Casa Amelia

I see the sign to Santa Elena and know we are close to our destination. We enter Flores driving over a short bridge. I felt myself relax as we travel along along the lakeside road. At times you can just "feel a place" and know you made a good choice. The well maintained lakeside road has hotels, restaurants on one side and a long stone walkway with benches overlooking the lake on the other. I come alive sitting up in my seat watching people strolling, artisans plying their crafts, the sounds of kids having fun diving off the short piers into the lake, and he smell of food being prepared. A feast for the senses. Edgar pulls alongside a lime green and white stucco building with a Casa Amelia sign. We grab our bags thank our driver and walk into the hotel. The smallish lobby boasts a desk with a computer, table and chairs and a gentleman waiting to help us. the lime green and white color scheme follows throughout the hotel. I would not want the color in my home however, here it feels festive and pleasing to the eye.

We are given a room rate of $43 dollars a night for a twin room overlooking the lake! At 22 dollars each, you could not get two Martinez in NYC for that price. We follow the guy up a tasteful marble and tile floor stairway with a sturdy colonial stained railing to our corner 3rd floor room. In the hallway, expressionist artwork from local residents hangs on the walls. The tile floors are spotlessly clean. He puts the key in the lock and opens the door to large, high ceiling corner room. The first thing you see is the picture postcard view of the lake. We have two queen beds, a small dresser, TV, a open place to hang our clothes and a bathroom. He turns the A/C on for us and we begin getting settled. We take a moment to relax on the bed and I hear Bill say " Wow, you picked another winner." There is always that anxiety ridden moment when you size up the hotel from the outside and see the lobby where you think, did I make a good choice? I feel I did, so did Bill, you look at the photos below and decide for yourself.

View from the roof terrace, and the room.