14 Reviews of Property 252675 in Mexico City, Central Mexico / Colonial Circuit

From our first contact with Juan, we had a very good feeling about Gardenia; we weren't dissappointed.

Having been picked up at the airport by a friend of his, we were transported into the magic that is Gardenia. We were fortunate to be greeted by Juan himself who happened to be in Mexico City at the time. He made us feel like treasured guests as he showed us the intricacies of his beautiful home. It is ideally located for exploring the city and, although upon arrival the neighbourhood appeared to have seen better days, at no time did we feel unsafe or in the least bit threatened in any way.

The subway is very close, very inexpensive, very easy to use and seemed very safe. No one should hesitate to use it.

Juan and Delphine, the housekeeper, were consumate hosts even in their absense, resulting in a stay in Mexico City that will resonate with us for many years to come.

It is certainly not a 5-Star hotel, but the charm and personality of this home are well worth experiencing. Would we stay at Gardenia again? Without a doubt!

You felt as though you were in a 1900's home! Rustic, charming, authentic.
Clean and tidy and safe. I very much appreciated the drinking water provided that lasted our whole stay! And the caretaker was available if we ever needed anything! Would stay here again.

You felt as though you were in a 1900's home! Rustic, charming, authentic.
Clean and tidy and safe. I very much appreciated the drinking water provided that lasted our whole stay! And the caretaker was available if we ever needed anything! Would stay here again.

I've traveled to Mexico City many times and never found the perfect hotel. What a joy to discover this beautiful apartment in a perfect location between two metro stops. The apartment is filled with historic character and Mexican charm. My 12 days there felt like I had found a home. The apartment has great charm. I received a warm welcome, felt very secure and looked forward each day to coming back to the apartment to enjoy the library, garden, kitchen and dining room. I can't wait to return for another visit.

This is a highly unusual place, like staying in the 1930s with your uncle, who has just moved to Mexico after studying with Trotsky in Russia. The apartment has not been renovated and this is its charm...it is all brown wood and old tiles, and not for those who are looking for the modern white experience. The kitchen is exactly like kitchens used to be, a real treat to use. This place is best for romantics with imagination. It is reasonably easy to find and the cab drivers all got me there eventually. The mews is charming but the apartment abuts the street, so there is traffic noise (bring earplugs), less so on the weekend. I went all over as a solo senior, flagged down cabs, and never felt scared, expect for the zocalo after 9p when everything closes down (on Saturday!). I had a great Frieda/Diego weekend, going to their respective museums, and returning to this apartment continued the fantasy. There is an excellent agent available who solves all problems, and the owner is very nice and responsive to email.. Also, there is an Oxo on the corner (like 7-11) that seems open all the time, for supplies. I hope to return.

I would come back to this apartment again and again. The old world feel, the patio garden, the kitchen, the art on the walls - everything about it is perfect. The location is excellent - it is a magical place.

This apartment in Mexico City had heart and grace which was unexpected. The minute I walked in, I new I was home. Every one who visited me there had the same magical experience. I would return again and again.

GARDENIA

I have stayed many times in Mexico City. This the first in Gardenia (for two weeks), but now I would not stay anywhere else.

Previously, I have stayed in La Condesa which does have its trendy charm. If that or the sterility of a major hotel-chain is what you seek, Gardenia is not for you.

It is located in a real neighborhood (Juarez - but very close to Roma Norte and La Zona Rosa: I, in my doddering state, could walk to both). There are markets, parks, sights, Metro stops within two blocks. Along with all that, there is noise (it took me two nights to become accustomed).

The house itself is unique - the pictures on the website do give you some idea - and it IS a house (or row-house) in an architecturally special series of early 20th.c blocks (tour buses stop).

But the ambiance of the house is not captured in pictures (and I cannot in words). A friend who visited (and all who did were mesmerized) wandered gaga for 1/2 hour (and he did not even see the cellar rooms). It has been lived in - some time ago - so there is a lived-in mustiness/fragrance -- maybe from all the books and glass-fronted bookcases and the old-though-not-antique furniture? Or the tiled/hardwood floors? Or the amazing old kitchen (everything works and the red-tile sink, the glassware - enough to feed an army, herbs, the unfamiliar utensils -- all a pleasure to behold. Beveled glass, pictures, knick-knacks, very high ceilings, wonderful plaster-work. Let me count the ways....

Plenty of hot water (the shower is drenching - if you are agile enough to climb into the old tub: if I made it, anyone can).

There is a TV (only to play videos) but there is perfect wi-fi and a super refrigerator with ice-maker. (Plenty of fresh drinking water). Free telephone service within the city.

And you have your own sunken, flowered patio (bug-free if you prepare and all the preparations are at hand).

Juan, the owner, and Graciela (the overseer/helpmate) could not have been nicer (nor the thrice weekly maid service better or less-intrusive). English spoken!

And with all of that, it is a bargain!

Gardenia is a special place deserving of special guests.