LA ANTIGUA GUATEMALA - Guatemala - page 134

where the mattresses are somewhat soft but the attractive, private shared-bath rooms ($16
d) are well decorated and have cable TV. Dorm beds go for $8 p/p. The single rooms are
very small. Rates include breakfast and half hour of Internet daily. Guests have free use of
the kitchen.
Ever-popular with Antigua's budget scene is the attractive Black Cat Hostel (6a Aven-
ida Norte #1A, tel. [phone], www.blackcathostels.net ) , where there are shared-bath
dorm beds ($8) and private doubles ($20). Amenities include wireless Internet, a substan-
tial free breakfast, a movie lounge with more than 350 DVDs, a living room and hammock
patio for hanging out, a restaurant serving breakfast and light meals (8 A.M.-11 P.M.), and
a full bar. Jungle Party Hostel (6a Avenida Norte #20, between 3a and 2a Calle Poniente,
tel. [phone])isalively backpacker hangout with clean dormroomsandshared baths for
$6-8p/p.There'safuncommunalareathatdoublesasabarandsnackstand.Thecheerfully
painted, tiled-floor UmmaGumma Hostel (7a Avenida Norte #34, tel. [phone]) has a
widerangeofaccommodations, includingdorms($5p/p)andprivateroomswith($13p/p)
orwithout($8p/p)privatebath.Guestsenjoyuseoftwofullyequippedkitchens,commun-
al lounge areas with DirecTV, laundry service, wireless Internet, international phone calls,
and luggage storage. The staff can also help with travel arrangements.
Conveniently located near some of the town's favorite watering holes, El Hostal (1a
Avenida Sur #8, tel. [phone], www.el-hostal.hostel.com ) has cozy private rooms with
shared bath ($13 d) or clean dormitories ($9 p/p) in a remodeled colonial house that in-
cludes a pleasant little courtyard. Guests won't find electric water heaters here (yippee!),
but rather the hot-water showers many visitors are used to. You can book and pay online in
advance; wireless Internet is available throughout the house.
$10-25
A well-established budget hotel is the very pleasant and friendly Posada Juma Ocag
(Calzada de Santa Lucía #13, tel. [phone], $15 d) with seven tastefully decorated, well-
furnished rooms featuring wrought-iron headboards, mirrors, and reading lamps, all with
private bath. It has a rooftop patio and garden as well as some nice extras such as free
drinking water. It's also conveniently situated near the bus terminal. The excellent value
Casa Cristina (Callejón Camposeco #3A, between 6a and 7a Avenida, tel. [phone],
www.casa-cristina.com , $22-37d)hasbeautifullydecorated,colorfulroomswithwrought-
iron accents, Guatemalan bedspreads, tile floors, and private hot-water bathroom. Pricier
“standard plus” rooms have cable TV, while deluxe rooms also have gorgeous volcano
views and minifridge. Room rates include unlimited use of wireless Internet, purified
drinking water, coffee, and tea.
A step above its sister property, The Black Cat Inn (5a Calle Poniente #11A, tel.
7832-0374, www.blackcathostels.net , $25 d) is a bed-and-breakfast with well-decorated