La Casa De Don David
Route to Tikal in Downtown, El Remate 17022 Guatemala
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Avg. $44 /night, 9/17 - 9/18
$51
per night
$40
per night
$29
per night
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About
4.5
#1 of 3 B&Bs in El RemateLocation
4.6
Cleanliness
4.6
Service
4.7
Value
4.6
Located just 15 min. From the entrance to Tikal, we welcome you to our little piece of paradise. Don David, Yohana Rodas (Administrator)and staff have lots of helpful information, services and tours. The hotel has 13 rooms with private bath, hot water shower, fan or A/C with one meal included (breakfast)and free limited WiFi in the restaurant, and a guest computer also available. Bottled water is free to our guests. Enjoy typical Guatemalan and international meals in the restaurant from 6:30 am to 9 pm overlooking Lake Peten Itza. Our recently added Maya Garden Fire Show is unique and special featuring the largest Maya fire ring in the world. Relax in a hammock on your varanda or in our Gazebo or view the sunset or birds, from our observation deck, featuring the Toucan Express - a 200m zip line providing drink service to the deck. Learn about exotic fruit and plants in our large botanical garden and walk around of the Mayan Sacred Tree (la Ceiba) circle showing the four cardinal directions. On event nights feature the 266 meter ring of fire show for all groups staying two nights or more in the large Maya garden. We will try our best to make your stay pleasant!
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Property amenities
Free internet
Internet
Free breakfast
Restaurant
Airport transportation
Non-smoking hotel
Sun terrace
Laundry service
Breakfast available
Shuttle bus service
Room features
Air conditioning
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Bath / shower
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Lake View
Quaint
Languages Spoken
English, Spanish
Location
Route to Tikal in Downtown, El Remate 17022 Guatemala
Getting there
Santa Elena Airport
13.8 mi•
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San Ignacio Town Airstrip
39.5 mi•
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Rental Cars
12 Restaurants
within 5 miles
2 Attractions
within 5 miles
441Reviews5Q+A67Room tips
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What a gem! The garden is full of useful plants and many are labeled. They make teas with the herbs from it. They feed the birds daily via zipline and you can watch them as you eat. If you are lucky, a hummingbird will zip by for a quick drink. Beautiful Mayan garden with a large 20 year old Ceiba tree surrounded by Dragon fruit cactus. Access to the beautiful and swim-able lake just outside the property. The room I stayed in was a shared one but there are nice privacy curtains and even when it was full, I couldn't tell. The rooms and bathrooms are cleaned well daily. The bed was comfortable enough. Super affordable rates (at least for the shared room I stayed in). Hot water in the showers are a bonus. There is a fantastic lookout over the lake which is the money spot for sunsets. You can even get your drinks delivered to the lookout via a zipline. Nice touch! Friendly dog roaming happily on the grounds. Good menu and the food was better than most hostels I have stayed at in Guatemala and reasonably priced. Vegetarian options. The restaurant has a lovely view of the lake and sunsets are amazing here. Nice hammock hut for lounging or doing yoga. Great launching pad to Tikal with a tour agency across the street. Constant and reliable wifi access. Friendly service and they remembered my name even amongst many other guests. I originally reserved the room for 2 nights and ended up staying a week. Rosita and David are lovely and friendly and have a wealth of knowledge. Rosita grew up on the property. I believe there is also parking on the property. You must visit here on your way to Tikal or just to relax and enjoy Guatemalan life.
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Date of stay: February 2020
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.
Stayed here with my daughter. On our way there she got sick. The staff were so helpfull; I could have dinner in my room where she was asleep, they suggested some light medicine that worked wonders and helped her with special food. Apart from this the location is wonderful, the view spectaculair, spacious rooms with a porch, easy and fast transport to Tikal (far better option toen Flores) and you can swim in the lake from the jetty next to the hotel. Must do when in the area!
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Date of stay: July 2022Trip type: Traveled with family
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 a lovely small hotel, offering rooms in the sizeable garden. They all have balconies with hammocks. The room was generous and comfortable. (The bathroom rather cramped.) All so charming but facilities are basic but clean. With A/C but no TV nor safe. Maybe need more bedding - but we didnt ask for more
Very close to Tikal archaeological site. Located on the edge of lake Peten, with views although not access. A cute little aerial conveyor system to provide drinks onto the veranda overlooking the lake. providing sunset views. So quaint and fun. We stayed overnight and ate there too.
The dining area is small but not many residential guests. It is open but covered, so fans but no A/C. Meals were all good but breakfast not very generous.
Very close to Tikal archaeological site. Located on the edge of lake Peten, with views although not access. A cute little aerial conveyor system to provide drinks onto the veranda overlooking the lake. providing sunset views. So quaint and fun. We stayed overnight and ate there too.
The dining area is small but not many residential guests. It is open but covered, so fans but no A/C. Meals were all good but breakfast not very generous.
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Date of stay: November 2019
Rooms
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.
We enjoyed the beautiful garden where we watched birds after guided walks in Tikal and another ancient Maya site. We especially appreciated the restaurant on site. I recommend the stuffed squash for dinner and Mayan eggs for breakfast. We watched several species of birds feast on bananas that staff at affixed on wires. Our little cottage was snug, secure and quiet. Staff secured a knowledgeable guide for our trips to the ruins.
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Date of stay: December 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: Ask the staff to arrange your guide to Tikal. They know the best guides.
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.
The place is a great value---clean, safe and the food and service were on point. We felt welcomed and relaxed. The sunset is beautiful and the clientele were like minded travelers. Don David himself is very much in evidence and was a delight to talk with.
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Date of stay: February 2020
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: we were on a corner with a veranda and hammock on the porch
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.
While I admit I didn't stay in the hotel, I must say that the restaurant was a very nice touch. The staff were very receptive and David, the owner, was very nice to talk to. I would most definitely come back here again, and maybe this time, spend the night at the hotel.
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Date of stay: December 2021
Value
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.
I stayed at La Casa de Don David in 1995, and it was an awesome place to stay while visiting Tikal. It's away from the chaos of Flores, and close to the ruins. I'm so happy to see that it is still going strong!
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Date of stay: June 2021
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.
We were looking for accomodations that would give us easy access to Tikal. We considered staying in the park itself, but the thought of having electricity turned off at night (I'm a late night reader), not to mention having to do without air-conditioning, was more roughing it than we were looking for on our vacation.
We decided to stay at Casa Don David after finding their website (it is very informative whether you stay at the inn or not). I think it would be helpful if Trip Advisor listed the town of El Remate in the section with Tikal hotels. Unless you are familiar with the route, you would not know the village is halfway between Flores and Tikal and miss the opportunity to stay in a convenient location for visiting the park. We rented a car at the airport when we arrived, and it was a very easy, safe drive to the hotel and Tikal. However, buses leave for Tikal regularly and there was an early morning shuttle as well.
Although this was our first trip to Guatemala, our family of 5 (which include two fiftyish parents, along with our 3 adult children in their 20's) are well traveled and frequently stay in 5 star accomodations, but we prefer smaller, more personal establishments with local flavor over large resorts or "cookie cutter" hotels, as long we do not have to compromise too much on personal comfort.
Casa Don David did not disappoint. We reserved two side-by-side bungalows. They were basic, but clean and very well priced. The web site had photographs of the rooms, so we knew just what we were getting. The front porch with chairs and hammocks looked out to lovely, lush grounds. The jungle sounds at night set the mood for our Tikal adventure, but it was also nice to escape the heat with the air-conditioning for a good night's sleep in the hot, humid climate.
The Inn's restaurant overlooks the grounds. One meal is included with the nightly rate ( you have your choice of breakfast,lunch, dinner or box lunch to take to the park). We choose to have dinner and it was fine...not stellar, but great for the price. Also, we had brought Champagne with us, and the staff was very nice about chilling it and serving it with our dinner (there are also several local resturants within walking distance of the hotel). Most of the other guests appeared to be European families. The staff was friendly and although English was limited, there was always someone around to translate if needed. Although other posts mentioned the helpful owner, we did not see him during our one night stay.
When we asked at the desk for a reccomendation of a guide to Tikal, we were put in touch with Juan...what a great guide! He made the Tikal experience come alive. The town of El Remate (about 30 min from Tikal on the main road to the park) is also charming and worth exploring. Having a car also gave us a chance to visit Flores as well. While we enjoyed seeing Flores, we did not consider it particulary worth spending much time in..although younger travelers might enjoy spending more time there...especially if night life, clubs,etc. are important. But we prefered the charm of El Remate, along the Lago de Peten Itza dotted with thatched palapas built out on piers to the lake..just beautiful.
One last comment--when traveling throughout the world our family has made a tradition of bringing items to leave behind...just our gesture of sharing our good fortune and appreciation for the opportunity to travel. We brought a large duffle bag of medications, craft kits, personal care items, school supplies, etc. to El Remate. Upon asking at the Don David if there was someplace we could donate these items to, we were directed to a clinic and learning center which is the vision of Anne Lossing, a Canadian and Dr. Enrique Chapetón from Guatemala. it is just amazing to view the result of their efforts and dream of providing a community center with health care, computer learning, and educational support to the village they care so much about. Our gift was gratefully received and Enrique gave us a very inspiring tour of the facilities developed by volunteers. It was one of those unexpected, trip memories that we cherish when we reflect on our travels.
We decided to stay at Casa Don David after finding their website (it is very informative whether you stay at the inn or not). I think it would be helpful if Trip Advisor listed the town of El Remate in the section with Tikal hotels. Unless you are familiar with the route, you would not know the village is halfway between Flores and Tikal and miss the opportunity to stay in a convenient location for visiting the park. We rented a car at the airport when we arrived, and it was a very easy, safe drive to the hotel and Tikal. However, buses leave for Tikal regularly and there was an early morning shuttle as well.
Although this was our first trip to Guatemala, our family of 5 (which include two fiftyish parents, along with our 3 adult children in their 20's) are well traveled and frequently stay in 5 star accomodations, but we prefer smaller, more personal establishments with local flavor over large resorts or "cookie cutter" hotels, as long we do not have to compromise too much on personal comfort.
Casa Don David did not disappoint. We reserved two side-by-side bungalows. They were basic, but clean and very well priced. The web site had photographs of the rooms, so we knew just what we were getting. The front porch with chairs and hammocks looked out to lovely, lush grounds. The jungle sounds at night set the mood for our Tikal adventure, but it was also nice to escape the heat with the air-conditioning for a good night's sleep in the hot, humid climate.
The Inn's restaurant overlooks the grounds. One meal is included with the nightly rate ( you have your choice of breakfast,lunch, dinner or box lunch to take to the park). We choose to have dinner and it was fine...not stellar, but great for the price. Also, we had brought Champagne with us, and the staff was very nice about chilling it and serving it with our dinner (there are also several local resturants within walking distance of the hotel). Most of the other guests appeared to be European families. The staff was friendly and although English was limited, there was always someone around to translate if needed. Although other posts mentioned the helpful owner, we did not see him during our one night stay.
When we asked at the desk for a reccomendation of a guide to Tikal, we were put in touch with Juan...what a great guide! He made the Tikal experience come alive. The town of El Remate (about 30 min from Tikal on the main road to the park) is also charming and worth exploring. Having a car also gave us a chance to visit Flores as well. While we enjoyed seeing Flores, we did not consider it particulary worth spending much time in..although younger travelers might enjoy spending more time there...especially if night life, clubs,etc. are important. But we prefered the charm of El Remate, along the Lago de Peten Itza dotted with thatched palapas built out on piers to the lake..just beautiful.
One last comment--when traveling throughout the world our family has made a tradition of bringing items to leave behind...just our gesture of sharing our good fortune and appreciation for the opportunity to travel. We brought a large duffle bag of medications, craft kits, personal care items, school supplies, etc. to El Remate. Upon asking at the Don David if there was someplace we could donate these items to, we were directed to a clinic and learning center which is the vision of Anne Lossing, a Canadian and Dr. Enrique Chapetón from Guatemala. it is just amazing to view the result of their efforts and dream of providing a community center with health care, computer learning, and educational support to the village they care so much about. Our gift was gratefully received and Enrique gave us a very inspiring tour of the facilities developed by volunteers. It was one of those unexpected, trip memories that we cherish when we reflect on our travels.
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Date of stay: July 2006Trip type: Traveled with family
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Check in / front desk
Service
Business service (e.g., internet access)
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.
We have just returned from a two week trip through Chiapas, Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize. We stayed at Don David March 3rd. and 4th. We are a couple in our 50's, we planned this trip to follow a string of Mayan Ruins. After coming across Guatemala from the Mexico border in a local bus, El Remate looked like paradise. I will not repeat what has already been mentioned about the lake location and proximity to Tikal. I will say that the staff treated us efficiently and with kindness. We had laundry to be done, forward transport arrangements to make, and tour arrangements for Tikal that needed coordinating. All of this was taken care of without fanfare or confusion, and cost exactly what was quoted.
The staff was always available and an English speaker was nearby if necessary. Our room was clean and airconditioned and looked out on the immaculate grounds. Their website does not do justice to the beautiful property.
The only comment I would make would be concerning the fixed dinner included in the room price. It is adequate, but I would order off the regular menu if I had it to do over again. The restaurant overlooks the lake however, and that made up for any inadequacy in the meal.
We had the staff arrange for private transport across Belize, and the driver and car was perfect. We had a whole van to ourselves. A handy hint-these folks have been in El Remate 30 years. They are very interested in helping the community. The handicrafts they display in the hotel were the best priced of anything we saw or bargained for in the area.
The staff was always available and an English speaker was nearby if necessary. Our room was clean and airconditioned and looked out on the immaculate grounds. Their website does not do justice to the beautiful property.
The only comment I would make would be concerning the fixed dinner included in the room price. It is adequate, but I would order off the regular menu if I had it to do over again. The restaurant overlooks the lake however, and that made up for any inadequacy in the meal.
We had the staff arrange for private transport across Belize, and the driver and car was perfect. We had a whole van to ourselves. A handy hint-these folks have been in El Remate 30 years. They are very interested in helping the community. The handicrafts they display in the hotel were the best priced of anything we saw or bargained for in the area.
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Date of stay: March 2007Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Check in / front desk
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.
If you are visiting Tikal and Peten your lodging choices are many but you will be pleasantly pleased at the unique and specialness of a stay at Hotel La Casa De Don David!
A lakeside resort with a property layout and gardens that are truly a labor of love and a special treat to experience!
The grounds and garden themselves have a unique story that I encourage you to hear from Don David himself... no visit to the hotel or restaurant is complete without a chat with this fascinating and delightful host.
Your rooms are affordable, simple, secure, CLEAN and beautifully laid out amongst the extensive Guatemalan gardens. Yes... you will read reviews about hot water limitations and internet restrictions. REALITY CHECK: You are staying in a remote, rural area in a foreign country with challenges that require your cooperative spirit and tolerant attitude! I have never found restrictions to my electronic exposure as a detriment when I am busy immersing my self in such beauty and cultural uniqueness. Nor have I felt the need to have a prolonged, hot shower while in the tropics either. Bottom line is you will be able to check your email... post a selfie or two on Facebook and have more than enough hot water to enjoy a nice, refreshing shower! Let's move on...
The hotel is a wealth of support during your stay in Peten. Want to know the best woodcarvers to visit? Ask the staff. Desire to learn more about Mayan culture and history? Order a delicious cocktail and sit down with the array of books and magazines available or just chat up David himself! Feel like a horseback riding adventure? Ask the staff to arrange this unique and beautiful lakeside ride for you. Craving a authentic, Guatemalan meal? Your delicious dinner, breakfast or lunch is included with your room! Wanting to visit the ruins? Done deal... all arrangements will be handled for you flawlessly. The list of choices are endless and the staff are ready and able to assure all of your needs and desires are met.
No visit is complete without cocktails or desert on the lakeside deck. Experience David's Toucan Express drink and snack zip line service! Just use the intercom to order your choices and a few minutes later your treats are zipping across the property out to your location! Delightful and unique!
I look forward to my yearly visits and feel confident you will also enjoy this very special and unique property!
A lakeside resort with a property layout and gardens that are truly a labor of love and a special treat to experience!
The grounds and garden themselves have a unique story that I encourage you to hear from Don David himself... no visit to the hotel or restaurant is complete without a chat with this fascinating and delightful host.
Your rooms are affordable, simple, secure, CLEAN and beautifully laid out amongst the extensive Guatemalan gardens. Yes... you will read reviews about hot water limitations and internet restrictions. REALITY CHECK: You are staying in a remote, rural area in a foreign country with challenges that require your cooperative spirit and tolerant attitude! I have never found restrictions to my electronic exposure as a detriment when I am busy immersing my self in such beauty and cultural uniqueness. Nor have I felt the need to have a prolonged, hot shower while in the tropics either. Bottom line is you will be able to check your email... post a selfie or two on Facebook and have more than enough hot water to enjoy a nice, refreshing shower! Let's move on...
The hotel is a wealth of support during your stay in Peten. Want to know the best woodcarvers to visit? Ask the staff. Desire to learn more about Mayan culture and history? Order a delicious cocktail and sit down with the array of books and magazines available or just chat up David himself! Feel like a horseback riding adventure? Ask the staff to arrange this unique and beautiful lakeside ride for you. Craving a authentic, Guatemalan meal? Your delicious dinner, breakfast or lunch is included with your room! Wanting to visit the ruins? Done deal... all arrangements will be handled for you flawlessly. The list of choices are endless and the staff are ready and able to assure all of your needs and desires are met.
No visit is complete without cocktails or desert on the lakeside deck. Experience David's Toucan Express drink and snack zip line service! Just use the intercom to order your choices and a few minutes later your treats are zipping across the property out to your location! Delightful and unique!
I look forward to my yearly visits and feel confident you will also enjoy this very special and unique property!
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Date of stay: May 2014Trip 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.
No, they don’t, but they do have a very special illuminated garden.
Yes but for our best service its best to reserve directly to the hotel for both food and rooms
As I recall, their checkout time is around 11 AM or so. Like any hotel, I imagine it can take them a few hours to have all the rooms cleaned and available for new guests. So if you feel the need to have a room available for your use immediately upon your arrival, I imagine you'll need to inform the management of your needs, give them your ETA, and pay for the extra night.
Hi! yes there is collective transport every 30 minutes to Santa Elena, to get to Flores Island you can walk aprox. 2 kms or take a "tuk tuk" (moto-taxi) or a regular taxi. :)
Hola, no tenemos área par acampar, tenemos habitaciones privadas solamente,
Saludos
"Best tip, get a front table in the restaurant for sunrise-sunset...Best views in el Remate!"Read full review
"the suites are large -- great for families--nice porches for relaxing & viewing the lake"Read full review
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PRICE RANGE
$36 - $57 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
GuatemalaPeten DepartmentEl Remate
NUMBER OF ROOMS
13
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 La Casa De Don David
Which popular attractions are close to La Casa De Don David?
Nearby attractions include Bikini Beach Bar (Sunset & Cocteleria) (0.1 miles) and La Puerta Travel (0.1 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at La Casa De Don David?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and airport transportation.
What food & drink options are available at La Casa De Don David?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast and an on-site restaurant during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to La Casa De Don David?
Conveniently located restaurants include Las Orquideas, Restaurante Gonzalez, and La Casa de Don David.
Does La Casa De Don David have airport transportation?
Yes, La Casa De Don David offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Is La Casa De Don David located near the city center?
Yes, it is 0.2 miles away from the center of El Remate.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at La Casa De Don David?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Spanish.
Does La Casa De Don David have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the lake view available here.
Is La Casa De Don David accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access. For specific inquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.