Vacation Rentals by Owner

An amazing La Antigua Oasis

Guest: Sam (Alameda, California, USA)
Date of Stay: 05/04/12 Review Submitted: 05/11/12

My boyfriend and I stayed at Greg's beautiful home for 9 nights. We are at the tail end of our stay now and I hate to say goodbye to this beautiful house. Every detail is taken care of. From a fully equipped kitchen to lots of peaceful resting spots outside. We felt like a king and queen in such a large house but loved every minute of it. The wonderful housekeeper Angela cooked us a BBQ dinner one night that was amazing. The other days we relaxed in the morning reading outside, took in the views from the amazing roof top deck and then headed out to explore Antigua with the super convenient Land Rover. This is my second time in La Antigua and we loved it so much that we've decided to marry here next year. We hope to once again book the house while we're back celebrating our nuptials. Don't miss out on Luna for crepes, the typical plate at Fonda, and the amazing cream cake dessert with berries on the bottom from Cafe Condessa. Oh, and live music at Rainbow Cafe. For a special night out, sitting on the rooftop at Tartine, booking the "cave" well in advance for a super romantic food experience all lit by candles at La Sereno, or having dinner with live music on Fridays or a fantastic Sunday brunch at Meson Panza Verde Hotel shouldn't be missed.

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

Amazing!

Guest: Jo (Portland, Oregon)
Date of Stay: 03/27/12 Review Submitted: 04/18/12

We spent 8 days in Greg's house and it was incredible. The house is beautiful (though, be aware...there are many stairs), and the views were outstanding. One night we sat on the rooftop and watched Volcan Fuego explode red sparks! The house has everything you could possibly need and more. We spent most of every day either in the gorgeous backyard garden with the fountain bubbling away, or on the front porch in the rocking chairs listening to the birds. Pure bliss. Greg was incredibly helpful setting up a number of extras for us before we ever arrived, and it made the visit just that more delightful. We had both a traditional lunch and breakfast (made by ana) and both were absolutely delicious (and plentiful). We also had a Spanish tutor (the incredible Sabina!) at the house for five of the days, and we were amazed by how much we learned in such a short time. It was also great to have use of the Range Rover. It easily got us to wherever we needed to go. I really can't recommend this place (and these people) highly enough. We're already trying to figure out when we can come back

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, romantic getaway.

Better than advertised

Guest: J. David C.
Date of Stay: 01/04/12 Review Submitted: 01/29/12

The house is great. A bit different (in a good way) and very interesting and accommodating. Excellent location. Good neighbourhood. Housekeeper and 'contingent' of friends-of-the-landlord' even better. Best: the LandRover. That 'beasty' made getting out and about easy and fun. House and car: a perfect combination for exploring Antigua and nearby environs. You rarely get above 30 mph and most of the time you are just slowly bumping along the cobbles of downtown having your own sightseeing tour. Perfect. Fun. Real. And highly recommended for anyone except toddlers and the very old (stairs and different levels). Rover is a 'standard' shift. Landlord: a mensch.

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

Peaceful and beautiful getaway!

Guest: Melvin (Florence - ITALY)
Date of Stay: 06/15/10 Review Submitted: 07/05/10

We spent 10 days in Greg´s house, traveling as 3 couples. We were enchanted by the tranquility of the neighborhood. Watching the sunrise and sunsets from the rooftop deck was just fantastic. The garden is a tremendous asset to the already perfect interior setting of the house. We could truly relax and make ourselves at home. Antigua was within easy access in the Landrover - a great car for this city. Greg was a good host and answered all our questions promptly. He really made us feel comfortable with letting his house. I would certainly come here again and recommend his charming house to anyone thinking of vacationing in Antigua Guatemala.

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

Could Not Have Been More Perfect

Guest: Jean Marie B (Chesapeake, VA)
Date of Stay: 04/19/10 Review Submitted: 04/27/10

The pictures on the internet do not do this house justice. It is amazing! It has plenty of room, and the decor is so cultural, peaceful and fun. The neighborhood is safe and beautiful. The grounds at the house are so full of flowers and vines and palms. The view from the master bedroom; let's just say we took lots of pictures of that view. We took lots of pictures of the entire house. We did not want to forget one detail. This is so much more than just a house, it is an oasis. It had everything we needed and more. The location is perfect for going in to town. It's so close; a 5 minute ride. The weather was amazing, It was warm but not hot during the day and cool breezes at night. There is no need for heat or a/c. The owner, Greg, is so gracious. We appreciate his hospitality. Angela, their caretaker, is an angel. We love her. She is so sweet and helpful and a great cook. We were there for our daughter's wedding and after the rehearsal we came back to the house to the most wonderful authentic Guatemalan meal that she lovingly prepared for us. She is an amazing cook!! She also prepared breakfast for our family the day of the wedding. What a blessing. We miss her already and can't wait to go back and see her again. We look forward to the day we can go back and stay at Comfort and Simplicity. If you are looking at properties to stay at in Antigua, you will not be disappointed with this beautiful home.

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

Paraiso close to antigua :)

Guest: madison (nelson, bc, canada)
Date of Stay: 04/01/10 Review Submitted: 07/09/10

Our experience here was wonderful! It is a little piece of paradise, right outside antigua. You are close enough to walk,bike, or drive in to the centre of antigua, and then escape back to the house for a sauna, and chill in the cozy atmosphere. There is plenty of space, great for families! I would recommend this house to any of my friends and faimly. I personally love the kitchen, it has everything you need to make a yummy meal, with fresh produce from the market. Or Angela, the house keeper, makes a very satisfying typical breakfast aswell. The view from the roof top is my favourite. Great photo opportunities, and sunsets :) The garden is beautiful, with all the fresh herbs you can imagine.... fresh lemon grass to make a tea, and fresh limes for making guacamole or limone aid. Having the use of the landrover to cruise into antigua was a huge help. Especially to go shopping, makes life alot easier. The owners personal touch adds a great deal to the house, from the book collection of cookbooks to novels, movies, decorations, and art work. Beautiful and delightful! Felt just like home ! Will defintely book again, if we come back to antigua.

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

Guest: Michelle... (Coral Gables)
Date of Stay: 03/23/10 Review Submitted: 03/23/10

The house was beautiful as was its surrounding...The car was extremely useful and reliable. Thank you again for such a lovely experience.

Recommended for:

Guest: Tiffany-- (New York, NY)
Date of Stay: 03/21/10 Review Submitted: 03/21/10

What a wonderful home! Our group of 7 adults stayed at this home for a week while in Antigua for a wedding. The home was the perfect setting/home base to explore Antigua, the beaches, etc. Gregory and Angela (the house caretaker) were both so welcoming and accomodating, w/great knowledge of the Antigua area and surrounding areas. The house was relaxing with plenty of indoor/outdoor space. The modern amenties made the whole experience extremely comfortable. The use of the car with the rental was a HUGE plus, making it easy to get around town. This is a great house for groups or families and we would definitely rent again. Thank you, Greg, for a wonderful stay!

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Guest: Anna34 (Dallas Texas)
Date of Stay: 03/04/10 Review Submitted: 03/04/10

We spent a wonderful 9 days in Antigua. The house was roomy and comfortable.The views spectacular and the garden area , a delight. Even though the house is too far from town to walk, having a vehicle at our disposal made the location ideal. We could go into town whenever we wanted, but had the comforts of home and the scenic beauty of the area.If the opportunity arises, we would stay at this house again

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Spectacular Views and the garden a delight.

Guest: Anna- (Dallas, Texas)
Date of Stay: 02/18/10 Review Submitted: 03/27/10

We spent a wonderful 9 days in Antigua. The house was roomy and comfortable.The views spectacular and the garden area , a delight. Even though the house is too far from town to walk, having a vehicle at our disposal made the location ideal. We could go into town whenever we wanted, but had the comforts of home and the scenic beauty of the area. If the opportunity arises, we would stay at this house again

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Heavenly.

Guest: Florence (Palma de Mallorca - Spain)
Date of Stay: 01/17/10 Review Submitted: 07/07/10

My husband and I came to Antigua to relax and the property offered us just that, and more! We stayed for just under two weeks and soak-in the tranquility that Greg´s house offered. We are delighted with our stay and loved the temascal/sauna and its cozy and beautifully tropical garden setting. The house is very aesthetically designed and greatly functional. This is a great house and offers exceptional value! I highly recommend this listing!

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

Guest: Joshua Makaron
Date of Stay: 11/01/09 Review Submitted: 10/31/09

What a Gem! Though I never had the pleasure of meeting Greg, he was a gracious host and a very responsive HomeAway homeowner in my correspondence with him via phone and e-mail. He willingly accommodated a large group of us, and even set up extra beds in the Moroccan Lounge, which was an amazing room to relax in. The use of the Land Rover came in quite handy, and be sure to visit The Bagel Barn - which we did twice in our two days in Antigua. The roof deck is a wonderful place to sit and watch the sun rise, and the house is a true getaway. Angela, the housekeeper, was magnificent and a pleasure to be around when she greeted us and bid us farewell. I would very highly recommend a stay at this house, and thanks to Greg, our short Guatemalan trip started out perfectly. Thanks so much!!! Recommended for: Tourists without a Car, Sightseeing, Families with Teenagers, Families with Young Children, Romantic Getaway

Recommended for:

Slice of Heaven

Guest: Minta (London, England)
Date of Stay: 10/29/09 Review Submitted: 04/28/10

I have stayed at this beautiful property 3 times and continue to rate it one of the most pleasurable and comfortable holidaying homes I have experienced. The architecture and design features are stunning - a blending of sleek modernity with morrocan colours, soft cosy textiles, cushions everywhere and attractive art touches. 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. The last time I stayed here, I arrived with my best friend, her husband and their recently born baby and the house felt so much like home instantly, we hardly wanted to leave. The DVD collection and sound system is very extensive with movies for all ages. The car made getting to and from Antigua with shopping a breeze and we found parking easily enough in the parking lots dotted around town. Having said that, I frequently took tuktuks home for about $1 which was incredibly easy too when others were using the car. I preferred living in such a quiet, green suburb to escape the noise of traffic that I have experienced on other visits to Antigua. Its a great place to cook and entertain and the sauna/temascal is wonderful under the stars at night and in great condition - very clean! The lovely owner, greg, provides a great overview of good restaurants and attractions and knows the area inside and out- hiking pacaya volcano is unbeliveable as is eating your way around Antigua (I particularly enjoyed Hector's restaurant, Sabe Rico, brunch at Panza Verde and Cafe Condessa's cheese cake). We were pleased to have good wifi connection and also felt very secure in the house itself. The area's guard was friendly and helpful too. I highly recommend this property to those looking for a high-standard of accomodation to really enjoy the delights of Antigua and stunning Guatemala.

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

Cozy Luxury

Guest: Minta (London, England)
Date of Stay: 10/29/09 Review Submitted: 04/28/10

I have stayed at this beautiful property 3 times and continue to rate it one of the most pleasurable and comfortable holidaying homes I have experienced. The architecture and design features are stunning - a blending of sleek modernity with morrocan colours, soft cosy textiles, cushions everywhere and attractive art touches. 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. The last time I stayed here, I arrived with my best friend, her husband and their recently born baby and the house felt so much like home instantly, we hardly wanted to leave. The DVD collection and sound system is very extensive with movies for all ages. The car made getting to and from Antigua with shopping a breeze and we found parking easily enough in the parking lots dotted around town. Having said that, I frequently took tuktuks home for about $1 which was incredibly easy too when others were using the car. I preferred living in such a quiet, green suburb to escape the noise of traffic that I have experienced on other visits to Antigua. Its a great place to cook and entertain and the sauna/temascal is wonderful under the stars at night and in great condition - very clean! The owner provides a great overview of good restaurants and attractions - hiking pacaya volcano is unbeliveable as is eating your way around Antigua (I particularly enjoyed Hector's restaurant, Sabe Rico, brunch at Panza Verde and Cafe Condessa's cheese cake). We were pleased to have good wifi connection and also felt very secure in the house itself. The area's guard was friendly and helpful too. I highly recommend this property to those looking for a high-standard of accomodation to really enjoy the delights of Antigua and stunning Guatemala.

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

What a Gem

Guest: muggsy1234 (Durham, NC, USA)
Date of Stay: 10/22/09 Review Submitted: 11/01/09

Though I never had the pleasure of meeting Greg, he was a gracious host and a very responsive HomeAway homeowner in my correspondence with him via phone and e-mail. He willingly accomodated a large group of us, and even set up extra beds in the Moroccan Lounge, which was an amazing room to relax in. The use of the Land Rover came in quite handy, and be sure to visit The Bagel Barn - which we did twice in our two days in Antigua. The roof deck is a wonderful place to sit and watch the sun rise, and the house is a true getaway. Angela, the housekeeper, was magnificent and a pleasure to be around when she greeted us and bid us farewell. I would very highly recommend a stay at this house, and thanks to Greg, our short Guatemalan trip started out perfectly. Thanks so much!!!

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

What a Gem

Guest: muggsy1234 (Durham, NC, USA)
Date of Stay: 10/22/09 Review Submitted: 11/01/09

Though I never had the pleasure of meeting Greg, he was a gracious host and a very responsive HomeAway homeowner in my correspondence with him via phone and e-mail. He willingly accomodated a large group of us, and even set up extra beds in the Moroccan Lounge, which was an amazing room to relax in. The use of the Land Rover came in quite handy, and be sure to visit The Bagel Barn - which we did twice in our two days in Antigua. The roof deck is a wonderful place to sit and watch the sun rise, and the house is a true getaway. Angela, the housekeeper, was magnificent and a pleasure to be around when she greeted us and bid us farewell. I would very highly recommend a stay at this house, and thanks to Greg, our short Guatemalan trip started out perfectly. Thanks so much!!!

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Home Away from Home in Antigua

Guest: Allen (Birmingham, Alabama)
Date of Stay: 07/26/09 Review Submitted: 06/18/10

First, I was somewhat concerned about renting a house that I had never seen and from someone I did not really know. Gregg could not have been better to deal with. He was very accomodating and provided all of the information we needed and wanted. There could not be anyone easier to work with -- we appreciated that. I had been to Antigua a number of times and Guatemala many times, so in some sence it was easy for me. It was wonderful having the maid clean the house. The car was imperative as you are a mile or two outside of Antigua. But, the car allowed us the flexibility to go to town whenever we want -- it also made buying groceries, etc. much easier. I took my mother, wife and 1 yr, old daugter -- they all loved it. I will say that the house is somewhat difficult for a child learning to walk because of the different levels, but that was the only challenge. The security in the neighborhood was top notch. I never had any safety concerns. The selection of movies was perfect, althought the TV room was a little small. It appeare as if there might be a projector in the main room for movies, but I never knew how to make it work. Of course, Antigua is an amazing place. There are countless outdoor activities. Additionally, the restaurants and sights are unbeatable. Shopping is fun too. Again, the house was a delight and Gregg was very easy to work with. I think you will find this a wonderful place to stay if you visit Antigua. Oh, and don't forget to have a glass of wine each night on the rooftop looking out over Volcan Agua -- a great way to end the day!

Owner response:It has always been a real pleasure dealing with Allen ( and my other tenants) and helping out with as much information as is helpful for you to make the most of your stay at our villa. If you liked relaxing with a glass of wine on the roof top panoramic terrace, you will love the new addition of an outdoor barbecue hut ( and of course its corresponding propane gas powered BBQ grill) in our back garden....perfect after a cleansing sweat in our garden Temascal ( Mayan sauna). I hope to be able to host you again soon. Your host, Greg

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

Guest: Lisa Coley
Date of Stay: 07/01/09 Review Submitted: 06/30/09

Dear future guests, we had a great time in Guatemala. We stayed one week at the house with a two day trip to Lake Atitlan. staying at the house was a perfect base. It's literally a five minute drive to the center of Antigua and in a very nice residential area. We travelled with two infants and one toddler and it was great. The house wa perfectly set up and cozy with a nice garden out front for the little ones to run around in and a nice place for tea or sunset cocktails. It was great to be so close to the center but be far enough away to have some privacy and quiet. We loved the security of it as well and became friends with the 24 hour guards. Everyone was so nice and helpful with the children. The house had three double rooms so we all fit comfortably. We used the fireplace every night, and some mornings, as it tends to be a bit nippy at nights. The tv room was perfect for our toddler with the selection of films one can stay a year and do nothing else! The car is a rustic older model Jeep perfect for all of us to fit snuggly for the ride to town. 5 days in Antigua was perfect.. Only wish we had more time to shop! The restaurant selection Greg recommends is excellent except not all great for children. Tartine's especially with its small upstairs terrace. I would recommend staying at the Atitlan Nature reserve. Amazing! We also used Greg's great va service to and from the airport and to the lake. Our driver, Carlos, was there whenever we called him. The house has a lot of charm and lived-in character which we chose over the newly built, more modern villas in the gated communities and I'm very happy about our decission. Thanks to you Greg and your family for our wonderful stay!

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Perfectly set up and cozy with a nice garden!

Guest: Lisa Coley, Athen Greece and Miami
Date of Stay: 06/15/09 Review Submitted: 12/20/09

Dear future guests, we had a great time in Guatemala. We stayed one week at the house with a two day trip to Lake Atitlan. staying at the house was a perfect base. It's literally a five minute drive to the center of Antigua and in a very nice residential area. We travelled with two infants and one toddler and it was great. The house wa perfectly set up and cozy with a nice garden out front for the little ones to run around in and a nice place for tea or sunset cocktails. It was great to be so close to the center but be far enough away to have some privacy and quiet. We loved the security of it as well and became friends with the 24 hour guards. Everyone was so nice and helpful with the children. The house had three double rooms so we all fit comfortably. We used the fireplace every night, and some mornings, as it tends to be a bit nippy at nights. The tv room was perfect for our toddler with the selection of films one can stay a year and do nothing else! The car is a rustic older model Jeep perfect for all of us to fit snuggly for the ride to town. 5 days in Antigua was perfect.. Only wish we had more time to shop! The restaurant selection Greg recommends is excellent except not all great for children. Tartine's especially with its small upstairs terrace. I would recommend staying at the Atitlan Nature reserve. Amazing! We also used Greg's great va service to and from the airport and to the lake. Our driver, Carlos, was there whenever we called him. The house has a lot of charm and lived-in character which we chose over the newly built, more modern villas in the gated communities and I'm very happy about our decission. Thanks to you Greg and your family for our wonderful stay!

Recommended for: