16th Century Artist-Designed Apartment in Centro Historico

• Character and convenience

  Character and convenience

  • Guest Roger
  • Date of stay 05/02/13
  • Review Submitted 05/08/13
  We really enjoyed staying in Arturo and Sarah's apartment in Mexico City. We arrived very late at night and Arturo was very kind to stay up late to get us into the apartment. The unit looks exactly as pictured - quirky and comfortable. It's not a luxury place but is excellent in that you feel a part of the city and its history. It is quite large, we were three guys traveling so we each had our own bedroom. There are two bathrooms with walk-in showers. The kitchen has everything you need for cooking. The building is next to a popular square so easy to locate. The Zocalo is 5 minutes walk. Lots of places to eat in the area but not easy to find fresh fruits or vegetable. We walked all over the area and felt very safe. Arturo provided a map which noted some areas best to avoid at night. There are police everywhere in the Centro Historico! Arturo has a friend with a taxi and he took us to Teotihuacan and the Basilica of Guadeloupe for a very good fare. Nice to have a private car. He also took us to the airport when we left. If you want an authentic Mexican experience, then this is the place to stay!

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, tourists without a car, age 55+, families with teenagers.

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• A great place to stay, in a great city!

  A great place to stay, in a great city!

  • Guest JamesJ
  • Date of stay 10/06/12
  • Review Submitted 11/09/12
  We’d wanted to visit Mexico City for years. We had always visited the Mexican coast in the past. Wanting something different to celebrate a milestone birthday, we decided it was time for a week in Cuidad de Mexico. After viewing Arturo and Sarah’s listing on VRBO, we knew it would be the right choice for us. The space is amazing. Classic Mexican renaissance architecture, spacious, and charming, you will not be disappointed. Fully stocked kitchen, two ample bathrooms, large dining and living spaces, and three large bedrooms ensure that all guests experience comfort and privacy. The apartment has been fully renovated by Arturo and Sarah to include classic style and modern amenities, such as Wi-Fi and a washer. Arturo and Sarah’s fabulous paintings adorn the walls. It’s a very clean, relaxing retreat from the pleasant madness of the city. Arturo was an extremely gracious host, there to answer questions, provide advice, and even arrange transportation and sightseeing excursions with trusted driver Alejandro when needed. The area surrounding Santo Domingo is often crowded and lively, but is quite safe; however, with any large city, use common sense. If a street does not feel safe, choose another route. Overall, we loved our time staying here and highly recommend it to anyone visiting Mexico City. We will return. In addition, here is our take on a few tourist attractions: Templo Mayor-This ancient temple is smack dab in the middle of the city is great place to visit, along with the accompanying museum. Palacio de Bellas Artes-This is a beautiful building with several floors of world famous murals. Wander around and take it all in. Enjoy the surrounding Alameda area. Torre Latinoamerica-Once the highest skyscraper in Latin America, this building has seen better days; however, the observation deck provides you with an amazing view of this vast city. Try to go on a clear day or early, to avoid the smog. Skip the restaurant, but have a cocktail in the clean but dated bar. For another take on the view, \checkout the restrooms. Xochimilco-Enjoy these ancient canals with a 2 or 3 hour “cruise”. There are mariachi bands (less than stellar in quality) and food vendors throughout. Grab a delicious and rather large lunch that is well worth the $300 pesos. Avoid Sunday, unless you like crowds. Arena Coliseo on Sunday at 5:30-Even if you are not a fan of wrestling, I highly recommend going to this Lucha Libre spectacle. Arena Coliseo is full of history!

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, families with teenagers, romantic getaway.

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• For whom the bell tolls

  For whom the bell tolls

  • Guest Caroliki
  • Date of stay 08/21/12
  • Review Submitted 08/31/12
  We loved the rustic, old charm of the apartment, and were so grateful for Arturo's friendliness and helpfulness. The place was clean, comfortable and well located. The information sheets available were very good. The church bells are quite loud from 7:30 am on but we got used to them. The nearby market, bakeries and small convenience stores provided us with good eats. We urge guests to use the excellent metro system and venture out to outlying areas (Condesa, Coyoacan, Tiotihuacan, etc) after soaking up the cultural heritage of the Centro Historico. The published phone number does not work from the US, so I would include one that is correct for emergencies.

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

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• Family Reunion July 2012

  Family Reunion July 2012

  • Guest Dee
  • Date of stay 07/25/12
  • Review Submitted 08/04/12
  We rented the property to attend a family reunion, there were six of us from California. The apartment was just as it shows in the pictures. All the bedrooms were spacious, colorfully decorated to reflect the bright colors of Mexico. Our kitchen was well equipped and the location was within walking distance to the metro, restaurants and historic sights. Arturo was very helpful and a great resource for sightseeing information. It was great to have him close, just one more flight of stairs above the apartment. I would have enjoyed meeting Sarah but she was away in London. If the occasion arises to visit Mexico again, I would definitely stay in the same apartment. Thank you Arturo for your hospitality!

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, tourists without a car, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children.

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• Fantastic, Real and Wonderful Place in the Heart of Mexico City

  Fantastic, Real and Wonderful Place in the Heart of Mexico City

  • Guest Sus
  • Date of stay 06/30/12
  • Review Submitted 07/13/12
  I used to live in Mexico City and really wanted my husband, son and his friend to love it as much as I do. I have stayed in other neighborhoods in my 40 years of revisiting D.F. but never in the Centro Historico due the bad rap in was given during the 80's and 90's. The reviews on VRBO made me take a chance and stay in the middle of the madness that is Mexico City. I wish I had done it sooner! The church bells in the morning, the cheers from the Sunday luchador matches, the quick walk to the Lagunilla Market and Garibaldi, the Allende and Zocalo Metro...I could go on and on about this perfect location in the center of everything but the apartment is even more amazing. It was comfortable, super safe, and eclectic with all of the amentities of a modern apartment but with a foot firmly placed in another century. One of the owners, Arturo, is a bi-lingual, zen-type, artist that can answer every need and is a pleasure to deal with. Unfortunately, we did not meet his wife, Sarah, as she was convalescing in the UK with a broken leg. Anyhow, stay at their place and absorb the true essence of a truly amazing city.

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, tourists without a car, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, families with young children, girls getaway.

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• Staying in the Centro

  Staying in the Centro

  • Guest eddie
  • Date of stay 06/21/12
  • Review Submitted 07/02/12
  This is a great apartment managed by really and truly great people. I travel to Mexico City frequently and I've stayed in many different parts of town. The centro isn't for everybody, but if you want to be in the historical heart of la gran capital and savor its bustle this is a great option. My 80 year old parents and two teenage children joined me. It worked well for all of us. (However, you should know that it is a walk up two flights up. My parents were ok with that.) The apartment isn't luxurious, but it is clean, comfortable and set up with most everything you need. Moreover Arturo (Sarah wasn't in town) is quick to help with anything, and a interesting source on the history and current happenings in the neighborhood. He accompanied me for much of a morning when I took my son to see a doctor for the usual stomach issues that sometimes mar a trip. (In 24 hours we had him all fixed up.) My kids ended up playing with the other kids that live in the building too. Arturo also arranges for travel from the airport to the apartment with a friend who owns a cab. I'm not sure if I'm supposed to name the driver in this review but he is very nice and knows the entire city very well. He is a great option if you need someone to drive you around. I hired him for much of an afternoon. I can't recommend this place enough.

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, tourists without a car, families with teenagers.

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• Spacious apartment in historic centre Mexico City

  Spacious apartment in historic centre Mexico City

  • Guest V
  • Date of stay 05/16/12
  • Review Submitted 06/08/12
  I recently stayed in this apartment with my sister and her husband. An airport taxi was arranged for us by Arturo the owner which was safe and convenient. We were greeted on arrival and assisted with our luggage to the second floor. Arturo informed us of the workings of the apartment and position of surrounding restaurants and attractions. We were made to feel that it was our home for the duration of our stay and we settled in quickly. The apartment is charming with artistic touches and clean comfortable rooms. It is in a central position near interesting Santo Domingo Plaza and within easy walking distance to the Zocolo and other important sites. There is a nearby fruit and vegetable market for self catering and a restaurant downstairs in the plaza.The owners live in the apartment block as do other Mexican families so it feels very homely. There is even a clothes line to hang washing on a little private balcony. We enjoyed our stay very much in our home in Mexico City and we thank Arturo for his hospitality and help. Until next time!

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

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

• Wonderful Apartment/Spectacular Hosts

  Wonderful Apartment/Spectacular Hosts

  • Guest Lisa
  • Date of stay 05/09/12
  • Review Submitted 05/14/12
  This apartment in the heart of CENTRO is absolutely wonderful. It is beautifully decorated and well located, but it is the host who makes this place so outstanding. Arturo will make you feel as though you are most welcome in his home. It is a perfect place to enjoy Mexico City. Being able to tour all day and then come back to relax in the evening in this beautiful space made our time that much more special. Thank you Arturo for the wonderful experience. Next time we are back in D.F., we definitely will stay with you. I recommend this place to all.

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, tourists without a car, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children.

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• The title says it all....a very interesting array of original art in an unique Mexican setting.

  The title says it all....a very interesting array of original art in an unique Mexican setting.

  • Guest Maggie
  • Date of stay 02/25/12
  • Review Submitted 03/04/12
  There were 6 of us and the apartment was clean, roomy, interesting and easily accomodated us all. The kitchen facilities were great as we had breakfast there most mornings and had dinner a couple of nights. The owner was terrific. He was warm and hospitable. He answered all our questions, was readily available and was prompt with anything we desired. The owner provided us with a detailed map with all the attractions nearby of which there were many. I would highly recommend this apartment to any of my friends or relatives. I shall return and will most definitely book this apartment.

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, tourists without a car, age 55+, families with teenagers, pet owners, families with young children, girls getaway.

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• tranquil home away from home with history neir everything

  tranquil home away from home with history neir everything

  • Guest Inge and Sjoerd
  • Date of stay 02/09/12
  • Review Submitted 02/22/12
  If you're coming to Mexico City and want a home away from home (that is in the middle of the historical centre but yet tranquil and relaxed) this is the place you want to be. The appartement is spacious and very nicely decorated by the lovely mexican/british host couple Arturo and Sarah, who will bend over backwords for you to make you feel at home. Both are artists and you will find lot of their artwork in the appartment, including the two bathrooms which are an artwork by themselfs. There is plenty of purified water and some coffee, tea and sugar to help you get started, they even provide you with a lonely planet guidebook of Mexico City and lots of maps and information. There is a big fruit and vegetable market neirby. Would you need to do some more basic shoppings then you there are some small stores or take a bus or metro to one of the upscale neighbourhoods like Roma or Condessa where you will find supermarkets. But with the many restaurants in the historical centre you won't cook yourself every night for sure. We unfortunately became ill the 2nd day after our arrival and had to spend a lot of time in the appartement itself. Although we had hoped to see a lot of Mexico City we were so glad we ended up at Sara and Arturo's house cause they were always informing if we needed something or if we would want them to call a doctor or get some medicine. We couldnt have wished for better hosts! Step out of your appartment and you're in the middle of it all. Just 2 blocks from the Zocalo from where you can go everywhere by foot or metro. But also their befriended driver Allejandro is a great guy to get you to places much further or from and to the airport. We will defenetly return to this appartement next time to make up for the time we had to spend in bed. Sarah and Arturo; thanks so much for all your help and your advice; we are almost ok now (although it was a hell of a bactery that coffee in Cafe Habana gave us cause Sjoerd was ill again in Sayulita and i'm still recovering!); we really lllllooooove your spacious appartement in DF and hope to see you again soon! Inge and Sjoerd, the Netherlands

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, families with young children, girls getaway.

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1 bedroom ... $ 60/night .. $400/week .. $1500/month
2 bedrooms .. $100/night .. $650/week .. $2300/month
3 bedrooms .. $130/night .. $900/week .. $3200/month
Minimum 3 nights. The renting of only one bedroom means that
you have rented the whole apartment. No multiple bookings.

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