10/10
I’ve had the opportunity to travel more than most for work as well as pleasure. I’ve stayed in 5 star accommodation hotels across the US, Europe, Asia and South America. I’ve enjoyed Vrbo’s in North, Central and South America. With that said, Chateau Maldonado is in the top three places I’ve stayed ever for three reasons.
One- the area and the view. The home sits on a picturesque location that looks like it could be the set of a romance movie. Perched on a cliff above Lake Atitlan (the worlds most beautiful lake) and with surrounding views of the local villages and majestic volcanoes and mountains, the view from this home would be hard to beat anywhere in the world. Whether you are sitting on the patio enjoying your perfectly prepared breakfast (I’ll get to that next) or sitting by the fire on the black sand at night, you could literally just stay and enjoy the view for days. Be sure to visit the local villages though as they are wonderful. I highly recommend San Juan. Carlos (caretaker) will arrange a private boat for you to and from any of the villages. The boats are safe and highly reliable.
Reason Two- the staff! Carlos is your caretaker along with Roberto the gardener (yes a full time gardener looks after the home as is apparent when you see the landscaping from perfectly manicured lawns to hedges trimmed in the shape of various animals (my wife took tons of pics of this alone lol). Carlos looks after anything you need like arranging boats, grocery runs and building a nightly campfire. He is terrifically attentive when needed and disappears into the background when not. A quick text via WhatsApp and he appears to do anything you require.
The ladies, these two are Amazing! Merilena and Concepcion attended to our culinary and housekeeping needs daily. When we checked in we have them some local cash (not much, so I thought, about $250) and they arranged to have groceries purchased. Every day we had breakfast served on the patio overlooking the lake, every night we returned there was a delicious dinner waiting. On our second night they had prepared Pepiàn De Pollo ( a local favorite) that was the BEST meal of our whole trip. Keep in mind we ate at several 5 star restaurants in Antigua during this vacation as well!
When the stay ended I was amazed that they returned half the money I gave them with a detailed receipt of monies spent! These 4 made the stay in my opinion.
Lastly,Mr. Maldonado.From the first contact to the last, perfecto!
Troy H.
Estada de 3 nits (gen. 2023)