The Posada was booked for our group ( just finished a mission trip) for a long weekend, as the group had stayed there a year before. Not having a great deal of experience with accomodations in Guatemala, I have to say that the Posada was a lovely surprise. The neighborhood is not that great, but it is not far from the market, several cathedrals and the central park square. It was scrupulously clean, pleasantly furnished and peaceful. The rooftop "garden" was a lovely spot for morning coffee, or city-gazing at night. My only complaint was the size of the rooms, and especially the bathroom- very limited space!

As a single woman traveling with a 17 month old baby, I need to feel secure and welcomed wherever I stay. We both loved Posada La Merced. The staff was incredibly sweet and helpful, the gardens are beautiful, it is close to everything you need in Antigua.....oh and did I mention how baby friendly it was......well, I'll mention it again......my son felt very happy there. They had all the ammenities, baby bath tub, even bed rails. How children are treated says a lot about a place. Posada Merced has a huge heart.

I like the following:
1. Friendly and helpful staff.
2. Proximity to "downtown".
3. Safe for a solo female traveler.
4. Clean rooms and bathrooms.
5. Reasonably priced.

I didn't care for the following:
1. Noise level of guests in the kitchen, eating outside, etc. I think quiet hours ought to be posted and enforced.
2. The request for a kitchen use donation.
3. The lack of ventilation in the room.
4. Mosquitos.
5. Old mattress.

I also took some mountain biking, hiking, and kayaking trips with Old Town Outfitters. Great fun! www.bikeguatemala.com

La Casa del Mundo in Jabalito (Lake Atitlan) is a must.

Stayed here for one night then changed. Bathroom so tiny that one think it is a joke. Huge bugs in the room. Used bugspray in the bathroom to kill one and the next day there were four dead on the floor. Smelly room beacause of the lack of ventilation (windows facing a hallway not clean air). Kitchen looked very dirty. Bad place but nice staff....Would not stay here again....