The Red Tree House

The Red Tree House is housed in a residence built in the 1930s that has reputedly hosted artists and writers over the years. It's a bit quirky, but it's beautiful and warm, and has the feeling of staying in a friend's home rather than a hotel. Guests enter from the tree-lined street into the cozy lobby with a small front desk at the back. There is vibrant contemporary Mexican artwork throughout, and a red glass chandelier hangs from the ceiling. One of the hotel's best features is its furnished courtyard with a jacaranda tree, many other plants and flowers, and fountains. The Living Room is a cozy place to unwind on the sofa and chairs in front of a fireplace in front of the player piano, with the hotel's resident dog, Abril, underfoot. As young children aren't allowed, the hotel appeals to mature couples and solo travelers looking for a quiet place to relax.

The Red Tree House is situated in Condesa, a lovely residential neighborhood with tree-lined streets that are packed with shops, cafes, galleries, parks, and bars. It's one of the city's trendier districts and borders the equally hip Roma neighborhood. Chapultepec Park is a 20 minute stroll from the hotel (10 minutes by car or taxi) and is home to the city's zoo, Museum of Modern Art, and Museum of Anthropology. The Chilpancingo metro stop is four blocks away, a seven-minute walk, and makes moving about the city much easier. Destinations like the Zona Rosa are 15 minutes away by metro (a 25-minute walk), while downtown (home to sights like the Museo de Bellas Artes) is 30 minutes away by metro. Mexico City International Airport is a 30- to 40-minute drive from the hotel depending on traffic.

Each of the contemporary rooms are individually decorated and have names such as Lafayette, Milagritos, and Amigos. Furniture and bold artwork are modern and chic, and rooms have attractive wood or stone-tiled floors and on-trend wall colors like slate gray and mustard yellow. Rooms range in size and style, but all have flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and mini-fridges. Some rooms, like the Penthouse and Lafayette, also have full kitchens and balconies. While all rooms also have ceiling fans, none are air-conditioned. Lafayette is named after a landmark across the street, Edificio Lafayette, and a large photograph of it hangs in the dining area. The room has a glass-enclosed living room overlooking the tree-filled courtyard. Jacaranda is bright and colorful with orange and white bed coverings, red doors, and gold drapes. The large Penthouse is equally colorful, with a vivid orange bed covering, red rug, yellow chairs, and purple runners on the dresser and desk. The Treehouse, on the rooftop with its own terrace, is among the most popular rooms, although it is tiny. Bathrooms tend to be on the small side and aren't quite as stylish as the guest rooms, but all have tiled showers, small vanities, and toiletries. 

Breakfast is included in room rates and is served in the courtyard each morning. It consists of coffee, tea, juice, pastries, fruit, cereal, and a Mexican specialty that changes each day. Free wine and beer are served in the courtyard in the evening. A computer and printer are set up in the Living Room for guests to use, and the player piano is available for entertainment. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Children must be older than 8 years of age to stay here and guests should know that a dog resides in the house (guests are not allowed to bring pets). In a small property like this, service makes a major difference, and the staff is exceedingly accommodating and helpful.