[As51598]

Ideas? We stayed at marriott when we visited once but we were bored. However we didn't venture out as we were told it was not safe. I have heard a lot about how it has turned into more of a business hotel. Ideas?

[beverlyanderic]

many people here said not much has changed at the marriott. some people have had experiences where they said the marriott seems to cater more toward business travelers. makes sense since adoptions are really on the decline.

we stayed at the westin a couple times and loved it. great great majority of people on this site only say great things about the westin.

also, it is safe outside of these hotels in zona viva- as long as you use common sense like you would in any large city. don't go out alone at night, be aware of your surroundings, etc.

experience the great restaurants around the westin- that was one of our favorite parts of our trip!!

enjoy.
eric

[dana3262]

Did 2 visit trips at the Westin and will do pick up trip there as well. Loved it!!

[Sulley]

We love the Westin. We stayed there 3 times and had 3 wonderful trips. The pool is a fun place to hang out. We also spent many hours in the family room talking with other couples. Ask for a rate with the breakfast included it is much cheaper that way.

Good luck!
Mary

[cattlefarms]

We did visit trip at the westin and pick up at the san carols. We loved the westin. Lots of places to walk around. Family room was great to meet people and the pool area was fantastic. The San Carlos was pretty but we were bored. The hotel offers nothing as far as shops. Pool is more for decoration. and not a big area to walk around in. If we had to do it all over again we would stay at the Westin or maybe try the La Casa Grande. A lot of families stay there. Only one other family at the San Carlos so there wasnt even families to visit with.

Kristi

[maramal]

We stayed at La Casa Grande on our pickup trip. There is no pool or shops. We did not get bored at all. The hotel was filled with adoptive families and we spent our days sitting out on the balconies chatting with other families. The have a restaraunt but there is also a few restaraunts nearby and they will order take out for you. There is also a woman who comes in several times a week and sells blankets, outfits, worry dolls, etc.

[kristibk]

I stayed at the Westin all 3 times. Great food, excellent service and pleasant staff. Gift shops, wonderful pool. Will definately stay there on our pick up trip. Family floor and play room with toys and refridgerator. Very kid friendly. many local restaurants will deliver food. you can buy gallon of bottled water at gift shop.

Highly recommend the Westin. Shuttle service to and from airport.

[noahsark]

I went 4 times. The last 2 we stayed at Casa de Luna bed and breakfast Casa De Luna Bed and Breakfast, Guatemala City - Home. It is for adoptive families only! The owner speaks wonderful English and is an amazing woman. Check out the web site.
Maureen

[cattlefarms]

WOW the Case De Luna looks awesome. Wish I would have know about that when we went for pick up. Looks completely child friendly.

Kristi

[susy...patience]

I love Casa Grande....it's main plus for a pick up trip is that it is right next door to the Embassy. No need for a taxi on Embassy day because you just walk outside gate and down street. It's also totally safe....I was just there for pick up a few weeks ago and I urge you to get out just a bit.

I went to the zoo and artisan's market (both right by airport and a short taxi ride away) and both were great. Artisan's market was largely deserted so they appreciated business and at zoo there were several other adoptive families.

Also try at least one outside restaurant....I highly recommend Kacao (forgive me if I spelled it wrong). It has amazing surroundings looking like garden/jungle, wonderful waiters in traditional Mayan dress, great food and atmosphere (and very kid-friendly, several tables were groups of adoptive families celebrating).

[Disneycrazed]

LOVED THE WESTIN!!!
we stayed there for pick up and they were great. The restaurants and shops were wonderful, the family room was great, Very clean hotel.... I could go on and on... we loved it and would stay there again in a heartbeat!!!