Lanquin15.54117300,
-89.93510500,
Utopia Street By The River Lanquin(Show on Map)
8.6
Very Good
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Summary of reviewsNestled in the Guatemalan jungle, Utopia Eco Hotel offers a breathtaking and serene retreat away from city clamor. Located by the stunning Río Cahabón, it provides easy access to the famous Semuc Champey, an ideal base for adventure amidst lush greenery and picturesque vistas. Its wooden cabins and communal areas embrace the natural landscape, often described as a paradise by guests.
Guests highly praise the breakfast and dinner experiences. Breakfast offers varied vegetarian options with fresh, healthy ingredients, enjoyed along with tranquil views. While slightly overpriced for some, the serene ambiance and quality of food stand out. Dinner, served family-style with daily-changing vegetarian menus, fosters a social atmosphere where guests can bond over generous, delicious meals. Notable dishes include the dreamy banana chocolate cake with the overall food experience being satisfying even for non-vegetarians.
Despite the rustic charm and eco-friendly ambiance, the rooms receive mixed reviews. They are simple and clean but often small and in need of better ventilation and maintenance. Issues noted include uncomfortable beds, basic shared bathroom facilities and occasional insect infestations. However, the riverside cabins with stunning views come highly recommended for those seeking a more memorable stay.
Cleanliness at the hotel presents a mixed picture. While many areas, including rooms and communal spaces, are deemed well-maintained, the sanitation of shared bathrooms and specific cleanliness issues under beds and with linens could be improved. Despite these concerns, the overall impression is generally positive once problems are addressed.
The staff at Utopia Eco Hotel receive high accolades for their friendliness, helpfulness and welcoming nature, greatly enhancing guest experiences. Both the owners and volunteer staff are commended for their dedication, efficiency in organizing tours and transfers and the supportive and caring atmosphere they foster.
WiFi at the eco hotel is reliable and strong in common areas but less so in individual rooms and cabins, providing a balance between staying connected and embracing a digital detox.
While the gym facilities need significant updates with many guests finding them inadequate and poorly maintained, the free yoga classes offered six days a week are widely praised. Held on a platform with breathtaking jungle views, these sessions led by skilled instructors add a refreshing and enriching element to the stay.
The family-friendly environment at Utopia Eco Hotel is conducive to both relaxed family stays and adventurous explorations with spacious and comfortable accommodations that cater well to families. The communal, family-style dining approach and easy tour coordination further enhance the family-oriented appeal.
Beds receive considerable criticism for their discomfort and poor condition, often in need of replacement with issues ranging from hard mattresses to old linens. However, some guests did find the beds acceptable, suggesting room for improvement in this area.
Overall, Utopia Eco Hotel presents a unique retreat for nature lovers and adventurers, marked by its stunning location, excellent staff and delightful vegetarian cuisine, while also acknowledging room for improvement in its accommodations and facilities. Show more
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Categories
Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
Family Friendly Hotel
Dog Friendly Hotel
Dogs Stay Free
Hotel with Parking
Hotel with Gym
Small Hotel
Hotel for Yoga
Hotel where Dogs Stay Free
Room Types
River Front CabinThe quadruple room features a private entrance, a seating area, a terrace with garden views as well as a private bathroom boasting a shower. The unit has 2 beds.
Double Room with Shared BathroomThis double room has a shared bathroom, parquet floors and garden views. The unit has 1 bed.
Triple Room with BathThe spacious triple room features a private entrance, a seating area, a terrace with garden views as well as a private bathroom boasting a walk-in shower. The unit has 2 beds.
Family RoomThe family room provides a private entrance, a seating area, a terrace with garden views as well as a private bathroom featuring a shower. The unit offers 4 beds.
Guest Reviews
8.6
Very Good
Location
Nestled in the heart of the Guatemalan jungle, Utopia Eco Hotel boasts an unrivaled and stunning location that is both remote and picturesque. Located right on the Río Cahabón, this eco hotel offers an extraordinary immersion in nature, characterized by its tranquil surroundings and breathtaking views of the forest and mountains. The serene environment is perfect for those seeking an escape from the clamor of city life with only the soothing sounds of the river and birds to break the silence.
The hotel's prime location allows guests easy access to the famous Semuc Champey, either by a beautiful walk through pathways or a short drive. The close proximity to these natural pools makes it a convenient and idyllic base for exploring one of Guatemala’s most stunning natural sites. Despite being a bit off the beaten path, the adventurous ride to the hotel adds to the charm of the experience, rewarding guests with unparalleled vistas and a welcoming atmosphere upon arrival.
Enveloped by lush greenery and towering trees, Utopia Eco Hotel offers a unique jungle experience where guests can feel truly embedded in the natural landscape. The location is frequently described as phenomenal with a magnificent view that's just steps away from the river. The eco hotel’s beautifully designed wooden cabins and communal areas provide a perfect setting for enjoying the natural beauty that surrounds it.
Whether it's the stunning common area with its enchanting view or the quiet and peaceful ambiance of the jungle, Utopia Eco Hotel’s setting is often hailed as a paradise, offering a true escape into nature’s embrace. For travelers drawn to the allure of the wild and the beauty of remote locations, this eco hotel presents an ideal retreat that's both close to adventure and far from ordinary.
Breakfast
Utopia Eco Hotel offers a highly praised breakfast experience with varied and fresh options. Guests particularly enjoy the delicious, healthy and vegetarian selections, including an exquisite herb-infused meal and fresh juices served daily. While the breakfast is not included in the price and might seem slightly overpriced to some, the quality remains impressive. The breakfast is noted for a tranquil atmosphere with an amazing view, making it one of the hotel's standout features. There are three breakfast options available on site, convenient for its remote location. Despite some room for improvement and a few simple or bland options reported, the overall consensus is that the food, including breakfast, is very good and contributes positively to the guest experience. The friendly staff and the ambiance further enhance the start of the day at this eco-friendly retreat.
Dinner
Utopia Eco Hotel's dinner offerings are a focal point of praise from guests, who overwhelmingly highlight the delicious and fresh vegetarian cuisine available. The meals, which change daily, are served family-style, fostering a communal and social dining experience where guests can easily meet and connect with others. Many appreciate the generous portions and the creative original dishes prepared with organic ingredients grown on-site. Although the food choices are limited to vegetarian and vegan options, even those who are not typically vegetarians found the food to be tasty and satisfying.
The set menu for dinner, though fixed at a specific time each evening, is noted for its diversity and surprise elements, such as a delightful and dreamy banana chocolate cake. While most reviews commend the taste and quality of the meals, some find the food slightly underseasoned or on the pricier side, but the overall consensus is that the food is well worth it.
The dining area’s common spaces with swings, hammocks and views, complement the relaxed atmosphere of the hotel, making each meal more enjoyable. Despite a few mentions of the lack of meat options and the high prices for some, the friendly service, excellent food quality and sociable dining setup make dinner at Utopia Eco Hotel a memorable part of the stay.
Rooms
Utopia Eco Hotel offers an experience encapsulated by its rustic charm and eco-friendly setting, though guests have highlighted a few important points about the accommodations. The rooms are generally clean and simple but tend to be small and basic with some needing renovation and better maintenance. Many rooms lack adequate ventilation, making them quite warm and there's a noticeable absence of fans or air conditioning. Noise levels can be an issue due to thin walls and minimal soundproofing.
The cabins, while charming and offering stunning views, often require better upkeep and cleanliness. In some cases, the beds and linens are old and uncomfortable and a few rooms had issues with cockroaches or insects, though some guests appreciated rooms designed to keep bugs out. Shared bathroom facilities were seen as quite basic and sometimes unhygienic. The shower facilities, particularly regarding hot water, were not always reliable.
Guests consistently praised the hotel's beautiful surroundings, brave architecture and pleasant communal areas. The riverside cabins were especially recommended for those willing to spend a bit more. The hotel's location is well-regarded, providing a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere, although basic furnishing and minimal lighting may take some adjustment.
Service at the hotel is generally good with staff quick to address guest issues. Despite the simplicity and occasional discomfort of the rooms, some found the experience recommended for those prepared for a basic, eco-centric stay amidst Guatemala's stunning nature.
Beds
Utopia Eco Hotel appears to have a range of bed-related issues based on guest feedback. The primary concern is the comfort and condition of the beds and bedding. Many reviews mention that the beds are hard, uncomfortable and in need of replacement. Specific issues include mattresses being rock hard or worn out and even sagging towards the center. Some guests also noted that the bed linens were old, dirty and sometimes even ripped. The pillows did not escape criticism either, often being described as too thin or bad.
Despite these notable criticisms, there are some mentions of the beds being good value for money and a few instances where they were described as comfortable or correct. However, these positive comments are overshadowed by recurring complaints about the unpleasant rest due to poor quality mattresses and springs that can be felt through the fabric.
In conclusion, while a few guests found the beds acceptable, the general consensus highlights the need for significant improvements in the quality and cleanliness of the beds and bedding at Utopia Eco Hotel.
Cleanliness
The cleanliness at Utopia Eco Hotel presents a mixed picture based on guest reviews. Many visitors appreciated the clean rooms, showers and communal areas, noting that these aspects were generally well-maintained. However, there were significant concerns raised about the overall sanitation of the hotel. Several reviews pointed out specific issues such as dirty under the beds, unemptied bins and infrequent room cleaning. The shared bathrooms and showers garnered mixed opinions with some guests finding them clean, while others flagged dirt and musty odors as problematic.
Issues with insect infestations, including cockroaches and ants, were frequently mentioned. Additionally, problems such as dirty sheets, stained towels and general unpleasant smells in some rooms detracted from the experience. Some guests noted that the facilities could benefit from more thorough and regular cleaning, especially in the sanitary areas. While the general cleanliness was deemed acceptable by some, the consensus is that many areas need improvement, particularly in maintaining hygiene and addressing pest issues.
Staff
Reviews of Utopia Eco Hotel highly praise the staff for their friendliness, helpfulness and overall welcoming nature. Guests frequently describe the staff as amazing, super friendly and attentive with many highlighting how their incredible hospitality made their stay unforgettable. Both the owners and the volunteer staff receive commendation for their dedication to guests, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
The personnel's warm and kind demeanor stands out with several mentions of a supportive and caring atmosphere. The team, including specific mentions of individuals like Pia and Sylvia, goes above and beyond to provide high-quality service. Guests appreciate the ability of the staff to organize tours and transfers efficiently, offer valuable advice and even make special accommodations, such as preparing specific food requests.
Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, there are minor mentions of language barriers with some staff not speaking Spanish and the occasional mention of volunteers being in charge, sometimes leading to unavailability when needed. Nevertheless, the overall sentiment remains extremely positive, highlighting Utopia Eco Hotel as a place with a great staff that helps create a welcoming and homely environment for all visitors.
Wi-Fi
At Utopia Eco Hotel, guests can generally expect steady and reliable internet service in common areas. With strong WiFi signals and surprisingly good connections, visitors can easily stay connected, particularly in the main building. However, the WiFi availability diminishes when moving away from communal spaces; certain rooms and cabins may lack internet access altogether, which might pose issues for those needing consistent connectivity. While some have faced limited or occasionally slow WiFi, others found the experience satisfactory or even appreciated the opportunity to unplug in this forested retreat. Despite some critiques on the coverage, the overall internet service contributes positively to the stay, mainly if expectations are managed regarding its reach.
Gym
The reviews of the gym at Utopia Eco Hotel highlight several areas that need improvement. Guests mentioned that the gym is small and lacks adequate equipment. Additionally, the existing amenities were often found to be broken and not well-maintained. Cleanliness was also a concern with the gym lacking proper hygiene and in need of more frequent cleaning. These issues left some visitors disappointed, particularly those who specifically chose the hotel for its gym facilities. Overall, guests feel that the gym requires significant updates and better maintenance to meet their expectations.
Family
Utopia Eco Hotel offers an inviting atmosphere that's ideal for families. With a nice mix of backpackers and families, it strikes a perfect balance for diverse guests. The hotel stands out for its family-style meals and dining, which include delicious vegetarian options, providing a warm and communal dining experience. The management and staff create a family-oriented atmosphere that makes guests feel like part of a family, taking excellent care of their needs.
The accommodations cater well to families with spacious and comfortable family rooms, including options with two levels and multiple beds. The family cabins have a unique charm, although they might not be the best option for parents seeking quiet relaxation.
Coordination of tours is easy, adding to the convenience for families looking to explore. While the family concept and environment dominate, the hotel is equally good for friends, thanks to its welcoming and friendly manner. The overall family-friendly environment and dedicated team ensure that Utopia Eco Hotel provides a memorable stay for families.
Yoga
Utopia Eco Hotel offers a robust and well-received yoga program that is available to guests six days a week. Each morning, visitors can enjoy free yoga classes amidst the serene surroundings of nature with sessions held on a peaceful platform offering breathtaking views of the forest and jungle.
The yoga classes, led by skilled instructors like Sylvia, have been widely praised for their quality and the refreshing experience they provide. Many guests highlight the complementary aspect of these classes as a significant benefit, enhancing their stay at the eco-friendly retreat. Silvia, in particular, received commendation for her fantastic teaching and memorable sessions.
While one review noted the absence of yoga during their stay, the general consensus underscores the consistency of the offering and its integration into the Utopia Eco Hotel experience. Whether for relaxation, exercise or immersing oneself in the natural beauty surrounding the hotel, the morning yoga sessions have become a beloved aspect of many guests' stays, contributing to an enriching and rejuvenating retreat.
Dog Friendly
Utopia Eco Hotel seems to have a very dog-friendly atmosphere, featuring several friendly, cute and sweet dogs that contribute to a welcoming environment. The dogs are commonly seen free-roaming around the property, including the communal areas, kitchen and common restaurant space. Their presence is frequent, as they linger around the sofas and crawl under the tables in the dining areas.
However, potential guests should be prepared for a high level of interaction with the dogs and are advised to exercise caution. Some reviews indicate that the dogs can be noisy, often barking regularly and even waking guests up. The presence of dog hair can also be an issue and the dogs walking into the kitchen has been noted as less than ideal.
While the dogs certainly add a cozy and charming aspect to the hotel, their frequent presence might not be suitable for everyone, especially those who are not dog lovers or are wary around animals. The hotel does have rules regarding the areas where dogs are allowed, but the enforcement of these rules appears to be inconsistent.
Overall, for guests who appreciate the company of furry friends, Utopia Eco Hotel could offer a uniquely cozy and welcoming experience. For those less comfortable around dogs, it might not be the best choice given the integral presence of the dogs around the property.
No, Utopia Eco Hotel doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Utopia Eco Hotel.
Yes, Utopia Eco Hotel welcomes dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Utopia Eco Hotel.