My husband and I came to Oaxaca to study - TESOL course and Spanish. We booked a room at Villa Maria in October and based on what Maria told us and the reviews, we thought we had just the place we needed for six weeks. Maria told us that the apartment fronted on Calle Arteaga and that it could be noisy during the day but that it quieted down in the evening and the bedroom was interior. As soon as we got there we were skeptical - one night decided us that we would not be able to remain. The trucks and cars rumbled by until well into the night (11:00 p.m.) and started up again around 5:00 a.m. When they went by, the vibration shook not only the big windows that fronted on the street, but the interior windows on the utility room as well. The water heater in the utility room next to the bedroom also went on and off all night. The bedroom was "interior" as we were told, but had no windows as it was on the first floor. Essentially we felt like we were in a garage except that the apartment was spotless, very well equipped and had a good shower. Maria was kind and accommodating and no doubt the other apartments, that are all on the second floor and front on the courtyard garden are as pictured on the website. We cannot comment on those since we never got to see them. The evening we arrived the garden was gated and the dog was inside and she said we couldn't go in. We lost our $100 deposit but fortunately did not pay her the rent initially. The following day we spent from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. searching for another place. Fortunately the people at Spanish Magic (my husband's language school) knew of someone with a place near the Parque Llano which we were able to rent immediately for the same price it would have cost at Villa Maria. It is quiet, large (two bedrooms and two baths), immaculate and very secure. Best of all we step out the door and can enjoy the park any time of day or evening. Oaxaca is a busy, noisy city most of the day and there is traffic on all the major thoroughfares. The location of Villa Maria and the ambiance for those who have an upstairs apartments may make it OK for many people. The street noise and the shaking of the windows however made it intolerable for us. If you want to rent there be sure to specify an upstairs place and if you consider the street-fronting place you would do well to see it before handing over your pesos.

My wife and I have stayed at Villa Maria many times usually for 3 months. We lucked up on our first stay there because it was sight unseen and we had never been to Oaxaca.
We were greeted by helpful neighbors who became friends and pleasant surrondings. The location we know now is second to none in convenience. The staff there is helpful and efficient and anxious to please. The owner of Villa Maria is a resource you don't oftern find. We had a medical problem and she sent us to a doctor who knew immediately the cause and remedy and it was soon corrected. We recommend it highly.

I have just returned from my third stay at Villa Maria and already I am missing it. I cannot say enough wonderful things about this very comfortable and easy apartment complex. there is a central courtyard filled with flowers and trees and birds and a very friendly dog named Ramses. There are two sun and light filled roof top terraces that became my favorite places each night to watch the sun set. Golden light turned into purples and reds and the outlines of the surrounding mountains soon twinkled with the lights of houses and street lamps.

My apartment was simply and comfortably furnished, with everything I needed to rest and cook. From the very first time I stayed there, Maria Garcia, the landlady, welcomed me with warmth and loads of information about the city. Her staff is lovely and very helpful. I felt completely safe and secure and greatly appreciated the care everyone took in maintaining the complex, and my living area.

Maria takes great pride and care in working with her tenants. Over the years, she has developed relationships with her guests, so much so that many have returned year after year for more than 5 years. Because of this, there is continuity and friendliness among the guests, and I have developed my own friendships with the people I have met at Villa Maria.

The locations is ideal - a 15 minute walk to anything you would want to see (even closer to the Zocolo) and far enough to not be in the midst of the hustle and bustle. I definitely consider Oaxaca my 2nd home, and my experience at Villa Maria is part of why I return again and again to this wonderful place. I cannot recommend it enough - the simplicity, the reasonable pricing, the people. I am already counting days to my next trip there.

My partner and I have been staying for extended periods at Willa Maria's for several years. When we first discovered VM, we were living in another apartment in the city. As soon as we saw the tranquil courtyard and roof garden, we felt at home, and moved as quickly as possible. Our first visit, we moved into one of the small apartments, but in subsequent stays we chose a larger apartment for more kitchen space. Like others who have been coming here for many years, we find the location excellent for shopping and touring. The english language library is a pleasant walk, as is the zocalo and several mercados. From nearby I can catch a bus to just about anywhere my heart desires.

We have no anxieties about walking in the neighborhood at night. We very much enjoy the small restaurants the locals frequent, in addition to the street food vendors. The neighborhood is quiet at night, except for the occasional fiesta. Much the same situation in any big city!

We like the comfort of the living quarters, which includes a living room and large bathroom, nicely equipped kitchen and pleasant bedrooms. The other renters are mostly pleasant people, who appreciate both fellowship and privacy. Past guests have established a small lending library right in the courtyard, and the rooftop garden is a jewel, in our eyes. One of us particularly likes the weekly cleaning service!

Maria is most accomodating of any requests we've ever had, is professional yet warm with us. We feel lucky to have found Villa Maria! Friends who have visited us in past years all marvel at our great home away from home.