We did enjoy how beautiful and scenic Earth Lodge is. The views are absolutely stunning, and it feels like a peaceful escape surrounded by nature. The food there was also delicious.
However, we felt that the pricing structure took away from the experience. The walk from where cars drop you off to the lodge is about 600m and takes roughly 15 long minutes on a very steep, rocky incline any time you want to come or leave the lodge. Carrying luggage up and down that path is quite intense. While we understand charging for porter service, the fee of 50Q per bag (and double outside of certain hours) felt excessive given how necessary it is for most guests. It felt as though we were paying the price for something the lodge has control over ... not us.
Once at the lodge, all amenities pretty much come with high additional fees. The sauna/cold plunge experience was significantly more expensive compared to similar experiences we had elsewhere in Guatemala (at least double). Even using certain shared spaces, like the studio when not in use, required a rental fee. The massages and other offerings were also priced quite high.
Another challenge is the location. Because of the steep 15-minute walk and the 20–25 minute Uber ride to Antigua, you do feel somewhat “stuck” once you're there. It makes going back and forth into the city less appealing, which adds to the sense that you end up spending most of your money onsite.
The staff were kind and friendly, but the service itself wasn’t particularly exceptional. We also had an early flight, and since reception was closed, we were asked to pay online — which included an additional 8% charge. Small things like that added to the overall feeling of being charged for every last detail.
Overall, it’s a beautiful place with great food and views, but the constant extra charges made it feel less relaxing than it could have been.
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