Guatemala

Having apent a week at Hotel Atitlan, I cannot agree that the service was so great, or the food for that matter. However, the hotel is situated beautifully on the lake, with unprecedented views across the swimming pool, to the lake, and ultimately, to the volcanoes. Having been there, you will know how amazing the gardens are, as well as the many birds that reside in the gardens. There is so much that is truly wonderful about Hotel Atitlan. Not to mention its convenience to Pana -- a quick tuk-tuk ride.



The majority of our meals were taken at the hotel restaurant. Often the food was not up to the price tag, with the exception of the lunches. They were beautifully presented and quite good. Evening meals left something to be desired. The service was usually fine; no complaints. The front-desk staff, however,often appeared aloof or disinterested, and there were problems communicating via email. It's too bad that this interesting and venerable hotel couldn't quite pull it all together for a great experience.Indeed, it has so much potential.



From there, it was back to Antigua where we enjoyed an incredible experience at Palacio de Dona Leonor. Can't say enough good things about the hotel, its staff, the restaurant, the food, the ambiance, the room, the location, etc., etc., etc. Are you connected with the hotel? If so, lucky you!!!

Just saw the volcano (Pacaya) ourside of Guate City is erupting and the airport is closed - if planning a trip to Guate make sure you check airport and travel information.

Thanks for the "head's up."



We're not planning to visit Guatemala for another couple of months; however, it is amazing to watch the video of Pacaya in action. D.J. recalls his climb on the volcano last Fall and the level of activity even then. Hope things will be under control soon and that the villagers nearby can find safety.



Do you know if Antigua has been affected?

The Volcano Pacaya video footage just looks terrible, especially the ash accumulations in the streets. And now a tropical storm has hit the west coast and more people have died. Tough times in Guatemala.

We spoke to the, Jennifer, themanager at Casa Palopo yesterday. The area around Pana has sustained sugnificant damage (and some loss of life)due to the heavy tropical rains and mud slides. The two major roads in and out of the lake region are closed to vehicle travel due to mud and rock slides.



As of yesteday, May 31, 2010, the airport in Guatemala Citywas closed to commercial air traffic due to ash from the eruption of Pacaya and clean up was slowed by the heavy tropical rains moving across the country from the Pacific.



Jennifer said they had four guests at Casa Palopo, two from NY and two from Guatemala and they were providing them with the best services possible (the guests had no way to leave and might be there for several more days until transportation could be provided).



This is such a sad situation for the local people.

Thanks, Omega, for your information.



We have been in touch with friends at the lake who also report significant damage from the rains and mudslides, expecially in the San Antonio Palopo area. They claim that the water level of Lake Atitlan has risen more than two meters.



So sorry to hear about the loss of life, as well as the hardships to follow for the people of Guatemala, especially the villagers.



Sounds like Tropical Storm Agatha may be a match for Hurricane Stan in '05.

Thank you so much for the updates. I am concerned about an acquaintance who lives on the hill near Casa Palopo. His house was a bit precariously perched not far beyond the hotel. I'm hoping to reach our contacts in Pana soon. Prayers for all for safety.

Kyshel,



We have some friends who also live on the hillside between Casa Palopo and San Antonio.



Are your friends from the U.S.? Maybe the same????????

The people we know are chef/owner/paraglider Guy, from Tul y Sol in San Marcos, Ashad from Sri Lanka (he used to work for a major airline and was a cook in France)--he lived by the Vortex House where we stayed and Raj, ex-pat lawyer from India, via Houston--he's the one who lives up on the hill but it may be closer to San Marcos than CP?? All those "Sans" got confusing after a while--just drove where Ashad told us! I'm pretty sure we went past CP first, then our house was at the gated driveway down just past it, so, yes, Raj's house was after that point (I think!!)

No, different people --



We will be returning to Guatemala (after the chaos and calamity subside) but can't say exactly when at this time. Would you recommend the vortex house? Is it available for general rental?



Thanks for the info ------