We spent 2 weeks traveling Guatemala, most places staying only one night and this was by far the best!
We called an hour ahead of time to see if they had a room and they gave us a suite since the place was empty (it was off season.) The views from the porch were absolutely breath taking!
There are so many things to rave about. First off we LOVED the maps they gave us of the area, they were extremely helpful to get around. The managers were so nice and great with everything even doing our laundry and finding they next location to stay at. The dinner was really cozy and the food was some of the best we had our whole stay (BEST COFFEE IVE EVER HAD).
The first night we decided to go to a restaurant 5 minutes down the road and it is def a must. theres a pool, which is free for anyone who dines there (too bad it was raining when we went). it has a really nice ambiance to it, and the food was really great.

I would highly recommend staying here.

A paradise in the real world, tastefully laid out and decorated in each room, garden, common area, so that I could simply stay there for the day not going anywhere. Well prepared multi-course meal changes every evening, flavorful, healthy, plenty to cater large group dining - yes, dinner party every night! Their handmade coffee was the best I've ever had. The host is very warm and resourceful for daily activity planning.

This is a great place to stay. The best features include the lodge itself (grounds, gardens, rooms), and the host, Terje. We stayed in the fabulous suite which has a lake and volcano views and we also stayed in one of the larger rooms that has a view of the volcanoes. Both rooms were excellent. I think some of the smaller rooms might not have views. The gardens are beautiful and the lodge itself is a beautiful haven. Terje, the host, is Norwegian and he will give you anything you want (cold cervezas in a frosty glass, sandwiches to go, frothy limonada, tour guides, etc). The food and wine is also very good. It is not Guatemalan food but it is very good and one night we asked for Guatemalan food and we got it! Terje is an excellent host - you could not ask for a better one. If he does not have what you desire he will get it for you! And he is committed to helping the indigenous people of the area. There is also a great dog that lives at the lodge but she will not intrude or bother you.

A couple of things to be aware of: dinners are family style and require a reservation; the lodge is only accessible by boat and there is very little else in Jaibalito; the lake towns are all a bit noisy (the guatemalans love music and fire crackers; you can hear wild dogs howling), the indigenous people that live at the lake are very poor. But if you do decide to visit Atitlan, you cannot go wrong with the Vulcano Lodge. And the price is great!

I have recently returned from Guatemala in early December 2011 and I also returned to my favorite hotel in this country. Vulcano Lodge is a beautifully secluded hotel with quaint, clean rooms and incredible gardens throughout the entire property. Situated on Lake Atitlan near Panajachel, this hotel overlooks the lake and the three (3) dormant volcanoes across the lake. Boat access only in a small village with no cars, peaceful and relaxing.
But the food at this hotel is also exceptional. The Norwegian owner, Terje, is a wonderful chef and every meal I had there was delicious. The service was excellent and I managed to get by with linited spanish in my vocabulary.
I highly recommend anyone visiting Guatemala to consider this excellent lodge. Don't forget to bring your camera for majestic views, wonderful hikes around the lake, or hike to top of a volcano. Thank you Terje for your hospitality. I will likely be back again for a 3rd stay in 2012.