Villa Santa Catarina
➔
➔
Please select your travel dates to see rates and availability
Info
Summary of reviewsVilla Santa Catarina at Lake Atitlán offers guests a picturesque and tranquil retreat, featuring stunning views of the lake and surrounding volcanoes. The hotel is situated in a serene Mayan town, just a short walk from the dock, making it a convenient base for boat rides and excursions. The grounds are meticulously maintained with beautiful gardens and an inviting pool area, creating a relaxing ambiance that stands in stark contrast to the bustling nearby Panajachel.
Breakfast at Villa Santa Catarina is generous and flavorful, gaining praise for its execution and local charm. Although the menu is somewhat limited, the friendly and attentive staff enhance the dining experience, set against the backdrop of stunning lake views.
Dinner at the hotel restaurant is well-received for its delicious and beautifully presented dishes, particularly the range of traditional Guatemalan cuisine with modern twists. Guests enjoy dining on the terrace or by the fireplace, savoring the scenic views. While the menu could benefit from more variety, the quality and service receive positive marks overall.
The rooms at Villa Santa Catarina are spacious, clean and comfortable, often featuring terraces or balconies with breathtaking views. Despite minor issues such as lack of air conditioning and a few outdated amenities, the overall guest experience is positive, especially in the well-appointed Junior Suites.
Cleanliness is a standout feature with guests consistently praising the immaculate rooms and common areas. The staff contributes significantly to this positive atmosphere, noted for their friendliness, helpfulness and professional service. Exceptional individuals like Sergio from the restaurant are frequently mentioned for their outstanding hospitality.
The WiFi service is somewhat unreliable, particularly inside the rooms, though stronger signals are available in some areas. The pool facilities are highlights, especially the thermal and heated pools, which are perfect for relaxation against the scenic backdrop.
Parking is secure and convenient with ample space, making it easy for guests to access the hotel by car. The hotel is particularly welcoming for families, providing a comfortable and accommodating environment complete with well-maintained common areas and attentive staff.
While some guests find the beds very comfortable, others note issues with mattress quality and bed size, suggesting room for improvement in this aspect. Overall, Villa Santa Catarina offers a delightful experience with its beautiful location, well-maintained facilities and high-quality service, making it a compelling choice for travelers seeking tranquility and scenic beauty.
Categories
Breakfast at Villa Santa Catarina is generous and flavorful, gaining praise for its execution and local charm. Although the menu is somewhat limited, the friendly and attentive staff enhance the dining experience, set against the backdrop of stunning lake views.
Dinner at the hotel restaurant is well-received for its delicious and beautifully presented dishes, particularly the range of traditional Guatemalan cuisine with modern twists. Guests enjoy dining on the terrace or by the fireplace, savoring the scenic views. While the menu could benefit from more variety, the quality and service receive positive marks overall.
The rooms at Villa Santa Catarina are spacious, clean and comfortable, often featuring terraces or balconies with breathtaking views. Despite minor issues such as lack of air conditioning and a few outdated amenities, the overall guest experience is positive, especially in the well-appointed Junior Suites.
Cleanliness is a standout feature with guests consistently praising the immaculate rooms and common areas. The staff contributes significantly to this positive atmosphere, noted for their friendliness, helpfulness and professional service. Exceptional individuals like Sergio from the restaurant are frequently mentioned for their outstanding hospitality.
The WiFi service is somewhat unreliable, particularly inside the rooms, though stronger signals are available in some areas. The pool facilities are highlights, especially the thermal and heated pools, which are perfect for relaxation against the scenic backdrop.
Parking is secure and convenient with ample space, making it easy for guests to access the hotel by car. The hotel is particularly welcoming for families, providing a comfortable and accommodating environment complete with well-maintained common areas and attentive staff.
While some guests find the beds very comfortable, others note issues with mattress quality and bed size, suggesting room for improvement in this aspect. Overall, Villa Santa Catarina offers a delightful experience with its beautiful location, well-maintained facilities and high-quality service, making it a compelling choice for travelers seeking tranquility and scenic beauty.
Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
Included in this list based on its tagging as an eco-friendly property in our database.
Hotel for Honeymoon
Located in Santa Catarina Palopó, Villa Santa Catarina has a great location and an attractive swimming pool. It offers an intimate experience.
Family Friendly Hotel
This hotel is highly rated by families. It provides comfortable accommodations.
Hotel with Swimming Pool
This hotel provides a relaxing stay with a swimming pool. It's located in Santa Catarina Polopo, offering a tranquil environment.
Outdoor Pool
Hotel with Parking
Located slightly outside Panajachel, this hotel likely offers parking due to its more secluded location. Parking is available for guests.
3-Star Hotel
This hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, garden, a terrace and restaurant. It is popular with guests and offers a comfortable stay.
Business Hotel
Hotel with Outdoor Pool
Guest Reviews
Villa Santa Catarina boasts an amazing location right on the shores of Lake Atitlán, offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding volcanoes. The hotel is situated in a tranquil, authentic Mayan town, just a short 3-minute walk from the dock, making it convenient for boat rides. It's approximately 13-14 minutes away from Panajachel by tuk-tuk, allowing a peaceful getaway from the more bustling, tourist-heavy areas.
The hotel grounds are beautifully maintained with lovely gardens and a pool, capturing a serene vibe perfect for relaxation. Guests frequently mention the excellent view of the lake and volcanoes, describing it as cinematic and truly stunning. The location is praised for its peaceful and quiet atmosphere, contrasting positively with the busier Panajachel.
While the setting in Santa Catarina provides a restful escape, it is somewhat remote and guests noted that transportation options organized by the hotel could improve. The town itself is described as small but charming with easy access to the village center and public square.
The hotel’s proximity to the lake and pier is highly praised, making it an ideal spot for those looking to enjoy the natural beauty of Lake Atitlán. Friendly staff and well-maintained facilities further enhance the experience, making Villa Santa Catarina a delightful choice for travelers seeking both tranquility and scenic views.
Villa Santa Catarina offers a breakfast experience that is generally well-received by guests, characterized by its delicious, hearty and ample portions. Many visitors appreciate the quality and taste, highlighting the delicious local flavors and nutritious options. The breakfast often receives praise for its generosity and excellent execution with some guests even describing it as a 5-star experience.
Guests also commend the friendly and attentive staff, which enhances their dining experience. The staff's local attire adds a touch of cultural charm that many find appealing. The scenic views from the restaurant, especially the stunning lake vista, further elevate the breakfast ambiance.
However, the breakfast does have some limitations. While tasty, the menu is not very extensive and additional items beyond the basic offering often incur extra charges. Some reviews suggest that more variety and a buffet-style option would be beneficial. A few guests noted instances of dissatisfaction with extra fees and occasional lapses in staff responsiveness.
Overall, the breakfast at Villa Santa Catarina is highly regarded for its flavor and service, though there is room for improvement in variety and value.
Villa Santa Catarina offers a dining experience that has left many guests satisfied with numerous reviews highlighting the delicious and beautifully presented dishes at the hotel's restaurant. Guests frequently dined there every night, praising the variety of traditional Guatemalan food with a modern twist. The service is outstanding with helpful and friendly dining staff enhancing the overall experience.
The restaurant features pleasant seating areas, including a terrace and a fireplace, offering picturesque views of the pool, garden and surrounding volcanoes. Guests appreciated the option to order coffee to their rooms and enjoyed both breakfast and dinner on the lovely terrace.
However, there are mixed reviews regarding the menu's variety and pricing. Some guests found the menu limited and noted that the prices could be high for the portion sizes provided. While many enjoyed high-quality food, others felt the dishes were sometimes bland or not particularly varied. Specific dishes like spaghetti with white sauce and chicken tacos received negative feedback for their taste and preparation.
Despite these occasional issues, the overall consensus is that the restaurant at Villa Santa Catarina provides very good food, especially when considering the beautiful presentation and the magnificent dining views.
Villa Santa Catarina offers a mixed experience when it comes to its rooms. Overall, the rooms are praised for being spacious, clean and comfortable with many guests highlighting the beautiful decor and thematic designs. The bedding and showers often receive commendations for comfort and cleanliness. Terraces and balconies are a common feature, offering stunning views of the lake and volcano, which greatly enhances the stay for many visitors.
However, some aspects detract from the experience. Many rooms lack air conditioning and fans, leading to discomfort during warmer seasons, especially since leaving the balcony doors open invites insects. The absence of screens on windows and lack of room amenities like hairdryers, safes and minibars are noted downsides. Some rooms also suffer from issues like a strong smell of dampness, poor lighting and outdated furnishings.
On the positive side, the Junior Suites are highly recommended for their extra comfort and spectacular views. The Colonial style of the hotel and its pleasant thermal water pool add to the charm of the place. Guests often mention the hotel’s cleanliness as impeccable and the staff as very nice and accommodating.
While there are some areas for improvement, particularly in ventilation and modernization of some rooms, Villa Santa Catarina generally provides a pleasant and relaxing stay with ample space and breathtaking views.
The beds at Villa Santa Catarina have received mixed reviews from guests. On the positive side, many guests found the beds to be comfortable with some describing them as very comfy and heavenly to sleep in. For instance, a few highlighted having experienced the comfiest beds of their entire trip at this villa. Additionally, the facility is noted for being very clean with some large amenities like a jacuzzi or hot tub area adding to the comfort.
However, there are also numerous mentions of the beds being either too hard or too small, particularly for couples. Many guests found the mattresses to be old and in need of replacement with the size of the beds described as being insufficient. Some described the double beds as more fitting for a single person rather than a couple with comments suggesting they seemed like cots. The overall sentiment points towards a need for improvement in mattress quality and bed size to enhance guest comfort.
In summary, while some guests had a restful experience with the beds at Villa Santa Catarina, there is a notable portion of feedback indicating discomfort due to the hardness and small size of the beds. Improving these aspects could significantly enhance the overall guest experience at the villa.
Villa Santa Catarina receives high praise for its cleanliness and well-maintained facilities. Guests consistently note that the hotel is extremely clean and tidy with impeccably kept bedding and immaculate grounds. The rooms are described as clean and comfortable and the overall cleanness of the hotel, including the dining room and hallways, is frequently highlighted.
The common areas and pools are especially noted for their cleanliness and appeal with many pointing out the beautiful views over the lake and volcanos. The meticulous landscaping and decoration further enhance the cleanliness and peaceful ambiance of the environment.
Guests also appreciate the friendly and attentive staff, who contribute to a welcoming atmosphere. The facilities are spacious, well-maintained and organized, often compared favorably to American hotels in terms of orderliness.
There are a few mentions of minor issues such as humidity in the rooms and occasional maintenance lapses like a ball of hair in a shower or the need for more towels. However, the overall impression remains overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the hotel's commitment to providing a pristine and comfortable stay.
The reviews for Villa Santa Catarina depict a hotel where exceptional staff service is a standout feature. Guests frequently praised the staff's helpfulness, friendliness and attentiveness, highlighting their genuine dedication to providing excellent service. Notably, Sergio from the restaurant received individual recognition for his resourcefulness and friendly demeanor. The staff's accommodating nature, including their readiness to assist even for early arrivals, contributed to a memorable experience for many visitors.
Guests appreciated the warm and attentive nature of the staff, alluding to their high level of hospitality and professional conduct. The politeness and kindness of the hotel team were repeatedly emphasized, making guests feel welcome and well cared for throughout their stay. Whether it was through providing helpful tips, special details or simply maintaining a cheerful and friendly atmosphere, the staff consistently left a positive impression.
Instances of less favorable interactions were few with the majority of the team being described as hospitable and eager to assist. Such a high level of service, coupled with the hotel's beautiful location and cleanliness, contributed to the overall satisfaction and enjoyment of the guests' experiences.
Nestled in a picturesque setting, Villa Santa Catarina offers a charming retreat with some mixed reviews regarding its WiFi service. Many guests have mentioned that while there is a strong WiFi signal in certain areas, the service tends to be weak or non-existent inside the rooms. Notably, Room 36 experienced particularly poor WiFi reception. However, some visitors have found excellent WiFi connectivity during their stay with no additional charges for this service. It seems that for a more reliable connection, guests might need to step outside their rooms.
The swimming facilities at Villa Santa Catarina are widely praised by guests for their outstanding features. The hotel boasts beautiful, well-maintained pools that offer great views of the lake and the volcanic landscape. Among the highlights are the thermal and heated pools, which guests frequently describe as relaxing and delightful. The lovely pool areas are complemented by beautiful gardens and thoughtful decor that add to the serene ambiance. Despite some comments on the early closing time and the cold temperature of one of the pools, the presence of hot springs and the warm sections more than make up for it. Overall, the pools at Villa Santa Catarina provide a wonderful setting for relaxation, enhanced by the views and the well-kept surroundings.
Villa Santa Catarina offers a secure and convenient parking experience for its guests. With ample and large private parking located next to the hotel, visitors arriving by car will find it very easy and hassle-free. Internal parking is available, making it simple for any vehicle to access the hotel. Although there were mentions of very small parking, overall, reviews consistently highlight the good quality and convenience of the parking facilities.
Villa Santa Catarina boasts a welcoming environment for families, making it an attractive option for guests traveling with children. The hotel staff seems exceptionally attentive, catering thoughtfully to families, including infants, by preparing special purees for babies. The property itself is praised for its beauty and well-maintained common areas, which provide a pleasant backdrop for family vacations. Many guests stress the friendly demeanor of the staff, which significantly adds to the family-friendly atmosphere.
Families of various sizes, including those with young children or babies, find the hotel comfortable and accommodating. Guests mention the convenience of the hotel's location, which is strategically positioned near the pier that leads to Panajachel, as well as a small local market. The facilities, particularly the garden, are noted for their excellent maintenance, allowing for a relaxed and enjoyable stay.
While Villa Santa Catarina is highly recommended for families, it may not be the best choice for couples seeking a romantic or quiet retreat due to the lively family atmosphere. Additionally, though the hotel is cozy, there are some concerns, such as the presence of ants in rooms and certain accessibility issues. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall reception is positive with guests feeling at ease and being keen on returning, underscoring the hotel's strong appeal for family vacations.
Villa Santa Catarina boasts lovely, spacious and clean rooms, making it an attractive option for travelers seeking comfortable accommodations. The hotel is beautifully located and features amenities such as pools, contributing to a pleasant stay. Guests frequently commend the friendly and helpful staff, highlighting a positive service experience. The quality-price ratio is often mentioned as being fair, enhancing the overall appeal of the hotel. However, it is worth noting that transportation to and from the nearby town of Panajachel can be somewhat costly due to its 10-minute distance. Some reviewers feel that the hotel’s offerings are a bit sparse for a three-star rating and there are mentions of a pet-friendly policy that involves additional charges. The onsite restaurant’s cuisine has room for improvement, but the accommodation serves well for those who mainly seek a place to rest.
Location Show Map
Location
The hotel grounds are beautifully maintained with lovely gardens and a pool, capturing a serene vibe perfect for relaxation. Guests frequently mention the excellent view of the lake and volcanoes, describing it as cinematic and truly stunning. The location is praised for its peaceful and quiet atmosphere, contrasting positively with the busier Panajachel.
While the setting in Santa Catarina provides a restful escape, it is somewhat remote and guests noted that transportation options organized by the hotel could improve. The town itself is described as small but charming with easy access to the village center and public square.
The hotel’s proximity to the lake and pier is highly praised, making it an ideal spot for those looking to enjoy the natural beauty of Lake Atitlán. Friendly staff and well-maintained facilities further enhance the experience, making Villa Santa Catarina a delightful choice for travelers seeking both tranquility and scenic views.
Breakfast
Guests also commend the friendly and attentive staff, which enhances their dining experience. The staff's local attire adds a touch of cultural charm that many find appealing. The scenic views from the restaurant, especially the stunning lake vista, further elevate the breakfast ambiance.
However, the breakfast does have some limitations. While tasty, the menu is not very extensive and additional items beyond the basic offering often incur extra charges. Some reviews suggest that more variety and a buffet-style option would be beneficial. A few guests noted instances of dissatisfaction with extra fees and occasional lapses in staff responsiveness.
Overall, the breakfast at Villa Santa Catarina is highly regarded for its flavor and service, though there is room for improvement in variety and value.
Dinner
The restaurant features pleasant seating areas, including a terrace and a fireplace, offering picturesque views of the pool, garden and surrounding volcanoes. Guests appreciated the option to order coffee to their rooms and enjoyed both breakfast and dinner on the lovely terrace.
However, there are mixed reviews regarding the menu's variety and pricing. Some guests found the menu limited and noted that the prices could be high for the portion sizes provided. While many enjoyed high-quality food, others felt the dishes were sometimes bland or not particularly varied. Specific dishes like spaghetti with white sauce and chicken tacos received negative feedback for their taste and preparation.
Despite these occasional issues, the overall consensus is that the restaurant at Villa Santa Catarina provides very good food, especially when considering the beautiful presentation and the magnificent dining views.
Rooms
However, some aspects detract from the experience. Many rooms lack air conditioning and fans, leading to discomfort during warmer seasons, especially since leaving the balcony doors open invites insects. The absence of screens on windows and lack of room amenities like hairdryers, safes and minibars are noted downsides. Some rooms also suffer from issues like a strong smell of dampness, poor lighting and outdated furnishings.
On the positive side, the Junior Suites are highly recommended for their extra comfort and spectacular views. The Colonial style of the hotel and its pleasant thermal water pool add to the charm of the place. Guests often mention the hotel’s cleanliness as impeccable and the staff as very nice and accommodating.
While there are some areas for improvement, particularly in ventilation and modernization of some rooms, Villa Santa Catarina generally provides a pleasant and relaxing stay with ample space and breathtaking views.
Beds
However, there are also numerous mentions of the beds being either too hard or too small, particularly for couples. Many guests found the mattresses to be old and in need of replacement with the size of the beds described as being insufficient. Some described the double beds as more fitting for a single person rather than a couple with comments suggesting they seemed like cots. The overall sentiment points towards a need for improvement in mattress quality and bed size to enhance guest comfort.
In summary, while some guests had a restful experience with the beds at Villa Santa Catarina, there is a notable portion of feedback indicating discomfort due to the hardness and small size of the beds. Improving these aspects could significantly enhance the overall guest experience at the villa.
Cleanliness
The common areas and pools are especially noted for their cleanliness and appeal with many pointing out the beautiful views over the lake and volcanos. The meticulous landscaping and decoration further enhance the cleanliness and peaceful ambiance of the environment.
Guests also appreciate the friendly and attentive staff, who contribute to a welcoming atmosphere. The facilities are spacious, well-maintained and organized, often compared favorably to American hotels in terms of orderliness.
There are a few mentions of minor issues such as humidity in the rooms and occasional maintenance lapses like a ball of hair in a shower or the need for more towels. However, the overall impression remains overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the hotel's commitment to providing a pristine and comfortable stay.
Staff
Guests appreciated the warm and attentive nature of the staff, alluding to their high level of hospitality and professional conduct. The politeness and kindness of the hotel team were repeatedly emphasized, making guests feel welcome and well cared for throughout their stay. Whether it was through providing helpful tips, special details or simply maintaining a cheerful and friendly atmosphere, the staff consistently left a positive impression.
Instances of less favorable interactions were few with the majority of the team being described as hospitable and eager to assist. Such a high level of service, coupled with the hotel's beautiful location and cleanliness, contributed to the overall satisfaction and enjoyment of the guests' experiences.
Wi-Fi
Pool
Parking
Family
Families of various sizes, including those with young children or babies, find the hotel comfortable and accommodating. Guests mention the convenience of the hotel's location, which is strategically positioned near the pier that leads to Panajachel, as well as a small local market. The facilities, particularly the garden, are noted for their excellent maintenance, allowing for a relaxed and enjoyable stay.
While Villa Santa Catarina is highly recommended for families, it may not be the best choice for couples seeking a romantic or quiet retreat due to the lively family atmosphere. Additionally, though the hotel is cozy, there are some concerns, such as the presence of ants in rooms and certain accessibility issues. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall reception is positive with guests feeling at ease and being keen on returning, underscoring the hotel's strong appeal for family vacations.
3 Star
Yes, Villa Santa Catarina has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Outdoor Pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Villa Santa Catarina.
No, Villa Santa Catarina doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Villa Santa Catarina.
No, Villa Santa Catarina doesn't have a gym.
Location Show Map
More Options
