Posada La Merced is easily the most memorable hotel I've stayed in, largely because of the friendly, helpful, cheerful staff. The place is always scrupulously clean and full of flowers and colorful weavings. From the rooftop views to the tranquil back patio to the more lively front patio, Posada La Merced glows with a vibrant beauty.

Gail and her staff are happy to arrange shuttles, tuk-tuks, tours to ruins or volcanoes, give directions to nearby laundries, restaurants and internet cafes, and sell inexpensive snacks and beverages, as well as providing free coffee nearly around the clock.

One bonus is the full kitchen for storing snacks and takeout or cooking full meals. Another is the proximity of Fernando's, voted the best coffee house in Antigua, where the trivia game on Saturday evening draws locals and tourists for a lively competition and light dinner.

The prices are low, the location is great, and I can't imagine a nicer place to stay.

They have great location: 1 block away from Iglesia de La Merced, 2 blocks away from Calle del Arco (5 Av. Norte) where all the nice restaurants are (Frida's, Sangre, Vinos y Quesos), Great pubs (Reilley's, Casbah...)

The staff is really friendly, the rooms are impecable, really nice garden with wild orchids hanging out, beautiful terrace with columpios to take sun and the nicest pictures.

The coffe is free in the morning and you can use the fully equipped kitchen to cook your own dinner. They sell sanwiches and snacks in the reception area.

They have a proyect that does beautiful earrings!!!

We have stayed here for the past five years (at least once or twice during the year) and will return again this summer.

The location is great; friendly staff, and at night, candles light the way to your room. Try to book a room in the back courtyard - a special place - fragrant garden, hammocks, nearby kitchen to brew coffee, rooms decorated with Guatemalan textiles.

The view from the rooftop is awesome - all of Antigua and the volcanos are before you.

We've happily stayed at Posada la Merced several times in 2003 and 2005, our home-away-from-home in Antigua Guatemala. The staff are incredibly helpful and friendly, the rooms are small but immaculate and very cost-effective, the locale is quaint, and the best coffee and breakfast in town are right next door. Be there for Semana Santa (Holy Week) -- you can look down on the processions from the 2nd floor balcony, and you may be invited to help build alfombres (flower carpets) in the road. At any time of year, you're just around the corner from the splendid La Merced Church, and only a short walk from the Parque Central in the heart of town, or from the thriving mercado. We expect to be back there soon!