From Miles to Smiles Stylish travel for professionals seeking luxury at affordable prices
In 2016, Casa 1800 emerged onto the Salvadoran hospitality scene, a wholly owned Salvadoran company. Since then, it has blossomed into a remarkable enterprise, boasting four boutique hotels and four premium restaurants. Each celebrates the rich tapestry of Salvadoran culture and gastronomy. Nestled in picturesque tourist spots like Ataco, Suchitoto, and Cerro Verde, Casa 1800 has captured the hearts of travelers with its chic, rustic charm and breathtaking locations. The properties are truly enchanting examples of boutique hotels in El Salvador. I only hope you will love them as much as I did.
Entering a Salvadoran sanctuary
Each Casa 1800 hotel offers reassuringly recognisable common touches from bespoke toiletries to a meticulously crafted food and drink menu. Even the way the way they fold the towels speaks to the brand’s commitment to perfection. However, the pièce de résistance is undoubtedly the iconic rocking chair. Present in each of the four hotels, it is strategically placed in captivating, Instagram-worthy settings that offer breathtaking vistas, a magnet to all who visit.
The rocking chair symbol of the brand occurred completely by accident when an elderly English couple came to visit Suchitoto. The lady asked for the rocking chair to be placed in front of the lake where she loved to read. The waiter did as requested and it has stayed there ever since. Recognising the photo opportunities it presents, there is now a rocking chair in all Casa 1800 properties.
3 boutique hotels in El Salvador to drool over
We stayed at 3 of the four properties in El Salvador and loved them all. Despite some very distinctive differences, the meticulous branding was apparent throughout. Here is why you should make a Casa 1800 property part of your itinerary if you plan to visit El Salvador.
Casa 1800 Suchitoto: A Tranquil Retreat
Our exploration begins in Suchitoto with a property steeped in history, dating back to 1824. On one of the colourful cobbled streets of this charming town, it resembles a typical family home from the outside. As you walk through the welcoming wood-paneled reception area, you glimpse the beauty that lies beyond. A secret oasis awaits, in a colourful colonial courtyard overflowing with tropical flora.
Beyond the courtyard is an expansive dining area perched high on the hillside above the lake. The true jewel of this boutique hotel lies in these communal spaces which offer unparalleled views of Lake Suchitlán.
Large tables nestle in shaded alcoves, allowing guests to soak up the panorama. Swings dot the grounds, but it’s the solitary wooden rocking chair that steals the show. Its magnetic allure is irresistible, drawing everyone who passes through to capture a moment in its embrace. Perched high above the lake, it offers far-reaching views and is a wonderful place to read or enjoy a refreshing drink.
Casa 1800 restaurant
The hotel’s restaurant is popular with locals who flock to the gardens for long leisurely lunches. It serves a variety of local and international cuisine and is replicated in all the properties.
Rooms at Casa 1800 Suchitoto
Accommodation is in a whitewashed building with traditional wood panelled doors. Note, the rooms have exposed brick walls but no windows. Decorated in traditional style they open onto a covered shared balcony that overlooks the courtyard. It is a wonderful place to enjoy a coffee whilst you listen to the chirping of birds.
Cost to stay
We paid £74 for a night in August 2023.
Book your stay at Casa 1800 Suchitoto
Casa 1800 Cerro Verde: A volcanic oasis in the cloud forest
The road to Casa 1800 Cerro Verde winds through 27 kilometers of breathtaking scenery, offering glimpses of majestic Lake Coatepeque as you rise into the cloud forest. Once you reach the entrance to the Santa Ana National Park (which you need to pass through to reach the hotel) you must pay a park entrance fee of $3 per person and $1 for the car. An impressive arch marks the entrance to the hotel, beyond which is a rugged track, crisscrossed by the tenacious grip of tree roots. It leads to a sleek, modern structure reception. Concrete, wood, and glass harmoniously come together, creating a sanctuary that seamlessly integrates with the natural surroundings. This is one incredible property designed to showcase the best of nature.
Incidentally Cerro Verde, meaning “green hill,” might appear as a dense forested slope, but it conceals the heart of an ancient volcano. Indeed, you will be walking through a volcanic crater when you explore Cerro Verde.
Casa 1800 Cerro Verde terrace
From the restaurant terrace, a delightful spectacle awaits. As the clouds gracefully recede, majestic Izalco Volcano unveils its perfectly formed cone, leaving you breathless. Take a seat and witness the ethereal dance of clouds against the azure canvas. In one moment, the volcano commands your attention; in the next, it disappears beneath a billowing sea of mist. This is undeniably a place of enchantment and wonder.
Suites at Casa 1800 Cerro Verde
Every expansive suite boasts floor-to-ceiling windows that frame either the lush forest or the commanding presence of the volcano. A seperate seating area, complete with a welcoming fireplace, entices you to indulge in leisurely moments.
Meanwhile in the bedroom, the generously sized beds, identical to those found in Suchitoto, offer a level of opulence that justifies their premium.
Cost to stay:
£144 for one night during August 2023.
Book your stay at Casa 1800 Cerro Verde
Climbing Santa Ana volcano
Note that if you wish to climb the volcano, a stay at this hotel is the perfect prelude. It is just a few minutes’ walk to the guide base. There is no need to book any organised tours. You simply turn up at the allotted time, pay for the guide (you have already paid your entry to the National Park) and off you go. You will save a fortune on the price of your trip which justifies a little more money on the hotel. Surely??
Casa 1800 Ataco De Conception
As with the Casa 1800 in Suchitoto, Casa 1800 in Ataco is on the outskirts of town in a more traditional Salvadoran building. This hotel also offers breaktaking views, this time of the surrounding forest. Nestled at the end of a very potmarked road, it is tucked away from the bustle and noise of Ataco centre in a place of tranquility. It offers the usual menus and trademark toiletries of the other hotels with more modern hotel rooms.
We opted for a deluxe balcony room with two large beds for some additional space.
Cost to stay:
£146 for three nights during August 2023. Note that this was the price for a standard double room (not the king size beds typical of the other two properties). A standard double room is compact with little storage space. We therefore paid $60 on arrival to upgrade to a standard double suite with two large beds for additional space. These also have a terrace of balcony overlooking the same view as above.
Book your stay at Casa 1800 Ataco De Conception
Casa 1800: Hotels in spectacular locations with incredible views
In a world where experiences are cherished and memories are forged, Casa 1800 stands as a testament to Salvadoran hospitality, seamlessly blending history, nature, and modernity. With each visit, guests become part of a story that spans generations, leaving with indelible imprints of rocking chairs, captivating vistas, and the warm embrace of Salvadoran hospitality. Whether seeking tranquility or an adventure in the heart of nature, Casa 1800 beckons, inviting you to become a part of its rich legacy. Why not come and enjoy a cocktail at one of these stunning properties?
