Casa Seibel

Rooms were basic but had a comfortable bed - no curtains to shut out the light & because everyone smoked outside the stable like doors the smoke would seep through. Next door hostel has techno music from around 4pm until around 9:30pm which can be a distraction. Communal areas have board games, books, basic necessities for cooking, however these areas were not kept clean & unfortunately the bins in the kitchen & bathrooms were overflowing each day during our stay. WiFi worked well although we did have a power cut & water shortage during one of the days. Courtyard has a few tables & chairs but no lighting at nighttime so it’s difficult to enjoy the outdoor space. Location is walking distance from the main park which was convenient.

Very basic private room, damp smelling. But to be fair it is an old building. Rooms are located around a central courtyard/kitchen area. Kitchen is a bit grim. Volunteers just chain smoking in the middle so a lot of the rooms get a whiff of it throughout the day. “The best hostel in Xela” only because there aren’t that many.

We had a wonderful stay at Casa Seibel. We booked it late in the evening not knowing anything about it and it was a great decision, one of the best places we’ve stayed on our travels. Comfortable bed, a well equipped kitchen, hot showers and lots of places to relax. The staff were all so friendly, helpful and accommodating. We felt very at home here! Thank you Casa Seibel.

Congenial volunteers/staff. Good wifi. Decent shower. Ample refrigerator to accommodate guests' food items. Kitchen has a dedicated filtered-water faucet. Very close to municipal market for fresh produce. Sleeping rooms have the bare essentials albeit with dim lighting. Bed comfortable. The two courtyards are sunny. As a side note, and not part of my review of the hostel itself: I don't recommend the inter-city shuttle operation promoted by the hostel.

Decent hostel in a good location but there are more volunteers than guests, who are friendly but do very little. The bins were often full, kitchen often a mess. Loud music each day from the adjacent hostel until 10pm. The washing machine can't be used even for a fee. Deposit for towels required. Power cuts can cause a lack of hot water for a shower. The smoking area needs moving away from the washing line & private rooms. One volunteer would frequently smoke in this area day & night.

I hate to say it but when hostels are run by foreign volunteers who can't even speak Spanish, acting as if the building is their own private house where they hang out, don't do anything and are frankly, rude and arrogant, then you have a problem and I'm long not the only one thinking this, many just don't bother writing a review. Much respect for the Guatemalans working there and the cleaning lady, but this needs work.

What a wonderful hostel. Great kitchen where guests cook everyday. Private room has great decor and was very comfortable. There is a nice sunny courtyard with hammocks and tables, so you can spend a whole day there without feeling claustrophobic. Thanks to the lovely women who do the cleaning, and for the volunteers at the desk. Great value, very cheap!

Probably one of the best hostels in Guatemala. Friendly and relaxed atmosphere. The building has 2 internal courtyards, they allow for a lot of natural light, interaction with other guests and staff. There are many comfortable places to hangout outside of one’s room. This creates a very pleasant experience, unlike the usual cabin fever associated with staying more than a few nights at your usual Guatemalan hotel. Beautiful old wooden 1940s decor imparts one will familiar grandmotherly vibes and cozy feelings settling them into their stay. Loud karaoke from adjacent hostels is infrequent enough to be entertaining and humorous. The large protective walls create a haven from the commotion of Xela, enveloping its guests in an embrace of serenity. I have stayed here on three separate occasions. Would recommend.