Porta Hotel: The Best Hotel in Antigua Guatemala For Families

With beautiful colonial architecture, lush gardens, and a large pool built for kids, Porta Hotel Antigua is the best hotel in Antigua Guatemala for families. Porta Hotel has been a favorite with local Guatemalan families for decades, and there are many reasons for that. Since 1947, the hotel has welcomed families from around the world to Antigua Guatemala. So if you’re looking for a family-friendly hotel in Antigua, this is it!

Location: 8 Calle Poniente #1, Antigua Guatemala, within a 10-minute walk of Central Park and the Cathedral of Santiago. For the full picture of what else to see and do while you’re in town, check out my Antigua Guatemala travel guide.

A Hotel Perfect for Kids

There are countless beautiful boutique hotels in Antigua Guatemala set in tiny colonial houses, old convents, or ruins, some of which you can explore for yourself in my guide to the best colonial ruins in Antigua Guatemala. But most of these hotels don’t cater to families. Many even frown upon children giggling in their echoing hallways or splashing in their tiny pools in small courtyards. And quite a few don’t accept children at all.

Growing up and living most of my life in Guatemala City, Antigua was always our favorite weekend getaway. And I’ve stayed at countless hotels in Antigua with kids and without kids. Nevertheless, Porta Hotel Antigua is at the top of my list regarding places to stay for families. Don’t get me wrong; it’s also a fantastic hotel for travelers without kids. But there are a few reasons why Porta Hotel is the best hotel in Antigua for families, perfect for relaxing and getting a break from exploring Antigua’s beautiful cobblestones.

Porta Hotel: The Best Pools in Antigua Guatemala

Let’s face it: holidays are all about splashing in the pool for most kids. And when it comes to pool options, there are very limited in most hotels in Antigua. It is mainly due to the small outdoor spaces and the colonial-style in which the city was built. In addition, most buildings are protected for their historical value and can not be modified structurally.

Porta Hotel has gardens with open spaces ideal for kids and families. Plus, it has one of the largest pools in the city. The hotel is also pet friendly, though an additional fee may apply depending on your room.

The pool has a deeper area perfect for adults and teens and a toddler area where little ones can splash around and have fun. Beautiful lush gardens full of colorful flowers surround the pool, with comfortable lounge chairs and giant umbrellas. And the best part: As you relax poolside, you can take in the fantastic view of the Agua Volcano in the background.

Privacy and Leisure at Porta Hotel

Porta Hotel Antigua has a more private lap pool, perfect for exercising or peaceful relaxation. It is the pool with the best view of the Agua volcano in all of Antigua! The pool’s design and the courtyard framing the volcano make the space picture-perfect.

I woke up early to do a few laps before exploring the colonial city and had it all to myself. As I sat on the edge of the pool looking at the volcano, it was a perfect silhouette against the white background of a cloudy morning sky. The stillness around me as birds sang to the start of a new day allowed me to experience one of the most magical moments during my trip to Guatemala. It was truly spiritual! If you’re planning your own trip, my guide to the best things to do in Guatemala is a good place to start mapping out the rest of your itinerary.

Modern Rooms with Colonial Ambiance

At Porta Hotel Antigua, you will find a blend of colonial architecture and unique Antigua Guatemala charm with all of the comforts you expect of a modern hotel. We stayed in one of their newly remodeled rooms and loved that the decor had just the right mix of that unique colonial feel. With Guatemalan textiles and a small fireplace, it felt contemporary and, at the same time, very homey.

Good to know: rooms don’t have air conditioning, but each one comes with a ceiling fan, which is generally all you need given Antigua’s mild, high-altitude climate.

The bathroom was modern, spacious, and comfortable, with a rain shower. The room was spacious and full of natural light, looking out into the beautiful garden and pool. There were USB ports near the bed and desk area, making charging our devices easy and convenient. And the WiFi connection in the room and all the outdoor areas was excellent, so I could get some work done. Because I rarely get a chance to disconnect.

Traditional Guatemalan Treats At Porta Hotel Antigua

It was such a sweet and special surprise to find a personalized welcome card and a beautiful wooden hand-painted box full of traditional Guatemalan candy! The kids could not contain their excitement, and we all loved eating sweets.

Guatemalan candy is one of the things I miss the most, from the creamy canillitas de leche to colochos de guayaba and everything in between! You can find the full lineup of what to look for in my guide to traditional Guatemalan candy. And I loved having these sweet treats waiting for me after a long day exploring Antigua Guatemala.

If your family enjoyed the candy box as much as we did, a hands-on bean-to-bar chocolate workshop at ChocoMuseo is an easy walk from the hotel and a great half-day activity for kids, with a reduced admission price for children under 12.

Something for Everyone

My kids loved the big open spaces at the hotel, where they played ball with other kids and made new friends. They also enjoyed watching the three colorful macaws. One of my favorite things about Porta Hotel Antigua is the beautiful flowering gardens and open spaces.

Pamper Yourself to a Spa Day

At Porta Kids House (Porta Hotel’s kid’s club), there is always something fun to do, from crafts to Zumba and yoga classes. That means that the adults can also get some time for themselves! It is perfect for pampering at the Ceiba Porta Spa without leaving the hotel grounds.

Whether staying at the hotel or not, I highly recommend visiting Ceiba Porta Spa. It is one of the best spas in Antigua Guatemala. Blending local rituals inspired by the Mayan culture with modern amenities, Ceiba Porta Spa has a variety of massage and body treatments. And don’t skip the temazcal, a traditional Mayan sauna, if you want to know more about the tradition behind it, I go into detail in my guide to temazcal in Guatemala.

Book a sacred ritual experience like the Tree of Life Ritual that blends therapeutic Mayan rituals and a relaxing massage. It incorporates elements of Mayan numerology for a unique treatment that revitalizes the mind and body, similar in spirit to the practices I cover in my guide to Mayan ceremonies in Guatemala. For example, I reserved a therapeutic hot stone massage (it was my first hot stone massage). And let me tell you that it was one of the most relaxing and invigorating massages I have ever had.

A Restaurant with Families in Mind

Let’s keep it real, kids are usually not very adventurous regarding food, and it has nothing to do with parenting. One of my kids orders octopus every chance she gets! She loves traditional Guatemalan food like cow’s tongue. But my other child is beyond picky (he has some sensory issues with food), and what he can eat is very limited.

When we travel, it’s sometimes a struggle to find food that he will eat. Finally, it gets to a point where it becomes a small problem. At Porta Hotel, the menu at Los Moros includes many traditional Guatemalan dishes that I love and miss from my home country. Luckily, it also has many international dishes and a great kid-friendly menu with all kid favorites! And if you’d rather explore beyond the hotel restaurant during your stay, my guides to Antigua’s best street food and gluten-free restaurants in Antigua Guatemala cover plenty of options nearby for every kind of eater in your group.

A Hotel That Cares About Community

I always stay at hotels and was impressed with how attentive and friendly the staff was. From the moment we arrived, we felt at home! Everyone went out of their way to make us feel comfortable and ensure we enjoyed our stay. From the lovely lady at the front desk that welcomed us with fresh bubbly kid-friendly drinks to the servers in the restaurant, everyone had a smile on their face.

You can tell that people are happy and proud of working at Porta Hotel Antigua, and for me, that means a lot. It shows that the company cares about its employees and the country. I was happy to see that Porta has the environment and Guatemala in mind: from not using straws in their restaurants to, at the time of our stay, donating a share of proceeds to relief efforts after the 2018 Fuego Volcano eruption.

I had the opportunity to sit down and have a chat with the hotel’s owner. He is passionate about his commitment to the community and supporting local tourism. It made me feel great about staying at a hotel that supports causes that align with what I’m passionate about.

Want to explore more of Antigua on foot during your stay? The Antigua Cultural Walking Tour covers the city’s main landmarks in half a day, and kids pay half price when accompanied by two adults, an easy add-on for families staying at Porta Hotel.

So, if you’re looking for a family-friendly hotel in Antigua Guatemala, Porta Hotel Antigua is your best option! Follow Porta Hotel Antigua on Facebook for more Antigua Guatemala inspiration and stay up to date with offers and specials! And If you’re heading to Antigua with the little ones, check out my article on the best things to do in Antigua with kids.

Porta Hotel Antigua: Frequently Asked Questions

Does Porta Hotel Antigua have air conditioning? No, rooms don’t have AC, but each comes with a ceiling fan, which is generally sufficient given Antigua’s mild climate at over 5,000 feet elevation.

Is there a kids club? Yes, Porta Kids House offers activities for children, from crafts to movement classes, so parents can also get time to themselves at Ceiba Porta Spa.

Are pets allowed? Yes, Porta Hotel Antigua is pet friendly, though an additional fee may apply depending on the room and current policy, worth confirming when you book.

How many pools does the hotel have? Two: a larger family pool with a toddler area, and a more private lap pool with views of Volcán de Agua.

More Amazing Things to Do In Guatemala:

If you’re planning a trip to Guatemala or want to come back for more, you’ve come to the right place! From the best destinations to kid-friendly activities, I’ll share my love for my home country. Here are amazing things to do in Guatemala to make your trip a memorable one:

Best Guide To Visiting Tikal: The Most Spectacular Mayan Ruins In Guatemala:

Here is a guide to visiting Tikal that includes everything you need to know before seeing the most spectacular Mayan ruins in the world. It is a great starting point for enjoying the many adventures the Petén region offers.

An Enchanting River Ride: A Quick Guide To Río Dulce:

One of the most beautiful destinations in Guatemala, Río Dulce is often overlooked. This area overflows with beautiful nature, colonial history, unique culture, and fantastic food. This quick guide to Rio Dulce covers the best things to do, where to stay, and what to eat.

Why Lake Atitlán Needs To Be On Your Travel Bucket List:

Lake Atitlán is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Located in the western highlands of Guatemala, the lake encircles spectacular dormant volcanoes and picturesque Mayan villages. It has a relaxed atmosphere, colorful and rich Mayan culture, and an almost perfect climate.

Getting Close To Nature At Auto Safari Chapín:

Located in Escuintla, Auto Safari Chapin is a great day trip for families and animal lovers. Whether you are visiting or living there, it is one of the best things to do in Guatemala with kids.

Dramatic Volcanic Black Sand Beaches In Guatemala:

If you haven’t walked along beautiful black sand beaches, you are missing out on a magical experience! Some of the best beaches in Guatemala are on its Pacific coasts, places of deep chill, and stunning wilderness. Guatemala’s beaches are full of palm trees to relax with an icy beverage on hand.

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Paula Bendfeldt-Diaz

Paula Bendfeldt-Díaz is a Guatemalan travel writer, photographer, and founder of Growing Up Bilingual. After spending more than 15 years in the United States, she now lives in Guatemala and shares detailed travel guides, traditional Guatemalan recipes, and cultural insights based on a lifetime of firsthand experience.

Through her writing, Paula helps travelers discover Guatemala beyond the typical tourist route with practical advice, local recommendations, and authentic experiences that connect visitors with the country’s people, culture, and traditions.

Planning a trip to Guatemala? Paula offers personalized Guatemala itinerary planning and trip consultation services tailored to your interests, travel style, and budget. Contact her at [email protected] to learn more.

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