El Retiro Lanquin
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Summary of reviewsEl Retiro Lanquin is a tranquil and scenic retreat nestled by the Lanquin River, offering a unique escape for nature lovers in Guatemala. Surrounded by lush tropical greenery, the location provides an idyllic setting for relaxation and connection with nature. The accommodations are affordable, spacious and the well-kept gardens and common areas add to the serene atmosphere. Despite being a bit on the outskirts, the hotel is easily accessible by foot or tuk-tuk.
Guests have consistently praised the delightful breakfast experience, highlighting the tasty porridge, granola and breakfast bowl served in generous portions at reasonable prices. Although breakfast is not included, the quality and setting by the river create a pleasant start to the day. The service flexibility from 06:30 to 11:30 is beneficial for early risers needing to catch shuttles.
The on-site restaurant offers a diverse menu, especially excelling in vegetarian and themed buffet dinners. The food is generally described as superb and fresh with happy hour cocktails enhancing the dining experience, particularly vegan options. While some guests found a few meals hit-or-miss, the overall food quality and reasonable pricing receive positive remarks.
The accommodations range from basic to moderately well-appointed with spacious and clean rooms that fit the budget-friendly service spectrum. Many rooms include features like air conditioning, mosquito nets and fans, hammocks and beautiful views—though some are in need of updates and better ventilation. Communal areas such as bathrooms and dorms are kept clean but could use renovation. Despite minor issues, the price-quality ratio is well appreciated.
Staff at El Retiro Lanquin are often highlighted for their friendliness and helpfulness with many positive mentions about their hospitality. Though not all experiences were perfect, the general consensus is that the staff contributes significantly to a pleasant stay.
Wi-Fi is reliably available in common areas like the restaurant and bar but lacks in the guest rooms. The availability of shuttle service and convenient pick-up options from the bus terminals adds to the ease of access for travelers. The parking area, while somewhat limited, provides sufficient support for guests arriving by their own vehicles.
Beds receive mixed reviews—some find them comfortable, while others indicate the need for better pillows and linens. The lack of bunk beds and inclusion of large lockers for storage is appreciated.
Cleanliness throughout the property is generally satisfactory with well-maintained gardens and functional rooms, although some areas, particularly bathrooms, might benefit from modern updates. The relaxing riverside setting and clean common areas leave a positive impression.
Overall, El Retiro Lanquin offers a charming, budget-friendly stay with beautiful natural surroundings, making it a commendable choice for those looking to explore and enjoy the tranquil beauty of Lanquin.
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Guests have consistently praised the delightful breakfast experience, highlighting the tasty porridge, granola and breakfast bowl served in generous portions at reasonable prices. Although breakfast is not included, the quality and setting by the river create a pleasant start to the day. The service flexibility from 06:30 to 11:30 is beneficial for early risers needing to catch shuttles.
The on-site restaurant offers a diverse menu, especially excelling in vegetarian and themed buffet dinners. The food is generally described as superb and fresh with happy hour cocktails enhancing the dining experience, particularly vegan options. While some guests found a few meals hit-or-miss, the overall food quality and reasonable pricing receive positive remarks.
The accommodations range from basic to moderately well-appointed with spacious and clean rooms that fit the budget-friendly service spectrum. Many rooms include features like air conditioning, mosquito nets and fans, hammocks and beautiful views—though some are in need of updates and better ventilation. Communal areas such as bathrooms and dorms are kept clean but could use renovation. Despite minor issues, the price-quality ratio is well appreciated.
Staff at El Retiro Lanquin are often highlighted for their friendliness and helpfulness with many positive mentions about their hospitality. Though not all experiences were perfect, the general consensus is that the staff contributes significantly to a pleasant stay.
Wi-Fi is reliably available in common areas like the restaurant and bar but lacks in the guest rooms. The availability of shuttle service and convenient pick-up options from the bus terminals adds to the ease of access for travelers. The parking area, while somewhat limited, provides sufficient support for guests arriving by their own vehicles.
Beds receive mixed reviews—some find them comfortable, while others indicate the need for better pillows and linens. The lack of bunk beds and inclusion of large lockers for storage is appreciated.
Cleanliness throughout the property is generally satisfactory with well-maintained gardens and functional rooms, although some areas, particularly bathrooms, might benefit from modern updates. The relaxing riverside setting and clean common areas leave a positive impression.
Overall, El Retiro Lanquin offers a charming, budget-friendly stay with beautiful natural surroundings, making it a commendable choice for those looking to explore and enjoy the tranquil beauty of Lanquin.
Hostel with Parking
Cheap Hostel
Hostel for Adults Only
Guest Reviews
El Retiro Lanquin is a tranquil retreat that boasts an enviable location directly by the Lanquin River, surrounded by lush, scenic nature. Guests frequently mention the beautiful, riverfront setting as a highlight, emphasizing the serene atmosphere and picturesque views. The hotel is nestled in a tropical environment, providing a perfect spot to relax and connect with nature. Despite being on the outskirts of Lanquin village, it remains easily accessible by foot or tuk-tuk with a vibrant jungle setting enhancing its appeal. Visitors appreciate the affordable yet spacious accommodations, along with well-maintained facilities like gardens and common areas. The presence of a river offers additional recreational opportunities, such as swimming and leisure activities. Coupled with excellent staff and a commendable restaurant, El Retiro Lanquin stands out as an idyllic escape for nature lovers in Guatemala.
El Retiro Lanquin offers a delightful breakfast experience that many guests have praised. The restaurant serves a variety of meals throughout the day, but breakfast stands out with its delicious and large portions, all at reasonable prices. Highlights include tasty porridge-granola and the breakfast bowl, which comes highly recommended. Guests appreciate the option to dine by the beautiful river, creating a serene start to the day.
Although breakfast isn't included, the offerings are worth the extra expense. Many found the food to be excellent and the coffee quite good. The service operates from 06:30 to 11:30, accommodating early risers who need to catch early shuttles. Some noted that the waiting time could be improved, but overall, the quality of the breakfasts left a positive impression. Whether you're after a quick bite or a leisurely meal in a scenic setting, El Retiro Lanquin seems to deliver consistently good and sometimes even divine breakfast options.
El Retiro Lanquin offers a dining experience that is generally well-received by guests. The spacious restaurant area is praised for its delicious and diverse vegetarian options. Visitors consistently highlight the high quality and reasonable pricing of the food with many describing it as superb, super yum and fresh. The restaurant also offers a great variety of meals throughout the day, including breakfast, lunch and dinner, all at fair prices. The delightful bar/restaurant by the river enhances the dining experience with a beautiful view and happy hour serves good cocktails at affordable prices.
The evening buffet dinners are particularly noteworthy, often described as generous, homemade and abundant. There are themed buffets like the tasty and affordable kebab and barbecue nights, which are especially popular. Vegan options are also available and well-regarded.
Despite the mostly positive feedback, a few guests found the food to be basic or hit-and-miss. Some expressed that certain meals were not tasty or overpriced. It seems that experiences can vary with some diners having a disappointing meal one evening and a great one the next.
Overall, the on-site restaurant at El Retiro Lanquin is a strong point of the hotel, offering delicious meals in a pleasant setting, often at very reasonable prices.
El Retiro Lanquin offers a diverse range of accommodations that have garnered mixed reviews from its guests. While many highlighted the scenic beauty and well-maintained grounds of the resort, the rooms themselves received varied feedback.
The rooms are praised for being spacious, clean and comfortable with many guests noting their simplicity. Air conditioning is a plus, especially given the heat of Lanquin and the presence of mosquito nets and fans in some rooms is appreciated, although a few guests mentioned broken nets and small fans. The private rooms often come with appealing features like hammocks and beautiful views, adding to a positive stay experience.
Guests found the dorms to be generally spacious and comfortable, though they noted that the lack of air conditioning or adequate fans made them extremely hot. Some dorms have large lockers and good WiFi, but the lack of outlets and insecure features were points of concern. Shared facilities like bathrooms were mostly clean but seemed worn out and in need of maintenance.
Despite the basic and somewhat outdated nature of the decor and furnishings—bedding and towels often seemed old and some rooms had issues with mustiness, stained walls or peeling paint—the price-quality ratio was appreciated by many. The simplicity of the rooms, while sometimes described as disappointing or unremarkable, meets the expectations for a budget stay.
Noise and light issues were noted with rooms being poorly soundproofed and experiencing disturbances from outside activities, although the spaciousness and cleanliness were frequently mentioned as positives. Additionally, some rooms were dark, humid and lacked sufficient hanging options, but others benefited from features like en-suite bathrooms and hot water.
Overall, El Retiro Lanquin offers a basic yet scenic and comfortable stay, suitable for budget travelers looking for a clean and spacious place with essential amenities and beautiful surroundings despite some areas needing improvement. The organized tours to Semuc Champey are highly recommended and considered the highlight of the stay.
The beds at El Retiro Lanquin receive mixed feedback from guests. While some found the beds to be comfortable and appreciated the quiet atmosphere, others noted that the beds could be quite firm and occasionally noisy. The availability of large lockers under the beds for storage, equipped with a plug and light, was a consistent positive note. There are no bunk beds, which some guests might prefer. However, many guests commented on the discomfort of the pillows, describing them as high, rigid and synthetic. The bed linens have been criticized for being thin, stained, worn and sometimes too small for the mattress sizes. Some guests also mentioned the need for additional blankets, as the provided ones were either insufficient or too small. Despite these drawbacks, the overall comfort of the beds was mentioned alongside specific issues, indicating that while improvements could be made, some guests did find their stay restful.
El Retiro Lanquin, nestled right by the river amidst beautifully maintained gardens, has a mixed reputation when it comes to cleanliness. The overall ambiance of the lodge is charming with many guests appreciating the well-kept grounds and the serene riverside setting. Rooms are generally described as spacious and clean and the staff puts in significant effort to maintain tidiness throughout the property.
Shared facilities, including toilets and showers, are frequently cleaned and many guests found them satisfactory. However, some visitors pointed out that the bathrooms are worn down and could use a renovation. The same goes for some rooms which, while clean, have been described as outdated and in need of a refresh. In some cases, guests encountered issues such as hair on the bed, dusty sheets and sporadic water and electricity problems. There were also mentions of spider webs and occasional encounters with insects like frogs and cockroaches, which detracted from the overall experience.
Although the cleaning staff does their utmost to maintain a tidy environment, there are still areas that fall short. Some rooms and bathrooms were noted to be not very clean with specific instances of mold, musty smells and a lack of soap in bathrooms.
Despite these issues, many guests found the property itself to be a lovely place to stay with clean and functional rooms, albeit basic and less homely. The consistent cleanliness of the gardens and well-kept communal areas leaves an overall positive impression. Visitors also enjoyed the clean toilets and comfortable beds.
In summary, El Retiro Lanquin offers a picturesque and relaxing setting with generally clean rooms and shared facilities, though some areas need attention and improvement to meet all travelers' expectations.
The staff at El Retiro Lanquin have garnered a largely positive reception from guests, frequently described as friendly, welcoming and helpful. Many reviewers noted the exceptional hospitality and top-notch service provided by the team. Staff members, including specific guides like Otto and Nelson, were mentioned for their pleasant nature, attentiveness and willingness to assist with various needs such as organizing tours and transportation.
The reception staff, particularly individuals like Tali, were highlighted for their friendliness and proficiency in English, making communication smoother for international visitors. The restaurant and bar teams were also praised for their friendly and accommodating service with Nelson standing out for his excellent cocktails and energetic vibe.
However, not all experiences were uniformly positive. Some guests reported issues with specific staff members, noting unprofessional behavior, rudeness, or a lack of attentiveness. There were instances where receptionists were described as demanding or unhelpful and some bar staff were criticized for their attitude during night shifts. Despite these occasional negative encounters, the general consensus remains positive with most guests appreciating the overall friendly and supportive environment provided by the El Retiro Lanquin staff.
El Retiro Lanquin offers a reasonably reliable Wi-Fi connection, though it is primarily accessible only in the common areas such as the restaurant and bar. While the reception in these areas is generally good, extending to increased usability and satisfactory performance, the Wi-Fi does not reach the guest rooms. Travelers looking to stay connected might find this limiting as access from rooms is either non-existent or inadequate. For those needing to use the internet, spending time in the restaurant or bar might be necessary. Despite this, the communal areas provide a decent enough connection to fulfill basic needs.
El Retiro Lanquin offers convenient transport options for guests arriving by shuttle bus with free pick-up services available from both the shuttle station and the bus terminal in Lanquin. This makes the journey to the hotel hassle-free for those utilizing public transportation. For guests driving their own vehicles, there is a parking lot on-site. However, the parking area is limited in size and consists of a soil surface, which can become inconveniently muddy during the winter months. Despite this, the availability of shuttle services and pick-up options provides ample support for arriving guests.
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Location
Breakfast
Although breakfast isn't included, the offerings are worth the extra expense. Many found the food to be excellent and the coffee quite good. The service operates from 06:30 to 11:30, accommodating early risers who need to catch early shuttles. Some noted that the waiting time could be improved, but overall, the quality of the breakfasts left a positive impression. Whether you're after a quick bite or a leisurely meal in a scenic setting, El Retiro Lanquin seems to deliver consistently good and sometimes even divine breakfast options.
Dinner
The evening buffet dinners are particularly noteworthy, often described as generous, homemade and abundant. There are themed buffets like the tasty and affordable kebab and barbecue nights, which are especially popular. Vegan options are also available and well-regarded.
Despite the mostly positive feedback, a few guests found the food to be basic or hit-and-miss. Some expressed that certain meals were not tasty or overpriced. It seems that experiences can vary with some diners having a disappointing meal one evening and a great one the next.
Overall, the on-site restaurant at El Retiro Lanquin is a strong point of the hotel, offering delicious meals in a pleasant setting, often at very reasonable prices.
Rooms
The rooms are praised for being spacious, clean and comfortable with many guests noting their simplicity. Air conditioning is a plus, especially given the heat of Lanquin and the presence of mosquito nets and fans in some rooms is appreciated, although a few guests mentioned broken nets and small fans. The private rooms often come with appealing features like hammocks and beautiful views, adding to a positive stay experience.
Guests found the dorms to be generally spacious and comfortable, though they noted that the lack of air conditioning or adequate fans made them extremely hot. Some dorms have large lockers and good WiFi, but the lack of outlets and insecure features were points of concern. Shared facilities like bathrooms were mostly clean but seemed worn out and in need of maintenance.
Despite the basic and somewhat outdated nature of the decor and furnishings—bedding and towels often seemed old and some rooms had issues with mustiness, stained walls or peeling paint—the price-quality ratio was appreciated by many. The simplicity of the rooms, while sometimes described as disappointing or unremarkable, meets the expectations for a budget stay.
Noise and light issues were noted with rooms being poorly soundproofed and experiencing disturbances from outside activities, although the spaciousness and cleanliness were frequently mentioned as positives. Additionally, some rooms were dark, humid and lacked sufficient hanging options, but others benefited from features like en-suite bathrooms and hot water.
Overall, El Retiro Lanquin offers a basic yet scenic and comfortable stay, suitable for budget travelers looking for a clean and spacious place with essential amenities and beautiful surroundings despite some areas needing improvement. The organized tours to Semuc Champey are highly recommended and considered the highlight of the stay.
Beds
Cleanliness
Shared facilities, including toilets and showers, are frequently cleaned and many guests found them satisfactory. However, some visitors pointed out that the bathrooms are worn down and could use a renovation. The same goes for some rooms which, while clean, have been described as outdated and in need of a refresh. In some cases, guests encountered issues such as hair on the bed, dusty sheets and sporadic water and electricity problems. There were also mentions of spider webs and occasional encounters with insects like frogs and cockroaches, which detracted from the overall experience.
Although the cleaning staff does their utmost to maintain a tidy environment, there are still areas that fall short. Some rooms and bathrooms were noted to be not very clean with specific instances of mold, musty smells and a lack of soap in bathrooms.
Despite these issues, many guests found the property itself to be a lovely place to stay with clean and functional rooms, albeit basic and less homely. The consistent cleanliness of the gardens and well-kept communal areas leaves an overall positive impression. Visitors also enjoyed the clean toilets and comfortable beds.
In summary, El Retiro Lanquin offers a picturesque and relaxing setting with generally clean rooms and shared facilities, though some areas need attention and improvement to meet all travelers' expectations.
Staff
The reception staff, particularly individuals like Tali, were highlighted for their friendliness and proficiency in English, making communication smoother for international visitors. The restaurant and bar teams were also praised for their friendly and accommodating service with Nelson standing out for his excellent cocktails and energetic vibe.
However, not all experiences were uniformly positive. Some guests reported issues with specific staff members, noting unprofessional behavior, rudeness, or a lack of attentiveness. There were instances where receptionists were described as demanding or unhelpful and some bar staff were criticized for their attitude during night shifts. Despite these occasional negative encounters, the general consensus remains positive with most guests appreciating the overall friendly and supportive environment provided by the El Retiro Lanquin staff.
Wi-Fi
Parking
No, El Retiro Lanquin doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at El Retiro Lanquin.
No, El Retiro Lanquin doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at El Retiro Lanquin.
No, El Retiro Lanquin doesn't have a gym.
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