I just returned yesterday from Guatemala, where we stayed in 3 different locations throughout the country. There was a group of 11 of us and Atelie del Mar was the highlight. I chuckled as I read the other reviews. I'm accustomed to traveling and my husband and I (along with the entire group) thought this place was an absolute delight! The food service was the best I've had in all of Central/South America. The fish chowder and fresh fried fried fish are a must! The owners, Stig and Violeta are very client-focused. Violeta's garden is really nice to tour with her. Pool was FABULOUS and trust me, it is great to have nearby after braving the waves in the ocean. Rooms were simple, but clean. The AC runs well. We would stay again!

Who could know that a piece of paradise, except the beach, was existing in Monterrico? Hôtel Atelie del Mar is perfect for having à rest near the only real swimming-pool of the town. Luxuriant garden and rooms with Tv câble and air conditioning. The owners welcome you with kindness and are very helpfull. Forget all the advices of your guide books and go straight to Atelie del Mar.

The hotel, food & service is very good, but generally does not make sense to spend too much time in Monte Rico... The pacific coast is nice, but waves are too big for swimming and the whole Monte Rico is a village with few hotels and restaurants at the cost...

The very positive fact is that you don't to move out of the hotel, mostly even out of your hammock :) They bring the drinks directly to you ....

I do not understand the bad reviews that are coming from someone that stayed there in October of 2011. I was there the first week in October of 2011 and the weather was absolutely gorgeous except for normal rain due to being the rainy season. My room was clean and comfortable, It had an air conditioner that was easy to operate and functioned well. If you happen to notice, there is garbage all over Guatemala, not just on Monterrico Beach so you have to just enjoy the black volcanic sand and ocean for what it is. The hotel is only about 30 meters from the beach and you can hear the waves at night! The pool is the largest one in Monterrico beach and clean and well taken care of. The food was good and the best part of being at the hotel were Violeta and Julio. They were so friendly and hospitable. YES there ARE mosquitos(Monterrico is tropical and humid) so be prepared because they are going to be at any hotel you stay at in Monterrico but there were none in my room which did not have a mosquito net. Mosquito nets???? The rooms have air conditioning! As far as hot water goes, the website does not mention that there is hot water but why would you want it anyways in a hot place and besides that it is not that cold. These people happened to have been there during a torrential rain storm so why blame weather for your bad stay?