When we arrived in La Antigua Guatemala we headed straight for the hotel. We had detailed directions, which was good. The hotel looks just like the other houses around it and the only identifying mark was a small plaque high on the orange wall reading Hotel Santa Clara. We knocked on the large wooden doors a soon a friendly girl opened. Yes, we were in the right spot, and yes, she would show us a room.
The hotel was originally a home and still feels that way. We were led down a hallway, past a courtyard to a small patio and shown the only double room available that day. Along the way there were many potted plants, a few rocking chairs, a fountain, nice details everywhere. What really caught our attention was how clean everything was, absolutely spotless. From the patio outside our room we could see one of the various volcanoes surrounding Antigua.
Our room was cheerful, extremely clean, and small. There were two double beds covered with blue chenille blankets, separated by a tiny nightstand. On the wall was a framed beach towel depicting Guatemalan life. On one side of the room was a miniscule closet. Next to the door was a very small desk with a pitcher of water that was refilled every day. The one window in the room opened onto a pretty little courtyard. I think we had the only room whose window didn’t face onto the hallway, which made this room much more private.
The bathroom, like everything else, was spotless and tiny. The area around the toilet was uncomfortably small. The shower wasn’t much larger. The water pressure was great and there was plenty of hot water. The soft, clean, fresh towels were replenished daily.
The beds weren’t the most comfortable, being a little wonky, but the sheets were so soft and smelled so good it didn’t really matter. The pillows were some of the best we had on the trip. The hotel was very quiet, too quiet. We could here every last little sound. We could here each other breathing. I think I actually heard Libby blink. The only noises from outside to be heard were the church bells and the volcano, which grumbled and boomed occasionally. From inside the hotel, if the other guests are noisy, you will hear them.
We were charged Q200 (US$25) per night. The hotel accepts major credit cards. Reservations are recommended. There is enclosed parking for a few cars on premises. The hotel also has another secure parking area a block away.
To get here from the central park where the cathedral is (SE corner of park), head east on 5a. Calle Ote (past side of church) two blocks, turn right on 2nd Ave. The hotel is a little over two blocks away, on the right hand side. The ruins of Santa Clara and San Pedro are just one block north of the hotel.