[ekmarshalls]

Has anyone stayed here and what was your opinion? our agency recommended them.

[Punkyboo]

We stayed there on our visit trip, and will be staying there again for our pickup trip which is next week (HOORAY!)
We loved it, it's very homey and the staff are incredibly nice and helpful, and the food in the restaurant is great.
From what I've heard, the Marriott and Westin are a little more high-tech, but you definitely get a taste of Guatemalan culture when staying at La Casa Grande.
If you have any specific questions, you can PM me...

Kathleen

[Mary Mulcahy]

Here is a picture of the hotel. Its not fancy but it has its charm and its close to the US Embassy.

I stayed there four times,
Mary

[Mary Mulcahy]

Here is another, a view on to the Avenue Reforma from the Terrace
Mary,mom to Danny and Ricco

[soon2bemom]

It really depends on what you are going to do on your trip...if you want to quietly and peacefully bond with your baby with as few interruptions as possible then La Casa Grande is a good place to be. The rooms are reasonably comfortable although very spare. The basic Guatemalan food is good, although what little American food is served there can be terrible (don't try the hamburgers - ick). The housestaff is very helpful, and will be happy to fetch anything you want. Dont count on them to arrange pick up at the airport though, they really let me down on that one. (I was outside the airport at 5 am with my bags in my hand for one hour until I realized that despite multiple confirmatory emails they hadnt sent anyone for me)

I definitely wouldnt stay there if you are travelling with people who might get bored such as older children. There is literally nothing to do...and I mean nothing. Bring your own entertainment. No heated swimming pool, no fancy restaurant, and although there may be a few other couples adopting there is no guarantee you will find people to talk to....bring a book for when your baby is asleep.

By comparison the Marriott is bigger, has a fabulous buffet stocked with excellent food, helpful employees who speak impeccable english, there is a good swimming pool, There is a small supermarket around the corner with everything you might possibly need and a Ladatel phone for calling the states cheap. There are lots of people to talk to...take your baby down to the pool and you are sure to strike up a conversation. Older kids will be thrilled by it. It doesnt feel much like Guatemala though....

[Janette Monteil]

Safe but Boring

I posted this a year or so ago:

Posted by Janette from SF Bay Area on 05/11/2005
I have stayed at Casa Grande four times to complete two adoptions. The staff is very friendly and they all have a heart for adoptive families. From what I have been told, the property it is on, is owned by the American Embassy which is next door, so it is VERY safe for families who are with their adoptive children. They have cable TV, and a fair restaurant. I would liken it to Dennys. It is right on the main busy street so STAY IN THE UPSTAIRS BACK and you may avoid much of the street noise. If you call ahead to make reservations, they can have a car waiting for you at the airport. Cribs are avalaible for babies but they are very old and IMO unsafe. One may want to bring a pack and play. Bottled water is free and the kitchen staff will help with bottles if you ask. Laundry service avalaible at a reasonale price. Like I said, it's clean and safe for adoptive families the police won't bother families because it is on the embassy property. The manor is surrouned by an iron gate for safety which locks at night. Enjoy

[janhelper22]

Sorry, Janette....but I'm sure it isn't on Embassy property, as that would not be allowed with all the secutiry of Embassies these days! In fact, if memory serves me right, there is at least one walled-in building between it and the Embassy. That doesn't mean it isn't as safe as Janette felt it to be...just don't want anyone to think the Embassy would be any more protection at this hotel than any others.

[tandc999]

I wouldn't bother bringing a pack n play to the La Casa. They do have a few there as we just used them this summer for our visit and pick up trip. I really enjoyed the hotel and the staff. It's true you do get a flavor of guatemalan living staying here as it used to be a private house before being converted to a hotel.

[Janette Monteil]

Well all I can say is, when I was there (almost 2 years ago) I ran into Susana Luarca in the lobby of the hotel and she told me the property it is on is owned by the american embassy and that's why the police leave it alone. Who knows.

Also, the port a crib that I was given to use was HORRIBLE. If I were to go for #3 I have a pack and play and I would bring my own. The stupid thing rocked back and forth and looked like it was going to fall apart.

just my 2c.

[Mary Mulcahy]

I was asked to post a few more pictures here is what I have.
This is the front of the hotel, hey who is that mommy and baby.
Mary and Ricco

[Mary Mulcahy]

This is outside, I know a bad people picture but good vegetative picture.

Jan is right, if you are traveling with others, it might be borning, but I was using the time to get to know my baby and I did have a few books to read while Ricco was sleeping. I did not bring Danny on my trips for Ricco.

Mary

[Mary Mulcahy]

Here is Gloria with Ricco November 2004 his homecoming day.
Mary, mom to Danny and Ricco

[Traceybch]

Hi there. We were also told the La Casa in on embassy property. We were told while visiting in December that the hotel has a 99 year lease on the property. There was also rumor that the lease in going to be up soon and the embassy may take the hotel over again for business. Who knows what is true!! : )

Tracey

[jroandco]

we stayed there for our pick up trip and liked it. sorry soon2bemom had a problem with her ride not being at the airport. we did not have this problem at all. our ride was there, ready and waiting with a sign and everything. he had to wait a very long time as one of our bags did not make the flight and we had to stand in line at "baggage claim". that took forever as did actually receiving our bag. that is another story and the la casa grande staff was very helpful arranging for the driver to take my husband back to the airport and helping him get around the airport and take possession of our bag-translation is a VERY GOOD THING!! extra big tip for that very nice man. we also asked that he take us back to the airport the day we flew home-he was downstairs ready and waiting for us and he was early.

there were several other families there. it was great getting to know them and learn a little about how some of them came to where they are. we actually made friends that we are still in contact with. it was really nice having the peace and quiet while getting to know our son. no air, so it was warm at times. i am not a huge fan of jet fuel, so that was kinda hard to swallow as it is not far from the airport and it is important to leave the windows open for air circulation. food in the restaurant is fine. bottled water might be free, but if you request a case of water (12 at once) there is a charge. considering you need this water to brush your teeth, to drink, and make your baby's bottles-you need more than 2 or 3 at a time.

the staff is amazing. whatever we needed, they got for us.

older kids would be bored out of their mind!!

although this is not a glowing review-i would stay there again in a heart beat!! there are also a few things i would do differently. if you end up staying there, feel free to pm me, i am happy to share.

jessica

[Carlee1boy]

I have two opinions of La Casa Grande. We stayed there for our visit and pick up trip. The staff there is absolutely wonderful. Fredy and Gloria (a married couple) manage the hotel. They are very supportive of adoptive families. I also liked being within walking distance of the embassy. The negatives are that it is a no frills hotel, there is no air conditioning and the water pressure and temperature aren't great.

On our pick up trip we got bumped from our flight and stayed at the Westin for our final night. I have to say that I reeeeeealllly liked the air conditioning, as well as the adoptive floor where we were able to chat with other adoptive families.

So I guess it comes down to what you're looking for. If you want to stay at a Guatemalan hotel, then La Casa Grande is for you. I am really glad to have had the experience. But if you want the comforts and luxuries of home, then you may want to stay somewhere else.

Carolyn