We stayed at Casa del Mundo about 3 years ago and I am glad to see that it is still doing well. We had an excellent room with a balcony and views out over lake Atitlan and the volcanoes. It is one of the most wonderful places I have ever stayed! I think it was more expensive than other places, but it is worth it and still was very good value. In the end we also booked a place in Panajachel (not even half as nice) in order to go on tours to Chichicastenango etc but it would be possible from Casa del Mundo if you get up early, get the early boat and grab something to eat in town. The communal meals are a nice way to meet the other guests and swap travel tips. Unforgettable and highly reccomended!

We just returned from two nights at this lovely hotel. We traveled to Pana from Guatemala City using a small normal tourist van through much traffic and delays due to major road construction. We happily arrived at this exquisitely quaint spot on the planet via hired boat taxi. [The private boat taxi was not necessary, but my nice exhausted boyfriend wanted to splurge, to just get there, "because," and we laughed as we flew over the slightly rough waters.]

Right after checking in, we crashed in our room (Lucky #13, above the dining room, with private bath and two walls of windows, perfect view and great balcony) upon arriving--the sun and fun left us tired. After a leisurely nap, we explored the vertical environs. Met many neat people on various benches and patios throughout the mature gardens/grounds and took in the views of the volcanoes. The hotel/inn is built on a cliffslide and connected to a limited amount of lake shore for walking on flat land, but who really needs to walk when you can laze about and swim?

FYI: Dinners are family style, filling, affordable and delicious. Wine and beer are priced right and plentiful. Breakfast and lunch are a la carte and again, all is reasonable and one could go light or abundant. Without taking a water taxi elsewhere, there is NO OTHER place to eat so just keep that in mind. AND, remember NO CREDIT CARDS ARE ACCEPTED. (I didn't think that was stated clearly enough when I paid with paypal for one of the two nights prior to departure...)

The hottub is fueled by wood and the smoke lingers in the air adding more atmosphere (if possible) as I like fires. The rocks and platforms (in the water) around the water line are a little slimy so you have to be careful as you slip in, but it is not gross--just nature. Ample solitude or conversation depending on what you want.

Sunrise is in view and sunset is somewhat hidden behind the bend. Nonetheless the volcanoes and crystal lake make all spectacular.

We were not bothered by any noisey neighbors or wild party folks; however, I do sleep with earplugs due to a snoring boyfriend. Roosters and birds and nature invade on time, but in a good way.

If you are going to Guatemala, this is worth the trip, and worth three days. JUST PLEASE WEAR SUNSCREEN regardless of whether you think you need it or not.

This hotel was the best we've visited in years! Unique because of the location. High on a rock at lake Atitlan.

The views are great. Food is ok. And the way they serve it (familystyle) is the best. You meet people from all over the world (so the name is correct), who inspired us with their stories.

After diner we went to the hottub outside to watch the stars and relax with some other guest. Be aware, if you want to use the hottub make a reservation before 16.00. It takes a few hours to warm all the water with the wooden stove.

We did not expect the steep stairs. By the time we got to our room we were ready to leave the hotel. The view was the nicest part. We were, after all, on top of the world. There are rooms lower down but they are less private and there are still lots of stairs. The food was OK. Long tables with all the guests eating together at one time. Not at all romantic. Not much place to sit around and relax. Altogether we were not happy with the hotel.
There were a number of your hikers and I think it would be fine for them.