[beverlyanderic]

Hello, everyone-

I'm new to this forum and it's been great reading everyone's experiences adopting from Guatemala- it's nice to know there are others going through similar situations.

My wife and I are in the process of adopting through Guatemala. We received our referral on 1/19/2007 (only 10 days after our dossier was sent) and we are very happy- Octavio was born on 1/18. We know there's a lot that can delay our adoption so we're cautiously optimistic.

Anyway, the point of this post is to learn about the Westin in Guatemala City? Have any of you staying there? What are the pros and cons. The reason why we want to choose this hotel is because I have enough Starwood points to stay there for free. Any input is greatly appreciated.

Thanks.
Eric

[meowtwo]

Eric,
I would definitely stay at the Westin, expecially if you can use your points. Its a beautiful hotel, pool, good location and food

[Tamiswaiting]

Eric-I've not stayed there (yet), but I've never read a single con about the Westin. It's supposed to be wonderful....giving you a bump for some (hopefully) more detailed responses.

[beverlyanderic]

Thanks for the info! Does anyone know how close it is to key areas? Embassy? Market? Shopping, etc?

[bmd925]

I stayed at the Westin 1 1/2 years ago to pick up my son...it was awesome! You can walk about 2 blocks to the strip mall, I took a cab to the embassy, the people at the Westin were very helpful. The food was great...great pool and it is very well maintained. I highly recommend it !

[beverlyanderic]

Maybe a dumb question, but when going to the Embassy, you bring your child with you, right? If so, does it matter if a cab or car is equipped with child/infant-type seats? I'm assuming it's pretty much a free for all in GT.

[bmd925]

yes...youbring your child with you...and back in 2005...no cars seats...I just held on tight and prayed...very small cars

[Gabri]

For free? I would stay at the Westin again! We were just there a few weeks ago. It was less casual (ie: we felt a little uncomfortable at times--particularly to-from the pool and in the restaurants with our well-behaved but active 3.5 yo) than the Marriott, but it's beautiful, in a great location, and you will enjoy it.

[guategranny]

I STAYED AT THE WESTIN IN NOVEMBER WHEN VISITING MY GRANDBABIES, AND IT WAS LOVELY. THE ROOMS WERE VERY COMFORTABLE AND CLEAN, (I LOVE THEIR MATTRESSES). THE HOTEL EMPLOYEES WERE VERY NICE AND ACCOMODATING, NICE RESTUARANTS, ETC. I WALKED TO THE MALL WHICH WAS ABOUT 2 BLOCKS AWAY, AND FELT QUITE SECURE. ENJOY YOUR TRIP WHILE VISITING YOUR PRECIOUS BABY!

[beverlyanderic]

Great to hear! Thanks for the responses.

[disneycrazedhubby]

there is a mall near the westin??????????????????? shopping .. someone say shopping?? LOL

[whereintheworld]

I loved staying at the Westin. Make sure to go to the buffet breakfast (see if your points will include the breakfast). The Chef L. makes an awesome omelet. Everything is delicious. There aren't always rooms available, but if possible, try to get on the floor, where there is a family lounge.

[CEB]

Interesting - I really enjoyed the Westin and highly recommend it...but would prefer not to stay on the family floor. Whether or not you are staying on the floor, if you ask they will give you a key for entry onto the floor and access to the family playroom (which is important), but from what I could tell, it would be noisy staying on that floor. Parents tend to congregate in the hallway at various times of day and night both to talk (and laugh) and soothe their children. I was quite glad to be 2 floors down where it was quiet when we wanted quiet and then we could go up the the family floor for noise and company when we wanted. But, that is our personal preference. Again, the Westin is great..you will enjoy it.

[beverlyanderic]

More great info- thanks! I hope my points cover the breakfast as well. They usually take care of us since I travel so much for business- hopefully this Westin is no different.

Is it in proximity to restaurants and other markets or anything like that. I have a Guatemala travel book at home that probably has the exact location in proximity to other things, but just wondering. Near other hotels? Safe area?

Thanks again- it's so nice to hear from people with first hand experiences!!

One more thing- how do you get to the Westin from the airport? Shuttle? Bus?

[CEB]

The Westin has a shuttle that runs by the airport every half an hour - take that. Also, please keep in mind that most (but not all) will not allow you to leave the hotel grounds with your baby during the visit trip (because legally he/she is not yours yet and it could cause problems if you are stopped by the authorities. Some agencies allow it and will draw up temporary custody papers for you). You can go out at pick up when you are legally the baby's parents. So, I actually have little or no idea what is around the Westin (to be fair, my husband does. He went for a walk without the baby just about every day - ran errands etc).