i had the deep pleasure of hosting a painting retreat with the alluring destination of san miguel de allende. casa carmen seemed the most fitting home for our group and a charming ample courtyard for our creative needs. think enormous canvases, easels, a wild array of paints, paint brushes, and enough room for fifteen passionate artists to follow their muse. i share this with you so you will understand how far cynthia and her entire staff extended themselves beyond our wildest expectations to make an art retreat of a life time come true.

my group all found their rooms charming and sparkly clean, our meals together extraordinary, the staff thoughtful, accommodating and friendly.

i want to offer my deepest thanks to cynthia for her kindness and resourcefulness. she was invaluable in helping with many logistical needs for the workshop far in advance of our arrival. she answered my emails quickly and with great willingness and kindness. i have found a true friend in cynthia and casa carmen truly has won all our hearts!

Casa Carmen is a great "home away from home." A very open, welcome atmosphere created by Cynthia, Carolina and the rest of the staff.There are 11 rooms in a 400 year old building with an open courtyard where guests can relax in the sun around the fountain, meet other guests, read and just absorb the warm atmosphere. The full breakfast menu and three course lunch of family recipes are beautifully presented and gourmet quality. This B&B has the friendliness and helpfulness lacking in boutique hotels. Beautifully simple heavy wooden doors with latches, no locks, colorful tiles, skylights and thick walls, the rooms are quiet and calming and the building only a couple of blocks from the plaza and all the New Year's celebrations. We had planned to travel to other cities, but instead took day trips so we could return to Casa Carmen every night for 2 weeks.

Casa Carmen served as the location for a weeklong painting class I attended in San Miguel de Allende. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed and comfortable. The rooms are cozy and comfortable. Every meal I ate at the location was delicious and meticulously presented. The staff are very kind and Cynthia and Carolina are gracious and generous. The bulding reflects a history of the city, with it's colors and charm. The courtyard is a wonderful place to meet, share stories and enjoy the vibrant sounds of the city. The smell of orange blossoms and roses wake you and in mid afternoon the sun hits the water fountain and creates a perfect backdrop for enjoying a glass of wine and a good book. The location is very convenient in the heart of the city!

About three short blocks from El Jardin, the central square where all the activity takes place. Woke up each morning looking at lovely brick ceiling with wooden beams and glass block skylight. Comfortable bed, some early morning street noise due to open window. Room had desk, two night stands with drawers and a dresser. Lots of hangers in closet. Side table with lamp. Lots of places to put your things and work on your computer (or use theirs in the general room where the TV also is). Pitcher filled with fresh water each day. Tile floors mopped, table tops dusted, belongings straightened every day. Bathroom/shower small, not fancy, but serviceable. Choice of pancakes, french toast, eggs in a variety of ways. 3 course lunches yummy, very filling, all traditional and home made. In Cynthia's absence, staff willingly struggled with English and my sign language (due to my lack of Spanish) trying their very best to be helpful and accommodating. Because of a scheduled care giving requirement, Cynthia (and her perfect English) was not on site, but called us to be sure we were well taken care of and to give instructions to her staff. Everyone was, you could say, loving, with plenty of smiles. You could get a cheaper place with no food service and eat out on-the-cheap for less, but the convenience and quality at Casa Carmen made the slight difference worth it. We paid $122. Left our belongings-- computer, money, and even passports in our unlocked room off the courtyard with no worry. Unless Hilton is the only hotel style you'd consider, I'd highly recommend Casa Carmen! We'd definitely go back. Spent a week in Nov 2011.