Posada Santiago...Idylls on the Lake
Written: Sep 19 '08 (Updated Sep 19 '08)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Great food, friendly service, good rates
Cons: Remote, but that's a plus
The Bottom Line: The <i>Posada Santiago</i> is an attractive, yet rustic place to spend a few days on a beautiful lake. A great getaway.
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| tombarnes's Full Review: Posada Santiago |
The Posada Santiago sits so unobtrusively in its spectacular setting that you would be forgiven for missing it as you sped by on a jaunt on the lake. Missing it would be a mistake, however, as the Posada Santiago is a true charmer. With its cottages built of charcoal colored volcanic stone, verdant gardens and a smashing view of the lake, there's little reason to go elsewhere when visiting Lake Atitlan.
Main Building
The main building houses the restaurant and most other functions inside are subordinate to the operation of the dining room. To register, simply go to the stone desk at the rear of the dining room. We were welcomed by Dave and Susie Glanville, the cheerful proprietors of the hotel and were on our way to the room in minutes.
One corner of the restaurant is set aside for guests who may not happen to be dining. There are bookcases filled with a motley assortment of books. Another corner is devoted to a couple of computers where guests and visitors check the internet. Guests are allowed half an hour of internet use for free, but I never noticed anyone being charged. The key is simply to resist the temptation to monopolize the computer.
Room
There are only 18 room here, but if you book well ahead, you may be able to secure either the suite or the junior suite next door. We booked Casa Rosa, the nicest accommodation in the house. Its location is convenient- on the hill just behind the main building. As it's in front of the other cottages, you will have more of a view from the Casa Rosa than from any of the other buildings.
The interior walls are the same charcoal gray volcanic stone as the exterior. While you'd alomst think this would make for gloomy rooms, the effect is quite handsome. The furniture is rustic, but comfortable. the fireplace is stocked with plenty of wood each day for a roaring fire. If you seek modern comforts, there is a television with cable channels including CNN and even various music channels. Mostly, we liked the spaciousness of the suite and its porch outside, complete with a hammock. it was a great place to spend an hour or two with a book, or simply to doze away the afternoon.
The bedroom had a queen bed which my father found comfortable. Reading lights have also been inserted into the stone headboard, a fewture my dad really enjoyed. I slept on one of the two daybeds in the living room. The suite can accommodate about four people comfortably.
Bath
More walls of volcanic stone here, but the room is brightened by a large window looking out into the dense floiage behind the cottage. On second thought, draw those curtains before you take a shower. The large window is visible from one of the paths nearby. We never had any issue with hot water, even though the hotel was running at full capacity. Soap and shampoo were plentiful, as were towels.
Dining
You should never go hungry here. There are relatively few good restaurants around the shores of the lake, so this one sees its share of the local trade. I can see why they come. the food is fresh and thoughtfully prepared. Except for fish which is brought in from the PAcific coast, nearly everything on the table is produced right here. Thus, there is a third dimension to nearly every flavor. During the frowing season, you can even enjoy coffee produced right here on the property.
Breakfasts were especially good. We'd start off with biscuits or bread hot from the oven and proceed onto platters of eggs and ham or sausage, Fresh juice was another revelation. Pineapple juice is so often horrible in the US that I rarely order it. Here, it was a tall glass of frothy, pulp laced, heaven. An array of health drinks is also available.
Lunch was always good, but we found dinner to be their best offering of the day. Fresh fish or various local dishes were usually available. If you want privacy, the staff will happily arrange for you to dine in the mirador above. While it's isolated, the spot has a smashing view of the lake. The wine list is rather more than one would expect to find in such a remote place. We even found a sauternes one night (reasonably priced also).
Pool Etc.
The pool is located across the road and down the hill. To get a clear picture of the place, simply imagine a hotel arranged on a hill at an approximately 45 degree angle. The large pool isn't heated, but the whirlpool at one corner can be heated with advance notice. thee is nothing quite like seing the moon rise over the lake from this whirlpool.
A wood-burning sauna is just to one side of the pool. Like the whirlpool, you'll have to give advnace notice to the staff to heat it for you. It's well worth the trouble of waiting. It may seem mild at first, but it gets fearsomely hot.
Lounge chairs in the palapa building were mostly staked out by mid-morning or early afternoon. Consider taking your morning coffee down here to see the sublime sunrise and the ever-changing mist encircling the volcanoes. Breathtaking does not even begin to describe the scenery here.
Activities
While we were at the Posada, there were two groups of college students staying in the hotel. This might normally be cause for concern, but these students were well behaved and polite. We even joined a group of six students for a five and a half hour tour of Lake Atitlan. If you visit here, this is nearly essential. You must go out on the lake to gain a true appreciation of its size and mysterious beauty.
Horseback riding tours are also available through the main desk. Bicycles can also be arranged, To reach the town of Santiago de Atitlan, a simple ride on a tuk-tuk (yes, the same arrangement as in Bagnkok) can easily be arranged. The town is worth a visit, if only to see the parish church. The church is ancient and well preserved. There are few amenities to lure tourists further into the city.
The ever-resourceful Glanvilles can also set you up with bicycles, arrange diving trips or hiking trips to the volcanoes surrounding the hotel. Do not be tempted to hike the volcanoes without a guide. In short, there is no reason for anyone to be bored while staying here. Just remember that the call of the hammock can prove irresistable.
Getting There
Without a car, this will be a conundrum. If you are in Guatemala City or Antigua, simply ask the hotel to arrange transportation for you. We paid about $80.00 US from Antigua and about $100.00 US to the airport in Guatemala City, You will be well advised to make your transporataion arrangements well ahead of time.
Cost
One more great thing about this small resort is that it won't cost a fortune to stay here. The most expensive room is only $95.00 per night. Some rooms are as low as $40.00 or so. The relatively disparate pricing structure also helps to create an interesting mix of guests. The hotel is popular, so you should book well ahead.
Overall
The Posada Santiago is a delightful spot for getting away to the country. This is not a spot for the vacuous tripper. Simple and lovely accomodation is here for those who desire it. Celebrities may have stayed here, but that is not of importance. Stay here for the pure delight of it.
Posda Santiago
Santiago Atitlan
Dept. de Solola, Guatemala
Tel. Reception: 7721-7366
Fax: 7721-7365
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
tombarnes
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 - Top 200 |
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Member: Thomas Barnes
Location: Fort Lauderdale & Washington, DC
Reviews written: 688
Trusted by: 444 members
About Me:
With Barbara in Miami, 2004
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