Hotel Meson del Valle by AHS

A lovely little colonial-style hotel, with really helpful staff. They let us leave our luggage there while we went on the volcano hike. Afterwards, the room we'd booked with a spa bath was ready, and it worked perfectly. Just what our tired muscles needed.

The courtyard garden was lovely and well cared for, and there were places to sit throughout the hotel, including a small terrace toward the back upstairs. From just outside, you get a perfect view of Volcanoes Agua. The hotel is only about three or four blocks from the Arch, with plenty of places to eat nearby; when we didn’t feel like walking, a taxi was around $3. The old, cultural look was what led us to choose HMV, and it turned out to have everything we wanted and more. Our room was roomy and comfortable, with a firm bed, a TV, drawers for clothes, and dim lighting that made it feel restful. The bathroom was just a little right. Staff were friendly, explained things clearly, and were only a WhatsApp message away when we needed them. Free coffee was a real plus, we drank more of it here than all year. We’d definitely recommend it and stay again.

We really enjoyed the reception team, they were amazing. The hotel is a beautiful, peaceful spot for resting and relaxing right in the heart of Antigua.

The restaurant partnered with the hotel, just down the road and serving breakfast, was quite good. Our room was okay too, nothing special, but we had no major problems with it. The hotel itself was fine, though the front desk arrangement left me questioning things. I accidentally knocked over a fragile plastic display piece while reaching for a pamphlet. I did break it, so I understand paying something, but it looked worth maybe $5 at most and I was charged $20, which felt completely unreasonable. Staff were a mixed bag: some were nice, while one person was particularly rude. Would I stay again? Maybe, but I’d be extra careful near the front desk.