La Lancha

La Lancha is the latest project of Francis Ford Coppola, who owns the property. The lodge has been totally refurbished and is extremely tasteful, furnished in an Indonesian style. Located on the shores of Lake Peten-Itza, it is a wonderful rainforest retreat with a swimming pool and abundant wildlife. Troupes of howler monkeys regularly pass through the property at night. Guest rooms all have balconies.

Our Opinion: The perfect place to unwind after a busy day sightseeing.

Villa Maya

Situated on the shores of the Petenchel Lagoon, this hotel is ideally located halfway between Flores and Tikal, making it an ideal base from which to explore the Peten region. Each of the guestrooms has a private balcony and windows with fantastic 180-degree views overlooking the lagoon., the jungle and the wildlife. The swimming pool and the restaurant overlook the lake creating a beautiful vista.

Our Opinion: A peaceful place with wonderful views.

Ni 'tun Lodge

This jungle lodge is situated in San Andres near Lake Peten Itza. Ni'tun means 'Stone Point' in Itza language. It's a low impact construiction made of natural materials such as stone, sand, guano palm leaves and wood extracted from corn plantations. The four comfortable cabanas, all named after birds, feature handcraft lamps and beautiful indigenous bedspreads and carpets.

Our Opinion: An excellent place for ecology and conservation.

Casona del Lago

This new Caribbean styled hotel in Flores has 32 airconditioned rooms, a good sized swimming pool, jacuzzi and views over the lake. There is also a restaurant and bar.

Our Opinion:  A good budget option.

Chiminos Island Lodge

This Eco lodge is built on a fortified artificial island built by the Mayans to defend themselves. It is located in Punta de Chimino on the beautiful lake of Petexbatun in Guatemalas jungle region. The lodge has 5 mahogany bungalows perfectly blended into the jungle each a few hundered feet apart giving a great sense of adventure in your almost private jungle with great views over the lake. Each bungalow has hot water and a private bathroom, and mosquito mesh.

Our Opinion: A secluded retreat.

Villa Caribe

Surrounded by lush tropical rainforest, Villa Caribe is located in Livingston, between the Rio Dulce outlet and the Caribbean Sea. It sits perfectly on a hillside overlooking the Golfo de Honduras. Spacious guestrooms are located in a Caribbbean-style two storey building with a huge thatched roof, most with balconies and great views. There are two restaurants, one in palapa style and the other is adjacent to the pool.

Our Opinion: A charming place with good views. 

Casa Palopo

This villa is set on a hillside overlooking Lake Atitlan. Named after two Mayan villages nearby, Casa Palopo is a tranquil place where days are spent relaxing by the pool or exploring the beautiful surrounding countryside. Palopo is perfect for a little peace and solitude in a wonderfully comfortable and very private haven. Guestrooms are uniquely designed with art and furnishings that reflect a rich heritage.

Our Opinion: A very peaceful relaxing place.

Hotel Bambu

Situated on the southern shores of Lake Atitlan, this hotel is in a truly beautiful location, with the volcanoes Toliman and Atitlan on one side and San Pedro on the other. Designed, built and run by Jose, the friendly Spanish owner, who after years of travelling, chose Atitlan as his home. Guestrooms are simple but very comfortable thatched bungalows scattered around the gardens.

Our Opinion: The perfect alternative to the busy side of the lake.  

Panza Verde

This old colonial mansion has a restaurant with a reputation as one of the best in Guatemala. Dining takes place around the courtyard and under the arched terraces. A fantastic staircase winds from the courtyard to the upper levels where there is a rooftop rose garden. There is also a jacuzzi and spectacular 360-degree views of Antigua and the volcanoes. The library bar has a medieval fireplace and grand piano.

Our Opinion: This is one of the best hotels in Antiguia.

Casa Santo Domingo

The Dominican monks founded this former colonial monastery in 1642 and it soon became the largest and most affluent monastery in the city. Now converted into a fantastic hotel, it still retains the features and atmosphere of its previous incarcination. Located towards the edge of the city, this is an oasis of tranquillity. All rooms here are unique, some with great views, others with large open fireplaces.

Our Opinion: A fabulous, unique property.

Casa Encantada

Casa Encantada, has recently been completely refurbished by the owners of one of our favourite hotels in Belize. Well located in the centre of Antigua, this 'hacienda style' hotel offers a garden swimming pool with rooftop patio bar affording excellent panoramic views of the magnificent volcano. Most guestrooms are on the first level with windows to the courtyard garden or the intimate lily pond.

Our Opinion: A charming place, full of character.  

Otelito

This is Guatemala City's first boutique hotel. It has recently been completely redesigned and now boasts twelve rooms, all designed in a chic minimalist style. Well located, it is close to various restaurants, but also has its own popular lounge bar. All guestrooms have air-conditioning and TV with private bathroom. The rooms are named after different fruit and are painted the same colour.

Our Opinion: A unique and special hotel.

Hotel Atitlan

Set on a small hill within beautifully landscaped gardens (inhabited by peacocks), the Hotel Atitlan has exceptional views of the lake and its volcanoes. All guestrooms have a terrace or balcony and as with the whole hotel, are decorated with original Guatemalan and Mayan artefacts. There is an outdoor swimming pool, a tennis court, bicyles for rent, a private beach and a bar and restaurant to enjoy.

Our Opinion: For those wanting a quiet retreat, this is ideal.  

Santo Tomas

The Santo Tomas is set in a beautiful building with colonial furnishings. All guestrooms have private bathrooms, fireplaces and are set around two colonial style courtyards, some with mountain views. Resident macaws and parrots, make an interesting cacophony combined with nightly marimba music. The owner Senor Magermanns is helpful and friendly, enquring you a memorable stay.

Our Opinion: Excellent location and friendly.

Posada de Don Rodrigo

Sister to the hotel in Antigua, this modern 39 room property has been built in the colonial style. It’s situated on the lakefront in the centre of Panajachel and offers a comfortable place from which to explore the lake’s surrounding villages. The hotel has a museum that focuses on the geological and cultural development of the region that is free to guests. There is a traditional Mayan sauna and great views across the lake.

Our Opinion: The best hotel in Panajachel and a great choice for families.

Pension Bonifaz

Founded in 1935 and situated in the north-east corner of the main plaza this beautiful little hotel has character and comfort, a decent restaurant, a quiet lounge with fireplace (great for taking afternoon tea and coffee) and a quirky bar. All 75 rooms have private bathroom and cable TV. Those facing the street have small balconies but can be a little noisy.

Our Opinion: The Pension is still the best place in town.

Casa Manen

Situated only two blocks from the Parque Central in Quetzaltenango Casa Manen is an old “city home” built in the 1820’s and restored in 1991. The rooms are tastefully decorated and most have fireplace for the cold evenings. The rooftop garden and bar provide great panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Our Opinion: A comfortable hotel with great views. 

Biltmore Hotel

Located next to the Westin Camino Real, in the Zona Viva of Guatemala City this new hotel has easy and quick access to the airport and is also close to the city’s bars and restaurants for those who want to explore the local area. There are 116 comfortable rooms and a free transfer to the airport is provided.

Our Opinion: In a great location.

Villa Sumaya

This small and attractive lakeside hotel is situated near the village of Santa Cruz, on the shore of Lake Atitlan and offers a friendly welcome. There are just seven rooms on an elevated terrace that overlooks the lake. The outside hot tub has lake-views and there is also a Mayan-style sauna. Hummingbirds flit around the grounds and it’s perfectly safe to swim in the lake from the hotel pontoon.

Our Opinion: A lovely hotel with friendly service.