Guatemala City.(Best of Latin America: Latin Trade reader's choice)(services)

BEST HOTEL

Westin Camino Real. The Westin Camino Real, in the heart of the Guatemalan capital, is the most luxurious of the hotel-conference centers in the country. A three year facelift has left the complex with a European-style decor. Both United Airlines and Avianca have ticket counters in the hotel, in the same shopping gallery where you'll find bookstores, boutiques, jewelers and even art dealers. The hotel's focus on business travelers is evident in its business center, which keeps late hours (from 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.) and offers a long roster of services and equipment, including secretarial services, cell phone rental, translation services and Internet access. If a business emergency arises when the center is closed, the concierges desk can arrange off-hours assistance including secretarial services. Because of its infrastructure, which boasts a series of meetings rooms and a convention hall that accommodates up to 3,000 people, the hotel is a favorite for conferences and business meetings. Its 388 .guest rooms, including those set aside specifically for business travelers, are quite elegant. The executive rooms have work desks with Internet connections, and the lounge for executive-room guests offers a continental breakfast, international newspapers and a streamlined checkout service. Avenida la Reforma and 14 Calle 0-20, Zona 10. Phone: [502] 333-3000. www.starwood.com

BEST BUSINESS RESTAURANT

Donde Mikel. Considered one of the finest seafood restaurants in the capital. The atmosphere is casual, but the kitchen staff takes its work seriously, especially when it comes to the popular surf-and-turf dinner. The squid is also recommended; like many of the dishes here, it is grilled. Donde Mikel sits in the heart of the Zona Viva, Guatemala City's lively entertainment district. 13 Calle between 3a Avenida and 4a Avenida, Zona 10. Phone: [502] 323-15 24.

BEST TRAVEL AGENCY

Clark Tours. As they did last year, our readers showed a preference for Clark Tours, a family-run company that has been part of the local landscape since 1927. With decades of experience, Clark Tours excels at quality, professionalism and punctuality. It can help with a variety of travel needs from its main office or its branch in the Westin Camino Real hotel. Central office [502] 470-4700; Westin Camino Real [5021 470-3850. www.clarktours.com.gt

BEST COFFEE

Los Altos. Guatemala has mountains, volcanoes, frequent rainfall and lots of sunshine--the perfect conditions for growing some of the world's best coffee. There are five coffee growing regions: Antigua, Atitlan, Coban, Fraijanes and Huehuetenango. This store's well-trained staff will help you find just the right specialty coffee. 11 calle 5-63, Zona 10. Phone: [502] 362-7022.

BEST SHOPPING

Chichicastenango. Don't visit Guatemala without seeing the wonderful selection of artesania. The hand-woven textiles are spectacular. Baskets, carved masks and other souvenirs will not disappoint. The best place to shop without a doubt is market day on Thursday and Sunday in "Chichi," a trading center since the days of the Mayans. Ask your concierge to arrange a day trip.

BEST ESCAPE

Antigua. This lovely Spanish colonial town is frozen in time, many of its buildings in varying stales of collapse thanks to a 1773 earthquake that pounded the area, although subsequent tremors in this volcanic zone have also contributed to the damage. Rather than looking dismal, however, the effect is astonishingly beautiful. UNESCO has declared Antigua a World Heritage Site. Between the shells of preserved, centuries-old architecture are lovely, colorful buildings (all only one-story high) housing restaurants, craft, shops, art galleries and language schools. The weather is mild, the pace is lively and a walk through the old streets past historic convents, churches and mansions offers a delightful respite from the urban stress of Guatemala City. If you've got more than a day to spare, there's plenty to do in and around Antigua, including a visit to the Pacaya volcano, photo-taking from the Cross Hill with its panoramic view of the city or an afternoon in Casa K'ojom, the Mayan music museum.

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