LA ANTIGUA GUATEMALA - Guatemala - page 141

Boutique Hotels
Antigua has an astounding assortment of boutique properties offering comfort and privacy
in an atmosphere of elegance and style. Spending a night in one of Antigua's boutique
propertiesistherealdealandcanfeellikewakingupinamuseumchock-fullofinteresting
knick-knacks and artwork. President Clinton chose Posada del Ángel (4a Avenida Sur
#24A, tel. [phone] Antigua or 305/677-2382 U.S., www.posadadelangel.com , $165-240
d) for his 1999 visit to Antigua for a summit meeting with Central American leaders.
If you'd like to follow in his footsteps, stay in the exquisite Rose Suite, the largest
of the lodge's five, with a private balcony offering gorgeous volcano views and fine
antiques. Each of the suites is different but all are truly charming and include wood-
burning fireplace, cable TV, and fresh flowers. Rates include a delicious breakfast served
in the dining room looking out to the hotel's small lap pool. A luxurious private inn,
Quinta Maconda (5a Avenida Norte #11, tel. [phone] Antigua or 866/621-4032 U.S.,
www.quintamaconda.com , $130-165 d) has four comfortable bedrooms, all with private
bath, tastefully decorated with rare textiles, colonial antiques, and primitive art that are the
collection of long-term Antigua resident and world traveler John Heaton. Rates include
breakfast served in a pleasant garden patio or in a formal dining room oozing with
character and charm. Lunch and dinner are available upon request. There is wireless Inter-
net throughout the house and gracious hosts Catherine and John arrange fabulous custom-
tailored travel to explore any and all aspects of Guatemala's unique offerings in comfort
and style, drawing on years of experience and first-hand knowledge.
Mesón Panza Verde (5a Avenida Sur #19, tel. [phone], www.panzaverde.com , $75-
200) exudes a distinct European atmosphere with an eclectic array of decor that includes
Persian rugs, wrought-iron works, chandeliers, fresh flowers, Guatemalan textiles and
woodenfurniture,andtileorhardwoodfloors.Thereareninesuites,includingthesplendid
Grand Suite, and three double rooms. There are wonderful private patios in some of the
rooms and one of Antigua's finest restaurants is in the lobby. The 10 cozy, white-walled,
woodbeam-ceilingedroomsat Casa Encantada (9aCallePoniente#1,tel.[phone]An-
tiguaor866/837-8900U.S., www.casaencantada-antigua.com , $75-225d)areamoremod-
erntakeonEuropeandecorwithGuatemalanflair.StylishaccentsincludeframedGuatem-
alan huipiles, orientalrugs,wrought-ironbeds,featheranddowncomforters,andfineItali-
an linens. There is a rooftop bar perfect for enjoying the sunset over the colonial city
streets. All rates include a scrumptious full breakfast, also served on the rooftop patio.