ABOUT EL CONVENTO BOUTIQUE HOTEL -
in their own words:
Situated on one of Antigua’s famed cobblestone
streets, in front of the superb 18th century Capuchin convent, El Convento is a sanctuary
from which to discover the city’s magnificent sites.
The all-suite El Convento gracefully marries the ancient with the modern. Combining
artisanal brick vaulted ceilings, exposed stone walls and hand-crafted doors with the
simple elegance of contemporary design. Whether unwinding in the deep-set living room
sofas or stopping by for a glass of wine beneath the domed cupula of the bar, staying in
can be just as tempting.
But the real essence of El Convento is the superb personalized service. For our staff, no
request is too small or too big. Whether it is a thimble or a private jet you need, every
member of our group is committed to make the most of your stay.
ACCOMMODATIONS:
Serene and private, each of the fourteen suites flows from
a central courtyard graced by a hundred year old Tempixque tree. There are two grand
suites, six suites and six junior suites. All offer private gardens, cedar-beamed
ceilings, sumptuous linens and enough space to waltz in. Even the smallest suite has more
than 570 sq feet (53 meters) of space.
In each suite, the soothing décor combines eye-pleasing neutrals with vibrant accents
from local, hand-woven textiles and fine pieces of art and sculpture.
All rooms offer:
- Furnished private patio with walled fountain and landscaping
- Outdoor Jacuzzis in suites and grand-suites
- Fireplaces
- Fine 300-thread Egyptian linens
- Spacious tumbled marble bathrooms with towel warmers
- Choice of pillows from hypoallergenic, memory-foam,
goose-down or magnet
- L’Occitane body care products
- Hairdryers
- Plush Italian robes and slippers
- 10 or 14 inch diameter rain shower
- Choice of in-room aromatherapy (cypress, eucalyptus,
rosemary, orange or lemon)
- Five in-room music selections
- Flat screen 42 inch television with cable
- Wake up call with choice of tea, coffee or juice
- Minibar
- Ipod stand
- Wireless Internet and telephone access throughout the hotel
- Security box
- Choice of newspaper
GRAND SUITES: (2)
Don Alvarado
Tucked at the end of an orchid-filled hallway, the two storied, generously-sized Don
Alvarado offers a king-sized wooden canopy bed. As well as two comfortable chaise lounges
to relax by the fire. Its French doors unfold to a lovely terrace with heated Jacuzzi. And
upstairs, a spacious bedroom with twin beds, sage green armchairs and its own two-sink
bathroom. (Ground floor, interior garden & Jacuzzi, Fireplace)
Los Caballeros
Spacious enough for extended visits or short luxurious ones, Los Caballeros boasts over
860 sq feet (80 sq meters) of living area complete with enticing chaise lounges, a wet bar
and breakfast table for two. Framed by a grand brick and stone arch, the sleeping area
beckons with a plush king-sized bed and contrasting navy and white pillows. (Ground
floor,interior garden & Jacuzzi, fireplace)
JUNIOR SUITES: (10)
La Ermita
Warm, inviting room decorated in earth tones with 14 foot (4.5 meter) ceilings. Its dual
queen beds, interior garden, fireplace and charming stone and brick bath give La Ermita an
authentic, organic feel. (Gound floor, interior garden, fireplace, shower)
Las Rosas
Gound floor: Strong lines throughout. In the bedroom, a handsome, king-sized sleigh bed
clad in tan and burgundy. In the bath, a light-filled shower and dark-stained wood
console. And for a softer touch, planted miniature roses in the terrace beneath the shade
of a lovely tree. (Ground floor, interior garden,fireplace, shower)
Del Castillo
Antique, carved wooden doors find new life as headboards over the two queen sized beds,
each dressed in fresh cream linens and rich chocolate-brown pillows. To write, an inviting
antique desk and chair. And to meditate, a brickwork terrace, potted coffee trees and
lovely flowing bamboo. (Gound floor, interior garden, fireplace, shower)
Los Pasos
Intimate, with beamed cedar ceilings, two queen beds. All done in subtle tones of tan and
blue. Relax by the fireplace or step out into the private terrace. (Ground floor, interior
garden, fireplace, shower)
Las Casas
Glowing light floods into this suite from the brick and stone-walled terrace outside.
Here, texture dictates the décor, with crackle-painted walls, wide-beamed cedar ceilings
and a cast iron pot lamp. Two generously-sized queen beds dressed in soothing
neutrals await, perfect for a mid-day nap. (Ground floor, interior garden, fireplace,
shower)
Los Huertas
First floor, king bed, fireplace, bath + shower separated
Duenas
Two double beds, first floor, fireplace, bath + shower separated
Pastores
Two double beds, first floor, fireplace, shower
San Cristobal
Two double beds, first floor, fireplace, shower
Santa Maria
King bed, first floor, bath & shower together
SUITES: (7)
Doña Anica
A king-sized canopy bed with clean, elegant lines accented by sage and turquoise pillows.
To lounge or read, an extra-wide comfortable leather armchair. And to unwind, a spacious
brick-vaulted bathroom with natural skylights and generously-sized tub, worthy of a long
soak. (Ground floor, interior garden & Jacuzzi, fireplace, bathr & shower
together)
Don Felipe
Something old, something new and a touch of blue. Don Felipe’s two hand-wrought iron
queen sized beds, cobalt blue pillows and modernist touches make this suite timeless.
(Ground floor, interior garden & Jacuzzi, fireplace, bath & shower
together)
Hermano Pedro
Spacious and airy. The neutral background serves as canvas for a delicate resting female
sculpture by Caravantes and primitive Guatemalan painting. To rest while contemplating
beauty, a plush king-sized bed and light-filled bath with separate shower and tub areas.
(Grgound floor, interior garden & Jacuzzi, fireplace, bath + shower separated)
Capuchinas
Tucked away at the end of a brick-vaulted hallway lies Capuchinas, crisp and modern in
white and turquoise. This spacious room provides a king-sized wrought iron bed, candle
chandelier and generous bathroom. Outside, a tranquil patio complete with lion’s head
wall fountain and bubbling Jacuzzi. (Ground floor, interior garden & Jacuzzi,
firecplace, bath + shower separated)
La Merced
Like the baroque church that bears its name, this airy, well-lit room has ochre colored
accents on its two queen beds. That, along with comfortable sofa-chairs for two and a
serene, spa-like bathroom. (Ground floor, interior garden & Jacuzzi, fireplace, bath
& shower together)
Doña Beatriz
From the cinnamon-colored crackled walls to the richly patterned pillows, texture abounds
in this intimate yet spacious room with king bed. The adjacent bath boasts double sinks,
separate shower and tub areas with plenty of space to relax. (Ground floor, interior
garden & Jacuzzi, fireplace, bath + shower separated)
Bella Epoca
Arrive at this romantic suite by stone-stepping over water. Inside a light strewn room
with a fresh, all-white canopy king-sized bed. And in the private garden, palm trees
and twin teak lounge chairs to restore mind and body. (Ground floor, interior garden
& Jacuzzi, fireplace, bath + shower separated)
SITZ'
RESTAURANT:
A prodigy of cuisine, Chef Arlene gives seemingly
unsuspecting dishes at the Sitz’ Restaurant a subtle twist that makes all the
difference. Whether it be the cream of corn so gently awakened by the taste of the
Chipilín leaf or the common-place vinaigrette brought to its senses by a dash of roasted
pepitoria, Arlene infuses her dishes with the spices, flowers and fruits of the Antigua
region.
Such is the case with the Guicoy-filled Raviolis in Loroco
Sauce where the soufflé-like texture of the guicoy squash and pasta are made
brighter by the fragrant loroco flowers. Or her traditional Guatemalan dishes like Jocón, Pepian and Kaq ik, slowly and delicately
prepared, a worthy tribute to the recipes of old.
Chef Arlene’s talents also extend to the exotic as shown by the Duck Breast in Tamarind Sauce and Leeches-a poignant
sweet and tart taste that is thoroughly delicious. And to the delicate, as divulged by her
Sea bass with Capers and Lemon with Wild Rice and Sautéed
Spinach.
But it is not hard to imagine what makes this twenty-two year old Chef so passionate:
Dessert. With some of the world’s best coffee to pick from, Arlene creates Antigua Coffee Delicacies, mouth watering miniature-sized
portions of coffee crème brulee, tiramisu and coffee and nutella ice cream tucked in
chocolate almond baskets. For those looking for something less decadent, but equally
divine her sorbets from seasonal mango, tamarind and coconut are a treat.
All this and a well-stocked wine cellar, tea infusions galore and award-winning
coffee make Sitz’ a gourmand’s delight.
SPA:
The Piedras Negras Spa at El Convento is set to open
November 2008.
Meanwhile, in-room spa services to recharge, relax and
beautify you are available by appointment. Enjoy a deep tissue or relaxation massage,
manicure, pedicure or facial from our certified therapists.
