...well, well, well, bonniejoy 03, sounds like you had a fabulous return trip to Lake Atitlan and really did some serious exploring.



Good thing you packed away some of those Milano cookies, which further inspired Jennifer to "step up" her normally fantastic service at CP. We love the gang at CP(although there are some never members since we last visited). In our humble opinion, there really isn't a better location to call home during a stay in that area.

Hello O...Guess who ended up eating some of the Minto Milanos with Jennifer...ME!!! It was the best time ever and Jennifer is amazing. Not supposed to tell you all the fun we had!!! We did have "jocuman" a traditional Guatemalan meal...fantastic...great restaurant on the lake in San Pedro...great owners!!! Can't wait to go back!!! We did have two minor quakes while we are there. We met such lovely people on this tripl. Got to explore the Santa Cruz region. I just love the area!!!

So glad you had such a great time! And you're right about Lee -- he is Mr. L. Atitlan in my book!



We plan our next visit to the lake in April. This time, we'll stay at Hotel Atitlan in Pana. Since this trip was rather hastily planned (opportunity presented itself, and we took it), I had a difficult time getting accommodation for the last night in Antigua. Seems many of the more desirable hotels have a 2-night minimum on weekends. Luckily, our trusty reservationist at Hotel Atitlan came to the rescue and orchestrated a lovely room for us at Palacio de Dona Leonor. At least, it sounds lovely-- we'll see --



Comments anyone? As I understand it, the hotel (prior to extensive renovations) was the palace of the illegitimate daughter of ruthless conquistador, Don Pedro de Alvarado. During the renovation, greatcare wastaken to preserve or recreate the architecture, furnishings, and artwork of that 16th century colonial era. Sounds like a history lesson in itself --



Can't wait to hear more about your exploits at C.P. Curiosity prompts the next question (but you don't have to answer): what were you and Jennifer up to that you promised not to tell us about? Ummmmmm----- Maybe Top Secret clearance required?

Hi S...Thanks for your note! I bought up your name to Jennifer and Lee...both said how wonderful you are! Take a look at Hotel Cissus in Antigua. I absolutely loved it!! http://www.cissushotel.com/. We had standard suite 2. Great service...very quiet. We loved Casa Encantada but it is a two night minimum.



Jennifer gave us the royal treatment! She took us to a friend's restaurant to experience the local food. Great people! She is wonderful to speak with and learn more about the area. We really enjoyed room 6. I thought it would be small and was a little nervous. (we had jr suite 3 in the past.) The outdoor living space was great! I see what you mean about the view but it still was great. We had both terrace doors open all the time. The bathroom shower is perfect!



Wish I was back there!!!! Can't wait to go again. We also learned about smaller villages not on the radar. We did a lot of tuk-tuks and boats to get away from the populated areas. What an experience. We had great hiking with Lee, Stefan, and Zip (lee's dog.) Lee's wife has a great massage visit....next time I am booking!!

We took a look at the Dona Lenore hotel while in Antigua and it looks very nice - only saw the public spaces.



We stayed at Casa Concepcion in antigua - wonderful place managed by Julio - he is great!!!!!! Anything you need, he can get for you - did my laundry for free, had tea in the gardens in the afternoon - book room 1 or 2 - both are very nice - nice balcony area where we got to see the volcano have a small eruption! You can book Casa Concepcion through Elizabeth Bell at antigua Tours

bonniejoy03, why do I have the impression you are a much bigger fan of Casa Palopo than Laguna Lodge?

Great observation. I enjoyed the location and decor of Laguna however, something seemed to be missing. I didn't feel as "welcome" as many places that I have stayed in the world. Also, some things seemed lacking. No tea and goodies as advertised. Cost of over $30 USD to use the jacuzzi! Local phone calls were not included. Only one choice of dinner advertised each evening. Hate to speak for the other guests, but everyone had the same type of feedback. Mind you...this is a very expensive property for the region.

Come on, bonniejoy03, just admit it! Once you have stayed at Casa Palopo and been spoiled by Jennifer and her team, it is difficult, if not impossible to accept levels of services offered by other properties in the area. We still rate their personal care and individual guest services at the top of the scale for Guatemala properties!



Also, the big questions lingers.....did or did you not take Peppridge Farms Mint Milano cookies to the owners of Laguna? The answer to this question may be the "key" to the differneces!



.....also, mountie, if you do visit Guatemala and venture out to Lake Atitlan, spend the extra money on the LL package for Casa Palopo!

bonniejoy03, I guess you might call Laguna a disappointment, when you compare it to Casa Palopo. Right or wrong?

Hi O and M....You are so right. Jennifer and staff are wonderful. No Minto Milanos for Laguna, only treats for their pup, Palo. What a beautiful pup they have!! The owners, Jeffro and Mayah were so kind to allow Palo to visit us and we were invited to take Palo hiking.

M: Laguna wasn't a disapoointment especially for the cost of the LL package. I just felt that they have great opportunities to make the property a fantastic success. I loved the location of Laguna and loved being able to easily visit villages from the lodge. I just felt that we didn't receive the service that comes with a more expensive property. I see opportunites available to the property.

Thanks for sharing the details -- both pro and con -- on your recent Guatemala visit.



We weren't able to book Casa Conception in Antigua for the April trip -- sounds like it would have been a great choice. We'll just have to be content with Palacio de Dona Leonor, and who knows? One thing's for sure: the location can't be beat! Since we're only there for the one night (and I always seem to have a shopping list with me -- Ha!), it'll proably be just fine. Still wondering about the status of Finca Filadelfia. Any news, anyone?



We haven't stayed at the Laguna Lodge on Lake Atitlan, but really enjoyed our LL package at Casa Palopo. I don't think it can be beat -- all things considered. You feel like a special guest in a beautiful villa, catering to your every need. It will be interesting to compare that experience with our upcoming visit at Hotel Atitlan. We did have lunchat the hotel (last trip) which was lovely and delicious. So far, all vibes are good. Contacts there have been very helpful in accommodating us for the week's visit.



Looking forward to spending time with Lee and Elaine. Bonnie, we've planned Sunday brunch at Club Ven Aca with them; thanks for the recommendation.



Also, want to re-visit some of the villages around the lake. When you did your independent explorations of the non-touristy villages, were you able to get there by tuk-tuk? Were any of them in the Santiago area? I have a painting from a gallery in Antigua which shows a native village above the Santiago main area, looking down and across the lake to the volcanoes. I would love to actually find that village -- if indeed it exists andisn't the artist's imaginery place --



Would love to hear more from your latest adventures and escapades -- Ha!

I agree with BJ - I have not been to CP yet but will have to visit = Laguna is worth the visit if you get a good price like the package that was on LL, I would have been very disappointed if I had paid full rack rate!

p.s. - Mayah & Jeffo have 4 dogs - a few rescued from local "puppy mill" places - Mayah told us the pups stories and it was heartbreaking - they really are trying to do stuff for the community and their lodge does hire local Maya from Santa Cruz which is one of the poorer villages.

Denise

Hi S...Glad you will be going to Club Ven Aca with Lee and Elaine. Don't forget your swimsuit and sunscreen!! I don't usually burn but got burnt this trip. Probably due to the altitude. Are you getting a massage???



Yes...we visited the least developed villages by tuk-tuk. We received great advice from Anne, owner of Arca de Noe in Santa Cruz village. We enjoyed some rather inexpensive and great meals at her place when we stayed at Laguna. You could contact Jennifer at CP with the name of the artist and she might know where he was from. She introduced us to three artists while we were there. A hint....there is a Mayan calendar that has most of the famous artists in it. Each artist is profiled. We met three of the artists from the calander....pretty cool! Lee did take us by boat around the lake and close to Santiago but we didn't visit any villages near to it. Have fun!!!!!
Message Edited by bonniejoy03 on 03-11-2010 05:52 AM