Description
Combining a colonial ambience with state-of-the-art facilities and excellent service, El Convento is the most luxurious place to stay in the architecturally and culturally fascinating city of Antigua, ringed by three majestic volcanoes.
El Convento's 20 rooms and suites feature plasma televisions, iPod docks and wireless internet, while fireplaces, multi-directional rain showers and outdoor Jacuzzi tubs on private decks create a feeling of wellbeing and relaxation.
Native plants and fountains fill the courtyard and walled gardens and there is a small lap pool, while a terracotta–tiled walkway and shady alcoves offer seating areas with indigenous cushion pillows. As the sun sets, head to the rooftop patio for sublime views of the surrounding volcanoes before feasting at the hotel's wonderful Siiz' restaurant, serving exquisitely presented gourmet dishes with subtle twists and infused with spices, flowers and fruits of the region.
Accommodation
El Convento has 11 Junior Suites, 7 Suites and 2 Grand Suites. The suites are all extremely spacious, ranging in size from 570sq ft upwards, and are individually decorated in an elegant style carefully blending traditional features with contemporary style and comforts. Features vary between the different suites and can include beamed ceilings, comfortable chaise lounges, private gardens, outdoor jacuzzis and open fireplaces.
Childcare
Children are welcome at El Convento although the child-orientated facilities are limited. There is a separate area of the pool for children accompanied by an adult and babysitting can be arranged on request. The Grand Suites are split-level and therefore a good option for families.
Facilities
El Convento has lovely gardens, a small, heated lap pool, a bar and the gourmet Siiz' restaurant, serving delicious cuisine amongst elegant surroundings.
Activities
El Convento is perfectly located for exploring the town of Antigua. Considered to be one of the most beautiful colonial towns in the Americas, Antigua is a highlight of any trip to Guatemala, with its cobblestone streets lined with charming, brightly coloured buildings, well preserved churches and convents and colourful local handicrafts. Excursions can also be arranged out of the city to some of the bustling local markets such as Chichicastenango and Sololá and to hike the Pacaya volcano.
When to travel
There’s no bad time for visiting Guatemala, though the rainy season – called invierno (winter) – makes unpaved roads more difficult from mid-May to mid-October, and into November and December in the north and east. In the lowland jungles of El Petén, the mud at this time will slow you down, guaranteed. Humidity – never low on the coasts or in El Petén – increases during the rainy season, too. The dry season – verano (summer) – is from about November to April, and this means sweltering heat in El Petén and along the coasts and comfortably warm days in the highlands.
The height of the foreign tourist season is from Christmas to Easter. Things become acute around Christmas, New Year’s and Easter, when Guatemalans take holidays too– in many places you’ll need to book ahead. Another high season runs June to August, when throngs of North Americans descend on Guatemala.
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Location and directions
Antigua, Guatemala
Situated on 2a Avenida Norte near 1a Calle Oriente, one of Antigua’s famed cobblestone streets. El Convento is in front of the superb 18th century Capuchin convent, and is a sanctuary from which to discover the city’s magnificent sites.
How to get there
14 hour flight to La Aurora International Airport, Guatemala City, followed by a 45 minute transfer by road.
