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Host rating
80 %
Last replied
7 Nov 2024
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Description
We are two owners (Guatemalan/American) that opened this hostel in 2014. We are well informed about Xela and we have the heart and desire to give you the best experience possible here with us. We want you to love Xela as much as we do, so our aim is to give you as much free time as possible between your shifts so that you can explore the city and its surroundings and truly get the know the beautiful nature and wonderful culture that this part of Guatemala has to offer.
Our casa is a colonial style guest house that offers the best comfort of a home away from home. We have a spacious house in the historical center, with two gardens that you will never feel crowded in. We provide speedy wifi, hot showers, fully equipped kitchen, living room, dining room, and different parts of the house that you are always welcome to use.Types of help and learning opportunities
GardeningHelp around the houseHospitality/TourismGeneral MaintenanceCultural exchange and learning opportunities
Xela is the best place in Guatemala to learn Spanish, you can get private lessons or attend one of the local schools for less money than you would normally spend. If you're looking for a more authentic experience of Guatemala, this is the place; 50% of the population are indigenous and the locals are very friendly. Xela has the commodities of a big city, but we're located in the heart of the historical centre, which is downtown latin style: big stone buildings, old houses and cobblestone streets and all the colors from Latin America. You'd have plenty of time off to go on various hikes around the city, many of them sacred to the Mayans and since we arrange the hikes and shuttles, you would get a discount when booking these as well.
Help
We're highly ranked online these days, so we need someone that likes people, that likes to help, as this is part of our philosophy. We believe in planting good karma among the people around us, and helping others. The position we offer requires 25 hours of help per week, helping out with administrative tasks such as keeping track of check ins and check outs, arranging shuttles and tours for guests and making sure the house looks neat and clean. It's very chilled and non stressful, but you'll need patience and a positive can do attitude, like in most customer facing people.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: FluentAccommodation
Room shared with the other volunteers, shared bathrooms with hot showers and a fully equipped kitchen with plenty of storage space for your food and speedy wifi. We work with a rooftop bar that gives a discount on all their items to our workawayers. You're also welcome to use the washing machine in the house.
What else ...
You will have a big chunk of the day to go out. Go sightseeing, volunteer in one of the projects from around the city or study Spanish. On your days off you can do a hike or visit a famous market or go to the hot springs. Salsa or bachata classes is also a popular choice, or quiz nights, going to the movies, taking yoga classes, going to the gym and most other things that a city usually offers!
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
25 hours/week
Feedback (73)
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Feedback
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Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(4.9)
Communication:
(5.0)
I was sad to leave but would… read more
This was my first volunteering experience in Latin America, and I hope the rest are as enjoyable as this one was.
All of the full time staff, as well as the other volunteers, were very friendly and helpful during my stay here.
The work expected, as well as the… read more
We were lucky that we had an awesome group of volunteers, so we could help each other… read more
Javier was such a kind and welcoming host, and really made this place feel like home for me. Teresa is also so lovely, and a great person to practise Spanish with.
The schedule was extremely flexible and the tasks was laid back, so there was more than enough time to explore… read more
Javier is among the nicest people we have met in Guatemala and will help you with whatever you might need.
The job is straightforward and enjoyable, in return for volunteering you get a nice… read more
The hostel is really great with a dining room, living room, kitchen that has all you could need which made us feel at home immediately.
All the staff is really nice and opened and the communication with javier was great from… read more
Actually that is all there is to say...
Javier, Teresa, Irma and Shelly made me feel welcomed and like home. A great way to learn Spanish, to interact with other travelers, to explore the surroundings and more. Be part of a little community.
Everyone is so nice, which creates the great atmosphere there is. I know it… read more
The hostel is a super laid back place, perfect for you to have time to explore the town and surrounds (there is so much to do), practice your Spanish (we highly recommend Gilma) and meet and connect with the amazing guests!
Most importantly, the team, lead by Javier, are just amazing. Theresa and her daughter… read more
We actually worked less hours than expected as there where enough volunteers. The job is essentially working at Reception and chatting to guests. We also got lucky enough to have a private room, which made our… read more
Thank… read more
Thank you for everything!
We did this workaway during 2 weeks, we really really really enjoyed our stay in this hotel.
Everything was perfect, clean, we were well located (right next to the city center).
We have a private room.
Javier the manager and Theresa were super nice, always available to answer our… read more
Thank you so much for these amazing moments at your hostel. 😉
The work is very pleasant, the hostel is an oasis, Jennie is incredible accomodating, and overall a perfect opportunity to take dirt cheap Spanish classes. Discounts on tours/shuttles also come in handy.
If I end up travelling through Guatemala again next year I will be back.
The workshift was flexible, so I had enough daytime to attend Spanish and salsa class and 3 days off per week to hike or explore the city near Xela. The work is simple, but you can learn a lot from Jennie, other co-workers and guests!… read more
Thank you!!!
The city may not be the most beautiful at first sight, but trust us, Xela is a true gem with its own vibe and people. Lots of stuff to see and do in and around the… read more
Our responsibilities as volunteers were well explained and not difficult to learn and as the shifts were in the afternoon it fit perfectly around taking Spanish lessons every… read more
i really enjoyed the time to stay and work in such a lovely hostel , i went to the Spanish school in the morning and worked in the night (i think it's a good balance for me.) Val and Jenny are really amazing peoples , they gave me so many space to have my own times here , also… read more
Bryan is a very friendly person. He likes to have fun, talks with people and goes on hikes with the guests. We managed to see a major eruption of santiaguito on a hike, he pushed us up in the early morning so that we just arrived in time for the spectacular event.
Val is a very care… read more
I hope I will come back one day in the future.