Alebrije Hotel Boutique - 44100 Guadalajara

Two fouls: 1) charged half day for early check in. 2) had some bug bites from laying in bed. Otherwise, John was great. Nice colonial style architecture.

This has to be one of the most positive lodging experiences anywhere, all at a reasonable price. A great location makes for a quick walk to the centro historico of Guadalajara. Many bars and clubs are also nearby. This is a privately-owned restored mansion beautifully done. Your stay includes breakfast each day, so that you don't have to start each day with a search for food. Breakfast is help-yourself, sliced fruit, several types of cereal, yogurt, toast and jam, coffee, and juice. The owner, John, is friendly and non-intrusive, yet always available for questions, travel information, calling taxis. etc. The Casa Alebrijes adds a lot to the experience of the already tremendous city of Guadalajara. It exceeded all my expectations.

Great host in John the owner with many recommendations and ways of getting around the area. Will definitely return. Neighborhood on the edge of several like many big cities; some felt better than others. John advised where to go and not go so never felt unsafe. Walked often alone even at night but not very late; just smart about it all! Loved the hotel and the city in general with the less than 10 minute walk to the historic area. Buses everywhere if you are a bus traveler as well, and prefer not to walk like me. b e sure to see the San Juan de Dios Market if you like shopping in the traditional Mexican market way - fruits, vegetables, food, bargaining, etc., in one of the oldest markets in Mexico.

We visited Casa Alebrijes Hotel to view the collection of Alebrijes and possibly purchase one. We arrived unannounced to the address listed and were unsure that we had the correct location due to the unassuming entrance, but the sign on the front assured us that we had the correct spot. John was very accommodating and welcomed us in immediately. Inside we found a beautiful oasis hidden in downtown Guadalajara and an amazing collection of Alebrijes. I had interpreters with me but, it wasnt necessary as John was fluent in Spanish and English. In the end we ended up purchasing multiple Alebrijes and will return on future visits to Guadalajara to see what is available in the collection at Casa Alebrijes.

Fantastic gem of a hotel Probably the best hotel I have had the pleasure of staying in during numerous visits to Mexico over the years. The owner, John, is helpful and accomodating. The rooms are clean and large and the hotel has great security. Plus you get breakfast. Can not fault the hotel, staff or management.

This is a cute "boutique" hotel on a "quiet" street just south of the historic city center (Theatro Deogllado). Converted from a former residence with a courtyard, it has an "oasis" like atmosphere in "dated" but huge traditional-sized rooms on several floor around a courtyard (small). However, a) there is no air-conditioning (that is not needed in the high altitude of Guadalajara except during an exceptionally hot spell in summer) which means that every sound echoing from the courtyard is heard. There is free parking, and a cosy breakfast area. The manager at the time I went was a quiet-spoken Englishman, helped by invisible staff. Just blocks away from the historic center and eateries, central Guadalajara is not residential like the prosperrous zones of Minerva, or the satellite town of Zapopan - for those seeking more "modern" surroundings.

I don't normally leave reviews but my experience was so bad I want to warn others. I paid for 2 nights but checked out after 1 (September 2021). The hotel looks nothing like the pictures. There's no common eating area or lobby for guests. It's in disrepair. The wall with flowing water shown in photo is broken. The entrance to the street is an orange metal door like a private residence would have. You have to ring a bell for someone to open because the card reader is broken. My room (2nd flloor) was worse. There is no air conditioning, only a weak ceiling fan. The TV is tiny. Room is dark; some of lamp bulbs burnt out. The doors to the rooms are old wood doors made for interior rooms. They block no noise and have cracks someone could peer through. I could hear the staff clearly as they conducted a meeting on speaker phone in the central patio area until after 10pm when I went down to complain. Shower water was barely warm enough with only the hot turned on. The door to the shower was missing. I would never stay there again even if it was free, let alone for $899 a night.

Dark, Dismal and False Advertising This booking was a complete disaster. Immediately upon walking in to silent dark, dank, silent and completely uninhabited lobby, it conjured scenes from the classic horror film, The Shining. Upon reaching my room, I was further shocked. It looked nothing like the photos advertised: Holes in the walls, no lamps, zero art on the walls, wires hanging out of the walls, everything askew, and just enough light to barely see. It further had a foul odor, a non-functioning safe, shaky wifi, and was warm enough to keep you up all night sweating (no A/C). I immediately requested a refund through the booking site, and it almost immediately bounced back with a message from the hotel manager/owner: "sorry, our policy is non-refundable.” The attendant then visited my room asking what was the meaning of my request. I explained the obvious (see above), and her response was along the lines of “Manager says no.” I said fine, I’ll be sure to leave an honest review of my stay here. Five minutes later the attendant knocks on my door again. “My manager says you must leave the hotel in ten minutes.” I, while flabbergasted, replied that was fine, as long as I was getting a refund. After all, the place was awful and leaving sounded like a great idea. Another five minutes, and now the MANAGER (name on file and filed in subsequent PROFECO claim) knocks on the door DEMANDING (screeching) that I depart. Again, I said that would be fine with a refund. “Absolutely not!!!” He shrilled. “Then I’m not leaving. You have my money.” I told this man I would be filing a claim with PROFECO (the Mexican equivalent of the BBB but with a powerful bite) because of his behavior and the customer service of the hotel. Door shut in his face. Another five minutes, and another knock on the door: “You must leave now or we are calling the police to remove you!” WHAT?? I informed him that I knew my rights, that I am a resident of Mexico, and he needed to leave me alone. A tantrum on his part ensued, and he brought along a friend to help intimidate me. Again, door closed. I went online, found a REAL hotel to stay at, and left. I had had enough, and money was never the issue. An hour later I received an email saying my card was “declined” and that I was receiving a refund. Interesting timing. While I appreciate the refund, I also know I deserved the refund. I DID NOT deserve to be harassed, harangued and left searching for somewhere to stay at 10PM on a Friday night. I also did not deserve to be false advertised too. This hotel is obviously dying a slow death. Avoid at all costs.