Monday, January 9, 2012

Hotels Near the Copán Ruins in Honduras

The Copán Ruins, also known as the Ruinas de Copán, is located in western Honduras just seven miles from the border of Guatemala. Dating back to A.D. 400, the city was once a thriving metropolis that served as the center of southwestern Mayan territory. Today, the preserved portion actually covers a substantial area even though it is just a small fraction of its original size. But it still includes a variety of decorative stone temples and plazas with some of the finest detailed sculptures in the world. Archaeologists are still  making discoveries at a rate of approximately one per month.

For those who come to enjoy the wonder of these archaeological marvels, several hotel accommodations are conveniently located nearby. Each of these small to medium-sized hotels in the town of Copán Ruinas provide individually designed guest rooms, high-quality  and friendly service as well as access to additional tours of the region. 


Hotels Near the Copán Ruins
Photo by Tyler Orsburn
Hacienda San LucasSituated in the nearby hills above the Copán Ruins, this former century-old residence was converted into reputable eco-lodge in 2000. It is managed by Flavia Cueva, who continues to primarily focus on sustainable development and cultural preservation and it shows in even the smallest details of the property.  It offers eight individually designed guest rooms with private bath, hot water, solar lighting and hand-crafted furniture made from locally grown cedar. Guests have a wide variety of private sitting areas with hammocks for extra relaxatio. To add to the intimacy, each of the guest rooms are candlelit. The on-site restaurant specializes in five-course candlelight dinners made from fresh ingredients all grown locally. The traditional Honduran tamales are a real treat and make sure to pair your choices with the variety of South American wines. The Hacienda San Lucas has been praised by a number of travel publications including the New York Times and Travel and Leisure magazine. More information can be found at their website: www.haciendasanlucas.com.

Hotel Marina Copán - Overlooking the Parque Central in the town of Copán Ruinas, this charming hotel is one of the most convenient when visiting the ruins. It offers 49 guest rooms ranging from single, double, and triple occupancy rooms to the luxury Presidential Suites complete with spacious marble bathrooms, dark wooden furniture and comfortable bedding. Each guest room also includes both hot and cold water, cable television, and air conditioning as well as Internet access. Guests can also enjoy the landscaped outdoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, and gym. The on-site Glifo's Restaurant, is a fine-dining restaurant specializing in traditional Honduran meals as well as a variety of international cuisine. The Jaguar Venado Bar, located next to the swimming pool even includes a live marimba band on the weekends, which only adds to the overal tropical feel of the hotel. More information can be found at their website: www.hotelmarinacopan.com.


Clarion Copán Ruinas - Formerly known as the Hotel Posada Real de Copán, the Clarion Copán Ruinas is the one of the closest hotels to the ruins. This hotel includes more of a business atmosphere much like any Clarion hotel back home. It offers 78 guest rooms (double, triple and quadruple occupancy) with views of tropical gardens and amenities such as air conditioning, flat-screen plasma televisions, wireless Internet access, and an outdoor swimming pool with hot tub. There are also hot-tub suites to make your stay extra special. The on-site Las Ruinas Restaurant offers a wide variety of international cuisine with an outside dining area that includes either views of the mountains or the landscaped grounds. The hotel also provides a full-service, flexible space for both private and business functions for up to 150 people. More information can be found at their website: Clarion Hotel Copán Ruins.

Hotel Don Udo's - Located two blocks south of the Parque Central in the town of Copán Ruinas, Hotel Don Udo's is a convenient location for exploring both the town as well as the ruins. The ruins are just a five-minute walk away. This European-style hotel includes 16 cozy and individually designed guest rooms (single, double, junior suites and suites) complete with amenities such as hot and cold water, purified drinking water, air conditioning and wireless Internet access. Guests have access to Copán's only sauna, plenty of private sitting areas and hammocks as well as an on-site restaurant that specializes in top-quality steaks, seafood, regional dishes and homemade pastas. The third-floor sun deck is one of the highlights of the hotel, which provides spectacular views of the Copán Valley. More information can be found at their website: www.donudos.com.

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