Panajachel · Guatemala
Dreamboat Hostel
Bed bug reports
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Confirmed Hostelworld
I wouldn’t recommend booking this hostel to any person. The atmosphere is strange and the place was is very unclean (we found both ants and bed bugs). The high rating is probably boosted by volunteers offering a free shot if one gives a perfect rating. We enjoy partying, but the vibe here was uncomfortable. By 7 pm, a small group of people (including volunteers) were extremely drunk at the bar. It felt less like a social hostel and more like a place for middle aged alcoholics.
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Confirmed Hostelworld
Bed Bugs. Found a large one after the 1st night and they weren't the most hospitable. They did seem to react quickly though. Overall its a pretty fun, but small social hostel. The staff likes to be the life of the party and including the guests which makes for a social atmosphere, but an interesting dynamic. Good for solo travelers assuming the bed bug issue is treated. Also they'll charge a 10% markup for card and the atm down the road charges a 9% markup so expect to pay more.
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Confirmed Google Maps
First thing I want to say about this hostel, is that staff is some of the most welcoming and friendly and just overall lovely group of humans I’ve met in a hostel. Just totally amazing. The view from the roof top of the volcanos is breath taking, and the food is REALLY good here! If I wasn’t staying there I would’ve gone just for food. I stayed in a 4 person mixed dorm and it was very hot (end of May) so not having a fan in the room made the first couple nights a little hard to sleep in, had to keep the windows open but they desperately need a bug screen. They always have some sort of activity but it’s quiet time by 10pm which is nice, you can always go out and check out the local bars if you want a late night. The showers here by the way are sooooo nice!! I did however find a bed bug one night that I killed but there would obviously be more, the other bunk in my room didn’t experience this so my friend and I in our bunk got tore up. I cannot blame the hostel for this, really does seem like a one off, that happens in dorms, but we did ultimately stay there because trust me, it’s so clean!! We told one of the staff members and they took care of it straight away. You have to be mindful in any hostel to check your mattresses and I didn’t. But trust me, this place is wonderful, I would definitely recommend this hostel.
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Confirmed Hostelworld
Hostel was good- unfortunately we found bed bugs in plug socket and around bed spaces. We were moved to a hotel next door which we were thankful for. However the next day we were asked to pay for the difference in price for a more expensive room. We lost out money and a good nights sleep.
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Confirmed Google Maps
Friendly staff and a great location! The music was too loud and persistent for me though, and I suspect I was bitten by bed bugs.
HostelPunk native reviews
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Vibe Analysis
Dreamboat Hostel is built around the rooftop bar: drinking games, karaoke, beer pong, and nightly events are the main pulse. It works best for a young, loud, booze-forward stay where meeting people matters more than sleep. The location is one of its clearest strengths, close to Calle Santander, restaurants, the public dock, water taxis, and the lake on foot. Breakfast is often a plus, and there may be free coffee, filtered water, a small kitchen, a TV room, lockers, luggage storage, terraces, and a tiny pool by the bar. The tradeoff is real: dorms can be very small, beds can be creaky or uncomfortable, and bathrooms/showers are inconsistent, with hot water and water pressure problems recurring. Cleanliness swings hard, from clean rooms to dirty bathrooms, mold, sewage smells, bugs, hair on sheets, and a tired building. Staff can be friendly and helpful, especially at reception and with activities, but the volunteer-heavy bar scene can feel cliquey or pushy if you are not drinking. Quiet hours around 10 or 11 may reduce the music, yet hallway noise, street noise, dogs, and thin walls can still make sleep a gamble.
Signals to check
- Party-first hostel; not a smart pick for rest, early nights, or a quiet Lake Atitlan base.
- Dorms are cramped and may lack privacy curtains; private rooms may not feel worth the extra spend.
- Showers can be cold, weak, or hard to control, and Wi-Fi may be weak in rooms.
- Bring cash for deposits and possible card surcharges; shuttle or booking help may need double-checking.
- The party culture is heavily alcohol-centered and can feel staff-led rather than traveler-led.