PETÉN - Guatemala - page 497

categoryaswellasfirmbeds,largemirror,andin-roomsafe-depositbox.Someroomshave
very pleasant balconies with chairs and a hanging lamp. A swimming pool, colonial res-
taurant, and ice-cream shop are on the ground floor. The hotel caters periodically to large
tour groups on package itineraries.
On Playa Sur, facing Santa Elena and the lake, is Hotel El Itzá (tel. [phone]), where
large rooms with cable TV, ceiling fan, air-conditioning, and private bath with on-demand
hot water can be had for $30 d.
$50-100
The island's most expensive hotel is near the causeway as you come into town on the
shore facing Santa Elena. The multistory Gran Hotel de la Isla (tel. [phone],
ventas@hoteldelaisla. com, www.hoteldelaisla.com , $80) is a large yellow building that
seems somewhat out of place in mostly low-rise Flores. Rooms include all the usual com-
forts of its price range such as private bath, air-conditioning, cable TV, and attractive fur-
nishings. There is a good restaurant/bar and a swimming pool dominated by a wall mural
depicting Tikal's Gran Jaguar temple. Internet access is available in the lobby. It's nice
enough, but unless you have your heart set on staying on the island, you may want to stay
across the lake in Santa Elena in one of several comparable hotels in this price category.
FOOD
Flores has a small grocery store. La Colmena (corner Calle 30 de Junio and Avenida 10
de Septiembre, tel. [phone]) has a variety of local and imported favorites. It also takes
credit cards. There is also a 24-hour mini-mart across the street from Capitán Tortuga res-
taurant on Calle 30 de Junio.
Cafés and Light Meals
Flores has no shortage of coffee shops and cafés, most of which offer something different
and equally pleasing, depending on what you're in the mood for. The Mayan Sunset Café
(Calle 30 de Junio, tel. [phone], 11 A.M.-11 P.M.) has a varied menu, including Thai
chicken or beef, pasta, sandwiches, and quesadillas served on an airy deck overlooking the
lake's western shore. There are a full bar and good music to chill out to. It also shows
movies. Check the daily program to find out what's playing. Café-Bar Las Puertas
(corner of Calle Central and Avenida Santa Ana, tel. [phone], 11 A.M.-midnight Mon.-
Sat.) serves good espresso beverages and is a popular place, partially on account of its
livelyatmosphereasabarwithfunkydecorinvolvingpaint-splatteredwalls.Tryoneofthe
many pasta dishes, or if just here for a drink, go with a margarita.
El Café Chilero (Cool Beans Café) (Calle15deSeptiembre,tel.[phone],8A.M.-10
P.M.dailyexceptTues.)hasawideassortmentofhotandcoldcoffeebeveragesusinggour-