(Photos by Sandy Zimmerman)
The Copan Marina Hotel seems unaffected by the world, as though the hotel has been stopped in time. While strolling around the hotel, each step echoes the past. Every time you turn a corner, there are fountains, waterfalls, a bridge, and private secluded hideaways. It is in the true fashion of a wealthy villa in the 1900’s. This was the first hotel in Copan, the hotel that put Copan on the map! Although the hotel was built in 1949, the owners have lovingly kept renovating the buildings preserving their beauty yet keeping it in “modern” condition. With only 51 rooms, guests are pampered by 79 employees.
We were thrilled to stay in the Executive Suite, an entire corner of elegance! Balconies lead out from the living room and bedroom with breathtaking views of the mountains, village, restaurant, and the swimming pool. Their restaurant offered such great food, we did not have to use our kitchen and dining room. The Presidential Suite was even more impressive! We were so busy with sightseeing tours and shopping, there was no time to see the Bridal Suite. Some of the Capan Marina Hotel’s guests were Richard Gere (Presidential Suite), the Princess of Japan (Executive Suite), and many other VIP’s. Even their standard rooms were large and attractive.
You will not get lost in Copan. Just walk a few blocks in any direction and you are out of town!
The hotel is downtown next to the main plaza, a perfect location to walk around the village’s cobblestone streets to see the stores and restaurants.
When the Mayan ruins were discovered in the 1900’s, the little village of Copan attracted archaeologists and others from around the world. Dona Marina Villamil de Welchez and her family opened their home to visitors and later built the Hotel Marina Copan in 1945. Now in her 80’s, Ms. Donna Marina still resides in the hotel overseeing their operations. Just 3 hours from the International Airport, in San Pedro Sula, and you are in the world of the Mayan Indians! These well preserved Mayan ruins are there for everyone to explore. We were amazed to find such treasures near this little village. We toured the most unique spas in the world- the Luna Jaguar Spa Resort, a hot springs park hidden in the wilderness, along with the Archeological Park Ruins, Macaw Mountain Bird Park and Nature Reserve, the Archeology Museum, Sculpture Museum, Las Sepulturas ruins, and the Copan Coffee Plantation. All of this in four action packed days and nights!
Gourmet meals are not usually served at hotels in little villages, but the Hotel Marina Copan delights diners. A big menu of exciting entrees awaits you!
Guests will be surprised to see how far their dollars go in Honduras!
Hotel Marina Copan, Copán Ruinas, Honduras, Central America.
Toll free (U.S.): 1-(800)-893-9131. www.hotelmarinacopan.com
Where is Copan?
Copan, Honduras, is called, “Where culture and nature meet”. Copán Ruinas (ruins) is a tranquil oasis of ancient culture and sublime nature nestled in the foothills of western Honduras, just 7 miles from the Guatemala border. For years, Copán has been renowned for its magnificent Maya Ruins, a designated World Heritage Site believed by archeologists to be the cultural center, the Paris, of the Maya world. For information, see the website of the Copan Chamber of Commerce. www.copanhonduras.org
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