When I travel, as much as possible, I like to stay in the neighborhoods away from all the tourist, because I want to hear, see and experience the local life. This little casita is perfectly situated to all the tourist attractions, yes, without being amongst them. It has three rooms - kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. This place was set up for my needs perfectly. I will say the couch in the kitchen area was a little dated, but comfortable. And there is paint peeling in all three rooms.
The kitchenette is small, but in all honesty, I never used it except to heat tea on the stove in the morning. Because, the food is so good in Oaxaca, I wanted to be out and about enjoy the different tastes. Try Casa Oaxaca and order the orgeno rabbit - you will not be dissappointed. Easily, one of the best meal I have ever had!
Now, let me also say - this little casita is not going to be to everyone's liking. And you need to roll with the flow....one day, we ran out of water, so I pitched in to help carry buckets of water up to the roof to fill the tank. But again, I like having those experiences....something that I wouldn't ever do at home. It did get hot in the afternoon and the revolving A/C wasn't much use...but I wasn't there most afternoons, so as long as I had a good airflow at night to cool down, then I'm good. And the A/C at night was perfect.
The owner, Cathy, is a dream. She promptly answered any questions or concerns that I had about my trip. She let me know about catching a collectivo from the airport, and making sure that I was good on directions to the casita. Who to call and where to catch a tour. And that is very much appreciated.
The house keeper, Devi, is a sweet heart. Be aware, she doesn't speak English, so you will have to use your spanish for communications. Which, again, is something I like to do, so that I'm forced to work on my spanish. She was always available to help you or show you how to use the stove or the A/C or the houe phone. She also arranged for a private tour for me of Mitla and Herve Agua. Even making sure that I was able to get a taxi to the airport - which was about $200 pesos. We accomplished all of this with my rusty spanish.
This is casita and neighborhood is Oaxaca at it's most real. If that is the experience you want to have, and save money on your pocketbook, then I suggest this little place. Be prepared to go with the flow, practice your spanish and enjoy the adventure. Muchas gracias Cathy, I will return.
