that truly might be the nicest, most beautiful, and most thoughtfully designed hostel I have ever stayed in.
Now I know hostels are not for everyone. Not everyone loves shared spaces, and I completely understand that. But if you are someone who normally does not like hostels, or you want to try one again and give it a second chance, this is the place to do it.
It is genuinely remarkable and one of the best shared living experiences I have had, from the location to the views to the overall atmosphere.
Zephyr Lodge: A Jungle Hostel Like Nothing I Have Ever Seen
Located in the middle of the jungle in Lanquín, Guatemala, Zephyr Lodge sits just outside the main part of town. Lanquín itself is very small, which is exactly why staying somewhere like this is so ideal.
Most people come to the area to visit Semuc Champey, and outside of that there is not a huge amount to do in town. So having a place that feels peaceful, scenic, and relaxing to come back to is really important.
The property itself is stunning. It is large, spread out, and offers a variety of room types. There are dorm rooms, private rooms, and family rooms, all in different styles depending on your budget and what kind of experience you want.
I actually stayed in two different rooms while I was there. First, I stayed in the 15 bed dorm, and I can confidently say it was the best dorm room I have ever stayed in.
Floor to Ceiling Jungle Views and a Bed That Actually Feels Like Your Own
The dorm had floor to ceiling windows along the back wall overlooking the river and dense jungle. Waking up to that view every morning felt unreal. When the sun would rise and the light would hit the trees and the water, everything looked so lush and peaceful.
It was such a calm way to start the day.
The bed design was also incredibly thoughtful. Some were bunks and some were singles, but they were built from concrete, so there was no shaking or noise like you usually get with metal bunk beds. Each bed felt like its own little capsule.
You had outlets, a safe for your valuables, a small shelf for your things, a personal light, curtains for privacy, and stairs if you were on the top bunk. There was so much space to move around comfortably. It really felt like having your own little private nook even in a shared room.
The dorm itself was very spacious, with large lockers and plenty of room so it never felt cramped despite the number of beds.
Attached to the dorm was a shared bathroom that honestly felt more like something you would find at a boutique hotel than a hostel. It had an indoor-outdoor feel, with rainfall showers coming straight from the ceiling that overlooked the same jungle and river view.
There were multiple toilets, a huge sink area, and everything was extremely clean and well maintained. For a hostel bathroom, it was seriously impressive.
A Pool, a Swim Up Bar, Hammocks, and One of the Best Tours I Have Ever Done
The second room I stayed in was a private room with a queen bed, private bathroom, and a small couch. It was simple but very comfortable. They provided towels, shampoo, and conditioner, and the space felt clean and cozy.
For the price, I thought it was a great value if you want privacy but still want to enjoy the social hostel atmosphere.
That being said, the view and overall experience in the dorm actually made me prefer it. I loved that dorm room so much I would happily stay in it again and again.
Beyond the rooms, the entire property is just as impressive. They have a gorgeous pool overlooking the jungle with a wraparound balcony lined with lounge chairs. There is a swim up bar, and above it a platform filled with hammocks where you can relax and look out over the river and trees.
It is the kind of setting where you can easily spend hours doing absolutely nothing and feel completely content.
There are plenty of tables and seating areas around the pool, plus a jacuzzi that they heat up in the afternoons and evenings when the air cools down.
The main social area connects the reception, bar, restaurant, and lounge spaces. The restaurant has a large menu with a lot of options at really reasonable prices, and the full bar setup makes it easy to hang out there in the evenings.
They have a pool table, games, and nightly events, which create a fun and social environment without feeling like an overwhelming party hostel.
They also run incredible tours. I did their Semuc Champey tour, and it was one of the best hostel organized tours I have ever done. The day was completely packed in the best way.
We swam and climbed through caves, visited waterfalls, jumped off rope swings, hiked to the viewpoint, and spent time swimming in the pools. The guides were fantastic, and they even provided packed lunches if you wanted one.
The price was very reasonable for how much was included, and the experience felt extremely well run.
They also offer tubing tours and other activities if you want more adventure, but it is just as nice to stay back and enjoy the hostel itself because the setting is so beautiful.
Do Not Skip Lanquín, and Absolutely Do Not Miss Zephyr Lodge
At night they play music, host games, and create a really welcoming social vibe. They also help arrange transportation to and from the bus stop, which makes arrivals and departures much easier in a remote area like this.
I genuinely could not have asked for a better place to stay in the Guatemalan jungle. I have stayed in countless hostels across Central America and around the world, and this one easily ranks at the top.
The staff, the cleanliness, the design, the atmosphere, and especially the rooms all stood out to me.
For everything that is included and all the amenities on the property, I think the price offers great value. If you are heading to Guatemala, do not skip Lanquín, and absolutely do not miss staying at Zephyr Lodge.
It is the kind of place that turns into a highlight of your trip and one you will not forget.
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