Mansion del Pensativo Antigua....Jardin Secreto
Written: Aug 24 '08 (Updated Aug 24 '08)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Stunning grounds, carefully thought out decor throughout
Cons: Only eight rooms- services are limited. If you don't speak Spanish, communication is problematic
The Bottom Line: The Mansion del Pensativo is a small and extremely attractive hotel in Antigua. It's also relatively reasonable.
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| tombarnes's Full Review: Mansion del Pensativo /Antigua Guatemala |
Antigua, Guatemala has become something of a tourism hotspot. Finding a good hotel has never been easier in Antigua. Finding one you can afford has become considerably more difficult as the popularity of Antigua has risen with the elite set who flock in from nearby Guatemala City. The Mansion del Pensativo is a real find- a keeper to be sure. I found it by accident when the fist hotel I'd thought of booking into was fully booked.
A Brief History
Outward appearances can be deceiving. While the long, low wall facing the street does not betray much of what lies beyond, the premises are considerably larger than one would expect. Whitewashed walls and red tile roofing are the perfect foil for the occasional splash of color.
The hotel began its life in the late 1930s as a private house, being converted into a hotel a few years later. A French family later owned the house and kept it to themselves until 2000 when it was once again returned to use as a hotel. With only eight guest rooms, however, the term "hotel" can be applied lightly. It's almost like your secret retreat in a small city which is becoming all too aware of its potential for mass-tourism.
Lobby
Not a lobby in the formal sense by any means, the reception area is more of an alcove off the entrance courtyard. As we had prepaid our reservation, there was little need for registration formalities. We were greeted and led directly to our room.
Room
There are only eight rooms, but you ought to know a bit about the layout of the place before requesting your room. We booked a junior suite and landed Room #1, not a bad deal in the rooms lottery. Room #1 backs onto the street, but does not have any windows (save for a bathroom window) which face the street. Hence, it is quieter than the other rooms which face the street (#s 2, 5 and 6). The room was large and light, with a small private courtyard of its own. Several of the rooms are small, so you would do well to request a specific room if size or location is especially important to you. Care has been taken throughout the property in the appointment and decoration of everything. It's obvious that someone had an eye for design. Primitive art and other colorful pieces are scattered throughout the property.
Number four, the Garden Suite, is the grandest of the lot. It sits almost in the middle of the series of gardens, thus assuring that it is the quietest of all of the rooms here. A large bath with a whirlpool tub is perhaps the most over-the-top feature of the room. Mostly, I coveted the extra chair...
Our spacious room had cheerful dandelion yellow walls with a watermelon red accent wall over the working fireplace. Even in August, a fire is sometimes needed in the mountainous country around Antigua. Carlos or his brother would happily build a roaring fire for us each night. We'd approach it as the flames danced for a few minutes until quickly retreating into a sullen ashen glow. Only with repeated coaxing would it return.
If I had a couple of complaints about the room they would be that there was only one comfortable reading chair (though there was certainly ample space for more) and that the lights were not especially conducive to reading. As we tend to do a lot of reading during our travels, this was more important than might appear.
Street noise was not really a problem for us, but other guests seemed troubled by the roaring of trucks and buses down the cobbled streets. Request an interior room if you require absolute quiet.
Bath
The bath was supposedly more luxurious than most here, though the luxury within was more theoretical than practical. A large, glass enclosed, plastic whirlpool tub served as a shower as well. Standard bath amenities weren't really needed as we'd packed ours from the Westin in Guatemala City. Drinking water was provided daily, though I think the water from the taps was perfectly safe. I drank quite a bit of it and suffered no ill effects.
The Living Room
The centerpiece of the hotel is an inviting living room with a shiny black grand piano, a big fireplace, smart looking white couches and comfortable chairs. If no one is about when you drift in, simply pick up the telephone and someone is sure to come running in with a drink or two. For whatever reason, we usually had this attractive room to ourselves. Only occasionally would other guests use it for something other than breakfast.
Dining
Technically, breakfast is the only meal served here, but others can be arranged with advance notice. We enjoyed our breakfasts outside on the patio facing the incomparable view of Volcan de Agua each morning. The shifting clouds ensure that the view is as fresh as the overflowing fruit plate you'll receive. Heartier breakfasts are also available, but we usually had the fruit plate, toast and possibly a couple of boiled eggs. Freshly squeezed juice and good local coffee completed the scene.
Pool
A small pool is nestled into the gardens. Even though the water was not heated, I was able to force myself in on a couple of the afternoons during our visit. After a bracing swim, the three hammocks looked even more appealing. Even better, the pool area was yet another extension of the lush gardens which enveloped the whole place into a tropical fantasy. Meticulous landscaping is in evidence throughout.
Cost
We paid about US $149.00, but this was probably due to our having booked four months in advance. The standard rates here range from about $120.00 for the smallest rooms to over $300.00 for the Garden Suite. The rack rate posted in our room was $250.00. Summer is usually busy in Antigua with the Christmas season right behind it in popularity. In short, try to book ahead if you can.
Service
The hotel is well managed, though most of the services appear to be carried out by the family in residence. Nothing was ever more than a telephone call away, but if your Spanish is limited, you may find yourself reduced to hand gestures. In any event, the staff are eager to please.
Mansion del Pensativo
4 Avenida Sur #20
Antigua, Guatemala
Tel. 502-7832-0308
Fax 502-7832-1069
Toll free 888-790-5264
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
tombarnes
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 - Top 200 |
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Member: Thomas Barnes
Location: Fort Lauderdale & Washington, DC
Reviews written: 688
Trusted by: 444 members
About Me:
With Barbara in Miami, 2004
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