Where to Stay in San Miguel de Allende Guide
Hi! If you’re new here, let me give ya a bit of background. I’m a lifeSTYLE + small biz coach and author who happens to be obsessed with pretty spaces. I’ve been coming to San Miguel de Allende for the past 10 years and have led 13 retreats here. San Miguel is a haven for creatives with some of the most gorgeous spaces you’ll see anywhere in the world. In fact, San Miguel is quietly becoming a major design hotspot. I’ve made it my J.O.B. to find the most beautiful + affordable places to stay. Because there are soooo many cool places, I’ve hopped around quite a bit! Here a a few of my fav Airbnbs + one gorgeous boutique hotel that I just had to include…
La Casita Boheme Paloma
My daughter and I stayed at La Casita Boheme Paloma for a month and it was one of our favs. If you love the boho-lux feel, you’ll be very happy here. The owner, Jamie Pesanti has great taste, styling every nook and cranny in a way that will leave you happily exploring every single inch of this sweet casita. Besides the gorgeous interior, this casita is located in a fantastic location right in the center of San Miguel de Allende in a safe, colorful, beautifully local Mexican neighborhood in Colonia Azteca.
The house itself is located on a “callejon” which is a little narrow stone lined alley way. It feels like you are in a secret world somewhere in historic Europe. The house is a 5-7 minute walk downhill to the Mercado de Artesanías and a 10 minute walk to the Jardín + center of SMA it features two bedrooms, a light filled courtyard patio, rooftop terrace, second story master and seating area, and a romantically lit Moroccan inspired living room.
La Casa Boheme
La Casa Boheme is also one of my absolute favorites. My daughter and I stayed here for a week and would have moved in forever if we could. La Casa Boheme is also owned by Jamie Pesanti (see above) who makes every space feel like a designer’s dream. This tranquil oasis is also in the center of San Miguel. A 10 minute walk (or 2 minute taxi) will lead you right into the heart of it all... the artisan market, cafes, galleries, boutiques, restaurants, live music, and a vibrant street life.
The house is bright and airy with an open concept living area. It has been decorated with love and is full of treasures form around the world. The home has 2 queen sized bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, washer + dryer, off street parking and a gorgeous rooftop terrace.
Casa De Los Olivos
I often come to San Miguel a few days before retreat, and the last time I stayed at Casa de los Olivos. I was drawn to the charming courtyard and spacious terrace with views of the famous Parroquia. It’s inspiring, yet private. The perfect spot for you to rejuvenate after a day of exploring.
It’s only a few steps away from the heart of centro, yet remarkably quiet.
You’re also only a few doors down from the BEST bakery in town, try Panio for all kinds of takeaway croissants and pastries (my favorite is the almond croissant). Right next door is Cumpanio, a sit down cafe with homemade pastas and delicious salads.
The E-Studios
My girl and I stayed in The eStudios for a month. We chose it because it was a super affordable and the owners sounded really cool. I was right about that! Cate + Judson were not only super hosts, they became our dear friends. Both artists, Cate + Judson opened up their studios and hearts to us. They were so kind to me and my daughter, it really felt like family. Because there is so much creative energy, I found my girl painting in the garden nearly every day we stayed there.
The eStudios are in a a secure, private, walled compound with two apartments and furnished, covered rooftop terrace with sweeping views over the San Miguel church steeples, the "big sky" mountain valleys-and exquisite sunsets-every night!
eStudio UNO (where we stayed) is on the entry level and opens out into a a circular stonework garden courtyard. A curved textured wall separates the sleeping area with a king bed, from the open plan living/dining/kitchen area.
Located just 10 minutes north beyond the Fabrica Aurora Art & Design Center, a further 20 minute walk to center of town, central markets and Jardin. If you’re looking to be a bit outside of the noise of the city center this place is for you!
Casa Caramba
There are many great neighborhoods in San Miguel de Allende and I encourage you to explore them all! I fell in love with Colonia Guadalupe, known as “the arts district” for the colorful murals that grace its walls and the many artists who call it home. It’s super close to the central square (about a 10 min walk) and yet you don’t need to venture far to find all you need right here in this little neighborhood.
There’s an awesome organic market called Via Organic and lots of cool little cafes like Josephine’s where you can get a non-dairy frappe and smoothie bowl. Not to mention the inexpensive but delicious hole-in-the-wall gordita stands.
My daughter and I stayed at Casa Caramba for a month and it was really a sweet experience. There’s actually four casitas on the property that vary in size. We stayed in the upstairs studio with it’s own private garden terrace. It was small, but had everything a little girl and her mama needed. It felt cozy and safe.
If you want to stay in a traditional San Miguel house filled with tiles, art, and lots of COLOR- this place is for you.
The Good Abode
A labor of love, this home was built 2018-2019 as collaborative design by my buddy Christine Martin, her husband David, and their architect. I’ve been watching the evolution of Christine’s home on Instagram and was dying to see it in real life. Let me tell you, it was worth the wait.
Christine is an interior designer and it shows. Every detail is well though out. The design combines modern and eclectic styles, making the most of the space and natural light. It’s technically a one bedroom with the downstairs TV room as an optional guest sleeping area. The TV room has a blank wall for projecting favorite shows or having a movie night. There is a home office as well that couples as a space for meditation/yoga. The downstairs bathroom boasts of handmade mosaic tiles and a concrete sunken tub for relaxation.
Following the skylight to higher ceilings in the back, there is an open plan of living, dining, and kitchen. This area leads to a patio where a one of my fav local muralists, Brenda Jaramillo, work is featured on one of the walls.
Upstairs you will find an outdoor spa tub great for soaking with either hot or cool water depending on the weather. Adjacent is the bedroom with a comfy king, bathroom with shower and small walk in closet. The home sits in a combined local Mexican/ex pat neighborhood and is about a 20 minute safe walk from Centro. Busses run regularly (can't beat a 7 peso ride!) with taxis and Uber as other transport options.
This home is a perfect haven for those wanting to take a breather from the bustle of San Miguel's Centro and wishing for an authentic living experience.
*** You can inquire directly by DM on Instagram @thegoodabode.
The Brooklane B&B
The Brooklane is owned by two amazingly handsome and fun guys that you will make you feel right at home. I haven’t stayed here YET, but I was lucky enough to get a tour and it’s GORGEOUS!
This boutique hotel is centrally located within just five minutes walking distance of El Jardin Principal (Main Square). Within a stones throw from the B&B you can meander through the art filled streets of Colonia Guadalupe (one of my very favorite neighborhoods!)
This Brooklyn-esque neighborhood is beaming with artists and entrepreneurs who continue to hold on to the bohemian spirit of San Miguel.
Hope this little guide has been helpful! If you are a creative entrepreneur and would like an insider to show you this beautiful city, make sure to get on the San Miguel de Allende Retreat Wait List below.