Vacation Rentals by Owner

This was the most beautiful home we have ever stayed in.

Guest: Kermit S. (Tucson, Arizona)
Date of Stay: 02/25/12 Review Submitted: 03/10/12

We always stay at VRBOs. This was the most beautiful home we have ever stayed in. The house keeping service was exceptional. One of our party became ill and the House Keeper made her a special local tea and she was better almost immediately. Just a very small example of the wonderfu experience we had while staying in Casa La Hemita. The kitchen was well equipt, the beds were very comfortable, and bathrooms were always clean, the views of the volcanos from the Master bed room patio were spectacular. Paola was wonderful to work with and was very helpful, answering all our questions about the area. We had to meet every morning in the Central Park and we were always able to get transportation almost right out our gate. The security was fantastic and the men at the gate were very pleasant. We will return next year and we hope to be able to rent Casa La Hermita again!!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Vladislav de Leon, Rockland, Canada.

Guest: gato (Rockland, Ontario Canada)
Date of Stay: 01/05/12 Review Submitted: 02/01/12

I know I’m posting this a little late. SORRY better later than never? We stay at this Magnificent home myself, my wife and two kids (4 and 6 years old) and my brother in law, his wife and daughter one year old. It was well located so we could walk into town during the day or night. It was also a very secure sight with 24 hours security. The location is by far the best in Antigua for a furnished house. Market, restaurants, and central park is such a treat. We were 7 people and had plenty of space if we needed something the house is a quick five minutes walk from the market, and ten minutes to the town square at night it was so quiet and peaceful. The architecture and design features are stunning the colours, cushions everywhere and attractive art touches. Really the house should be in a MAGAZINE. The house is so well decorated and equipped that it immediately feels like home. As soon as you think it's too good to be true, you get to meet the full-time housekeeper. She's simply amazing. She keeps the house impressively clean and organized and has a sweet and friendly spirit. Our Kids LOVE THE POOL and Jacuzzi There is TVs, and a lot of dvds for all ages and we love the fireplace with some wine just to relax. The beds have great mattresses, good linens, and the master bathroom has my ideal of the ultimate bathtub - the owner even provided romantic candles everywhere to enjoy it with. Oooohh don’t forget the incredible view of volcanos surrounding Antigua great view of the volcan de Agua in the morning from the master Room. Wow what a view!!!! Philippa the owner is incredibly accommodating helpful at every turn, with great insights on the local culture, restaurants, tours, transportation, you name it - she is well connected and an incredible resource. She's simply wonderful to work with and has been so flexible with us. My brother-in-law and I decided to get a massage the girls came to the house. It was great. My wife was a little disappointed because we just stay 3 days. She wanted to stay longer but for sure next time. We are going to spend more time in Antigua and you bet that we are going to rent this place again and again. In summary - just stay here! You won't be disappointed!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Truly Memorable time in this vacation home.....

Guest: Emily R. (St. Louis, MO)
Date of Stay: 06/26/11 Review Submitted: 07/04/11

We had a truly memorable time at this vacation home. If possible, I'd rent it out for the whole 2 months that we are here in Guatemala! I've used VRBO.com a few times before, but this time proved to be well worth it! I've never stayed in a place on vacation where I honestly felt at home--even the kids had a beautiful little table where they could eat their breakfast in the morning. I will never again come to Antigua and look for hotels--Philippa, we WILL see you again in the near future! If you are looking for the perfect place to stay in Antigua, look no further!

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Perfect

Guest: Steve (Kamloops, B.C. Canada)
Date of Stay: 06/22/11 Review Submitted: 12/29/11

I stayed with my 2 daughters and my son in June. We were blown away. I have been traveling for years and this was by far the best ever. Rooms are beautiful and large, kitchen was to die for. The kids used the pool and hot tub and The location was central. We found it a short enoyable walk to the central market and anywhere else we decided we wanted to stroll. Great service and hospitallity We will be back 100% for sure.

Owner response:Thanks Stephen. We certainly enjoyed having you to stay and enjoyed your company. Happy New Year! Best wishes, Philippa

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Quiet, Safe, Beautiful Place...

Guest: Brady G. (Guatemala City)
Date of Stay: 05/12/11 Review Submitted: 05/19/11

This is a quiet, safe, beautiful place. Great for families on vacation, or as in our case, it's the perfect spot for a short working retreat. Sleeps 10 adults, good meeting space, easy walks to everything in Antigua. Tasteful, quality design and furnishings. Thanks!

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We could not have been happier.

Guest: Blue (Hugo, Minnesota USA)
Date of Stay: 03/24/10 Review Submitted: 04/06/10

We stayed at this lovely house last week and had a wonderful experience. The house is everything you see in the photos, but better. It was clean, and the staff took very good care of us. There is a book that gives you many good ideas of things to do, and a small library of books if you just want to sit on the patio to read, watch the volcano and listen to the birds.

Recommended for:Girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

"The house was perfect....."

Guest: Bob (Honduras)
Date of Stay: 11/21/09 Review Submitted: 09/30/10

We stayed in this house during Thanksgiving week for our annual visit to Guatemala. The house was perfect for my wife, Spencer (our adopted son), and our Au pair and her friend. The house had plenty of room for everyone to have their own space. The location of the house could not have been more perfect. The house is located just a few blocks from the main city square. We spent a lot of time exploring the city of Antigua and we were able to walk everywhere from our house. When we were done exploring for the day we were able to come back and relax in the very well-appointed living room. The house had a nice kitchen that we used to prepare a dinner for our friends from Guatemala. Oh, and I almost forgot, the views from the house are breathtaking. You can see the volcanoes of Guatemala from just about every window in the house. The house also had a nice outdoor patio that was perfect for my son and I to swing on the hammock. This house was truly a home away from home for our family.

Recommended for:People with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Benjamin Herrarte (San Marcos, Solola)
Date of Stay: 10/11/09 Review Submitted: 10/11/09

It was a pleasure to stay at your spacious home, it made the whole stay in Antigua so much comfortable, and peacefull, it is a great way to see the city and have a cosy please to retreat! thank you for creating it! Benjamin

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Guest: Jeanne Mendez (Seattle, Washington)
Date of Stay: 10/09/09 Review Submitted: 10/09/09

What an absolutely fantastic home! Immediately upon entering my breath was taken away by the beauty of the stone and wood and the magnificent artwork throughout. Each room was gorgeous and large. Even with the beautiful art, etc, it is a wonderfully comfortable and homey spot. My partner and I were traveling with a family of four and we all had great privacy when needed but enjoyed the large living room and dining room/kitchen when we were together. The bathrooms are wonderful. And the views from the upstairs bedrooms are stunning. The house was spotlessly clean and all the necessities (linens, dishes, etc) for our stay were abundant and of high quality. Location is perfect - close enough to walk to sites and restaurants in Antigua. But far enough way to be delightfully quiet -- and safe! Dona Clara is wonderful and very sweet. Thank you so much, Philippa. Jeanne

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Guest: david Newton (England)
Date of Stay: 10/09/09 Review Submitted: 10/09/09

Just a big thank you for a wonderful stay in an enchanting town and beautiful villa. Perfect location and Dona Clara is an angel! My family and I would definitely come here again.

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Guest: kathy rose1 (-)
Date of Stay: 05/13/09 Review Submitted: 05/13/09

My husband and I stayed in this fantastic home for 1 mo this past January. We have to say everything was perfect-from the volcano views to the commodious rooms to the high speed internet access and cable TV. Of course Clara was the shining jewel as both housekeeper and, on occasion, cook. Another positive thing to note was the very fine gated community. We were welcomed by neighbors from near and far. In fact we were so impressed that we may return to look for a place for ourselves on a more permanent basis. Don't hesitate to rent this property-the owner, the housekeeper and the community all add up to five stars! Kathy Rose and Hal Vogel

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Wonderful!

Guest: Anna L. (Regina, SK Canada)
Date of Stay: 02/17/09 Review Submitted: 10/13/10

We stayed at this property in Feb 2009. It is everything the pictures suggest. The rooms were clean and comfortable, Clara (the maid) was sweet and reliable, the owner was helpful and dependable. The property is within walking distance to the town centre and attractions, and Antigua itself is full of incredible sites. The property is in a secure compound so safety is not an issue. We were very grateful to find this property and would not hesitate to stay there again.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Beautiful Villa

Guest: Trish E. (San Francisco)
Date of Stay: 07/06/08 Review Submitted: 10/01/10

"I spent a week in this beautiful villa with my adult son, daughter and my daughter's friend. The pictures do not begin to do it justice: it is a truly lovely home with local art on the walls and in special niches, good bed linens, a fully-equipped kitchen, high speed Internet, beautiful views from the balconies...! The layout was perfect for our group--my son had a bedroom and bath downstairs, I had a room and bath at one end of the upstairs hallway, and the girls each had a bedroom and shared a bath at the other end. The gated facility made us feel very secure (although there was nothing about Antigua that made me feel insecure--day or night). The housekeeper is a charming woman and Gustavo tended to our every need and responded quickly to any little emergency--a tv remote that didn't work, etc... The location is a long block to the main commercial street, and the artisans' market, and about 6 blocks from Central Park --Parque Central. Antiqua is a must-see destination. In my mind, it ranks with Prague as a beautiful and romantic destination. The citizens are most gracious and will speak to you in Spanish if you are able, but most also speak enough English to get by if your Spanish fails you. I have rented many vrbo properties around the world and this one certainly is among the best! I recommend it without hesitation or reservation. One caution about visiting Antigua if you require wheelchair accessibility: the roads and sidewalks are so bumpy that they can be difficult even for someone who has no physical challenges. Everyone should bring sturdy walking shoes. Flip flops present a hazard. Our favorite restaurants include: Frida's, La Fonda de la Calle Real, Cafe Contessa, Rainbow Cafe for breakfast/lunch(co-located with the travel agency that we used for all of bookings, and a bookstore), and Cafe Dona Luisa (sit upstairs near the window for a volcano view). Also Panza Verde for its ambience and good, though not local, food. Finally: bring mosquito repellent. There are not a lot of them, but the ones that live

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Fabulous Home - Loved it!

Guest: David Clouse (Denver, Co)
Date of Stay: 06/03/08 Review Submitted: 10/10/10

Philippa, Thanks for allowing us to stay in your beautiful Antigua home. For most of our group, this was our first time in Antigua and we had an amazing trip. The home was perfect for our group. Everyone had a their own private space and we enjoyed the dining room and living room and the high speed Internet. The view of the volcano was a special treat, and Dave especially enjoyed the hammock. We had breakfast one morning and dinner one evening at Casa Santa Domingo which was fabulous. We also highly recommend breakfast at the coffee plantation. We will be sure to tell others about our fabulous home.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, sightseeing.

Guest: Andrea C.
Date of Stay: 10/09/07 Review Submitted: 10/08/07

We just wanted to tell you how lovely and welcoming your home is! We are so happy and comfortable here...What a blessing for us during this time!!! The home is beyond your descriptions....it is so wonderful! My husband loves the hammock! Also, we are so impressed with Rudy! What a help he was that first day.. And, Clara, if course is going to prove to be a Godsend to us... Thanks again for keeping such a lovely home.... Andrea and family

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