Hotel Casa del Arco is a small guesthouse on 5 Avenida Norte, about a one-minute walk from the Central Park and two from the cathedral. It has only about five rooms over two floors, which gives it the feel of a private house rather than a hotel, and guests praise the location and the personal service. Each room has a flat-screen television and Egyptian cotton bedding, free Wi-Fi covers common areas and rooms, and a free breakfast, prepared to order, is served each morning. There is a terrace for relaxing, and a snack or charcuterie option is available for evenings. The hotel is rated three stars and guest ratings are high, particularly for location. It is a very good fit for couples and solo travellers who want to be in the middle of the old town, within a few minutes of the main sights, cafes and restaurants, without paying for a large hotel's extras.
Location and getting around
You could hardly be more central. The Central Park, the cathedral ruins, the Palace of the Captains General and the city's main restaurants are all on your doorstep, and the Santa Catalina Arch is a short stroll. This also means the streets outside can be lively, especially on weekends and festival days, so ask for a room away from the street if you are a light sleeper. Tour operators pick up from central hotels for the volcano and lake excursions, and the proximity of the park makes meeting points easy.
Rooms and service
With so few rooms, the hosts can offer a personal touch, from advice on tours to help with transfers. The rooms are simple and comfortable, and the cooked-to-order breakfast is a highlight. There is no on-site restaurant, spa or pool, so this is a base for people who spend their days out and about. Parking is not on site, and off-site parking nearby needs a reservation, so tell the hotel in advance if you are driving. Wheeled luggage is awkward on the cobbles, so pack light.
Who it suits
Couples, solo travellers and anyone who values a central address and a quiet, personal stay. It is less suited to families who need connecting rooms, travellers who want a pool or a gym and groups, since there are only a few rooms. Good to know: because it is small, it books early, especially for Holy Week and December. Confirm check-in arrangements and late-arrival procedures, and ask about the best room for noise. Compared with the larger Camino Real and the monastery hotels, Casa del Arco trades facilities for intimacy and location.
Why stay here
- ✓About five rooms in a guesthouse
- ✓One minute from the Central Park
- ✓Free cooked-to-order breakfast
- ✓Free Wi-Fi
- ✓Egyptian cotton bedding
- ✓Flat-screen television
- ✓Terrace
- ✓Snack and charcuterie option
Good questions
How close is it to the Central Park?+
About a one-minute walk, and about two minutes to the cathedral.
Is breakfast included?+
A free breakfast, prepared to order, is served daily. Confirm the hours when you book.
Does it have parking?+
No parking on site. Off-site parking is nearby and needs a reservation.
