Colonial Hotel, Guatemala City

Advantages: Scenery, people
Disadvantages: Travel conditions

...Last summer I spent two months in this delightful country and found it a joy to be there and hard to leave. The people are on the whole very friendly, and if you make the effort to speak some Spanish your effort will be rewarded tenfold. I especially recommend the lowland region of Flores and Tikal. It is well worth spending some time to explore the slightly less well known ruins near Tikal - and go with a knowledgeable guide, you will have a much better insight into the Mayan way of life. Antigua is also a beautiful example of a Spanish Colonial city little changed by modern development. Guatemala also has easy access to the wonderful countries of Belize & Mexicio. Just remember that Spanish phrase-book and book your flight today!... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Charming and unique hotel with wonderful Gautemalan artifacts and ambiance (a home away from home) run by delightful people.
Disadvantages: None

...experience when I stayed there! Last, the Posada Belen is very reasonably priced (a fraction of what I would have paid if I stayed in a major chain hotel). When booking the Posada Belen, I mentioned in an email that I wanted to take a tour around Guatemala. Francesca and René responded that they could arrange a week's tour for me (the Guatemala Classic Tour), which was truly wonderful. It was a comprehensive tour of Lake Atitlan, Antigua and Tikal. The tour was very flexible and was arranged according to my schedule and my needs, and it was always with small groups of people. The hotels on the tour were all excellent. I am very grateful to Francesca and René since they arranged a truly marvelous tour for me. Additionally, they arranged airport transfers and for a taxi to take me to the 2 best museums in Guatemala City. I will definitely... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Gorgeous town with a lot of character, plenty to do, and great markets.
Disadvantages: No alcohol after 8 on a Sunday

...I travelled through Guatemala as a student backpacker, but there are lots of things to do for any age group/interest. For the bargain hunters I thoroughly recommend the colourful and vibrant markets, but make sure you haggle (the best price is often gained from comparing different sellers, and having a grasp of the language!). I bought a beautiful bedspread for only £15, planning to send it home in the post, but ended up carrying it around the rest of Central America due to the £70 needed on stamps!! Even for the non-religious traveller, it is well worth visiting the churches, such as La Merced, San Francisco, and Las Capuchinas, for the colonial architecture and to appreciate the local devotion to the Catholic Church. The recent canonisation of Hermano Pedro (the first saint from Central America) involved a visit from the Pope... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful