Meson Panza Verde is a small, personal hotel with a reputation for its restaurant and its atmosphere. It sits at 5a Avenida Sur 19, at the quiet end of Fifth Avenue, about four blocks from the main plaza and cathedral. It has twelve rooms, nine suites and three double rooms, decorated with Spanish colonial antiques, handwoven textiles, original art and, in many, fireplaces. A fountain-fed pool runs through the centre of the property, and the restaurant serves international food with a twist.
Location and getting around: four blocks south of the plaza puts you in a calmer part of town, with the main sights within a short walk and the busier cafes and bars a few minutes away. Antigua's grid makes navigation simple, and day-trip operators collect guests from central addresses. A shuttle service and car park are listed, so arrivals by car are workable.
The rooms: most are on the upper floor, with large bathrooms, antique furnishings and handmade details. Reviewers of the hotel note that the honeymoon suite has a double Jacuzzi, that the smallest rooms near the entrance can be noisy and that rooms do not have air conditioning, with fans on request. In the highlands, that is rarely a problem, though nights can be cool, so the fireplaces are a plus. Ask for an upper-floor room away from the restaurant and bar if you want quiet.
Eating and drinking: the Panza Verde restaurant is a draw in its own right, serving dinner daily with live Latin or Cuban jazz in its bar and cave space, and breakfast is served daily from 8 to 10 am with fruit, pancakes and Guatemalan options, plus a Sunday brunch. That makes the hotel a good fit for guests who like to eat and relax on site after a long volcano or lake day.
Who it suits: couples, small groups of friends and travellers who value personality over scale and can accept the lack of air conditioning. The pool is more decorative than for serious laps, as reviewers observe. It is less suited to large families or anyone who wants a modern chain hotel, and the evening music can be audible in some rooms. Book ahead for peak weeks, and note that the hotel is open all year.
Why stay here
- ✓Twelve rooms and suites
- ✓Fountain-fed pool
- ✓Restaurant with live jazz
- ✓Daily breakfast and Sunday brunch
- ✓Antiques and handwoven textiles
- ✓Fireplaces in many rooms
- ✓Car park and shuttle service
- ✓Four blocks from the plaza
Good questions
Do rooms have air conditioning?+
Reviews note that rooms do not have air conditioning, and a fan is available on request. Highland nights are cool, and many rooms have fireplaces.
Is breakfast served?+
Yes, breakfast is served daily from 8 to 10 am, with a Sunday brunch from 10 am to 1 pm. Check what your rate includes.
How far is it from the Central Park?+
About four blocks, a short walk. The quiet end of Fifth Avenue is calmer than the plaza area.
