Published 28th Jun. 2021
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Palacio de Dona Leonor is an authentic mansion steeped in 500 years of history, evident the minute one steps through its heavy oak doors.
Set around a stunning garden courtyard, each of the eleven suites has been individually decorated in keeping with the original colonial style and named after a member of the original owner's family. From hand-crafted antiques to ornately painted ceilings, every detail of the Palacio has been lovingly thought through to restore the building to its former glory making it a special place to stay.
The tea room offers an impressive breakfast and the restaurant also has an outdoor eating area. The Palacio is in the heart of the Antigua's cultural centre and just a stone's throw away from some of the city's most impressive ancient buildings. The hotel prides itself on offering some of the best service in Antigua.
Why We Love It
The hotel is named after Dona Leonor, the daughter of Spanish Conqueror Don Pedro de Alvarado who built and lived in this splendid property, now fully restored to resemble its colonial heyday.
One of the most hospitable places to stay in one of Latin America's must-see cities.
Antigua is a city full of brilliant boutique hotels hidden away behind high walls, and Casa Encantada is no exception. Passing through the traditional iron and timber front door guests discover a lush garden courtyard with a fountain-fed plunge pool.
Leading off the central courtyard are just nine luxurious rooms and one kingsize rooftop suite. All the bedrooms have wrought-iron beds, and are tastefully decorated with Guatemalan textiles and antique furniture. Breakfast and dinner are served on the rooftop terrace with views over the ring of majestic volcanoes that surround the city.
At night this enchanting and thoroughly comfortable guesthouse is candle-lit and exceptionally romantic, and the central location means it's an easy walk to the many highlights of the city.
Why We Love It
The walls are decorated with an array of elegant huipils - expertly woven Mayan tunics.
Hidden away down one of Antigua's cobbled streets, El Convento is located opposite the 18th Century Capuchin convent, and is at once quiet and central.
The 20 suites are set around a central courtyard, and each has a private terrace (complete with fountain). The suites have vaulted ceilings and exposed brickwork, and the décor is neutral with splashes of colour from locally woven textiles and art.
The sitting room is the perfect place to unwind after a days sightseeing, and the roof terrace has fantastic views over the city and the peaks and volcanoes that surround it. The Siitz (meaning delight in Mayan) restaurant serves delicious food, and the staff are charming.
Centrally located, El Convento is perfectly placed for exploring colonial Antigua. It is just minutes from all of the sites and attractions, from the impressive 16th Century Baroque churches, to the ruins of San Gerónimo.
Why We Love It
Antigua is surrounded by three impressive volcanoes, and the roof top bar at El Convento has fantastic views of them.
Panza Verde is a gorgeous boutique property with plenty of character and warmth.
The furnishings include French beds, large wooden cupboards, vast mosaic baths and beautiful textiles. In the evening the hotel comes alive with flickering candles, giving it a very relaxed atmosphere.
A pleasant stroll from Antigua´s main plaza and cathedral, it is the ideal place to relax after sightseeing, with a large rooftop terrace, central garden and fountain and shaded patios with orchids, ferns and bougainvillea.
The property has an excellent international restaurant headed by a Swiss chef and a bar which often features live music.
Why We Love It
In our opinion, quite simply one of the most immaculate and sophisticated hotels in Latin America.
This pretty little inn is built in the Spanish colonial style but has a strong Guatemalan feel, from the friendly staff to the brightly woven textiles in each room.
The architecture is beautiful, the rooms are spacious and the views from the terrace of the city's neighbouring volcanoes are spectacular.
The hotel has a lap pool, library, reading room, well kept gardens, dining room, and outdoor living room. Every suite has a wood burning fireplace and fresh flowers are provided daily.
Why We Love It
This is a very romantic hotel; not for lovers of minimalist décor, but a sumptuous and unique place to stay.
Boasting one of the largest Indigenous populations in the Americas, Guatemala is a fascinating destination for those keen on culture and history. From visiting a local textile workshop in Lake Atitlan to discovering Mayan ruins, we’ll design a trip to suit you. Hike through jungle reserves for a dose of nature, or marvel at colonial Antigua on a city walking tour. No two Guatemala holidays are the same, but our local guides will show you that there’s more to this destination than first meets the eye. When it comes to accommodation, be it a lakeside lodge or glamping in the jungle, we've got something for everyone.
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