I've stayed at Comfort Hostel several times now over the course of about a year (I live elsewhere in Guatemala, but often have to travel to the capital) most recently at the beginning of October. The hotel is much cleaner than a typical hostel and all the rooms are private and have cable TV, locking cabinets, and safes. The bathrooms are very clean, and they have updated the shower heads since one of the previous reviews. There is excellent gas-heated water (*not* an electric shower head water heater) with good water pressure. They also provide shampoo and conditioner, which is a very nice touch.

Request a room overlooking the garden, as the room at the back faces a stairwell and is quite noisy at night/ early morning. The rooms facing the garden are nice and quiet, and the garden itself is lovely to look at. The beds are firm and comfortable, although in some rooms they seem to be on the small side (not quite comfortable for two people). There has recently been a biting-ant problem in the rooms (mentioned to management on the last stay, so hopefully they will address it).

Service is polite and attentive, although the system for checking on the "goody baskets" of water and candy left in the rooms is a little odd. On my first visit, I had a candy bar and a bottle of water. The water did not have a price tag on it, so I assumed it was complementary (as it is in other hotels). When asked at check-out, I said I had consumed a candy bar. The manager seemed suspicious and asked if I hadn't also had a bottle of water. This seemed a bit odd to me, as I had only just left my room.

The complimentary breakfasts are pretty good, either a basic continental-style (bread and fruit) or a "typical" Guatemalan plate of farmer's cheese, eggs, and beans. I have occasionally been charged Q5 extra for milk with my coffee.

The area is quite safe (the earlier reviewer's comment about "everyone" living in Guatemala city being robbed at gunpoint "many times" is ridiculous-- I know many people who live quite safely in the city). However, the streets in this area are a bit confusing and do not follow the usual grid pattern. I had to give specific directions to several taxi drivers. If you don't know the area, the hotel can arrange a private cab for you and negotiate the price for a few quetzales fee. I felt safe walking to several restaurants (about 5-6 blocks away) at night.

Overall, this is an excellent value for single travelers (and very safe for solo women), and a decent value for couples. It is clear that a lot of care goes in to the maintenance and running of the hotel, and the service is some of the most polite I've found in the country.