Casa Encantada

Rooms

After a 16 hour journey from London we collapsed into the queensize wrought-iron four-poster of Room 5 with relish. We found plump goosedown pillows, fine Italian linen, a minibar and bottled water, a safe, a TV, and an ample, custom-made wardrobe. Double-paned windows and shutters ensured a well-earned and lengthy slumber. On waking we noticed white walls, tiled floors, framed ceremonial huipiles and ethnic textile cushions - each room displaying variety on this theme.

All rooms, except the rooftop suite and the twin, are on the ground floor; rooms 6 and 7 are reached through the living room by stepping on stones across the lily pond, which is candlelit at night. Most have queensize wrought-iron beds; rooms 3 and 4 stretch to kingsize beds. Bathrooms are ensuite throughout, with walk-in showers finished in natural stone tiles, fluffy bathrobes and Gilchrist & Soames toiletries. Room 1 has the biggest bathroom.

The rooftop suite boasts a four-poster, kingsize, wrought-iron bed, a traditional colonial fireplace and a large bathroom with a walk-in shower and a tub on a stone platform. Leading from the terrace, it has magnificent views of city rooftops and surrounding mountains.

Features include:

• Bathrobes
• Fan
• In-room treatments available
• Minibar
• Safe box

Eating

If you can stir your stumps, it's worth getting up early to watch the sunrise over Antigua from the delightful roof terrace. At any time of day the views of one of the world's most perfectly conical volcanoes and the surrounding hills are spectacular. You can also glimpse the cathedral amidst the rooftops and rotundas.

Breakfast is served on this terrace, overlooking the central courtyard and plunge pool, amongst bougainvillea blossoms, hortensias and camellias in pots. Choose between the Desayuno Tipico (eggs as you wish, refried beans, tortillas, fried plantains, cheese and sour cream), the Desayuno de Pancakes (with maple syrup) or the Desayuno Continental. There are healthier options like a fruit platter or granola and yoghurt as well. Local touches include small terracotta condiment bowls and local textile napkins.

The guesthouse made up some sandwiches for our day trip; light dinners can be provided in the evenings with a little notice. The small rooftop bar is open between 2-9pm and is the perfect place to enjoy an evening cocktail before going out to dinner.

The staff can advise and make dinner reservations for you at any number of good restaurants in the old town, and there are countless delis, cafés and bars for day-time pitstops.

Features include:

• Bar
• Breakfast
• Lunch by arrangement
• Restaurants nearby
• Room service

Activities

• Take an architectural tour around fascinating and charming colonial Antigua, once a great Spanish Empire city, with its earthquake-damaged and restored buildings. Don't miss the half-ruined Cathedral of San José and the Palacio de los Capitanes on the Plaza Central, the colonial mansion Casa Popenoe, and beautiful churches such as La Merced, with its intricate mustard yellow facade. There are also ruined convents to explore, including the ornate Santa Clara, the impressive Las Capuchinas and the iconic arch at Santa Catalina
  
  
• Climb Pacaya - the most accessible active volcano in Guatemala is 2 hours away. Book early morning or afternoon tours for stunning close-up views
  
  
• Take the opportunity to learn Spanish - Antigua has dozens of language schools to choose from, and there's a vibrant student community
  
  
• Go shopping - Antigua's market is open daily (best on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturday mornings) and is good for local colour and flowers. Nearby shops sell Mayan textiles, crafts, folk art, home accessories, antiques and furniture
  
  
• Explore the popular Antigua dance scene - clubs open from 7pm (the best nights are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays) and alcohol is sold until 1am. Some bars are themed, some produce excellent cocktails, and all are friendly
  
  
• Casa Encantada can arrange walking tours, and tours of local villages e.g. San Antonio which is renowned for its weaving process, or to nearby flower and coffee plantations
  
  
• Arrange your onward travel - Antigua is the primary base for Guatemalan adventures and many travel agencies offer deals on onward travel and excursions

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Art classes
• Birdwatching
• Cycling
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Historical sites
• Horse riding
• Kayaking
• Language courses
• Museums / galleries
• Nightlife
• Plantlife / flora
• Private guided tours
• Rafting
• Shopping / markets
• Tennis
• Traditional cultures
• Yoga

Kids

The steep steps up to the open terrace mean the hotel is not particularly suitable for toddlers, so only over 5s are accepted. In the low season please ask as exceptions can be made.

Family friendly accommodation:

Extra Beds Available

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Casa Encantada is a few blocks south of the main plaza in Antigua, just under an hour from Guatemala City.

By Air
Guatemala City La Aurora (36km away) is the closest airport. It has regular services from the US and Mexico, and some flights from Europe - click on the links below for a list of airlines serving it.

From the Airport
Antigua is about 40 minutes' drive from Guatemala City airport. Casa Encantada can arrange private transfers for you, or you can book shuttle services through most travel agents. Taxis are also available at the terminal, but make sure you agree a price before getting into a vehicle.

By Bus
You can reach Antigua by bus from local destinations including Ciudad Vieja, Chimaltenango (for the Western Highlands), Panajachel (for Lago Atitlán) and Acatenango. If coming from elsewhere, you'll need to change bus in Guatemala City.

By Car
Driving around Guatemala is certainly possible, with relatively empty roads and friendly locals, but parking and security can be big concerns. A good working knowledge of Spanish will help your cause. For car hire see our car rental recommendations.

Detailed directions will be sent to you after your booking is confirmed.

More on getting to Guatemala and getting around