Marbella Eco Lodge

If what you are looking for is a place where right from the moment you put a foot in the door you are treated like family, Marbella Eco Lodge is your place. This place is managed by a couple; he, Cecilio, designed and built the place (con la ayuda de los albañiles chapines que le trajeron más canas a Cecilio) and she, Cecilia, who runs this place (with some help of Cecilio :) with her heart; again, like if we, guests, were her family. Cecilia's love for cooking and perfection goes beyond anything I have seen. Cecilia no relaja sus standares ni para las papas fritas. Do not dare to leave this place without trying Cecilia's antipasto or the combination of tortilla española (which takes an hour to cook) with a side of antipasto. I found that the entire place is designed with this family feeling in sight. There are so many details, the sitting area on top of the bar (where Cecilio retires some evenings to work on his paintings, the fruit trees planted for self-sustainability, Cecilio's turtles (ask him), Cecilio's novels and poetry. But... what will make us come back to this place and stay for as long as vacations allow, is Cecilio's and Cecilia's humanity; no doubts, well, that and the best Internet in Guatemala (for real). I miss those late nights discussing literature, family or world politics with Cecilio (En, Sp, Ge) and Cecilia (En, Es). Also, big thanks to the staff, handpicked with the help of Marisol, Cecilia's right hand, and to Ginger and Gato for their company

Oceanfront location was the best part of our stay. Wi-Fi was okay. No hot water in shower. Nice family restaurant.