TDY Gouge - Guatemala

Guatemala City, Guatemala - If you're lucky enough to be stuck for the night, a stay at the Westin Camino Real is nice! It was recommended by the Embassy military staff, who also provided us with a driver for pre-dinner shopping and trips to/from the airport. I was there 3 years ago, and the rate was $75--let the Embassy Staff book this for you! To give you an idea of the quality, one of our fellow guests was the Crown Prince from Japan. Several good restaurants are just a short stroll from the hotel, including the Hacienda Real. Guatemala is known for its excellent beef, so get a steak if you're in the mood. The streets seem relatively safe, but the abundance of armed soldiers, police, and militia (no doubt extra for the Prince) took me back at first. All-in-all a great trip! El Torro is almost adjacent to the Westin, they hooked us up with some awesome food at average prices. One of the best steaks I have ever eaten...go there! The Sheraton takes second place and hooks you up with a free breakfast buffet and 10-20% off drinks and the rooms are cheaper than the Westin, but location not as prime. Marriott was nice - good restaurant and sports bar; close to plenty of shops, bars, restaurants. All within 2 blocks. Just ask the front desk. Recommend going out in groups - plenty of guns in the streets! ~15Dec2002 new info: The Hotel Camino Real is no longer off limits. Prior Station Manager had restricted it. It is now being used by the US Embassy, US MILGRP and Aircrews here in Guatemala. The immigration exit fee for Guatemala is now US$30.00 or Q.230.00. MGGT updated contact info (Giant Report has wrong information):

Embassy Switchboard 011-502-2331-1541 X 221/3 MGGT Military Ramp (GUA Air Force) 011-502-2332-2083/2003 AMC Station Manager: MR. Pablo Palacios MGGT Tower: 011-502-2331-6520 Office: 011-502-2332-3235/3254 Office fax: 011-502-2332-2844 Airfield: 011-502-2361-6722 Airfield fax: 011-502-2361-6722 Home: 011-502-2363-4999 Cell: 011-502-5401-6471

Great to see the Westin Camino Real off limits entry was corrected. We stayed at the Westin (DEC 02). About 10 minutes (excluding rush hour traffic) from the airport and is a nice hotel with a full spa, free full breakfast, great staff and very close to some very good restaurants (great food at a very good price!!! just watch the phone rates). The AMC manager or Embassy staff may be able to arrange trips (time permitting) that are well worth the time. Antigua is a great day trip with a lot of shopping.. To the C-130 crew who helped us, thanks!! Pablo, AMC Station Manager, does an outstanding job taking care of everything!!!