Best B&B in Mexico City? The Red Tree House is Hard to Beat

Wine hour at the Red Tree House

In the courtyard with its orange trees and pots of flowering bird-of-paradise plants, co-owner Craig offers us generous pours of a nice chilled French Chardonnay.

Craig is the set designer for the Oregon Cabaret Theater, and he divides his time between Oregon and Mexico City.

He introduces us to other guests seated at the wrought iron tables and chairs.

We meet a couple of young lawyers and art lovers from Washington, here on a long weekend getaway.

There’s also a retired gay couple, fellow Canadians who now live in the colonial Mexican city of Merida.

Craig and his co-owner partner, Jorge, want all their guests to feel like they’re staying with friends (something other Red Tree House, Mexico City, reviews also point out).

It feels a little like we’re at a house party – with the freedom to come and go as we wish.

Eventually we tear ourselves away for dinner at a nearby restaurant, happy we picked this Mexico City bed-and-breakfast for part of our stay.

The original house was built in the 1930s but additions have since been made to it.

There are 17 rooms in the three-story main house and another 5 rooms in a smaller house across the street.

Which of the two Red Tree House buildings is better?

The smaller house across the road is quieter and more private – it’s a good option if you don’t always want to be visible.

We stayed in the main house, and it felt warmer, cozier and livelier.

It is a little less private though – all rooms are built around that leafy courtyard we told you about earlier, so your comings-and-goings can be seen.

Best room?

Each room is different.

You may have a small living room or a little wrought-iron balcony overlooking the inner courtyard. Some have wood plank floors, while others have tile floors.

Some have compact kitchenettes.

The Penthouse is probably the most desirable room.

If we were to stay in the smaller house across the street, we’d probably pick the room with a window opening to a tiny courtyard outside (but the room has two single beds).

Sleep quality?

Excellent!

“You’ve got to do 2 things right if you run a B&B,” Craig told us. “The bed and the breakfast.”

And the beds are good quality and super comfy.

What’s for breakfast?

Help yourself to fruit slices, fresh-squeezed orange juice, cereal, croissants, yogurt, churros and coffee or tea.

You’re also served a delicious hot plate, perhaps cheese-and-chicken quesadillas one morning and a cheese-and-pepper omelet with tomato sauce another.

The staff (we remember Victor and Alejandro) are super helpful with restaurant and sightseeing recommendations.

What about WiFi?

Yes, it’s free.

The signal may be weak in your room, though, so you may have to go into the courtyard or dining room for stronger reception.

Who should book here?

Craig and Jorge are spot on when they say on their website: “We are not a luxury hotel with grand rooms and formal service.” (For that, you’ll probably like the Four Seasons in Mexico City, where we also stayed.)

The website goes on to say: “Instead, you will find tasteful rooms, beautiful surroundings, congenial hosts and interesting fellow guests.”

Some guests are on a budget, but others choose to stay at Mexico City’s Red Tree House for the great neighborhood and the friendly staff and atmosphere.

Singles and female travelers will feel safe and welcome here.

Be aware

If you’re used to sleeping in a king-size bed (like we are), rooms with a king-size bed are few at the Red Tree House.

Most rooms have queen-size beds – so you’re forced to cuddle up together :-).

Also know that there is no elevator.

And you have to ring a buzzer by the front gate to gain entry inside.

The property is wonderfully located

The bed-and-breakfast is in Condesa, Mexico City.

Condesa is an upscale residential area, surrounded by many restaurants.

It’s also very close to the city’s main attractions, like the world-renowned National Museum of Anthropology.

Our taxi driver had a hard time finding the place though (so would we, as the street signs are confusing).

Be prepared to help show your driver the B&B’s location on a map. (The Red Tree House also emails you a map with its location when you book.)

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Photo credits: 2 to 4, 7, 10, 12 © Janice and George Mucalov, SandInMySuitcase | Remaining images the Red Tree House 

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The Red Tree House kindly hosted our stay for review purposes. But that doesn’t mean they had any control over our review – we’re always free to write what we want (the good and the bad). 

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