Mesón Panza Verde is a beautiful boutique hotel in the heart of La Antigua. From the bedrooms to the courtyard to the restaurant, this small hotel is utterly charming.

La Antigua is a special place. With colonial architecture and a leisurely pace, it’s one of Guatemala’s most appealing towns. Antigua was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 and continues to retain its old-world charm. Highlights include churches, parks and museums, as well as some delicious restaurants and excellent shops. If you want to get out of town and stretch your legs, there are two volcanoes – Acatenango and Fuego – that are begging to be hiked.

Established in 1986, Mesón Panza Verde was the first luxury boutique hotel in Antigua. Located at the end of a quiet street that’s five blocks from the central plaza, this hotel is ideally situated in Antigua. The hotel consists of just three rooms and nine suites—the small and intimate atmosphere makes Mesón Panza Verde supremely relaxing and enjoyable. From the fountain in the garden to the fireplaces in the guest rooms, this hotel is quintessentially Antigua.

The rooms here are exquisite. Although there are several types to choose from, all rooms are comfortable and gorgeous. The beds are cozy and have wrought-iron headboards. Chandeliers hang overhead and there are fireplaces to warm up next to. Huge floor-to-ceiling windows look out onto private patios where passion flowers, orchids, and bougainvillea are in bloom—reading or relaxing on the patio is supremely pleasant. Junior suites have a separate living room, and master suites have luxuriously appointed bathrooms with a Jacuzzi.

All accommodations come equipped with a cable TV, DVD player (movie rentals available), iPod docking station, telephone, and a safety deposit box. All rooms also have a private European-style bathroom with a hot water shower and hair dryer.

The hotel’s courtyard is a magical place with stone stairways and tropical plants. On top of the hotel is a rooftop terrace where you can get views of the surrounding area—this is an awesome place to have cocktails at sunset and soak up views of the volcanoes. There is also a small lap pool in the courtyard where guests can cool off or get some exercise.

The hotel’s restaurant is well known for its fine cuisine and romantic atmosphere. The main dining room, with its vaulted ceiling and wood-burning fireplace, is elegant. The restaurant’s reputation for serving “international cuisine with a twist” has made it a favorite of Guatemalans and international travelers alike. Menu items include carrot and ginger soup, honey roasted beet and feta salad, tuna tataki, rack of lamb, and linguine alfredo. The bar is well stocked with wine, beer and liquor, and the talented bartenders can serve up all kinds of specialty cocktails.

In addition to all of this, Mesón Panza Verde has an art gallery that showcases the work of Guatemalan and international artists, as well as a yoga studio that holds classes throughout the week. Mesón Panza Verde can also assist guests in hosting events like weddings, private parties, conferences, and business meetings.