Driving the quaint, narrow, cobblestone streets we arrived at the Ajijic Guest House with Gary the owner waiting in the front courtyard to greet us.
The front courtyard with its tropical plants was just a beginning into the recently reconstructed guest house that in the past had a dirt floor, a piece of material to divide the sections of the house and 9 persons residing in the residence.
The description now is quite different. In the courtyard is a huge old wooden door and then into a tiled entry hall with a bubbling fountain at the end. You can see the twisting staircase with tile inserts, cupolas with statues, and a ceiling representing a monster conch shell. Upstairs off the staircase is the computer area , comfortable white sofas surrounding the table with a magnificence mexican cookbook resting on it. This area is bright and extends into a private upstairs patio overlooking the street presenting a great place to read or play cards. The ceiling is arched with small red bricks decorating it. Looking down from the balcony is the dining area
enlarged with mirrors, quaint wooden mexican table, and extending into the living area with the fireplace, comfortable seating area and the phone which is free for local calls. Wi Fi is at no cost and we set our computer on the dining table as we were the only guests here at the moment. The kitchen is modern and can be used by the guests as long as you clean up your own mess.
Breakfast is served at 9 AM unless you want another time. Gary goes out at 8 AM and gets hot crusty bread which has the aroma to lure you into the dining area. Fresh fruit, cereal, toast whatever you want is available and served with gourmet coffee poured in glass cups to carry out the gourmet effect. Gary enlightened us on his life so far and give directions for everyplace he recommended for us to go. There is even a laundry room that you can use for $2.50 per load.
The first floor bedroom was a large queen size bed, looking out over an inside patio and sporting a jaccui tub in the bathroom.
Walking out the door you were in the midst of the antique town which you could wander the streets for shops, restaurants with each one having a glorious patio with grass, plants, tiles and mexican atmosphere. The meals we found were so reasonable and excellent products were produced in the kitchens of these small restaurants. Lake Chapala was 2 blocks away and a fantastic place to sit under the large shade trees watching the local children playing and listening to the ripple of the lake.
One can go out to the market and visit the various small towns in the area that each have their own identity for you to browse in and then come home to this guest house that is really and truely a home away from home. We had guests over for cocktails and just relaxed in this clever B&B with the location only you can imagine that it would be possible to stay in.
This property can also be rented entirely for you and your
friends or relatives.
Pictures attached show the once a week Wednesday local market. Fruits and vegetables of all kinds are available, try a meal made in this huge metal pan that is pictured, pick up a bouquet of flowers or check out the crafts available.
This town and guest house are a must on your travel list to stay a day, a week or even a month and sightsee something new every day. Also many of the Margaritas in town we found were only 150 pesos and oh so delicious. Try a mango margarita pictured with the satisfied look of the tourist.