The lovely 200-year old building housing the Hotel Los Amendros de San Lorenzo is just one block from Suchitoto's main square. It's a former hacienda which was lovingly renovated by the French-Salvadorian owners, blending colonial features with fresh, modern interior design as well as local artwork and antiques. There's plenty of personality here, and the warm colour palette and mix of rattan with heavy wood furniture and original stonework conveys a charm and character very much in keeping with its setting.

From an unassuming exterior, a grand wooden door leads to a cool tiled reception and shady, tropical courtyard, around which the six individually decorated guestrooms are arranged. All have high ceilings and stylish furnishings. The glass-enclosed restaurant, perched above the stone pool in the garden, serves French cuisine with local touches and is acknowledged as one of the best restaurants in the country. There's also a bar and elegant library.