At first you may be a little turned off by the neighborhood or the dated worn quality of the apartment and furnishings, like we were. But as the week went on, we grew to love the space and even felt proud that we were staying in a real neighborhood instead of in a touristy whitewashed area. The view was always the best highlight.
Sam, the apartment manager who lives on site was, as others say "White glove service"! Cute as can be and so responsive, friendly and helpful.
This was the first time in my long history of rentals that the apartment host offered to purchase a small list of grocery items (to be reimbursed by us) before we arrived. What a luxury to not have to forage around town for your limes, wine, beer, coffee, and breakfast items right at first! Sam even had ice cold mugs waiting in the freezer.
Pros and Cons (for us, may not be for others)
Pros:
View, view, view, rooftop space view, and did i mention the view
Very safe and secure feeling. Behind two locked doors and perched up high on the hill.
Two of the 3 bedrooms VERY large and comfortable, very separate and private spaces
Size-- super high ceilings, very spacious apartment.
Location-- outside the noise and bustle of centro area
Cons:
Third bedroom is so small and dark, no windows, and located outside the apartment proper, up the back steps toward the roof. We were so turned off by this bedroom that two of us (3 friends) shared the large bedroom instead of one person staying "out there."
Crushing poverty next door, people living in literal tin shacks. But Oaxaca is one of the poorest states in Mexico, so you're going to see the full spectrum here.
Stairs-- not really a con for us, but just to point out that there are a couple flights of steps up to the apartment.(But more steps=better view!) If your mobility is affected these are not good.
There was a bathroom pipe odor in the largest bedroom, and large water bugs and a lizard that showed up now and then. Another thing that may freak you out completely right at first, but then you kind of get over it. Certainly we would have preferred not to see these on late night trips to the bathroom.... :( Nothing like that in the second bedroom/bath though.
But overall, we would stay here again. Give it a chance!