Its streets boast of impressive century-old mansions. Some beautifully restored, some in a state of partial ruins. Almost every five yards there’s a sari-sari store (what we call a small family owned convenience store in the Philippines) and a taqueria. In a few areas, even a pub. And occasionally a smooching couple in a corner.
Colonia Santa María la Ribera, a colonia (Mexican neighborhood) that was initially set up for rich families in the late 19th century, is where the humble Jade Guesthouse sits. One of the cheapest accommodations this side of town, but perhaps the most charming of all (and I say perhaps because we’ve never checked in other guesthouses within the area).
This guesthouse owned by a French family offers only a couple of rooms. One on the ground level, and another on the second, in a building separate from the family’s house. A set up that provides guests utmost privacy. A set up that can easily make anyone feel like a resident, not just a traveler. That is, if your home doesn’t have a telly as well.
Our room’s basic, yet tastefully embellished with beautiful local tiles and drapes bunched up with shell-adorned ropes. There’s a comfy double bed, a table and a chair, and a couple of shelves in the corner for our luggage. The bathroom may be eating up a fourth of the floor area, but because its facade does not have a wall (only drapes conceal the guests as they do the deed), the room does not feel too itsy-bitsy.
The M$350 rate (M$330 on weekdays) does not include brekkie, however a full kitchen on the rooftop can be used by the guests. On the six days of our stay, I was on the stove every single day to cook my potful of rice and prepare for our traveling toddler’s meal. We loved whiling our late mornings on that rooftop (as opposed to the courtyard) for it was the only part of the property where we were able to soak up the winter sun.
We immensely enjoyed their dependable internet connection (which we always need for our online jobs), and we’re pleased with the free purified water that I used a lot of for concocting bottles and bottles of milk formula. Our room was tidied daily, and the linens were changed after the first three nights. Fresh towels were provided everyday too, plus shampoo and liquid bath soap in cutesy glass bottles.
Above all these, we’re thankful for the endearing owners who hosted us like their long-lost relatives. Who sent us all the basic information we needed, and more, upon booking online. Who let us leave one of our bags in their home while we explore the other states. The wife, during our session of hanging laundered clothes on the rooftop, told me that she and her husband (their two kids too) lived in the Philippines for years. She worked for one of the biggest call centers in the country. Her hubby, who was actually born in the Philippines (I chuckled when she randomly mentioned that his first word’s pusa, cat in Tagalog) managed a famous upscale salon in Makati City.
They loved the Philippines, but couldn’t reside there as unemployed aliens when they quit their jobs. And that’s why folks, the family ended up in Mexico, where foreigner-related policies aren’t complicated. They sorta gave us this wild idea of living here someday too. But uhm, that’s too wild of an idea.
The only thing the guesthouse lacks which I reckon is worth mentioning, is a room heater for the guests to use in winter. And I tell you, it could get dang cold inside the rooms, for these rooms were designed to be a refuge from sizzling Mexican summers. But hey, this won’t keep us from coming back. In fact, we’ll be checking in Jade Guesthouse once again just before we fly out of the country in four days!
How to get there from the airport:
1. By Metro: Terminal Aérea Metro Station on Line 5 serves Mexico City’s International Airport. You need to change lines twice to get to Line 2. Alight at San Cosme Station, and from there it’s a 20 minute walk to the guesthouse. 30 or more if you’re carrying a heavy backpack. Fare’s M$3.
2. By cab: Just outside the airport’s arrival exit, there’s a row of booths of legit taxi operators. M$170 for the 30-minute ride to the guesthouse. Cab driver tip, optional.
If i will travel the world, I’d stay in hostels like this one. It kinda represent the unique identity of each country, from the furniture, to the bedsheet, to the saucers, rugs etc.
Cute ni Luna (lagi naman eh) naka peekabooo
Delicates mg inuman sa rooftpop kitchen haha
Hahaha! I was terrified to hang out on that rooftop at first, but got used to it. Just like how Luna quickly got used to just sitting on top of the washing machine while watching me cook.
You left Luna on the counter!!!! Luna is super cute sitting on the bed and looking somewhere.. such a babydoll =)
She was preoccupied playing with the ketchup bottle. She won’t move an inch.
that’s cheap? ang ganda 🙂 looks homey to me… love the courtyard, too!
Lovely guesthouse. If my little boy blue and I ever end up visiting Mexico, (and really, why wouldn’t we?) I’d love to stay there.
And that rooftop, wow, I love the tiled floor and the pretty jar behind your Luna but the first thing I noticed were the walls, or lack of walls haha.
Oh and at home, I also sit the little boy on the washing machine while I’m cooking haha.
Love the photos! If I get the chance to travel to Mexico some time soon, I’ll definitely take note of this place.. 🙂 It’s so homey and the owners are nice. Btw, Luna is so well behaved! ^^
Luna truly loved the bed! Naku, no room heater? Hala uy 😐
Yols, haha yeah!
Gladys, yup it is. But M$350 is still pricey for us 🙁
Sumi, well behaved *sometimes* 🙂
Mica, yeah. Mexican winter can be real harsh.
Very nice. Looks really cozy. =)
cute cute ni luna!! love her peekaboo photo.. ^_^
mukhang delikado yung curtain na divider ng cr.. hanginin lang nasilip na ng kasama ang krimen na ginagawa sa cr.. LOL!! pero in fairness ang funky ng mga kagamitan.. very vintage!!
Ang ganda namn ng room At ang cool ng rooftop! Kaya lang di yata ako makakaupo dun sa silya. hehehe! Wala ba talagang harang yun?
LOL, Joan! Whenever I did my thing, I asked the hubby to leave the room. So yeah, felt uneasy about it too.
Anney, no rails whatsoever. And oh, didn’t even mention the scary stairs to the rooftop! Haha!
Natakot ako sa rooftop. Luna looks like Suri Cruise. Ang laki na niya. Ingat sa mga byahe. 🙂
Some people say so too, Lito 🙂 But Suri looks so different now.
Ganda naman, Viva Mexico! May masabi lang 🙂
Hahaha! Kulit mo kompanyero.
You just found another lovely haven. Namiss ko blog mo. hihih! Parang biglang laki tuloy ni Luna pagkakita ko. hahaha! Anyway, yan na ata pinaka bonggang kusinang nakita ko. Scary. BAabaligtad tlaga ang sikmura ko. hahahaha!
wow! ang ganda ng place… i like the rooms and ang getto ng lugar ahaha…parang from the hood lang nyahahha
Maricar, yeah. If you’re afraid of heights, wag tatayo sa gilid. LOL.
Jerome, it’s sooo like Sampaloc in Manila 🙂
nice. the second shot is actually an ad-worth shot. smile of luna is priceless.
what a charming place! And Luna is so beautiful <3