This is my third or maybe forth stay at la Casa de Don Ismael, and clearly I am a fan. For a little context, I am an Asian American world traveller (shoes off in the house, you guys know what I mean) with neat-freak parents. Despite finishing college and getting my life in order, when I really want to please my folks I tell them I cleaned the kitchen. Having said that, I have been known to stay in thatched huts with rats (India), freight containers in sheep fields (Scotland), and barns with--or above--turkeys (Kazakstan), so you know that I am not looking for the Ritz. For me, Don Ismael is the place where cheap meets really, really clean. For example, when the staff has time they clean the shared bathrooms after _every_single_shower_. At the very least, they get a complete scrubbing daily. In addition, the bathrooms are much bigger and better ventilated than your typical budget hotel WC. I am not a fan of showering almost on top of the toilet. The second floor bathroom even has a huge window--with frosted glass. The electric heaters have always worked well, and the soap dispensers are never empty. The towels (included in the price, which is not always the case for budget options) are clean, and thus far the sheets have never smelled moldy.

Apart from these things, the hotel has a great roof top for sunning, hanging out clothes, and eating breakfast. Breakfast is cooked fresh daily--pancakes, frijoles y huevos, or cornflakes with coffee or tea--and included in the price. The price gets discounted in the off season. The location is also great (Av 7 norte, Calle 3 poniente), as it is only 3 blocks to the main square (tourist central), the main bus terminal, or the main outdoor market.

The downsides are two-fold. First, the hotel is putting money where it counts--eg. cleaning the sheets--and so they have not spent a lot of money making the rooms quaint. No handwoven, local bedspreads here. And, as with many Antiguan hostels built within walled compounds, not all of the rooms get a lot of natural light. (This is greatly alleviated by the rooftop, garden, and patio sitting areas.) Second, it is not as quiet as it used to be. This is not their fault. The Antigua hotel boom has led to the construction of some typical, big dorm-style hostels nearby, and now there is sometimes really loud rock music nearby in the evenings. Despite all this, it remains my homebase of choice in Antigua and if I ever come back to Antigua I will definitely stay with Don Ismael.

Stayed with a friend in this budget hotel for 2 nights, July 26 and 27th, 2006. Clean, very reasonably priced (paid total of $20US for the room). Shared baths, close to room, never a wait (almost nicer than a private, where I would have waited on my travel partner!). Our room was on the ground floor around a small courtyard, where breakfast (pancakes or eggs/toast)was included/served. Room was dark, but clean. Very small high windows and poorly lit. Nice to sit outside at the courtyard tables to read, though. Hotel is in an easy location to walk to Antigua sites (as most hotels are, since Antigua is very small). The staff was very friendly and helpful. Some English spoken. As two single women traveling, we felt safe at this hotel. It is very dark at night, not really much lighting in the courtyard. Recommend a flashlight to make short walk to/from restroom easier at night. Overall, very good value.