Beautiful Villa in Lush Walled Garden

• An oasis of tranquility!

  An oasis of tranquility!

  • Guest Donald
  • Date of stay 04/29/13
  • Review Submitted 05/15/13
  Simple; sophisticated; green; and lush. The first four words that come to mind when thinking of Casa Mandu. What a wonderful space--decorated perfectly; clean as a whistle; great location; and a joy to open the front gate and see "home". We were enchanted from beginning to end. The owner was very helpful with suggestions. The grounds are maintained daily by a gardner & a maid. There are two fountains and the yard in front of the casa is lush & private. The house is comfortable; modern and decorated with a Mexican motif. We loved the town and there is so much to do--or nothing to do! This is centerally located; a short walk to the Jardin and to most of the restaurants. We would higly recommend this property to friends & family and we will be renting this property again

  Recommended for: Tourists without a car, age 55+.

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• Can't Wait to Come Back

  Can't Wait to Come Back

  • Guest Karen
  • Date of stay 10/13/12
  • Review Submitted 11/14/12
  I feel so fortunate to have found this wonderful rental for the 12 days my family and I visited beautiful San Miguel de Allende. Though we arrived late at night, from the moment we walked into the courtyard of Casa Mandu we were enchanted and warmly welcomed by Ruth and Rufina. The villa was even more vibrant and cozy than the photographs convey, and we couldn't believe the beautiful bouquet of white roses. We fell into comfortable beds with crisp linens and down comforters. The next morning we were delighted to wake up to the soothing sounds of the fountain mingling with birdsong, and we were totally in love when Rufina delivered a beautiful tray of fresh pastries, fruit and yogurt. Like many folks we had some initial reservations about traveling to San Miguel, but I had visited once 30 years ago and had totally fallen in love with this beautiful city. I had longed to share it with others ins in my family, particularly my mother, who had just turned 85 and needed to have this experience while she could still relish it. Ruth and I corresponded about my safety concerns, and she was most reassuring. Thank goodness we came! We all had a terrific time, and I can't imagine a better hostess than Ruth. She was ever helpful, but always respectful of our privacy. It's hard to say what our favorite activity was. We enjoyed hot-air ballooning with Globo San Miguel, horseback riding at Xotolar Ranch, swimming and dining at the hot springs with massages to end the day, the library's Sunday home tour, hiking at the preserve, golfing, yoga, a musical performance at the bull ring, listening to the mariachis in the jardin, endless shopping and great dining. But one of the most amazing experiences was our visit to Casa de las Ranas and the Chapel of Jimmy Ray. You can read all about this wonderful excursion at the web site for Anado McLauchlin. The location was perfect for all of us, so central to everything. I was concerned about my mom being able to get around easily, but the taxis were cheap and plentiful--as promised. And October is a beautiful month to be in San Miguel. My whole family thanks Ruth for an extraordinary stay.

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, tourists without a car, age 55+, romantic getaway, girls getaway.

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• A Truly Exceptional Experience

  A Truly Exceptional Experience

  • Guest Laurie
  • Date of stay 06/01/12
  • Review Submitted 07/08/12
  This is our second extended stay in San Miguel within the last 12 months, and I thank my lucky stars that we found Ruth and Casa Mandu for our recent visit. It has made a world of difference in so many ways. First, the location is absolutely ideal for seeing the town, exploring the mercado, hanging out at El Jardin or attending a concert up the street at the main teatro. Thank goodness Ruth's VRBO site includes so many pictures because words can't accurately describe the beauty and tranquility of the gardens, the villa and the entire setting. It is everything you would want and expect a Mexican villa to be. But, most importantly, it is comfortable, exceptionally clean and every need is met. The beds are comfortable, the chairs are great for lounging and reading, plus everything is so bright and cheerful. The setting matches the personality of Ruth and her great staff. Rufina always has a smile and quietly, yet efficiently spoils you. It always feels great to "come home" after a day on the town. Ruth is the anchor, and is there to help in any way she can. After this visit, I consider her a friend and one of the joys of staying at Casa Mandu was getting to know Ruth and Cat Mandu, her beautiful Siamese. This will be our villa of choice and place of choice for any and all future visits to San Miguel. In my opinion,there's no better place, so look no farther.

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, tourists without a car, age 55+, romantic getaway, girls getaway.

  Owner response: Reviews like this one help us to realize that all efforts we make to provide the accommodation and service our guests require, make it all worthwhile. We hope that Laurie and Rick will join the growing list of returning guests that keep Casa Mandu's calendar full. Many guests fall in love with Cat Mandu our Himalayan persian cat, whose big blue eyes conquer even devoted dog lovers.

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• Can't get enough of the Ruth's villa and San Miguel

  Can't get enough of the Ruth's villa and San Miguel

  • Guest Shirley and Jerry
  • Date of stay 04/15/12
  • Review Submitted 05/15/12
  We just returned from our 5th visit at Ruth's villa within 30 months. Yes, 5 visits within 30 months. We reviewed the property after our first visit and wanted to touch on the care that the owner Ruth has taken since to ensure that the villa has everything needed for a wonderful visit and she keeps updating and improving the experience for her guests. For those that haven't traveled to another country and are faced with the uncertainty of a foreign language, Ruth's villa is a perfect situation. She will guide you to the best places to see and provide restaurant recommendations. On the subject of eating, if you're a "foodie", San Miguel is the place to be with over 40 quality restaurants within walking distance of the villa. Among our many favorites are La Azotea and El Cielo for evening drinks, Chamonix for an intimate dinner, and El Correo or Hecho en Mexico for lunch or dinner. The photos on Ruth's website are accurate in every way, however they don't tell the whole story. You simply have to be there. There's nothing like relaxing on the terrace over looking the beautiful gardens and large fountain. Or kicking back in the stylish, comfortable living area that comes with a large flat screen TV. You'll find the villa to be well appointed, exceptionally clean and maintained on a daily basis by the wonderful Rufina. The villa is safe, as is the city of San Miguel and everything is within walking distance. Thankfully, there are none of the threats that you read about in other parts of the country. Taxis are everywhere, so if your legs give out, less than 2 dollars will take you anywhere in the local vicinity. San Miguel is a welcoming city with lots of smiling faces and a great place to spend a vacation. We highly recommend Ruth's villa and are already looking forward to our next visit to what has quickly become our second home.

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, tourists without a car, age 55+, romantic getaway.

  Owner response: Jerry and Shirley, who wrote this lovely review, are not only returning guests but have become friends. We always look forward to their return.

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• Oasis in Centro

  Oasis in Centro

  • Guest Ivan and Pam
  • Date of stay 02/15/12
  • Review Submitted 05/04/12
  Beautiful villa in a great location with the best hostess and helpers you're going to find. The setting is not only stunning but comfortable and relaxing. Anything you need in terms of household products or advice about where to find, how to work (stove, fireplace, etc.), where to eat shop or be entertained - Ruth has at her fingertips. We have benefited not only from alll of thte above but Rufina, Efren and Ruth's friendship. We love it here!

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, tourists without a car, age 55+, romantic getaway, girls getaway.

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• Casa Mandu Review

  Casa Mandu Review

  • Guest Susan and Ray
  • Date of stay 12/15/10
  • Review Submitted 02/05/11
  At Casa Mandu we entered a foyer with a Mexican bench with colorful Mexican cushions and pots of flowers. A fountain sits next to the casita and owner’s home. Continue up through the large garden and beautiful fountain. We thoroughly enjoyed the Villa on the third tier of the property. A roomy, comfortable home away from home. The décor is beautiful as well as functional. The full-length terrace sits above the gorgeous garden. It can be used for quiet activities or for a large dinner party. For those who cook there is a well-equipped kitchen. The Villa is so convenience with the bathrooms and fireplaces in every room, the large comfortable bedrooms tucked away from the living area. We walked 5-15 minutes to most of the places in San Miguel we love to visit. It was wonderful to come back to the Villa after a busy day around town. The staff is friendly keeps this beautiful property in top condition. And all this is possible because of the talented owner Ruth. She completes the experience with her excellent recommendations and quick response when we needed something. We are glad we got to know her. We have stayed in many rentals, in many neighborhoods in San Miguel and the Villa at Casa Mandu is the best.

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, tourists without a car, age 55+, romantic getaway, girls getaway.

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• A home away from home

  A home away from home

  • Guest Shirley Anne
  • Date of stay 04/20/10
  • Review Submitted 05/15/10
  We just returned from our first trip to San Miguel and Ruth's villa, and can say without hesitation that staying at the villa was the best holiday rental experience we have ever had. We found nothing like it during our travels in Europe. The Villa was perfect with modern amenities, lots of space and great views of a wonderful garden and fountain. The Villa is behind 12-20' high vined walls that provide security, privacy and tranquility. But, it's only two blocks from the old city center with it's beautiful Jardin square, the cathedral and 40 restaurants in a 4 block radius. Ruth's presence on the property was assuring....although we didn't see her, she was always there for anything we needed and to offer advice on places to see and her favorite restaurants. The maid Rufina, is a real sweetheart...she was there every morning waiting until it was convenient to enter the villa. She did a great job and always with a smile. If we gave Ruth a list of complaints or recommendations, "the paper would be blank". We highly recommend this property, are already booked for next year and can't wait to return.

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, tourists without a car, age 55+, romantic getaway.

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• Casita on Hernandez Macias

  Casita on Hernandez Macias

  • Guest gem1942
  • Date of stay 03/01/10
  • Review Submitted 04/11/10
  We have had very good fortune finding places to stay on VRBO and this was again an excellent one. The casita was exactly as described with it clean and ready for us. The master bedroom suite was large and well appointed. The linens were of good quality as was the rest of the casita. Our host was excellent as she was very friendly, always there to help us and very knowledgeable of San Miguel. The maid and gardner were very friendly and kept the casita clean and furnished with water. She made reservations when we needed them and even helped us get some table clothes made. he had the cable TV ready so we could watch NCAA basketball. The porch was beautiful and a great place to study Spanish and smell the orange blossoms. The location was excellent being close to the el Jardin but on a very quiet street. We will return in the future as this is our number 1 place to stay in San Miguel.

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, tourists without a car, age 55+, romantic getaway.

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• • Guest Danny 1
  • Date of stay 07/11/09
  • Review Submitted 07/11/09
  Ruth's villa blew me away, from the moment I stepped foot on the property. The pictures on the site, I felt, did no justice to the ridiculously beautiful atmosphere before me. The lush gardens and gorgeous breezes gave the feel of paradise, a Garden of Eden in San Miguel de Allende. To wake up, every morning, to hummingbirds buzzing in the trees and the relaxing sound of the fountain running over stones made this place feel simply perfect. As the trip began to wind down (3 of us, on study abroad from the Univ of New Orleans, stayed at the villa), I couldn't fathom the concept of leaving this place and having to wake up somewhere else. Having visited the city last year, but using different accommodations, I feel sad that I didn't find Ruth sooner. Not only is the property above and beyond all expectations, but Ruth may just be the kindest, sweetest person on the face of the Earth. It's true, all of it.

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• • Guest Renita1
  • Date of stay 07/10/09
  • Review Submitted 07/10/09
  Ruth's villa was a tropical paradise, and a wonderful home away from home with very tasteful decor and comfortable furnishings. We truly enjoyed our one month stay there. The sound of the water fountain, the hummingbirds feeding just feet away, and the view of the lush garden beneath the verandah made every day so relaxing. The location was perfect - just 3.5 flat blocks away from the Jardin and Plaza Civica where there was always something going on. Ruth is a very gracious and wonderful hostess, and made us feel very much at home. I would highly recommend this incredibly beautiful villa to anyone looking for a rental in San Miguel de Allende.

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Monthly Low Season $2400 U.S.
Monthly High Season $2800 U.S. (July & Aug.)(Dec 15 - April 15)
weekly rates: Low season  $900 U.S.  High Season $1225 wk. 

Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.