When searching for the 10 best boutique hotels in Antigua Guatemala I had to decide what constitutes a boutique hotel. Firstly, I decided that no boutique hotel would have more than 15 bedrooms and suites. Having lived in Antigua Guatemala for more than 20 years I decided that keeping to the colonial design and furnishing would count rather than a modernised or esoteric style. Personalised and excellent service would be essential. Finally, each boutique hotel would need a wow factor! So please read on to discover my choice of the 10 best boutique hotels in Antigua Guatemala.
First half of the 10 best boutique hotels in Antigua Guatemala
- Meson Panza Verde – Opened in 1986, Meson Panza Verde is the gold standard of boutique hotels in Antigua to which all others aspire to. Each of it’s 12 rooms and suites are individually decorated with antiques and paintings hand picked by the owner. Meson Panza Verde is the only boutique hotel in Antigua to have an excellent award winning restaurant. For me , the wow factor has to be sipping a margarita on the top terrace watching the sunset!
2. San Rafael Hotel – Centrally located in the heart of Antigua Guatemala, close to la calle del Arco, San Rafael Hotel has a charming elegance. What strikes the visitor is it’s quietness despite its central location especially when sitting in the courtyard featuring Italian cypresses, ficus trees, and the colourful blossoms of native plants. Having just seven stunning suites, the hotel especially during high season is often fully booked. A full á la carte breakfast is included.
3. Hotel Casa Encantada – I have to say that this hotel is one of the most intimate and relaxing boutique hotels in Antigua, Guatemala. This understated gem offers every convenience sought by the discerning traveler, nine beautifully decorated rooms and a magnificent rooftop suite. As I write this article, this suite is available for the amazing price of just $111. This really is a great time to visit Antigua Guatemala!
4. Las Cruces Boutique Hotel – I had a short tour of the hotel when it opened a couple of years ago. If you’re looking for understated luxury then this is the boutique hotel for you. The furnishings are a feast for the eye. It’s also probably the most expensive of all he hotels on this list- But then again, it’s about the same price as a 3 star chain hotel in London!
5. Cissus Hotel – Centrally located in the heart of Antigua, Cissus Hotel one of the smallest boutique hotels continues to be one of the most popular. Cozy yet quiet, it’s a great choice if you’re planning to visit Antigua in a small group. With its four bedrooms and apartment, the the whole hotel can be yours! Breakfast is included.
Second half of the 10 best boutique hotels in Antigua Guatemala
6. Posada del Angel – One of the first boutique hotels and still one of the most charming. With only seven bedrooms and suites, you need to book in advance to avoid disappointment. Expect caring and personalised service with attention to detail. Quiet garden with lap pool. Well you know the Posada del Angel must be an excellent place to stay when you consider that President Bill Clinton chose it as his resting place when visiting Antigua Guatemala!
7.Casa Madeleine – Not the most central of the boutique hotels yet still walkable to all the important sights and restaurants, Casa Madeleine with its six bedrooms and suite is worth considering. It’s the only boutique featured of the best 10 boutique hotels in Antigua Guatemala that has its own spa.
8. Casa Faustina – I was invited to Casa Faustina a few years back when the hotel had just opened. The accommodation consists of nine spacious suites that are quite delightful. staff are friendly and helpful to your needs. Personally, the only drawback to Hotel Faustina is that it’s quite a walk into the centre of Antigua.
9. El Convento Boutique Hotel – Well I have broken my own rule by including El Convento Boutique Hotel as I have broken one of my golden rules. With its 26 suites, perhaps some of the personalised service could be lost. However it’s a truly luxurious boutique hotel oozing style. Like Meson Panza Verde it has its own excellent restaurant which is without doubt worth trying.
10. Hotel Aurora – In my final choice I have broken my golden rule regarding the number of bedrooms again. However, being the oldest hotel in Antigua still owned and run by the original owners Hotel Aurora had to be included. Very centrally located, the hotel with its polished wooden floors and furniture is a throwback to hotels of the early 20th century. The spacious rooms and suites surround a large delightful central garden courtyard which is always in bloom. It’s popular with groups as well as individual travellers. A gem!
Like everywhere, Antigua Guatemala’s tourist sector has been hit by covid. Many of the hotels that you’ll find when googling are either temporary closed or have sadly closed for business. Happily, all the above hotels listed are open for business and follow stringent health controls.
