Reflects recent average nightly prices reported by our partners, and may not include estimated taxes or fees. Price at checkout may differ.
Cheaper
Average
Higher
About
5.0
#1 of 6 boutique hotels in Antigua
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
The San Rafael, which opens following a three-year restoration, incorporates the remains of an early structure significantly altered in the nineteenth century. The recent restoration preserves the form of a grand, traditional colonial home with its brick, stone and stucco construction; two courtyards; antique tile roofs; and three water features (including a dramatic wall fountain). Besides the furnished patio where one can enjoy a leisurely breakfast while gazing over the garden, guests will appreciate the elegant and lofty sitting and dining room, the perfect space in which to sip a glass of wine, sit before a roaring fire, or catch up on emails and correspondence. Entering through the gates of the San Rafael, visitors enjoy a sweeping view of the first courtyard with its two fountains and richly varied plantings: Italian cypresses, ficus trees, and the colorful blossoms of native plants. The hotel office and reception are conveniently located off the entry vestibule, where newly arriving guests will be greeted with a welcome beverage, and hotel residents may seek advice on touring the city, securing reservations at Antigua's finest restaurants, or making arrangements for a private excursion. Breakfast is a special occasion here, guests enjoying it while seated around the courtyard or in the dining room. For those fond of coffee or tea upon awakening, and before sitting down to breakfast, complimentary self-serve beverages are available in the courtyard each morning. The breakfast menu includes traditional offerings as well as a rotating array of special dishes. Breakfast is served between the hours of 7:00am and 10:30am weekdays, 11:00am weekends.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Centrally Located
Charming
Languages Spoken
English, Spanish
Location
2 Calle Poniente Casa 7, Antigua 03001 Guatemala
San Rafael Hotel
435 reviews
Getting there
Great for walkers
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
It's going to be difficult to find words to explain the perfection of this hotel. I just completed a four night stay as a solo female traveler and I truly loved the experience. You really can't find a better location - just steps to the Santa Catalina Arch, but once you enter the door to the courtyard, perfectly peaceful with fountains, flowers, plants, and places to relax. The room was enormous. I booked Room 6 (the cheapest room) but there weren't many people staying at the hotel and they moved me to Room 3, which was really nice of them.
The bed and pillows were very comfortable and I slept well with a provided fan. I never heard a sound throughout the night.
A delicious breakfast is included, served each morning in the peaceful courtyard. There's a menu with several choices, and the meals are all served with fresh fruit, orange juice, coffee, and bread. All of the breakfasts I tried were delicious. It felt really nice to wake up to a table set with a tablecloth, place setting, and everything prepared for me.
The most important part of this hotel though were the staff members. They went out of their way to help me with anything I needed. They arranged transportation, they arranged for someone to come to my room to give me a covid test to return to the US, and they answered any questions I had.
I wholeheartedly recommend this hotel. I've traveled enough to know that this place is really special. Book it! You'll be happy you did!
Read more
Date of stay: July 2021
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip:Â I liked Room 3 because it wasn't located directly on the main courtyard, so it felt very...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from SAN RAFAEL HOTEL, Director General at San Rafael Hotel
Responded Aug 4, 2021
Thank you very much for your review, we will be waiting for your next visit, greetings.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Book your stay here now! This hotel is one of the best accommodations I have ever stayed in, in the world.
The entire hotel staff exceeds all customer service expectations. Special shout out to Angelica, who made my boyfriend and I feel right at home as soon as we entered the gate of their property. We arrived a few hours before the scheduled check-in time of 3pm, and asked if there was any way we could get a room sooner than that. Without any hesitance, Angelica communicated and coordinated with her team to make sure a room would be available for us to check in sooner. The staff made us feel safe and secure. We had to buzz in each time we returned to the hotel, and someone was always available to open the secure door/gate for us. The amount of times my boyfriend and I kept coming and going, we thought that the staff would get annoyed with us, but each time they opened the gate with a warm, welcoming smile. The housekeepers also had such a pleasant attitude, and it is thanks to their speed and efficiency that we were able to check in earlier in the first place. The grounds keepers/landscapers do such a great job of making sure the hotel stays beautiful. It is obvious that they take pride and enjoy their work, as they genuinely seem happy while working, and always greet you upon passing. San Rafael did such a great job in making sure that all of our requests were met, and that any thing we needed assistance with, was not a bother at all.
The rooms, artwork and furnishings around the hotel are all gorgeous. The furniture selections throughout the hotel make you wish you lived here. We absolutely loved staying in King Suite Room 7, which offered more privacy as it is away from the main courtyard, offered more space, and that we had a little door to enjoy the serene fountain and lush plants more closely. The shower/bath combination was divine with the best water pressure and hot water; it was a super relaxing end to our days of exploring.
I couldn't believe the delicious breakfast options that were included in our room rate. The quality of the food and presentation at breakfast, combined with the service, was outstanding.
The location of this hotel is also perfect. Just a short walk to all points of interest and to great restaurants. I loved that this was right by the Santa Catalina Arch because I wanted to grab early morning photography before the crowds started rolling in, without making a long trip to get there. If that is one of your goals on your visit to Antigua, then this is the place to stay. I also loved that even with San Rafael's central location, we still felt like we were in our own private secluded oasis.
The team at San Rafael Hotel is a prime example of excellence in the hospitality industry. I would love to stay here again, and I HIGHLY recommend staying here during your time in Antigua.
Read more
Date of stay: March 2022
Rooms
Location
Service
Room Tip:Â Room 7 offers more privacy because it is away from the main courtyard
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from SAN RAFAEL HOTEL, Director General at San Rafael Hotel
Responded Jul 10, 2022
Thank you very much for your review, it was a pleasure to serve you and we look forward to your next visit, greetings.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We stayed at Hotel San Rafael four nights, and we were blown away by the property, the staff, the breakfast, and the location. The room was very spacious and the bed and pillows ulta comfortable. The staff were very attentive. The breakfast was scrumptious especially the traditional Guatemalan breakfast with black refried beans and perfectly cooked eggs. They serve coffee from a local farm, and it was the best coffee I’ve ever had, and the homemade jam was to die for. Although the hotel is in the middle of everything and a few steps from the Arco, the property is super quiet. Once you walk through the doors, you feel like you are far away from the hustle and bustle.
The only snag we had was with our airport pickup. We arrived in Guatemala City, and our driver wasn’t there. We called the hotel and they sent a driver, but we waited for about 40 minutes. The airport is super chaotic, so not a fun place to hangout at :(. I recommend calling the hotel the night before to triple confirm airport pickup.
Read more
Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from SAN RAFAEL H, Gerente at San Rafael Hotel
Responded Jan 10, 2020
Thank you very much for your revue, we look forward to your next visit, regards.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
What a continued positive, uplifting hotel experience San Rafael offers. It's intimate, cozy, exceptionally clean and breakfasts are understated elegance in the courtyard. What better experience than to savor a selection of different menu offerings for breakfast with the background of a bubbling water fountain?
Exceptional WIFI, exceptionally safe, and the best part is an exceptionally dedicated, highly professional staff that will welcome you, unlike anything that can be offered from the American counterpart hospitality. Thank YOU San Rafael. I will be back, this time, with more people.
Read more
Date of stay: July 2021
Value
Rooms
Service
Trip type: Travelled on business
Room Tip:Â All rooms are incredible. I can promise you won't find a bad room.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from SAN RAFAEL HOTEL, Director General at San Rafael Hotel
Responded Aug 4, 2021
Thank you very much for your review, we will be waiting for your next visit, greetings.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Located 1/2 a block from the famous arch, and near great restaurants and the Antigua Brewery, this place was exceptional, spacious (only 7 rooms), and very safe. From the moment you walk through the gate, you know you are in a very special place. You have to push a buzzer to get in and the staff greet you like you are the only ones that matter. The surroundings are very tranquil and gorgeous, with fountains, plants and fruit trees all in the middle. Spacious, high-ceiling rooms on the periphery. The water pressure for the shower was the best we have experienced in Central America. The food was delicious, traditional (although no tortillas) and other several good choices (gluten free, vegan and otherwise). You get to enjoy your breakfast near the garden outside your room. The only downside was that you can hear everything that is happening in the courtyard from inside your. Staff arrive at 6:30 a.m. and you can hear them pretty clearly, especially if your room is near the lobby area. Likewise, if people stay up late to talk in the garden, you can hear it all. We recommend earplugs and not worry about it because this place is worth experiencing. We were going to stay 3 nights but increased it to 4. Enjoy!
Read more
Date of stay: April 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Â Bring ear plugs unless you don't mind noise at night or in the early morning.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from SAN RAFAEL HOTEL, Director General at San Rafael Hotel
Responded May 8, 2023
Thank you very much for your review, we look forward to your next visit, regards.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This hotel was amazing all around from the moment you arrive till the moment you need to leave. Full of charm, authentic, amazing location, service was exceptional. We booked room number 7 which was very large and accommodating Beautiful and very private we loved it and recommend it.
Read more
Date of stay: November 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Â Room number 7 is the best room
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from SAN RAFAEL HOTEL, Director General at San Rafael Hotel
Responded Mar 28, 2022
Thank you very much for your review, we look forward to your next visit, regards.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The hotel is basically perfect. Great central location (nothing is more than a 10 minute walk), beautiful and comfortable rooms, very friendly staff, amazing garden where you can have a delicious breakfast. I stayed in room 1 where my favourite part was the shower. It was just like a mini hamam topped with a skylight. And the owners even invited the guests up to the roof (through their own apartment which is gorgeous in its own right) to watch the fireworks.
Read more
Date of stay: December 2019Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from SAN RAFAEL H, Gerente at San Rafael Hotel
Responded Feb 4, 2020
Thank you very much for your revue we will be waiting for your next visit, greetings.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This is our 2nd time staying at the San Raphael hotel, conveniently located in the center of Antigua. It is a very clean, quiet, comfortable, and beautiful ground floor hotel. The rooms are spacious with very comfortable beds and sofas, and have generously sized vanities and bathrooms. The inner coutyard is like a sactuary with fountains and maintained gardens, surrounded by quiet sitting areas to read, or enjoy breakfast. All breakfast choices are delicious. They serve coffee, tea, fresh hot rolls, fresh fruit, and juice. Among the many menu choices are omlettes or pouched eggs and both come with crispy potato hash browns, or refried beans, yogurt with fruit and granola, french toast, waffles, pancakes, bagels, and croissant. Everything is freshly made and cooked to perfection. The staff is so gracious and accommodating. Staff are welcoming, they arrange car service, reservations, make recommendations for restaurants, excursions, etc. You will love it here!
Read more
Date of stay: March 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from SAN RAFAEL HOTEL, Director General at San Rafael Hotel
Responded May 8, 2023
Thank you very much for your review, we look forward to your next visit, regards.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We stayed at San Rafael for our honeymoon. It was exquisite and charming. The owner was very kind and were able to see the rooftop with the volcanoes in the background. This hotel is extremely safe and you will never experience one that is so unique. Breakfast is fresh and all on white table cloths. Do not stay anywhere else in Antigua.
Read more
Date of stay: January 2020
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from SAN RAFAEL H, Gerente at San Rafael Hotel
Responded Jan 20, 2020
Thank you very much for your Revue, we look forward to your next visit, regards.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We absolutely loved this hotel! It is without a doubt one of the nicest places we have ever stayed. I loved how convenient it is to everything (literally right beside Santa Catalina Arch), and yet as soon as you pass through the gate you feel like you are tucked away in a tranquil and private oasis with a beautiful secret garden in the central courtyard. Each room in this hotel is different and some are larger than others. We were not able to stay in the same room both nights due to availability, which gave us a chance to experience two different rooms: room 1 and room 3. Room 1 was absolutely amazing. It is huge and has high, vaulted ceilings and a large fireplace and sitting area. The bathroom is set apart around the corner and the shower also has a vaulted ceiling, chandelier, and skylight. Everything felt very grand. The only windows look out onto the courtyard and there is a table directly outside the window (where people take breakfast) so we didn’t really open our window, which made the room a little dark. Not a huge issue though, and I appreciated the makeup mirror that was provided so I could get ready without turning on all the lights and waking up my husband. Room 3 is still very nice but smaller and less grand than Room 1 (it doesn’t have a vaulted ceiling or separate sitting area in front of the fireplace). If we had stayed in Room 3 first I think we would have loved it, but it was a bit of a letdown coming from the huge and extravagant Room 1. With that said, Room 3 is not right on the central courtyard, so it feels a little quieter and more private. I think every other room is on the main courtyard, aside from the big suite (which is just beyond Room 3 in its own courtyard). The San Rafael is a small hotel (I think there are only 6 or 7 rooms) and it feels very intimate and boutique-like. A few other pluses about this hotel: First, I really loved taking breakfast outdoors in the courtyard surrounded by the beautiful garden, and second, it felt very safe. The gate locked behind you when you walked out on the street so even in broad daylight you still had to ring a doorbell to get in. At night, there is a door and a gate. All told, we absolutely loved this hotel and were sad to leave.
Read more
Date of stay: December 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Â All rooms are wonderful but room 1 is definitely much larger and more grand than room 3 (we...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from SAN RAFAEL HOTEL, Director General at San Rafael Hotel
Responded Jan 19, 2024
Thank you very much for your review, we look forward to your next visit, greetings.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Good afeternoon,
The price is $45.00 one way for 1 to 3 people, to arrange it we need your flight information.
Any questions please contact us.
Best regards,
There are more places to choose from in the Antigua area.
PRICE RANGE
C$250 - C$302 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
GuatemalaSacatepequez DepartmentAntigua
NUMBER OF ROOMS
7
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
