[Linamom]

After reading some posts I decided to stay at the Villa Real (I was at the Marriott for both visits). I am thinking this is a good move but if anyone has other suggestions I would love to hear them.

Also, my embassy appointments are for Wed, Sept 17th & Sept 18th - I am planning on flying down on Mon, Sept 15th and returning home on Friday, Sept 19th. Am I giving myself enough time???

I cannot believe it and I am beside myself. Thank you for all your help, if it wasn't for this blog I don't know what I would have done over these past few months. My agency has been very unresponsive since PGN days so I depended on this blog for all of my info.

Muchas Gracias! Diana

[jandc]

First off, congratulations! Glad to read you got the PINK issue resolved.
I am sure the Real is fine. I am a La Casa Grande fan and it is right next to the embassy which was nice because we just walked there.
I think you have given yourself plenty of time unless you plan to do any sight seeing? But you can always do a day trip after your embassy appt and/or before your visa pick up.
Have a wonderful, wonderful time!!!!
~Jane

[robandjulie]

we're flying in and out the same dates (the delta flights through atlanta...you??) and staying at the Grand Tikal. We've stayed there both visit trips, so it's all I really know there, but I've heard good things about the Real.

We have one extra day after our visa pickup on the 17th, but it was only b/c the flights on Thursday stank. All had 2 connections, with either 8-20 hour layovers or 40 mins or less layovers and resulted in 14-30 hours of travel (oh, the joys of living near a regional airport with limited connection options!!) We opted to stay the extra day and take the delta flight back that connects only once and it's in Atlanta with a comfortable 3.5 hour connection to get through customs and stuff. Otherwise we would have flown back the next day. So that's my way long way of saying "while I don't have experience with it yet, I believe it should be fine."

[cbmstephanie]

I think you've given yourself plenty of time. You can do a day trip to Antigua easily after your embassy appointment and return that same evening. If you didn't go during your visit trips, it's worth the trip. It's an easy drive now with the improved highway and it's beautiful.

Have a wonderful time! Go get that little one!!

[Evansmommy]

I'm a La Casa Grande fan as well. We stayed there on both trips, and loved it. The location is especially nice for pickup. There isn't a pool, but we were so busy we wouldn't have had time to use one anyway! Hotel San Carlos is a fun place for dinner "out", although we liked the La Casa food as well. Ask for a big room #28 if you go, and they will take very good care of you!

[kzwief]

One of my friends stayed at Vista Real for pickup and loved it. It is a bit farther away from the embassy and doesn't have a baby lounge or many adoptive families staying there, but I hear it is a beautiful hotel and the food is great. Enjoy your time in Guatemala!