From Vancouver, to Arizona to Casa los Gitanos

Guest: Peebe (Panama)
Date of Stay: 11/11/11 Review Submitted: 12/16/11

The view of Lake Chapala, particularily over morning coffee, the lazy afternoons on the patio, the numerous really fun restaurants,minutes away from the suite: the fun, charming and helpful Patrick, some places promise a lot, this one delivers. A reservation here is not a gamble, it's a guarantee of a lovely stay. We stayed a bit over a month, and waited till the last week to rent a car, that was a mistake. Too much to see and do outside of walking distance if your stay is over a week, or you are a golfer. Remember, not a gamble, a guarantee.

Owner response:Thank you for this wonderful review, of course, it is easy to satisfy charming guests like Peter and Kathryn

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

We miss it already

Guest: Juan & Kimmy (Near Dallas Texas)
Date of Stay: 08/09/10 Review Submitted: 09/01/10

Casa Los Gitanos is a wonderful little retreat nestled in upper Ajijijc close to everything. The apartment is exactly as it is portrayed in the pictures and has all the amenities that you need to be comfortable. It's essentially 1 long block north of the carretera so you can walk to everything from the movies, tienges, grocery stores, and plaza. It's nice and secure and the landlords (Rolly & Patrick) live downstairs on the first floor so no worries. We had a great time, and Rolly & Patrick were the absolute best, could not have asked for more. We had a great time, enjoyed the apartment and Rolly & Patrick's company, and can't wait to go back. We highly recommend this property and will be repeat renters.

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

Two Months in Paradise

Guest: George and Marian (Germantown, MD USA)
Date of Stay: 07/08/10 Review Submitted: 07/08/10

Casa Los Gitanos far exceeded our expectations. It was exactly as shown in the pictures(which was a surprise). We wanted to see what life would be like in a small Mexican village if we decided to retire in the Ajijic, Lake Chapala Rental and this was the perfect place to do so. The Ajijic square which is the heart of the city was within walking distance as were all the quaint stores nearby. I don't know what I can say that hasn't already been said about this apartment and its owners. Roly and Patrick were so helpful from making suggestions for restaurants and tours to even sharing cooking recipes. We miss all the sounds of Ajijic (church bell, street vendors, horse hoofs on cobblestone), shopping at the open market for all the beautiful fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and fish, as well as the beauty and colors of all the flowers everywhere. And the perfect weather!!! Two months without a drop of rain! When we return to Mexico we will stay here again and again.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, age 55+, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Guest: Trudy Sprinkle (Hillsboro, OR)
Date of Stay: 11/03/09 Review Submitted: 11/03/09

We just ended the BEST 2 week stay at this lovely apartment. Everyone said what I would have - it was perfect for the 2 of us, and wish we could have stayed longer. What an ideal place to discover this charming town. Thanks so much to Patrick and Rolly for sharing such a wonderful spot! We'll be back! Bill and Trudy Sprinkle - Hillsboro Oregon

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Guest: Ingrid Champion (Port Dover, Ontario)
Date of Stay: 09/23/09 Review Submitted: 09/23/09

Ralph & I spent over three months at 'Casa Los Gitanos' last winter and simply loved it. We had no idea just how much Ajijic would affect us. Although signs of norte americano are ever present, mainly in the quality of first rate restaurants, galleries and boutiques.. and we are not complaining since dining and shopping have always been favourites.. the ancient town has definitely survived 'gringo'. The flavour of years gone by has prevailed and I don't believe, won't ever be lost. Within a sense of renewal, there is the driving force of tradition and continuity. The charm of a historic town, the heart of a generous people, the colours of the land, the flavours and scents of her markets. It really is quite unforgettable.. and that's the problem. Ralph & I have promised our delightful and most generous hosts, Rolly & Patrick, a lengthy visit every other year and, simply aching to return, we are experiencing difficulty sticking with plan A. Here we are, nearing bitter Canadian winter with its many seasonal obligations.. and all I can think about is how absolutely wonderful it felt being awoken on Christmas morning by flocks of yellow finches, singing their little hearts out, in the ancient fig tree over-shadowing the terrace. Given the time of year, I never felt as calm as I did that morning, with glee envisioning the 'normal' life with dozens of eggs, homefries, pounds of bacon and Lord knows how many relatives and rambunctious children popping in and out for 'good cheer'. Hell, just exactly how 'normal' is that?? Ralph & I will be missing the peace and quietude of a sunny, balmy Christmas morning, the distant sound of church bells and the views of Mount Garcia and Lake Chapala. There is much to miss, as the many testamonials show, and let me assure you, they are all bang on. I hope you'll be able to spend quality time at Ajijic's 'Casa Los Gitanos' and.. be prepared to fall in love. Ingrid Champion Port Dover, Ontario, Canada

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Guest: Tim and Penny Tyebo (Henderson, Nevada)
Date of Stay: 09/09/09 Review Submitted: 09/09/09

Just returned from spending the month of August (09) in Ajijic with Rolly and Patrick as our hosts. As with previous comments, we found the apartment spacious and well-appointed. It was very comfortable and we made ourselves at home. Ajijic is a lovely place, we found plenty to do and some great restaurants. Best of all, of course, was meeting Rolly and Patrick. They couldn't have been more accomodating and thanks to them we had a truly memorable time.

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Guest: Trudi and Rudy Luethy (Lions Bay. B.C. Canada)
Date of Stay: 01/18/09 Review Submitted: 01/18/09

My husband and I vacationed in Ajijic for the month of November 2008. What awaited us were Rolly and Patrick, our hosts who made our stay a fabulous Mexican experience.The apartment is very comfortable, super clean,and spacious. The lovely patio was a real treat for us where we spend many hours in the R&R mode.The view and the extra outdoor space were very positive. Jolanda our dear,hardworking lady cleaned the apartment twice a week..Our shared culinary delights with our hosts/friends made for many interesting hours of conversation. The companion- and friendships will forever be etched in our memories. Rolly and Patrick's friends made us feel welcome and a part of their circle. All of Rolly and Patrick's suggestions of places to visit, guided hikes, trips to many of their favorite restaurants,a visit to Vicki's Hide-away were always on the right pulse. They took us to the Spa for our first of numerous visits.The Spa Day included,enjoyment of the quiet,meeting other guests,the Lake, the delicious lunches, the cool Cervezas, the music, and the wonderful mountains as our backdrop. The availability of fresh fruits and veggies at the Tangi were a welcome sight each Wednesday. The fresh flowers,papayas,limes,strawberries and raspberries were a real treat knowing that summer in our neck of the woods had long passed. The corner store is well stocked and is open for long hours. The pots of Cacti and herbes were my husbands favourite pass time. He lovingly looked after them and was delighted when new blooms showed.The hummingbirds visited daily, just as a rider would pass by with a tired child riding behind his back.Pinto the neighbourhood dog was on always on guard. The choices of restaurants in Ajijic is quite amazing. We did not manage to complete the food circuit before our departure.We loved the quality, the friendly service in all of them. The hikes to the Shrine above Ajijic and to witness the beauty of the village and lake below were always a treat. We would meet other hikers and their four-legged friends. My favourite places on the mountains were the cornfields, where the horses grazed and the butterflies danced from sunflowers to marigolds in the glorious sunshine at close to 5500 feet. Rudy and I feel very fortunate to have found "Casa los Gitanos," it is a real gem of a place. Rolly and Patrick are kind, fun, passionate, accommodating, considered, unique and warmhearted.. Should we ever decide to vacation in that part of Mexico, it will b

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Guest: DAVE / TONI ST.MARTIN (ST. PAUL,MN 55106)
Date of Stay: 11/05/08 Review Submitted: 11/05/08

PATRICK AND ROLLY, I JUST WANTED TO LET YOU BOTH KNOW JUST HOW MUCH DAVID AND I ENJOYED THE 1 WEEK STAY AT YOUR APARTMENT. THE APARTMENT WAS VERY CLEAN AND JUST AS DESCRIBED PERHAPS EVEN BETTER. WE WERE ABLE TO WALK TO EVERYTHING AND DID NOT NEED TO RENT A CAR TO GET AROUND. I ESPECIALLY ENJOYED WALKING HOME FROM THE RESTAURANTS IN THE LATE EVENINGS AND FEELING SAFER THAN I DO AT HOME. ACTUALLY, I WOULD NEVER DO THAT AT HOME BECAUSE OF SAFETY CONCERNS. EVERYONE YOU MEET ARE EXTREMELY FRIENDLY PEOPLE IN AJIJIC. THANK-YOU FOR THE USE OF YOUR "BEAUTIFUL" APARTMENT. NEXT TIME WE COME TO AJIJIC WE HOPE THAT YOUR APARTMENT IS AVAILABLE. WE SEE IT FILLS UP PRETTY QUICKLY. WE DID NOT WANT TO LEAVE BECAUSE ONE WEEK WAS JUST NOT ENOUGH TO DO EVERYTHING THAT WE WANTED TO DO. WE REALLY APPRECIATED HAVING ALL THE NECESSARY/EVERYDAY THINGS ALREADY IN THE APARTMENT FOR US TO USE SUCH AS DISH SOAP, LINENS, BATH TISSUE, BATH SOAP, KLEENIX AND EVERYTHING ELSE THAT YOU FURNISHED. I THOUGHT THE ONLY THING MISSING WOULD BE A FULL LENGTH MIRROR FOR US LADIES TO USE, HOWEVER, AFTER A COUPLE OF DAYS IN THE APARTMENT, I REALIZED THAT THE SHOWER HAD A MIRROR THAT I COULD USE FOR THAT PURPOSE. GO FIGURE YOU THOUGHT OF EVERYTHING ! ! ! ! IT WAS SO NICE MEETING THE BOTH OF YOU AND HOPE WE SEE EACH OTHER AGAIN IN THE NEXT YEAR WHEN WE HOPE TO RETIRE. WE WILL DEFINITELY BE BACK ! ! ! DAVE AND TONI ST. MARTIN ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA OCTOBER 11TH-18TH, 2008

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Guest: Steve & Lois Hammond (Scottsdale, AZ)
Date of Stay: 09/11/08 Review Submitted: 09/11/08

This apartment is the perfect way to explore or loaf in Ajijic. What makes it so terrific are the landlords ...Rolly and Patrict. These are two of the most helpful, empathetic and funny guys we have ever met. They did so many things above and beyond the call of "landlord duties". The location was perfect ...you do not need a car; easy access to the town square, restaurants, markets, theatre and the key expat club, the Lake Chapala Society. The view from the patio is marvelous, The downstairs garden fabulous, the shower superb the kitchen great .. lots of pots, pans,utensils. If you stay with Rolly and Patrick you'll meet lots of interesting people laugh yourself silly and watch your blood pressure drop 20 pts. Compare the testimonials for this place with others then send a email and book it. This place is in demand and worth every penny. Steve & Lois Hammond

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Guest: John & Yvonne Kennett (Burnaby, BC)
Date of Stay: 06/29/08 Review Submitted: 06/29/08

We stayed at Casa Los Gitanos for the months of May & June and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. We had travelled to Ajijic for 17 days in October/November 2007 but did not really enjoy the Bed and Breakfast experience. Just not our style. As a result we did a lot of research on the VRBO site before making a choice. Among the things that attracted us to Casa Los Gitanos were the number of positive comments from previous guests and how far ahead the apartment is booked. Now that we have been here we know why and feel our decision was a wise one. The apartment was larger and nicer than anticipated. It is full of light, lots of windows that open (all with screens), fans, etc. to keep us cool even in the hottest months. We enjoyed the balcony every day. For those of you that don't know the layout of Ajijic, the location is close to groceries, liquor, pharmacy, restaurants and the Ajijic Hospital. All within walking distance. Rolly & Patrick are as described - extremely accommodating and helpful in any way possible. Both have a good sense of humour. Their English, of course is perfect, as they are from North America, but Rolly is fluent in Spanish as well. Patrick can also carry his weight in the Spanish department. This was an added plus. We have no hesitancy in recommending this to other guests and would not hesitate returning ourselves.

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