The Red Tree House is one of those few Bed and Breakfasts that does everything right. If you’re headed to Mexico City, it’s the place to stay.
As comfortable as it is colorful, the Red Tree House was the perfect base of operations for our family vacation in Mexico City. We were barely through the front gate before staff members whisked our bags to our rooms. Breakfast the next morning started with coffee, fruit, and churros … and ended with molletes (open-faced sandwiches on toasted bread, topped with beans, cheese, and ham and garnished with fresh peppers and tomatoes).
Breakfasts changed daily; in five days at the house, we never had the same hot breakfast dish twice … but we did go looking for those delicious churros every morning.
Rooms were large and comfortable, with good (though sometimes sluggish) wi-fi, televisions (we never turned ours on), comfortable beds, safes, and hair dryers — pretty much everything a traveler needs to feel right at home. Our room was one of the garden rooms (the Ophelia, I believe), accessed by means of an easy flight of stairs.
We did have some noise issues (we could hear every move made in the room above us, and, though a ventilation shaft in back of the room, we could hear conversations in rooms above and below us), but other family members who stayed in the main house didn’t have this problem — something to keep in mind, perhaps, when making a reservation.
The common patio area is lush and tropical, with leafy green plants, flowers, fountains, and colored lights. Interior spaces — the kitchen, the dining areas, the front parlor — are all pleasant, well-appointed, and comfortable. We were there during an unusual cold snap; otherwise, this would have been our favorite spot for breakfasts.
The real charm, though, has more to do with the staff: a tireless team of enthusiastic, friendly, well-trained guys. Their warmth isn’t an act; they all know they’re part of something special, and their pride in The Red Treehouse (and interest in helping you have a great time) really shines through. At breakfast and during the evening happy hour, Victor, Eduardo, and Alex do a fantastic job of helping guests meet and start chatting with each other. And that spirit is catching; we met and had pleasant chats with more guests at Red Tree House than we’ve ever met or enjoyed at any other property on the planet.
I had arranged tours and some meals in advance of our trip — mostly because I’m not used to having the level of support that the staff at the Red Tree House provides. We could have arrived with no plans at all, and they would have taken care of everything for us. You can depend on the car services and tours the staff recommends; they are the very same highly-rated guides you might have trouble booking elsewhere. In addition, the staff’s restaurant recommendations are excellent (and there are several restaurants within easy walking distance of the house, including Rojo Bistro (don’t miss the pork belly) and Patagonia (an Argentinian steakhouse).
On a personal note: while in Mexico City, a bit of raw chicken in a taco from a small town carnival gave me serious food poisoning. I cannot say enough about how well the Red Tree House team responded. They helped Clyde contact a doctor and arrange a house call (!), which, even without insurance, cost us just $75.00. The doctor prescribed exactly what I needed — and the Red Tree House team even offered to go fill the prescriptions for us. On the day I chose to stay in my room while the family toured the pyramids, the staff checked on me, made sure I had everything I needed, and kept an eye on me. I felt very well-cared for.
We will be going back to Mexico City — I am determined to see those pyramids! — and there’s no question in my mind that we’ll be staying at the Red Tree House again. If rooms are available, book them; this is one of those rare opportunities to stay in a B&B that, like Eden Park in Auckland, defines what a B&B experience should be.
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