I wanna go!
I wasn't very impressed with Antigua when I went last year--musta been the wrong [holiday] weekend, whatever--OR--maybe--it was Filadelfia...
time to re-think! Thanks!

Loved the post....Also to keep in mind...Guatemala is a wonderful country to visit. Tourism is beginning to increase so get there now before the crowds visit!! It is also a great getaway especially from the East Coast. Can't wait to try Filadelfia sometime soon!

Guess I really should seriously think about getting down to Guatemala, especially with the good air fares AA is offering. Apparently, the fact you went back to Filadelfia for a second visit must say something positive for the property.

I need to get Belize behind me next month and then see about doing something like this for a few days before the end of the year.

Thanks for the information.

mountie....The Filadelfia is not currently being offered as an auction package. I have no idea why. The last few packages offered had an expiration date of July 31, 2009. We did speak with the Managing Director a couple of times during our last visit and she mentioned they evaluating several of their marketing strategies. Could be The Filadelfia is looking to put a new program together with LL. There are still a couple of excellent choices here on LL, if you are considering going out to Lago Atitlan.

Enjoy your time in Belize.

mountie....didn't take LL too long to "outdate" my last posting re: The Filadelfia. Looks like LL auction packages are are available again running through the end of the year.....so, bid and win one!

-O-, not sure I am going to Guatemala any time soon, but you do make The Filadelfia in Antigua seem interesting.

Buenas Tardes, O,

Glad to hear that your second visit to the Filadelfia Resort was as nice as la primera vez --

We will be visiting there (again) after the CP experience in November. We loved the resort and the people in and around it. I spent the entirety of one beautiful, sunny morning lounging in a most comfortable spot on the balcony overlooking the mountains. It was the first time since I returned home from Southeast Asia many years back that I heard nothing but the sounds of the birds and the distant voices of the plantation caretakers, laughing and talking, seemingly without a care in the world. Just an incredible almost-silence that caused me to question the importance of much in modern Western life. I'm so looking forward to recapturing that feeling on our next visit. Thank you for reinforcing that possibility.

Kudos, again.

showard1....we would agree, The Filadelfia is a peaceful destination (which causes us to wonder why some reviews in tripadvisor.com are critical of the location - not everyone wants to spend their nights in the historic center of Antigua). During our first visit we had a lovely junior suite on the second floor overlooking the pool with a direct morning vista of Volcano Agua....spectacular.

The auction package for our second visit included one of the two suites at the property (we also elected to stay on the second floor - although the first floor suite has a delightful patio which is completely walled for privacy). The temperatures ranged in the low 50s during the evening, allowing us to leave the windows open to fully enjoy the breezes (we did partially close the privacy shutters on the windows to avoid the early morning direct sunlight spilling into the suite).

The service staff at The Filadelfia impressed us. Most of them recalled our travel idiosyncrasies (six pillows for the bed and no feathers in them or any bed coverings) and anticipated our needs.....it says something about a server who (after five + months have elapsed since your first visit) recalls your preference for blue corn tortillas at desayuno.

We thought The Filadelfia offered a total experience for our needs and interests.....maybe not for everyone, but we will likely return for a long weekend in the not-too-distant future.

Hey -O-, there is nothing like returning to a hotel or resort and having the staff remember you and what you like and dislike. Sounds like the staff at The Filadelfia has this important aspect figure out for the return traveler.

Well, I'm not sure The Filadelfia is going to be offered again here on Luxury Link. Too bad for those of you who were interested, thought about bidding but just procrastinated. You may very well have lost out on a very special place in Guatemala!

I did check the website and Small Luxury Hotels of the World and the Filadelfia is not a part of their group at this time. I couldn't even find a way to contact the property. Is it still open? THanks for any updates. We will stay at the Hotel Casa Concepcion on our next trip to Antigua. It is run by Elizabeth Bell. We stored our luggages there this past February and it was very quaint.

I went to the coffee web site and tried to get a link to the hotel, but it did not connect. I called the telephone number in Houston and the person who answer said they wtill handle the coffee import for the company, but have nothing to do with the hotel.

Well, this could be another example of strike while the iron is hot. I don't know the meaning of that remark, but I think it deals with taking action immediately and not wait around thinking about making a decision.

Please bring it back, Luxury Link....we miss having this view from our patio at Filadelfia......

O...Absolutely lovely photo!! It would be great to have Filadelfia offered again. I haven't had the pleasure to stay there yet so would love the opportunity. Thanks for sharing!

bonniejoy03....actually we have just finished the final cups of coffee from the several bags we brought back from Filadelfia Coffee Resort and Spa (and coffee plantation)during our last visit.



Itwas certainly a great view.