Palmeras Del Río Hotel
Aldea Piedra Pintada, Las Vinas, Rio Dulce 18002 Guatemala
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Avg. $26 /night, 2/14 - 2/15
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About
#1 of 1 guest house in Las Vinas
Location
4.9
Rooms
4.6
Value
4.7
Cleanliness
4.6
Service
4.7
Sleep Quality
4.5
Hotel Palmeras del Rio is located one hour from Rio Dulce or 20 minutes from Livingston. Accessible only through our transportation services with special rates for your arrival. Or the collective transportation service. It is a hotel in an excellent location. We work hand in hand with the environment and we maintain most of the time with renewable energy. We appreciate your support and understanding in the care of resources. Bar and Restaurant Service with the best organic drinks and a fusion of flavors in various dishes that will be available to you during your visit. We try to make your visit an unforgettable experience. Make use of our kayaks and the new Mayan temazcal inspired by traditional Mexican culture. Visit us It will be a pleasure to serve you.
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Property amenities
Paid private parking nearby
Sauna
Lazy river
Bar / lounge
Boating
Hiking
Kids' outdoor play equipment
Business Center with Internet Access
Pool / beach towels
Swimming pool toys
Coffee shop
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Kids' meals
Outdoor dining area
Special diet menus
Rooftop bar
Snorkeling
Darts
Evening entertainment
Fishing
Karaoke
Patio
Table tennis
Walking tours
Board games / puzzles
Banquet room
Meeting rooms
Spa
Hot spring bath
Massage
Open-air bath
Steam room
Rooftop terrace
BBQ facilities
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor furniture
Picnic area
Shared bathroom
Sun deck
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun terrace
First aid kit
24-hour front desk
Laundry service
Room features
Private beach
Additional bathroom
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Seating area
Minibar
Oven
Walk-in shower
Separate living room
Private bathrooms
Room types
Mountain view
Ocean view
Landmark view
Bridal suite
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Smoking rooms available
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Budget
Trendy
Languages Spoken
English, French, Spanish, German and 1 more
Location
Aldea Piedra Pintada, Las Vinas, Rio Dulce 18002 Guatemala
Getting there
20 Restaurants
within 5 miles
Reviews
Traveler rating
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Detailed Reviews
We looked hard to find a place surrounded by natural beauty, with really good food, and not too expensive. We found it! They have even accommodated my gluten-free diet and my partner’s vegetarianism, deliciously! Hummingbirds buzz through, toucans visible across the river. Bring your binocs! Plus the family-style dinners have been great for connecting to people we might never have spoken to. Highly recommend.
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Date of stay: March 2022Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This place was fabulous. I was a bit worried arriving solo but it was such a relief to get there and meet Luis after travelling all day from Belize. He and Victor are both really kind and caring people and did everything to help with my stay there and my plans in Guatemala in general. The communal dinner was perfect for meeting other guests. The drinks and food were just amazing. I loved kayaking all day. The hammock was my favourite spot and I got to see manatees. But definitely the highlight was the good hearts of Victor and Luis. I would love to go back someday.
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Date of stay: November 2023Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
These reviews are machine translated from their original language. Show machine translations?
I was told it was good but it is even better. Special mention to Victor our great host and his crazy dog!
Exotic bungalows and great meals. A max of service also if needed with the complicity of Finca Tatin and Gabriella a little further on the river.
Exotic bungalows and great meals. A max of service also if needed with the complicity of Finca Tatin and Gabriella a little further on the river.
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Date of stay: August 2024Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This is by far and away the worst experience of my three months traveling through Mexico, Guatemala and Belize, and I am actually shocked by the reviews regarding this poor excuse for an abode. We went without time restraints but within 5 minutes of arriving we wanted to be out of there first thing the next morning.
I don't know where to start.... It got off on the wrong foot with Chris bragging about his hangover and generally blowing smoke. It got worse as soon as we arrived. The place was damp, dirty, bug infested and dark. Granted it is in the jungle but that is no excuse for the state of disrepair and filthiness. As soon as we sat down in the common area their one other guest came in, and he was covered in scabby, infected bites and looked like a rabid dog that had been chained up for the last month. Suffice to say we immediately reached for our repellant.
As the place is incredibly isolated there was no point voicing our concerns, but my travel companions and I unanimously decided that a hasty exit was in order. When we stated our desire to leave the next morning, the hosts seemed a bit taken aback, but we felt like we were imposing anyway. To the point that I asked to charge my camera and my request was declined.
The dinner seemed tasty enough, but I got sick in the middle of the night and was sick the next day as well.
The rooms were just as bad, No nets, terrible lighting, damp, stuffy, and it did not help that the toilets were a mission to get to.
Everyone on here states what a lovely couple Chris and Dani are, and perhaps they were having an argument whilst we were there, but he was treating her in a misogynistic manner that was intolerable, which seemed undeserved as she was lovely. This, accompanied with the forced isolation made my skin crawl.
The next day we felt we were overcharged, but were beyond caring and were just relieved to get away. I much preferred puking up my dinner on the dock at Puerto Barrios with the smell of petrol fumes than being there.
The only good thing that came out of it was that we coined a saying for the remainder of our travels when assessing prospective hotels and hostels, rating them on a scale of "Round House to 10", and this I would rate as Round House.
I don't know where to start.... It got off on the wrong foot with Chris bragging about his hangover and generally blowing smoke. It got worse as soon as we arrived. The place was damp, dirty, bug infested and dark. Granted it is in the jungle but that is no excuse for the state of disrepair and filthiness. As soon as we sat down in the common area their one other guest came in, and he was covered in scabby, infected bites and looked like a rabid dog that had been chained up for the last month. Suffice to say we immediately reached for our repellant.
As the place is incredibly isolated there was no point voicing our concerns, but my travel companions and I unanimously decided that a hasty exit was in order. When we stated our desire to leave the next morning, the hosts seemed a bit taken aback, but we felt like we were imposing anyway. To the point that I asked to charge my camera and my request was declined.
The dinner seemed tasty enough, but I got sick in the middle of the night and was sick the next day as well.
The rooms were just as bad, No nets, terrible lighting, damp, stuffy, and it did not help that the toilets were a mission to get to.
Everyone on here states what a lovely couple Chris and Dani are, and perhaps they were having an argument whilst we were there, but he was treating her in a misogynistic manner that was intolerable, which seemed undeserved as she was lovely. This, accompanied with the forced isolation made my skin crawl.
The next day we felt we were overcharged, but were beyond caring and were just relieved to get away. I much preferred puking up my dinner on the dock at Puerto Barrios with the smell of petrol fumes than being there.
The only good thing that came out of it was that we coined a saying for the remainder of our travels when assessing prospective hotels and hostels, rating them on a scale of "Round House to 10", and this I would rate as Round House.
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Date of stay: July 2013Trip type: Traveled with friends
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Rashels, Gerente at Palmeras Del Río Hotel
Responded Mar 11, 2017
We are sorry for the inconvenience currently caused by owner change and hope to do a better job ..
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
After having spent a stressful week in Antigua (without passports as they were stolen) Rio Dulce and more specifically The Roundhouse was THE perfect location to unwind. As it's name suggests the hotel is a 2 storey, spacious tree house like structure set only metres back from the peaceful river. the wide open spaces afford privacy and most of all relaxation. half a dozen or is it more hammocks pepper the property and Dani and Chris, the owners, are never short of suggestions for activities, are always available for a chat and are very helpful for transport and anything else river/Livingston/Belize related. We went for a 2 hour hike into the jungle with a local guide, you can go kayaking basically anywhere (for 50q for the day), there are hot springs and waterfalls nearby... Everything is decently priced from the accommodation (110 for a private 50 for a dorm) to the meals (20/30 for brekky, same for lunch and 50 for a delicious family style dinner)... if you dont have much to do and don't want to do too much this is a great location.
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Date of stay: May 2014Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: privates and dorms are basically the same price if you are a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Rashels, Gerente at Palmeras Del Río Hotel
Responded Mar 11, 2017
Thank you very much for taking us into account in your trip we hope you have enjoyed it and we are very happy with your comment we try to do our best
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We spent three nights at the roundhouse. We were very impressed with the location and general feel of the place. It was the most memorable place visited in Guatemala, and felt like home....albeit sometimes a dysfunctional one.
Dinners were delicious and plentiful.
Danni was an amazing host, and we really liked Paul who was helping out while we there.
We met some really great people, and enjoyed the board games and socialising.
The only negatives are the dogs who weren't the friendliest, the fact you are a bit cooped up with the only access out via the river.
Also, the ex pats who visit the bar were having quite an offensive chat amongst their drunken selves (the price of women...!!!). I think Danni and Chris need to consider how this might make their guests feel.
Overall I would definately recommend staying here, the river is beautiful to swim and Kayak in, and we met some great people there.
Dinners were delicious and plentiful.
Danni was an amazing host, and we really liked Paul who was helping out while we there.
We met some really great people, and enjoyed the board games and socialising.
The only negatives are the dogs who weren't the friendliest, the fact you are a bit cooped up with the only access out via the river.
Also, the ex pats who visit the bar were having quite an offensive chat amongst their drunken selves (the price of women...!!!). I think Danni and Chris need to consider how this might make their guests feel.
Overall I would definately recommend staying here, the river is beautiful to swim and Kayak in, and we met some great people there.
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Date of stay: November 2012
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Rashels, Gerente at Palmeras Del Río Hotel
Responded Mar 11, 2017
Many thanks for such good comments we hope your visit again
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

The Roundhouse is build up in a very nice way. Big and lovely furnished rooms, lots of hammocks, a round bar with an unbelievable selection of Tequila around a peaceful garden in the middle of the jungle directly at the river.
Dani and Chris (the owners) are such a great couple and a perfect team. They did everything to make sure we’re having a good time. We planned to stay two nights and stayed six. We had great conversations and a lot of fun. We always had dinner together, which is kind of a “family” thing and very nice. The food is insanely good (awesome self-made bread and granola, and delicious meals for dinner). We never had such good food anywhere else in Central America.
They picked us up with the boat in Livingston and took us to Rio Dulce after our stay. I think you can get there by water taxi as well. However, Dani and Chris do not charge a lot of money. Thus, it might be easier to call Dani and Chris and arrange the transportation with them. Every two days or so there is the reggae boat tour (boat tour from the hostel “Casa de Iguana” in Livingston) with a bunch of people for a few drinks, which is really enjoying.
Chris and Dani also have a swimming pool for volley ball, a hammock-house from where you can jump into the water, as well as kayaks and tubes.
The Roundhouse is one of the nicest places we’ve been to so far. It was really relaxed and chilled.
Dani and Chris (the owners) are such a great couple and a perfect team. They did everything to make sure we’re having a good time. We planned to stay two nights and stayed six. We had great conversations and a lot of fun. We always had dinner together, which is kind of a “family” thing and very nice. The food is insanely good (awesome self-made bread and granola, and delicious meals for dinner). We never had such good food anywhere else in Central America.
They picked us up with the boat in Livingston and took us to Rio Dulce after our stay. I think you can get there by water taxi as well. However, Dani and Chris do not charge a lot of money. Thus, it might be easier to call Dani and Chris and arrange the transportation with them. Every two days or so there is the reggae boat tour (boat tour from the hostel “Casa de Iguana” in Livingston) with a bunch of people for a few drinks, which is really enjoying.
Chris and Dani also have a swimming pool for volley ball, a hammock-house from where you can jump into the water, as well as kayaks and tubes.
The Roundhouse is one of the nicest places we’ve been to so far. It was really relaxed and chilled.
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Date of stay: March 2012Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Rashels, Gerente at Palmeras Del Río Hotel
Responded Mar 11, 2017
Many thanks for such good comments we hope your visit again
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This place is no longer under European management, even though their website still says so.
The bad:
-Feels neglected/ poorly maintained.
-Extremely noisy.
-Rooms have huge holes to the outside.
-Kayaks are overpriced low quality.
-Overpriced taxi service.
-Poor communication towards customers.
-The staff.
The good:
-Dinners and breakfast are nice.
-Excellent location.
-Cheap rooms/dorms.
We stayed here for three nights. Two nights we had no problems at all. The third night one staff member decided to get drunk with a few other guest. They made extreme amounts of noise and played loud music until 2 AM and only stopped when I asked them twice to turn the music off. They continued talking loudly for the rest of the night. The staff member also drunkenly entered the room of two other sleeping guests in the middle of the night.
We had arranged our own transport from the hotel to Rio Dulce for Q35 each. We had informed said staff member the day before that we had arranged our own transport and did not need their expensive shuttle. At 9 in the morning the hungover staff member showed up at our breakfast and informed us that their shuttle would pick us up at 10. We told him no, we already informed you about our own boat. He got mad and told us that wouldn't happen and we had never informed him. We told him to cancel the shuttle. Five minutes later our self arranged boat magically called and informed us he could not make it, because he had a funeral to attend, forcing us to take the expensive hotel shuttle. All in all the stay was nice, until the staff ruined it for us.
The bad:
-Feels neglected/ poorly maintained.
-Extremely noisy.
-Rooms have huge holes to the outside.
-Kayaks are overpriced low quality.
-Overpriced taxi service.
-Poor communication towards customers.
-The staff.
The good:
-Dinners and breakfast are nice.
-Excellent location.
-Cheap rooms/dorms.
We stayed here for three nights. Two nights we had no problems at all. The third night one staff member decided to get drunk with a few other guest. They made extreme amounts of noise and played loud music until 2 AM and only stopped when I asked them twice to turn the music off. They continued talking loudly for the rest of the night. The staff member also drunkenly entered the room of two other sleeping guests in the middle of the night.
We had arranged our own transport from the hotel to Rio Dulce for Q35 each. We had informed said staff member the day before that we had arranged our own transport and did not need their expensive shuttle. At 9 in the morning the hungover staff member showed up at our breakfast and informed us that their shuttle would pick us up at 10. We told him no, we already informed you about our own boat. He got mad and told us that wouldn't happen and we had never informed him. We told him to cancel the shuttle. Five minutes later our self arranged boat magically called and informed us he could not make it, because he had a funeral to attend, forcing us to take the expensive hotel shuttle. All in all the stay was nice, until the staff ruined it for us.
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Date of stay: January 2017Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Even though getting there was a little bit hard us because no boats where going that place, the owner went and picked us up and took us there.
The place is comfortable, quiet and surrounded by nature, Chris and Dany where so nice, they introduced us to everyone staying there, we had drinks and a great dinner family style.
We just spent one night there but we meet some wonderful people from all over the world, full of interesting experiences and had a lot of fun.
Will definitely come back soon.
The place is comfortable, quiet and surrounded by nature, Chris and Dany where so nice, they introduced us to everyone staying there, we had drinks and a great dinner family style.
We just spent one night there but we meet some wonderful people from all over the world, full of interesting experiences and had a lot of fun.
Will definitely come back soon.
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Date of stay: June 2015Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Rashels, Gerente at Palmeras Del Río Hotel
Responded Mar 11, 2017
Thank you very much for taking us into account in your trip we hope you have enjoyed it and we are very happy with your comment we try to do our best
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We can't understand the 5 star review: although the hostel in itself was nice, the vibe was a bit awkward mostly caused by the owners.
The owners seem to fight each other. One shared his court battle over another hostel and didn't liked his guests at all. We shared this feeling with another couple we were traveling with, and moved the next day to Hotelito Perdido.
If the hostel is full, you might not notice this strange vibe. Food was brilliant :-) If you are a couple, consider the much nicer and a bit more expensive cabins of Hotelito Perdido.
The owners seem to fight each other. One shared his court battle over another hostel and didn't liked his guests at all. We shared this feeling with another couple we were traveling with, and moved the next day to Hotelito Perdido.
If the hostel is full, you might not notice this strange vibe. Food was brilliant :-) If you are a couple, consider the much nicer and a bit more expensive cabins of Hotelito Perdido.
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Date of stay: December 2014Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Rashels, Gerente at Palmeras Del Río Hotel
Responded Mar 11, 2017
Thank you very much for taking us into account in your trip we hope you have enjoyed it and we are very happy with your comment we try to do our best
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hola buenas noches cuando llegues a Río dulce dulce necesitas tomar un transporte colectivo hacia nuestro local que tiene un costo de Q90 por persona
We kayaked up to the hot springs too - it depends how strong a kayak-er you are but I think it took us about half an hour and it was certainly quicker coming back as we were going downstream. The owners at the Roundhouse are really helpful, so if you're staying there they might drop you up there in their boat or help you hitch a ride. I'd agree with Yunus that kayaking is the most fun and convenient way to get there. Enjoy!
Yep, 2 seperate showers and 2 separate toilets to share. But you can always jump in the river. Clean water and just as refreshing as the showers. I did it for 5 months too.
47497744
"The Deck is a great view. The river is awsome with many creatures around to watch in the jungle around the hostel."Read full review
"Quiet rooms, very comfortable. Both the dorms and the private rooms are great options."Read full review
"I didn't stay in the private rooms but they looked fine. The dorm area is super neat. The whole round house idea is great. I like it."Read full review
PRICE RANGE
$28 - $32 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
The Round House Hotel
LOCATION
GuatemalaIzabal DepartmentRio DulceLas Vinas
NUMBER OF ROOMS
10
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Palmeras Del Río Hotel
Which popular attractions are close to Palmeras Del Río Hotel?
Nearby attractions include Rio Dulce (4.0 miles), Seven Altars (5.0 miles), and Vuelbe Mujer (4.1 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Palmeras Del Río Hotel?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include a rooftop bar, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge.
Which room amenities are available at Palmeras Del Río Hotel?
Top room amenities include a minibar, an additional bathroom, and a view of a nearby landmark.
What food & drink options are available at Palmeras Del Río Hotel?
Guests can enjoy a rooftop bar, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Palmeras Del Río Hotel?
Yes, paid private parking nearby is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Palmeras Del Río Hotel?
Conveniently located restaurants include Casa Nostra Restaurant, Mc Tropic Healthy Food Livingston, and Restaurant Casa Rosada.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Palmeras Del Río Hotel?
Yes, guests have access to a sauna during their stay.
Is Palmeras Del Río Hotel located near the city center?
Yes, it is 0.6 miles away from the center of Las Vinas.
Does Palmeras Del Río Hotel offer any business services?
Yes, it conveniently offers a business center, meeting rooms, and a banquet room.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Palmeras Del Río Hotel?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, and Italian.
Does Palmeras Del Río Hotel have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the ocean view available here.