Hotel Casa Palopó sits on the hillside above Santa Catarina Palopó, on the road toward San Antonio Palopó, a short walk from the water. It is a member of the Relais & Chateaux collection and one of the most upscale stays on the lake. The rooms are arranged in a range of categories, from deluxe rooms to junior suites, larger suites and a villa that sleeps six, and most are built for two guests. The suites and rooms carry the names of lake villages and volcanoes. The property has a spa, a gym, two on-site restaurants, a garden and a seasonal outdoor pool, and the hotel can arrange boat tours and kayaking on the lake. A continental breakfast is included, and free self-parking is available. Guests rate the hotel very highly, with a score of 9.4 out of 10 from nearly 300 reviews, and it is the kind of place where the service and the setting are the main attraction.
Location and getting around
The hotel is about two minutes on foot from the lake, in the hills of Santa Catarina Palopó, and a short walk from the village's famous painted houses. Panajachel is a short drive away, which makes the hotel quiet in the evenings but still easy to link with boat trips and day tours. Because the property is outside the main tourist strips, many guests spend long stretches on site, using the garden, the spa and the restaurants. If you plan to explore, ask the staff to arrange drivers, boats and guides.
The rooms and the feel
The lake-view categories are the ones to ask for, since the hillside setting is the big draw, and the larger suites add space and private terraces. Expect refined, calm interiors with handmade details, rather than a large resort atmosphere. The pool is seasonal and has set daytime hours, so check before you rely on it.
The spa and gym round out the offer, and the two restaurants mean you can eat well without leaving the property. It suits couples, honeymooners and anniversary trips, and the villa works for a family or a small group traveling together.
Good to know
Check-in starts at 4 pm and runs until midnight, and after-hours check-in is not available, so tell the hotel if you will arrive late. Check-out is at 2 pm. Pets are not allowed. An airport shuttle is available on request for an extra fee per vehicle, and it is a long drive from the nearest airports, so arrange transfers in advance.
Cancellation terms vary by rate, so check the details when you reserve. Santa Catarina is a quiet village, so plan to use the hotel and its drivers for dinners and day trips away from the property.
Why stay here
- ✓Hillside lake views
- ✓Spa
- ✓Two on-site restaurants
- ✓Seasonal outdoor pool
- ✓Gym
- ✓Continental breakfast included
- ✓Free parking
- ✓Boat tours and kayaking
Good questions
Where is Hotel Casa Palopó?+
It is on the hillside above Santa Catarina Palopó, on the road to San Antonio Palopó, about a two-minute walk from the lake and a short drive from Panajachel.
Is breakfast included?+
A free continental breakfast is included. The hotel has two restaurants on site for other meals.
Does it have a pool and a spa?+
Yes. There is a seasonal outdoor pool with set daytime hours, and a spa and gym on site. Check the pool hours before your stay.
