Vacation Rentals by Owner

Wonderful Hacienda

Guest: Rob (United States)
Date of Stay: 02/01/12 Review Submitted: 03/29/12

The house was just about perfect for my wife and me on our first trip to San Miguel. We went to the market literally across the street regularly and did a tremendous amount of Mexican cooking in the beautiful and capacious kitchen. I read some of the other reviews and we were surprised at how incredibly quiet it was at night. A nearby crazed church bell ringer (always 35 rings, a pause and then one more for good measure) does his thing at 7:30am but no rooster noise (they are down the block). The walk to the Jardin and the center of town is short and easy and we were up and down the hill three times a day. When we had a brief patch of bad weather, the house was a welcome refuge. Dinner by candlelight in front of the three level, subtly lit, burbling courtyard fountain is RIDICULOUSLY romantic. U.S. marriage counselors should be aware of this place. We were very happy to meet you at the hacienda to thank you personally.

Owner response:Thank you so much, Rob. I'm so glad that you enjoyed the house and the neighborhood! We enjoyed getting to meet you in person and we hope you'll come back to San Miguel again in the future. How about Dia de Los Muertos?

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Love Casa San Juan de Dios

Guest: gypsy soul (Dallas, Texas)
Date of Stay: 07/09/11 Review Submitted: 08/08/11

Cynthia, I just wanted to tell you how much I love, love, love Casa San Juan de Dios and how much I enjoyed staying there! The photos can't really fully convey the beauty of the house and the peace that you feel there! It felt like my own private sanctuary. The courtyard is stunning with all of the plants and the fountain! I also spent many hours on the beautiful rooftop terrace in the mornings and in the evenings. The kitchen was incredible and had everything I needed to do some cooking when I felt the creative juices flowing (and by the way the dishes are beautiful)! You've done a great job providing all of the modern luxuries, while the decor still has that colonial feel, in keeping with the house! Some friends came by for a visit and said "it's like having your own personal shangri la!" The location, just a few blocks from the Jardin and close to most everything I wanted to do, was fantastic. Also loved the San Juan de Dios Mercado the next block over and the little tortilla shop for fresh tortillas just around the corner on Canal! Carmen was wonderful and so hospitable and Yoko so nice and helpful. Of course I already loved San Miguel and have been there quite a few times, but this is the first time I've stayed in town in the middle of the action! I loved it! Casa San Juan de Dios is my new favorite place to stay! So, I rested and relaxed, ate lots of fantastic food, listened to great music, had a blast, walked and walked and got some much-needed exercise, had fabulous weather (highs about 80 and lows in 50s), spent time with incredible people and had so many other wonderful experiences! It just doesn't get much better than that in my book!! But that's the magic of San Miguel! The only downside is that I never want come home when it's time to leave! No matter how long I stay, it's never long enough! I can't wait to stay there again and have already recommended it to several of my friends!

Owner response:Thank you to all of my guests for the kind and complimentary reviews posted here. My husband Wayne and I are thrilled to open our house up to those who appreciate it and our special neighborhood of San Juan de Dios.

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

Charming Colonial Mexico!

Guest: Laura A. (Chicago)
Date of Stay: 07/02/11 Review Submitted: 07/13/11

Books picturing colonial Mexican houses capture this one to a T. The outside wall opening up into the beautiful interior gardens, the upstairs deck, and the Mexican tile floor (I read about how they make these tiles on my iPhone - interesting) are a few of the special features. We had a wonderful time walking around from this location -- between the Jardin and the Instituto Allende. We went on organized house tours, historic tours, and were driven on a tour just out of town to the newly opened pyramids. In the evenings, it was hard to narrow down a restaurant choice -- we favored a couple which featured music as well as good food. We also enjoyed meeting American ex-pats at lunch and at a 4th of July party -- the local paper lists these activities. The tourist location in the Jardin can give you this English newspaper and a good map.

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Our first visit...

Guest: Elsie & Al (Washington, PA)
Date of Stay: 05/26/11 Review Submitted: 06/08/11

From our first day in Casa San Juan de Dios, we were constantly referencing the need to return. We were able to get a sense of the many charms of San Miguel de Allende and the surrounding area, while enjoying quite respites on the patio and rooftop terrace. The house could not be more comfortable or appealing. Apparently we were almost too relaxed - as we forgot to add to the guestbook. That will have to wait for another visit. If the weather had not been so sunny and pleasant, and the town not filled with constant diversions and celebrations, we also would have spent more time enjoying the access to wi-fi, great cable, books, and movies. Casa San Juan de Dios is very well equipped to welcome visitors, including the kitchen area - but unusual for us, we were too busy enjoying the local dining options to spend any time making the most of it. As a combined birthday and anniversary splurge, we added an almost 6 hour market tour and cooking class. It was a trip highlight we would recommend to all future guests early in their stay! If less time is available, the market tour solves a great many mysteries and is an invaluable introduction to regional specialties. The secure parking made the decision to rent a car an easy one. Over the course of our 5 night stay, we enjoyed several outings in the area, and still have other adventures on our list for the next visit. We enjoyed a morning in Guanajuato, and two trips to Dolores Hildago that were responsible for our using the extra duffle we always slip folded into the side pocket of carry-on luggage. I know that using the beautiful ceramics (and our new tortilla press and pan!) will help keep the memories fresh until we return.

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

Good Value!!

Guest: traveller (Ontario, Canada)
Date of Stay: 02/03/11 Review Submitted: 04/22/11

We enjoyed our 6 week stay this past Feb. and Mar. in beautiful San Miguel. Our choice of this property was just what we required. A good location to centre square, even though a bit up hill well worth the walk.The sound and light show at La Parroquia was a not to miss evening special. Taxis are plentiful and only 30 pesos if needed. The property had a lovely courtyard, where we enjoyed a morning coffee or where I could do some painting. The roof top terrace was perfect for reading a good book, and basking in the sunshine. We were next to local market, for fresh flowers and fruit and vegetables. Carmen did an excellant job of cleaning the casa and looking after the plentiful outdoor plantings. She also was very helpful in suggestions for dining and helping us with our Spanish. We loved our stay and hope to return to San Miguel de Allende.

Recommended for:Age 55+, sightseeing.

SC/AZ FOLKS

Guest: Myra Bell (Myrtle Beach, SC USA)
Date of Stay: 08/22/10 Review Submitted: 10/24/10

We were 4 very different vacationers, an artist, a teacher, a dreamer and a tryer of all things edible. The home suited our various needs, was in the middle of a real, unspoiled neiborhood in close walking distance to 70% of this gorgeous, friendly city. The food and service is the best I have experienced anywhere and that includes my beloved Italy. The house is beautiful and spacious with a relaxing patio and courtyard w/fountain. The architecture, art studios, cobblestone streets took us back to a quiter, gentler time that kept us busy when it was our choice, relaxing at other times. Whether your religious or not, the many, gorgeous churches will convert you, if only temporily. Add to that great mountain air, sunny days and very clean streets and you will think seriously about joining the ex-pats in a wide range of imaginative housing options. One note to be aware of. Getting to San Miguel is an adventure in it self. From the Mexico City Airport, you can take a first class bus, then a second class bus and finally a taxi. Inexpensive, but tiring and time consuming. I recommend reserving a limo meeting you at the airport and delivering you to your villa door. The Limo Co. is Viajes. A final note, the exchange rate is advantageous.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Idyllic Location

Guest: Dru and David (California, USA)
Date of Stay: 06/14/10 Review Submitted: 06/22/10

David and I spend days choosing accommodations to guarantee we're getting the best possible situation for the best price, but Casa San Juan de Dios exceeded even our stringent standards. We think this is THE best place to stay in San Miguel de Allende. It was cheaper than most hotels in the area and possessed a charm that few other lodgings could match. Besides all that, it is ideally located just a few blocks from the jardin (We usually used a taxi to go up as the hill is steep, but enjoyed our walks back down the hill.) and right around the corner from a mercado, farmacia, and drugstore. The house itself is immaculate, equipped with all conveniences including a TV that got a zillion stations in English, and thick , fluffy towels instead of the typical paper-thin ones found in most Mexican hotels. We spent many hours sitting in the garden listening to the water trickle from the fountain and congratulating ourselves on having found this bit of paradise in San Miguel! Dru and David Read about our visit at http://www.tightwadtravel.blogspot.com

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

Cozy and comfortable.

Guest: Rick A. (outside of Boston,Ma. USA)
Date of Stay: 04/06/10 Review Submitted: 04/19/10

We spent a week at this beautiful little casa and loved every minute of it! It's s short walk to the centro and is located in a Mexican neighborhood which gave us the oportunity to use the little markets, shops, and restaurants in the area. In the morning we would watch the local children pass the front window on their way to school and because we were there the week after easter we were able to visit the san juan church behind the house and watch the blessing of the local residents personal religious items right before the christ statue was returned to Atontonilco. I don't think I will want to stay in a hotel again after experiencing the added benefits of having a house to relax in. A nice roofdeck to enjoy the cool nights on and a beautiful courtyard to enjoy the heat of the day in. I can't wait to return!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 04/08/08 Review Submitted: 04/08/08

The house is beautiful and welcoming. The house is stocked with every little thing to ensure a wonderful time. The location is good - a market is near by with fresh fruit, local food, grocery items and flowers. Another place we loved was a chicken rotisserie store right around the corner. The walk to the Jardin is short but the cobblestone streets require sturdy footwear. If you wear heels, cross over to Canal Street and get a taxi! One recommendation for visitors - bring earplugs. The city is noisy with church bells, fireworks, birds, cars, music, roosters, and it continues throughout the night. Take advantage of the quiet afternoons to catch up on missed sleep!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 04/01/08 Review Submitted: 04/07/08

The house is beautiful and welcoming. The house is stocked with every little thing to ensure a wonderful time. The location is good - a market is near by with fresh fruit, local food, grocery items and flowers. Another place we loved was a chicken rotisserie store right around the corner. The walk to the Jardin is short but the cobblestone streets require sturdy footwear. If you wear heels, cross over to Canal Street and get a taxi! One recommendation for visitors - bring earplugs. The city is noisy with church bells, fireworks, birds, cars, music, roosters, and it continues throughout the night. Take advantage of the quiet afternoons to catch up on missed sleep!

Recommended for:

Guest: Bernadette Meade (Southampton, NY)
Date of Stay: 04/01/07 Review Submitted: 04/01/07

Wendy & Cynthia:Hola! I am sorry that we never had a chance to meet while we were in San Miguel! I just wanted to say “thank you” for sharing your lovely home with us. Judi, Terri & I had a wonderful time. The house was an absolute oasis! We loved sunning on the roof top and sitting in the courtyard by the beautiful fountain. We truly enjoyed everything about San Miguel thanks mainly to all the “insider information” that you passed on to us. I hope that we have a chance to meet at a future date; until then continue to enjoy your incredible life in San Miguel! With Sincere Thanks,Bernadette

Owner response:Wendy Bichel is no longer the owner of the house. Wayne Hoffman and Cynthia Rangaves are the current owners of Casa San Juan de Dios.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Bernadette Meade (Southampton, NY)
Date of Stay: 04/01/07 Review Submitted: 03/31/07

Wendy & Cynthia: Hola! I am sorry that we never had a chance to meet while we were in San Miguel! I just wanted to say “thank you” for sharing your lovely home with us. Judi, Terri & I had a wonderful time. The house was an absolute oasis! We loved sunning on the roof top and sitting in the courtyard by the beautiful fountain. We truly enjoyed everything about San Miguel thanks mainly to all the “insider information” that you passed on to us. I hope that we have a chance to meet at a future date; until then continue to enjoy your incredible life in San Miguel! With Sincere Thanks, Bernadette

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Guest: Jim Turner
Date of Stay: 03/20/07 Review Submitted: 03/19/07

Dear Wendy, The place really captures the San Miguel magic. We were really comfortable and could lay out and rest but still get to the Jardin in a few minutes whenever we wanted to. You made it all easy with the recommendations for restaurants and such. And my Spanish was pretty rusty so I was really thankful Carmen spoke English. Thanks for making our San Miguel vacation perfect.

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Guest: Belinda_HAC47695 (Not Specified)
Date of Stay: 03/29/06 Review Submitted: 03/29/06

Dear Wendy and Ken, What a wonderful week in your wonderful house! Everything about "Casa Oasis" surpassed all expectations. You have a beautiful, comfortable, serene home, located in a real Mexican neighborhood (we loved the corner butcher where we bought fresh eggs, and the Mercado San Juan de Dios, where the best mangos and avocados on earth can be found!) Plus, thank you so much,Ken , for lending me your giant suitcase with which to take all my Mexican treasures home ! I recommend this house to anyone who would like a great place to stay in San Miguel. Muchas gracias!! love, Belinda (and Marya and Madelon)

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Belinda_HAC47695 (Not Specified)
Date of Stay: 03/01/06 Review Submitted: 03/28/06

Dear Wendy and Ken, What a wonderful week in your wonderful house! Everything about "Casa Oasis" surpassed all expectations. You have a beautiful, comfortable, serene home, located in a real Mexican neighborhood (we loved the corner butcher where we bought fresh eggs, and the Mercado San Juan de Dios, where the best mangos and avocados on earth can be found!) Plus, thank you so much,Ken , for lending me your giant suitcase with which to take all my Mexican treasures home ! I recommend this house to anyone who would like a great place to stay in San Miguel. Muchas gracias!! love, Belinda (and Marya and Madelon)

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Guest: Roy Atkinson
Date of Stay: 02/15/06 Review Submitted: 02/14/06

Hi Wendy and Ariel I just wanted to drop you a note to let you know how much we enjoyed our stay in San Miguel and at Casa Oasis. Everything was perfect for our needs. The house was beautiful and comfortable. Carmen was great and very helpful. And a special thank you to Wendy for sharing your local knowledge about things to do, places to go and which vendors and products to trust in the local markets. Bye for now, Roy

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Guest: Jeanne Weiner
Date of Stay: 04/12/05 Review Submitted: 04/11/05

What a magnificent home you have. It was so comfortable. There were six in our family and we could all retire to our own worlds, so we never got tired of each other. The house really made our reunion a very special event. Thank you so much. Jeannie

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