Meson Panza Verde

Rooms

Extensions and refurbishments have seen the creation of spacious rooms and suites, all on a lavish scale, and packed with eclectic details. Most are on the upper floor, some reached by a staircase at the back of the courtyard restaurant, others by stairs past the pool. Bathrooms are large, with striking porcelain in black, brown or orange; some have Jacuzzis. The French wrought-iron beds are delightfully comfy, and the walls are both faded and rich - sepia, pale greens, streaked terracotta, burnt ochre or cracked claret on polished plaster.

Room 12 is the most impressive. Formerly the owners' apartment, it features a large living room with a fireplace and a second smaller bedroom overlooking the pool. Spacious rooms 10 and 11 delight with their Spanish balconies and double bathtubs, as well as showers in bathrooms big enough to house a family. Rooms 8 and 9 are also large, with ornate fireplaces, splendid bathrooms, and private patios with fountains and water lilies.

The honeymoon suite (room 7) is above the restaurant, with its own staircase, a double Jacuzzi and a private balcony. Rooms 5 and 6 have queensize beds, plus hammocks on their first-floor verandas; room 4's unique bathroom is under the cupola, so has a domed roof.

The older rooms (numbers 1-3), on the ground floor off the restaurant, are smaller but good value: comfortable doubles or twins with ensuite bathrooms and signature décor. French windows open out onto the shared walled terrace/courtyard, which leads to the piano bar. These rooms can be noisy on busy nights and are small compared to the others.

All beds have 400 thread count Eqyptian cotton bed linen, and all rooms have soundproof doors and windows, plus cable TV. There's no air-conditioning, nor screens on the windows, but a fan can be provided on request.

Features include:

• Hairdryer
• In-room treatments available
• Safe box
• WiFi

Eating

One of the biggest attractions for guests is Panza Verde, one of the best restaurants in Guatemala, where Swiss-French chef Christophe Pache creates 'international food with a twist' in an elegant setting. Charmingly, the tables are scattered about the ground floor: you can opt for the vaulted dining room, get romantic beside the pool, go alfresco on the verdant, candlelit veranda, or retreat (as we did) to the 'cave', with its round tables and chandeliers. This is also where the live music (Latin or Cuban jazz) is played, next to the piano salon.

We began our evening with a cocktail on the rooftop terrace, while the sun set behind the volcanoes; there are also 2 bars with a vast selection of tequilas, scotch and rum. Our dinner started with the signature beef carpaccio, and asparagus spears simply presented. Delicious mains followed: succulent steak Bourguignon, squid in ink on rice, and the Swiss speciality of sliced pork flambéed in cognac with a mushroom and white wine sauce. There's an extensive wine list, and desserts, coffees and liqueurs to round off the evening.

Start the day with fresh fruit, pancakes, or a traditional Guatemalan breakfast, washed down with juice and coffee, any time between 8 and 10am. There's a Sunday brunch menu served from 10am to 1pm.

If not out on an excursion, you can take lunch from noon until 4pm - light dishes such as fresh Arugula salad or fettucine with vodka, tomato and cream, a fresh fish dish, or chicken in gorgonzola sauce with red peppers and mushrooms.

Features include:

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Restaurants nearby
• Room service
• Vegetarian options

Activities

• Take an architectural tour around fascinating and charming colonial Antigua, once a great Spanish Empire city, with its earthquake-damaged and restored buildings. Don't miss the half-ruined Cathedral of San José and the Palacio de los Capitanes on the Plaza Central, the colonial mansion Casa Popenoe, and beautiful churches such as La Merced, with its intricate mustard yellow facade. There are also ruined convents to explore, including the ornate Santa Clara, the impressive Las Capuchinas and the iconic arch at Santa Catalina
  
  
• Sample the Antiguan languid lifestyle: wander cobbled streets, meander in and out of coffee bars, restaurants and shops, visit art galleries, buy cigars, and browse bookshops
  
  
• Climb Pacaya - the most accessible active volcano in Guatemala is 2 hours away. Book early morning or afternoon tours for stunning close-up views
  
  
• Take the opportunity to learn Spanish - Antigua has dozens of language schools to choose from, and there's a vibrant student community
  
  
• Go shopping - Antigua's market is open daily (best on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturday mornings) and is good for local colour and flowers. Nearby shops sell Mayan textiles, crafts, folk art, home accessories, antiques and furniture
  
  
• Explore the popular Antigua dance scene - clubs open from 7pm (the best nights are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays) and alcohol is sold until 1am. Some bars are themed, some produce excellent cocktails, and all are friendly
  
  
• Treat your body, mind and soul: yoga classes happen 5 times a week at the hotel, there are weekly life drawing classes, and spa treatments can be arranged across the road. Staff can also organise fishing trips, or book tennis sessions at a local club
  
  
• Arrange your onward travel - Antigua is the primary base for Guatemalan adventures and many travel agencies offer deals on onward travel and excursions

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Art classes
• Cycling
• Fishing
• Golf
• Hiking
• Historical sites
• Horse riding
• Language courses
• Museums / galleries
• Nightlife
• Plantlife / flora
• Private guided tours
• Shopping / markets
• Swimming
• Tennis
• Traditional cultures
• Yoga

Kids

Although a children's menu is available in the restaurant, only guests over the age of 15 can stay at the hotel. The steep staircases, roof terrace and sophisticated clientele mean it isn't suitable for kids.

Family friendly accommodation:

Extra Beds Available

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Meson Panza Verde is in the heart of Antigua, just under an hour from Guatemala City. It's 4 blocks south of the main plaza.

By Air
Guatemala City La Aurora (36km away) is the closest airport. It has regular services from the US and Mexico, and some flights from Europe - click on the links below for a list of airlines.

From the Airport
Antigua is about 40 minutes' drive from Guatemala City airport. Meson Panza Verde can arrange private transfers for you, or you can book shuttle services through most travel agents. Taxis are also available at the terminal, but make sure you agree a price before getting into a vehicle.

By Bus
You can reach Antigua by bus from local destinations including Ciudad Vieja, Chimaltenango (for the Western Highlands), Panajachel (for Lago Atitlán) and Acatenango. If coming from elsewhere, you'll need to change bus in Guatemala City.

By Car
Driving around Guatemala is certainly possible, with relatively empty roads and friendly locals, but parking and security can be big concerns. A good working knowledge of Spanish will help your cause. For car hire see our car rental recommendations.

Detailed directions will be sent to you after your booking is confirmed.

More on getting to Guatemala and getting around