As Mexico’s second-largest city and a hub for education, technology and commerce, Guadalajara is one of the nation’s most sophisticated destinations. It’s also quite a bustling metropolis when it comes to gay nightlife — and now the city’s tourism office is starting to promote it as an LGBT vacation and gay travel destination as well. But while there are plenty of gay-friendly hotels that will welcome same-sex couples and other LGBT travelers, there’s only one really “gay hotel” — a gay-owned establishment that not only welcomes all types of guests but also provides them with listings, maps and other details about nightlife, dining and attractions. And that place is Casa Alebrijes.
During my most recent visit to Guadalajara, Jalisco, I followed up my stay at the luxurious Hotel Demetria (read my review here) with a visit to Casa Alebrijes, a “straight-friendly” small hotel in the historic downtown of Mexico‘s second-largest city. This is a review of my experience.
THE STYLE: Set in an 18th-century former home, Casa Alebrijes is set in a very centrally located neighborhood in Guadalajara’s historic city center. Look for the rainbow-colored peacock logo and you’ll be in the right place.
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From the the outside, you might barely guess that it’s a hotel. But as soon as you open the door, you’ll feel like you’re in a different world. Like many Spanish colonial-style homes, simple facades hide sometimes-magnificent interiors. The main, two-story courtyard, where the reception desk is located, has a fountain, tables and chairs, and is a welcome oasis from the bustling streets outside.
John, the Ohio-born owner, is the very definition of a gracious and helpful host. During check-in he provided me with a detailed list of local gay bars and clubs (most of which are within easy walking distance of the hotel), as well as noteworthy restaurants and attractions, together with maps that show the exact location of each.
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John has obviously spent quite a bit to renovate this lovely property, and the attention to detail is obvious in the decor — which features hand-painted ceilings, beautiful Mexican pottery and other authentically local decor.
The name “alebrijes,” by the way, refers to the colorful Mexican folk art sculptures of imaginary creatures, and a few dozen decorate the hotel in various spots — and you can also buy one of these fanciful creations from the display case in the main courtyard.
GUEST ROOMS: I stayed in room 3, a first-floor room which — like all the guest rooms I saw — has super-high ceilings and a full bathroom with shower. I loved the large, colored-glass door, which opens right onto the courtyard. The room has a small desk, safe deposit box, two chairs, a queen-size bed and TV with dozens of cable channels in both English and Spanish. A ceiling fan helps to keep the room cool. Depending on exchange rate, room prices range from about $45 for a smaller room with a queen-size bed to about $90 for a spacious room with a king-size bed and Jacuzzi.
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HOTEL FEATURES: The room rate at this Guadalajara hotel includes free continental breakfast, which is served on gorgeously colorful Mexican ceramic plates and includes cereal, fresh fruit, yogurt, juice and coffee. A big selling point for night owls (and a sign that this is a gay-focused hotel): Breakfast is served until 12 noon!
WiFi is free and strong throughout the hotel — another plus. And the multiple outdoor seating areas provide lots of places to relax and enjoy Guadalajara’s generally great weather (even though I visited during the rainy season, the occasional showers never spoiled my touring of the city).
There are countless things to do in Guadalajara, and I easily made my way around by foot for two days, venturing out with the maps that John had provided, as well as trusty Google maps.
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BEST FOR: LGBT leisure travelers who are looking for value prices, attractive accommodations and a central location in Guadalajara’s historic city center, within walking distance of many attractions as well as gay nightlife. Casa Alebrijes should really be square one for anyone looking for detailed recommendations about the best LGBT clubs and bars. And as a “straight-friendly” Guadalajara hotel, this property is also great for anyone looking for a good deal in the historic downtown.
INFO & RESERVATIONS: www.casaalebrijes.com (don’t forget you can also use LatinFlyer’s own search engine to compare the best hotel rates on more than a dozen top travel sites)