Laguna Lodge Eco-Resort & Nature Reserve

1. **Rodent Problem in the Room**: We arrived to find rat droppings on the bed, which I had to clean and throw away. That same night, a mouse ran through my luggage. Management’s resolution was to move us to another room for two days and then back to the old room, causing extra inconvenience. Instead of offering a refund or something meaningful, they offered us a dinner, as if that would fix the issue. 2. **Terrible Wi-Fi**: The Wi-Fi was almost unusable. It only worked in one tiny corner of the room. If you want to watch something on Netflix, you’d better have strong legs to stand there long enough to finish an episode. For a hotel charging premium rates, this was unacceptable. 3. **Dated and Falling Apart**: Everything in the rooms and common areas—furniture, rugs, cushions, and bed comforters—felt like it was at least 15 years old. The power went out **five times**, and the lights constantly flickered, making the experience even worse. It’s clear this place hasn’t seen a renovation since its last good review in 2013. 4. **Unreliable Showers**: For two days, there was no hot water at all. On other days, the water was either scalding hot or freezing cold, making showering a miserable experience. 5. **Overpriced Pool Access**: The “pool” looks more like a decorative fountain. To use it, you must notify the staff 4 hours in advance, pay $26, and can only enjoy it for a maximum of 1 hour. Come on—I paid $250 per night, and you’re charging me to heat the pool for 1 hour? Are you that desperate to pinch every penny? How about offering at least some mediocre luxury service! 6. **Mediocre Dining Options**: The restaurant offers only a vegetarian menu, which we don’t mind, but the food was mediocre at best. Adding small meat options would provide much-needed variety, especially since you cannot walk anywhere for alternative dining. 7. **Understaffed Service**: At the old wooden "antique" restaurant, there was only one employee juggling roles as a busboy, waiter, and bartender. He was very accommodating considering he had to play so many roles. 8. **Nonexistent Amenities**: The hotel advertised a gym, but it was closed and empty, which was not disclosed during booking. 9. **Unreasonable Refund Policy**: Due to an emergency, I had to leave a day earlier and requested a refund or partial credit toward my bill. I was being reasonable—even a partial refund would have sufficed. Unsurprisingly, the owners refused and instead offered a credit for a future stay. Honestly, I’d rather sleep in a canoe in the middle of the freezing lake than step foot in this place again! This property needs a **total overhaul** to live up to even basic standards. If you’re considering staying here, don’t. Look into alternatives like **Casa Palopó** or **Casa Prana**, even if it means changing your plans. I regret not staying elsewhere. Avoid this place at all costs.

I would avoid this place. We had reserved three specific rooms. We arrived and got an "upgrade" to a "villa" (note this is common in other reviews) which was actually a downgrade because it couldn't accommodate what we needed. The villa was up two extra flights of steep, tall stone stairs and then had a narrow winding staircase inside. The opposite of what you want when traveling in a multigenerational group with two senior citizens. When asked what happened we were told that they had overbooked so moved us without letting us know in advance. The rooms are dark and dingy. My mom used a flashlight to make sure the sheet were clean but even then we weren't sure. I wouldn't expect ac in an eco hotel but they didn't even have table top fans we could borrow. They said they only have "natural ventilation" meaning that we had to keep the windows open for air and swarms of bugs were flying in all night. I woke up three times because of large bugs flying into my hair. The food is average at best. We had spent three days beforehand eating our way through Guatemala and we don't mind vegetarian food. Everyone in our group just picked through their dinner. Breakfast was ok. The talk of two groups we didn't know at breakfast was how bad the showers were. It's either steaming hot or freezing cold water. We had the same experience. If you stay here come with the right expectations. We cut our trip short and left. early

This hotel is fully vegetarian - we didn’t realise before arriving. We tended to eat out at lunch and then snack in the evening in the restaurant. Food was ok. Breakfast was very good but took a while so order for a particular time if you are on the clock. Staff in the restaurant were really good. Rooms were nice and spacious with fabulous views. Showers were temperamental and tended to be scalding or cold. The pool / deck towels may be recycled so ensure you get a fresh one and then keep it. We liked the remoteness but difficult to go out in the evening if you do want to.

An absolutely beautiful location and amazing lodge! The rooms all have a spectacular view. Our room, the Monja Blanca, had a spectacular view right from the comfortable king size bed. The room has gorgeous furniture and lovely finishing touches. The private sitting area in front of the room was also very comfortable. It shows that a lot of work went into creating the space. The restaurant food was delicious and reasonably priced. The staff were all very kind, friendly, and very helpful. Special mention to Nicolas who picked us up late and was especially friendly and attentive to us throughout our stay. Thank you Nicolas and all the staff. We appreciate you! (There is sometimes a smell in the room, as others have said, but it is an ecolodge. Also, it was a bit annoying that the hot tub had to be scheduled and paid for, but easy enough to get over considering the other pros for this place. ) I highly recommend and would come again.

Best resort experience on Lake Atitlán! The special experience began with a private boat pickup from the dock in Panajachel. Our room was spacious, decorated with beautiful handcrafted items. I highly recommend the meal package—the four-course dinner ranks among my top three, and I’m a picky eater. I especially loved the private hiking reserve—quiet, with an interesting path and a breathtaking view at the top. It’s also incredibly easy to get public taxis; we never waited more than three minutes. This isn’t a typical commercial resort but a place that offers luxury and comfort while remaining deeply committed to its local ecosystem. Can’t wait to come back!

This hotel has the potential to be great. Layout is good, location is fantastic and it sits on a huge piece of land. However it’s chronically under-maintained and undermanned. There are some big pluses. The location on the lake is fantastic, facing west for great sunsets, the hot pool (which you pay extra for) and cold pool combo was a great evening energiser. the bar staff, were always kind and attentive (if over worked!), and the walks behind the hotel were lovely We stayed in the big suite upstairs which felt like it didn’t get much use, small give-always like smelled musty, no batteries in the safe, and the wi-fi doesn’t reach there. The gym was out of service (that’s a while now going by other reviews) and we had a booked pedicure session cancelled - but only found out when we went to do it. It could really do with a strong front of house person who sets the standard. It feels like a place where the owners have lost interest somewhat - I don’t know if that’s the case.