Casa Santo Domingo - A Luxury Retreat in Antigua Guatemala's Historic Monastery Ruins

About Casa Santo Domingo

Casa Santo Domingo is not merely a hotel — it is a living museum, a cultural landmark, and one of the most extraordinary hospitality experiences in all of Central America. Nestled within the meticulously restored ruins of the Convento de Santo Domingo, a 17th-century Dominican monastery that was once the largest and wealthiest religious complex in Antigua Guatemala, this 5-star property seamlessly blends centuries of history with modern luxury. Walking through its stone corridors, past ancient archways draped in bougainvillea, and across courtyards where monks once meditated, guests are transported to another era while enjoying every contemporary comfort imaginable.

The history of the site stretches back to 1542, when the Dominican friars first established their presence in Antigua. Over the following century, the monastery grew into a sprawling complex with a magnificent church, cloisters, workshops, and extensive gardens. The devastating Santa Marta earthquakes of 1773 reduced much of the structure to ruins, and for over two centuries the site lay abandoned, slowly being reclaimed by nature. In 1989, visionary Guatemalan entrepreneurs began the painstaking process of restoring the ruins, uncovering archaeological treasures along the way — pre-Columbian ceramics, colonial-era silver, religious art, and even a crypt containing the remains of Dominican friars. Today, these discoveries are displayed across six on-site museums that guests can explore at their leisure, making Casa Santo Domingo as much a cultural destination as it is a place to sleep.

What truly sets Casa Santo Domingo apart is the way it honors its past while embracing the present. Each of the 128 rooms and suites is unique, many incorporating original stone walls, exposed wooden beams, and colonial architectural details into their design. The property spans over five acres of lush gardens, ancient ruins, fountains, and courtyards, creating an atmosphere of serene beauty that feels almost otherworldly. Whether you are wandering through the candlelit archaeological passageways at night, enjoying a cocktail beside the illuminated monastery walls, or simply sitting in one of the many hidden garden alcoves listening to birdsong, Casa Santo Domingo delivers an experience that no other hotel in Guatemala — or indeed Central America — can match.

Location

Casa Santo Domingo enjoys a privileged location in the heart of Antigua Guatemala, a UNESCO World Heritage City that is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful colonial towns in the Americas. The hotel sits on 3a Calle Oriente, just a few blocks east of the iconic Parque Central and the grand Cathedral of San José. From the hotel's entrance, guests can stroll along cobblestone streets lined with colorfully painted colonial buildings, artisan shops, jade galleries, and coffee houses to reach all of Antigua's major landmarks within minutes on foot. The famous Santa Catalina Arch, the sprawling ruins of La Recolección, and the vibrant Mercado de Artesanías are all within easy walking distance.

Getting to Casa Santo Domingo is straightforward. La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City is the nearest major airport, located approximately 45 kilometers (28 miles) to the east. The drive from the airport to Antigua takes roughly one hour via the well-maintained CA-1 highway, and the hotel can arrange private luxury transfers for guests upon request. For those already exploring Guatemala, Antigua serves as an ideal base for day trips to the surrounding highlands. The active Volcán de Fuego and the hikeable Volcán Pacaya are both visible from the city, and Lake Atitlán — often called the most beautiful lake in the world — is just a 2.5-hour drive to the west. Coffee plantation tours in the fertile valleys surrounding Antigua are another popular excursion, with several award-winning fincas offering guided tastings and tours just minutes from the hotel.

Rooms and Accommodations

Casa Santo Domingo offers 128 individually designed rooms and suites, each reflecting the property's unique blend of colonial heritage and contemporary luxury. No two rooms are exactly alike, as the architects worked around the existing ruins to create spaces that feel both historic and refreshingly modern.

Superior Rooms

The Superior Rooms offer a generous 35 square meters of living space, featuring handcrafted wooden furniture, wrought-iron fixtures, and locally woven textiles that pay homage to Guatemala's rich artisan traditions. Each room includes a king-size or two double beds, a marble bathroom with rain shower, premium toiletries, a flat-screen television, complimentary Wi-Fi, a minibar, and an in-room safe. Many Superior Rooms look out onto the hotel's lush interior gardens or quiet courtyards, providing a peaceful retreat after a day of exploring Antigua's cobblestone streets.

Deluxe Rooms

Stepping up in size and refinement, the Deluxe Rooms span approximately 45 square meters and feature enhanced colonial décor, including original stone walls and exposed wooden ceiling beams in many units. These rooms offer a separate seating area, larger marble bathrooms with both rain shower and soaking tub, plush bathrobes and slippers, a Nespresso coffee machine, and panoramic views of the hotel's gardens, ruins, or the surrounding volcanic landscape. The Deluxe Rooms are ideal for guests seeking a more spacious and immersive experience without the full suite treatment.

Junior Suites

The Junior Suites at Casa Santo Domingo are among the most coveted accommodations in Antigua. At 60 square meters, they feature a distinct living area with comfortable sofas, a dining table, and a private terrace or balcony overlooking the monastery ruins or the hotel's manicured gardens. The bedroom area includes a king-size four-poster bed, luxury linens, and blackout curtains, while the oversized marble bathroom boasts a double vanity, a deep soaking tub, a separate walk-in rain shower, and premium Guatemalan-inspired bath products. A personalized welcome amenity and nightly turndown service are standard inclusions.

Master Suites

For the ultimate experience, the Master Suites offer over 90 square meters of opulent living space. These top-tier accommodations feature a grand living room with antique furnishings and original artwork, a separate dining area, a fully stocked bar, and a private garden terrace with direct views of the illuminated monastery ruins. The master bedroom is fitted with a handcrafted king-size bed, walk-in closet, and luxury linens, while the spa-like bathroom includes a Jacuzzi tub, double rain showers, heated floors, and an exclusive selection of artisanal bath products. Guests in the Master Suites also enjoy dedicated butler service, priority restaurant reservations, complimentary museum access, and a private check-in experience.

Things to Do

Explore the On-Site Museums

One of the most unique aspects of staying at Casa Santo Domingo is the access to six fascinating museums located within the hotel grounds. The Archaeological Museum showcases pre-Columbian artifacts, pottery, and jade pieces unearthed during the monastery's restoration. The Colonial Art Museum houses religious paintings, sculptures, and silver liturgical objects from the 16th to 18th centuries. The Pharmacy Museum recreates a colonial-era apothecary, while the Glass Museum displays a stunning collection of pre-Columbian and colonial glasswork. The Popular Art Museum celebrates Guatemalan folk traditions, and the Modern Art Museum features rotating exhibitions by contemporary Central American artists. Together, these museums offer hours of cultural exploration without ever leaving the property.

Relax at the Antigua Spa

The hotel's world-class spa draws on both ancient Mayan healing traditions and modern wellness techniques to create a truly transformative experience. Treatments include volcanic stone massages, traditional Mayan temascal (steam bath) ceremonies, chocolate body wraps using locally sourced cacao, coffee scrubs made from Antigua's famous beans, and a full menu of facials, aromatherapy sessions, and hydrotherapy circuits. The spa facilities include a heated indoor pool, a Jacuzzi, a sauna, a steam room, and private treatment suites surrounded by tropical gardens. Couples' treatments and multi-day wellness packages are also available.

Hike Volcán Pacaya

Just 2.5 hours from Antigua, Volcán Pacaya is one of Guatemala's most accessible active volcanoes and offers an unforgettable hiking experience. The hotel's concierge can arrange guided excursions that take guests through cloud forests and volcanic landscapes to the summit, where on clear days you can see lava flows and roast marshmallows over natural volcanic vents. The hike is moderately challenging and suitable for most fitness levels, with options for horseback riding on the lower slopes for those who prefer a less strenuous approach.

Coffee Plantation Tours

Antigua is one of the world's premier coffee-growing regions, and the volcanic soil surrounding the city produces beans that are prized by connoisseurs worldwide. Several historic fincas (coffee plantations) offer guided tours where guests can learn about the entire coffee production process — from seedling to cup — while walking through shaded groves of coffee plants with volcanoes towering overhead. The hotel can arrange visits to renowned estates such as Finca Filadelfia, Finca La Azotea, and De La Gente community cooperatives, often including gourmet tastings and the opportunity to purchase freshly roasted beans directly from the source.

Cooking Classes and Food Tours

Guatemala's cuisine is a vibrant fusion of Mayan and Spanish influences, and Antigua is the ideal place to dive in. Casa Santo Domingo can arrange private and group cooking classes where guests learn to prepare traditional dishes like pepián (a rich, spiced meat stew), rellenitos (plantain and black bean desserts), and handmade corn tortillas. Guided food tours through Antigua's markets and street food stalls provide an immersive culinary adventure, sampling everything from fresh tamales and chuchitos to atol de elote (sweet corn drink) and local chocolate.

Day Trip to Lake Atitlán

Often described as the most beautiful lake in the world, Lake Atitlán is a must-visit destination for anyone staying in Antigua. Surrounded by three dramatic volcanoes and dotted with indigenous Maya villages, the lake offers a stunning natural landscape and rich cultural experiences. The hotel can arrange full-day excursions that include boat rides across the lake, visits to the colorful towns of Panajachel, San Juan La Laguna, and Santiago Atitlán, and encounters with local artisans who practice centuries-old weaving and painting traditions. The drive from Antigua takes approximately 2.5 hours through the scenic Guatemalan highlands.

Dining

El Tenedor del Cerro

The flagship restaurant of Casa Santo Domingo, El Tenedor del Cerro, offers an elevated dining experience set against a breathtaking backdrop of Antigua's skyline and the surrounding volcanoes. Executive Chef and team craft a menu that celebrates Guatemalan ingredients and culinary traditions with a contemporary fine-dining twist. Signature dishes include slow-roasted lamb with a recado negro sauce, seared corvina with hearts of palm and a chirmol vinaigrette, and chocolate fondant made with single-origin Guatemalan cacao. The wine list features an impressive selection of international labels, while the cocktail program highlights local spirits including Ron Zacapa rum and artisanal mezcal from the region. Reservations are recommended, especially for the coveted terrace tables at sunset.

Café Domingo

For a more casual dining experience, Café Domingo serves breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea in a charming courtyard setting surrounded by the monastery's ancient stone walls and flowering gardens. The breakfast menu features both international favorites and Guatemalan classics such as desayuno chapín (black beans, fried plantains, eggs, cream, and fresh tortillas), while lunch offerings include gourmet sandwiches, fresh salads, and traditional soups like caldo de gallina. The café is also renowned for its selection of Antigua single-origin coffees, freshly baked pastries, and an indulgent afternoon tea service with local chocolates and petit fours.

Bar El Convento

Situated in one of the monastery's beautifully restored vaulted chambers, Bar El Convento is the perfect spot for pre-dinner cocktails or a late-night nightcap. The bar specializes in craft cocktails that incorporate Guatemalan ingredients — think tamarind-infused rum sours, cardamom and hibiscus gin tonics, and smoky mezcal old-fashioneds garnished with locally grown citrus. A curated selection of Guatemalan and international wines, premium spirits, and artisanal beers round out the offerings. Live jazz and acoustic music performances are featured on weekends, adding to the atmospheric ambiance of this extraordinary space.

Why Stay at Casa Santo Domingo

• Unparalleled Historical Setting — There is simply no other hotel in Central America where you can sleep within the restored ruins of a 17th-century monastery, walk through candlelit archaeological passageways, and wake up to views of ancient stone archways draped in tropical flowers. Casa Santo Domingo transforms history into an immersive, living experience.

• Six World-Class Museums on Site — With six museums spanning pre-Columbian archaeology, colonial religious art, traditional pharmacy, glasswork, folk art, and contemporary art, Casa Santo Domingo offers a cultural depth that rivals many dedicated museum institutions. Guests enjoy complimentary or priority access to these collections throughout their stay.

• Exceptional Dining and Wellness — From the fine-dining excellence of El Tenedor del Cerro to the soothing Mayan-inspired treatments at the Antigua Spa, every aspect of the Casa Santo Domingo experience is designed to nourish body and soul. The use of locally sourced ingredients, traditional techniques, and Guatemalan artisanal products adds authenticity to every meal and treatment.

• Prime Location in a UNESCO World Heritage City — Antigua Guatemala is one of the best-preserved colonial cities in the Americas, and Casa Santo Domingo places you right in the heart of it. Step outside and you're immediately immersed in cobblestone streets, baroque churches, artisan markets, and world-class coffee culture — all within easy walking distance.

• Ideal Base for Guatemalan Adventures — Whether you want to hike an active volcano, explore indigenous villages around Lake Atitlán, tour a coffee plantation, or discover the ancient Maya ruins of Iximché, Casa Santo Domingo's concierge team can arrange unforgettable excursions that showcase the best of Guatemala's natural and cultural wonders.

Explore more Guatemala hotel options in our Top 10 Hotels in Guatemala guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Casa Santo Domingo from Guatemala City airport?

La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City is approximately 45 kilometers from Antigua Guatemala. The drive takes about one hour via the CA-1 highway. Casa Santo Domingo offers private luxury airport transfers that can be arranged in advance through the hotel's reservations team. Alternatively, shared shuttle services and private taxis are readily available at the airport. The hotel's concierge can also arrange transportation for day trips and excursions throughout your stay.

Is Casa Santo Domingo suitable for weddings and special events?

Absolutely. Casa Santo Domingo is one of the most sought-after wedding and event venues in Guatemala. The property offers multiple stunning event spaces, including the ancient monastery ruins, candlelit courtyards, manicured gardens, and elegant indoor salons. The hotel's dedicated events team can coordinate everything from intimate ceremonies for 20 guests to grand celebrations for up to 500 attendees. Wedding packages typically include catering, floral arrangements, live music, and accommodation blocks for guests.

What is the best time of year to visit Antigua Guatemala?

Antigua enjoys a pleasant highland climate year-round, with daytime temperatures typically ranging from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). The dry season from November to April is generally considered the best time to visit, offering sunny skies and ideal conditions for sightseeing, hiking, and outdoor dining. The rainy season from May to October brings afternoon showers but also lush green landscapes and fewer tourists. Semana Santa (Holy Week) in March or April is a spectacular time to visit, when Antigua hosts one of the world's most elaborate Easter processions, though hotels book up months in advance.

Are the on-site museums included in the room rate?

Museum access policies vary by room category and package. Guests in suites typically receive complimentary access to all six museums. Guests in other room categories can purchase museum passes at a discounted rate at the front desk. The museums are open daily, and guided tours can be arranged through the concierge for a more in-depth experience. Special evening museum tours with candlelit ambiance are occasionally offered and are highly recommended.

Does the hotel accommodate families with children?

Yes, Casa Santo Domingo welcomes families with children of all ages. The expansive gardens and courtyards provide ample space for kids to explore safely, and the on-site museums offer educational and engaging experiences for younger guests. The hotel can arrange connecting rooms or suites for families, and the restaurants offer children's menus. Babysitting services can be arranged with advance notice. The hotel's concierge can also recommend family-friendly activities in Antigua, including chocolate-making workshops, horseback riding, and interactive cultural experiences.