The views from this hotel of the volcanoes San Pedro, Toliman and Atitlan were superb. Sadly, neither the lawns nor gardens ran down to the Lake which were abutted by soccer and basketball facilities. The village is unfettered and Christmas Eve Mass in its Church will always be remembered. The hotel was almost empty during our stay and despite its relatively high charges was deficient in many areas. The hot and cold water supply was indifferent; there was no coffee or tea provision in the room or vending in the hotel; the pool was not wholly clean and the hotel catering prices were twice that of the village eateries. Toiletry provision was limited to two small bars of soap for 3 days occupancy. The Receptionist Natalia, was very helpful and made all our onward bookings for us. A final note: the villages around the Lake are very commercial except for the lesser know ones and the Lake crossing can be bumpy.

The thruth is: we doubted a little bit about this hotel, because it is in the village of sante caterina, 3.5 km away from panajachel. But we are so glad that we did so, this hotel is absolutely stunning!

Getting there from busy panajachel is no problem, either use the tuktuk ( 20 QTZ, or use a pickup-truck as the locals do for 3 QTZ pro person, or use a lanchero boat). Sante Caterina is actually a tranquil little village with LOTS of kids, so expect a smile everyday....

The view from the hotel onto the lake is absolutely stunning, be sure to ask lakeside view, numbers 23-27. View on the lake, vulcanoes and pool. Rooms are equiped with cable-tv with more American channels than in Mexico, BBC, CNN and even a German channel.
Restaurant absolutely has good food, evening meals and desayunos against reasonable prices. Friendly service, waiters in local dress.

This hotel is to me absolutely amazing, enjoy the sunset and sunrise and get wakened up by tons of birds. Breathtaking!

10 minutes drive from manic Panachel is this oasis. The village itself is uncommercialised and in truth has little to offer, but the hotel is a gem. Sitting on the lake edge the views are stunning, get up early for great photos it's worth the effort. The grounds are beautiful and the 2 pools one for adults and another for smaller people are well looked after. Our room was very clean and well maintained. The restaurant was more than adequate, we had breakfast and dinner and the food was well served by very friendly staff always immaculately turned out in local costume, nothing was too much trouble. You can tour the lake and other villages from the shore which is only a few metres from the hotel. Enjoy a couple of day's relaxing, you won't regret it.

Over the past several years I have been blessed to make several trips to Lake Atitlan.  I'm sure every tourist to the region has a favorite city around the lake.  For me, Santa Catarina is the town that touches my soul.
Last year, I was with a group of friends and we rented a villa in Santa Catarina.  La Casa Colibri (not sure what it means in English), was a spectacular place for my friends and family.  This year it was only two of us and La Casa Colibri was booked so I knew I wanted a hotel in Santa Catarina and not Panahachel.  I was sure nothing could live up to my wonderful experience at a private vacation rental.  Villa Santa Catarina was almost as wonderful as staying at a villa.  Okay, perhaps that isn't a fair comparison, but you know what I mean.  If you're not able to charter a private jet then flying international first class ain't bad.
Villa Santa Catarina is located in the heart of the small village with easy access to the lake and town.  
The hotel is a good place to use as a base for hiking, boating, playing tourist, and relaxing.  Villa Santa Catarina is a perfect enclave for a traveler who wants to experience the local taste and feel of an area while getting the creature comforts that make travel enjoyable.
The hotel has a good restaurant for both breakfast and dinner.  I believe it is also open for lunch. There aren't many choices in Santa Catarina for food so this is one of two that I like.  I also enjoy Casa Palapo for eating when in the mood for a more upscale dining experience.
I found a hidden gem of an art gallery up by the local church.  Most of the art around the lake is rudimentary and basic.  The art in this two story gallery is impressive, interesting, creative and different from what you can find in the more mundane store front shops.
Next year, when I'm back I will try a stay at Casa Palopo if Casa Colibri isn't available.  I love this quaint little village.
Villa Santa Catarina is a good choice in the lake area at any time.