In Antigua, Guatemala, El Convento Boutique Hotel turns the city’s inward-facing colonial architecture into the defining feature of a stay. Behind its street-facing walls, brick arches and vaulted ceilings give way to leafy courtyards and bubbling fountains, creating a series of spaces that feel removed from the cobblestone streets outside.
The 26 suites have their own character, with terracotta tones, exposed brick and antique-style furnishings. Many open onto private patios, while some add fireplaces or Jacuzzis. The hotel’s restaurant carries the setting into the dining room with modern interpretations of Guatemalan cuisine beneath vaulted brick ceilings.
After exploring Antigua, return to the courtyard pool or rooftop terrace, or settle in for a massage. As with much of its hometown, El Convento's character is found not in what faces the street, but in what lies behind its walls.