GUATEMALA Casa Palopo

[Mountie]

bonniejoy03, I know you have spent some time in Guatemala, have you ever visited Casa Palopo? If you have, I would certainly appreciate your postingsome observations. I did read your blog, but I didn'tnotice you mention this place.



This seems like a very good deal and might be something I would like to spend my VIP certificate on for a few days of rest.



http://www.luxurylink.com/luxury-hotels/casa-palopo.html?pid=112382&oid=217179

[kyshel]

Indeed, at least 2 of our regular members have purchased the package. I tried but they would not honor it until after July 1. I did stay at Lake Atitlan a few wks ago and have driven past Casa Palopo.

It's in an isolated area between two small towns. You almost need a car, or use just transfers and ferries. It is known as one of only a few luxury properties in the region. You can have a relaxing time in the highlands of Lake Atitlan and Antigua. I would return and probably take my husband to stay there next time. It's way out of the usual price range for accommodations that part of the country, so I hope it is as luxurious as they advertise. I swear I WILL get my Guatemala blog finished today and submit it asap.
(PS--that infinity pool is for villa residents, not the hotel guests)

[Mountie]

kyshel, OK! Get that blog finished and posted today. Where did you stay and what kind of things did you do? Did you rent a car or SUV in Guatemala City and how were the driving conditions?Put up some pictures, please.

[bonniejoy03]

Hi Mountie. We were in Guatemala twice with the most recent visit in January. We have already booked for February 2009!!! We were going to stay at Lake Atitlan but switched to Casa Palopo. It was on my "watch" list!!! So, I haven't stayed there yet but have heard wonderful things from some Guatemalan people. Yes, it will be isolated however, that is what we are looking for. On our next trip we will be also visiting the Pacific Coast to a little town called Montericco. Not touristy....YET!! We love to try different places that aren't that populated yet.



I did do A LOT of research on the Lake properties. Casa Palopo seems like our cup of tea. Small, isolated yet tuk-tuk transfers or boat transfers to the different villages around the island. Hotel Atitlan is also a recommended property yet it does seem bigger and seems like more groups stay there. Hope that helps!!

[Mountie]

I missed buying the Casa Palopo again. Bidding on the auction is easy....


Message Edited by Mountie on 07-17-2008 09:15 AM

[bonniejoy03]

Hi Mountie...so, are you going to bid again? You could use the VIP certificate on this trip. If you need any other help with Guatemala or contacts there for trips, I'd love to help! I keep hoping they add more Central American properties.



Good luck and don't give up the bidding!!!!

[omegaet]

mountie....come on jump in and buy Casa Palopo before it goes away:


Fodor's Review:

By far the best B&B on the lake, luxurious Casa Palop has an almost mystical atmosphere. Each of the seven rooms in the main house, decorated with religious-theme artworks from around the world, offer incredible views of the volcanoes. Muted blues run throughout this former villa, mirroring the colors of the lake. Most baths have giant tubs perfect for prolonged soaks. Just down the road, an annex offers two equally sumptuous suites, each with its own pool and hot tub.

Other travel writers include comments such asthe misty blue water of LakeAtitln unfolds against a backdrop of three 10,000-foot volcanoes, Toliman, Atitln, and San Pedro. Created by a massive volcanic eruption 85,000 years ago, the lake, about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Guatemala City or Antigua, stretches 12 miles long and six miles wide with depths reaching over 1,000 feet.

Here is the link to an excellent article on the regionfrom Travel+Leisure from 2004, somewhat dated but veryinformative and well written:

http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/under-the-volcanoes

[Mountie]

omegaet, you seem to be a huge fan of Casa Palopo, just like bonniejoy03, have you been there?

[omegaet]

....yes, in Guatemala......not yet to Casa Palopo, but soon!


Message Edited by omegaet on 07-29-2008 05:02 PM

[jsattapr2]

bonniejoy03 and omegaet, do you ever look at the U S Department of State pages for specifics before considering travel to a country such as Guatemala?





http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_p.../cis_1129.html