Come stay!
Contact us to stay, or ask us whatever questions you have, and we’ll get right back to you. You can check availability in the calendar below. Thank you!
Pricing for the Bird House or Casita Laurita
Please note that in accordance with federal, state, and municipal taxes in San Miguel de Allende for rentals we pay 30% of all rental fees in taxes, and we must pay the city a yearly fee of $2500 for permission to rent. These fees are included in the pricing below.
April-October
Per night: $170
Per week: $1100
Per month: $3500
November -March
Per night: $185
Per week: $1250
Per month: $4000
Damage deposit (refundable after you leave if nothing is broken, missing, or unusually soiled; or if it smells like cigarettes): $250
Housekeeping 1x/week is included. If you would like the housekeeper to come more frequently, it is $40 per each additional visit. Personal laundry is not included, but can be done for an extra $5 tip to the housekeeper.
Tipping for good service is customary for the housekeeper and concierge, especially for extra services.
The management company offers several services for a fee, including stocking the house with food, arranging for parking, arranging for massages and chefs, etc.
NO OTHER HIDDEN SERVICE FEES. We prefer to be paid by Venmo or bank transfer. Add 3% for PayPal.
TWO NIGHT MINIMUM.
IS YOUR GROUP BIGGER AND YOU’D LIKE TO BE CLOSE, BUT MAYBE…NEXT DOOR? PERFECT FOR YOU! (We can discuss pricing). The Bird House and Casita Laurita are neighbors!
The Bird House and Casita Laurita Availability here.
The houses are available for rent unless dates are blocked off.
Two night minimum, please. Maximum of five people per house.
FAQs
Is there parking?
There’s no garage at the house and street parking nearby is tight. However, there are parking garages close that are reasonable. Guillermo can help you figure out where to park.
Can I bring my dog or cat?
Definitely NO CATS because the owner is very allergic. No big dogs, either. However, if you have a small, well-behaved dog, let’s discuss. We kinda like little dogs.
How far from the airport (and which airport)?
People either fly in to Leon/Bajio (BJX) or Queretaro (QRO) if they want the closest airports. Both are about 1 1/2 hours away. Both are accessible by shuttle to your destination in SMA. Bajiogo is a reliable service, and there are many others you can easily find.
Another alternative is to fly to Mexico City, about 4 hours away by bus or shuttle. From CDMX airport you can take a bus that takes you to Queretaro, and from there you grab a taxi or transfer to a bus to SMA. From CDMX you can also get a bus from the North Terminal (I prefer ETN) that will take you right to the SMA, and then get a cab from the bus station.
Or you can get a private driver from either location; we can suggest some when you book. Under no circumstances are we responsible for any issues with your transportation, however.
What’s the deal with housekeeping?
Our housekeeper, Paula, who has been with us for over 10 years, comes once a week to each house (of course it is sparkling clean when you arrive). She does sheets and general cleaning (but please don’t leave your dishes to pile up for the whole week). If you’d like more housekeeping (you ARE on vacation), just let us know and we will schedule another visit for $40. Paula doesn’t usually do personal laundry, but will do it for an extra tip. Likewise, if you have a dinner party or something, we can have an extra housekeeper help with serving and cleaning up. Just ask Belem, the house manager.
Paula knows how to do her job and doesn’t need any instruction, but if you have any special requests ask Belem.
How far to the jardin?
You’re three long blocks to the jardin. The location is excellent – a fairly quiet street out of the central hubbub, but a short, FLAT walk to the central plaza.
How are these houses for kids or people with mobility issues?
Not good for kids under sevenish. There are a lot of stairs. Kids older than that and teens will love the Bird House. It’s a fairy tale on the walls.
Unfortunately, these are not good houses for people who have mobility issues, as there are stairs to the bedrooms in both houses.
Is this a safe neighborhood?
This is a quiet neighborhood, mostly families, where there has been very little crime. San Miguel de Allende is a city, so as in any city, you have to have your wits about you. Watch your bag and be aware of your surroundings, as you would in any city. Only take marked city taxis or call one in advance (we have a list in the houses, along with other emergency contact numbers for doctors, etc.).
There’s a safe in Casita Laurita for valuables, and a locked door in the Bird House. Personally, we’ve never used either. Never had a problem.
What’s your minimum stay?
Two nights. We’re not keen on last-minute reservations, but give us a try.
What’s the address?
We’re on Calle Loreto near the artisan market. For security and privacy, we will give you the exact address when you book.
What if I don’t speak Spanish?
No hay problema. It’s easy to get around SMA without speaking Spanish – people in most restaurants and shops speak English. Belem, our property manager speaks English. Our housekeeper doesn’t speak much English, but if you have any questions, ask Belem. (But even if you don’t speak very much Spanish, buenos dias, buenas tardes, por favor and gracias go a long way — you’re coming to Mexico, so brush up!).
What’s your cancellation policy?
You pay a 50% deposit to hold the house, which is refundable up to two months before the rental period. The rest is due a month beforehand and is nonrefundable. If we are able to rebook the house, we will refund whatever portion of your payment for the time we were able to rent the house, minus $200 administrative fee. If you have an emergency, we may be able to give you credit for another stay. Thanks for understanding that we are small.
Can I throw a party?
A small dinner party? Sure. A bigger party? No. These aren’t party houses. We respect our neighbors and try to keep things peaceful and quiet. Please keep the total number of guests in either house to about eight if you’re having a small gathering. Don’t be loud or late. Respect our neighbors.
What’s your reservation procedure?
We’re small, and like to deal with people directly. So please email us to book. We’ll get right back to you.
If you decide to rent, we’ll send you a brief rental agreement, just so everyone is on the same page about everything. You’ll PayPal or Venmo the rental amount (email if you prefer another form of payment and we’ll sort that out). I’ll email you back with detailed information about the house, how to get in touch with the property manager, etc. After you contact her, she will be at the house to greet you, show you around, give you keys, and answer any questions. You can leave the keys on the front table when you leave. We will return your security deposit promptly to the account you paid us from if there is no damage (we’ve been lucky and had great guests so far and have never had to keep it!).
We look forward to your visit!
Hablas español?
Claro que si. Si usted quiere hacer una reservación en español, no hay problema. También podemos ponerle en contacto directamente con Belem. Se puede pagar directamente a un banco en Mexico tambien, por un transfer. Gracias!
Parli italiano?
Si, possiamo anche fare prenotazione in italiano.
Gracias
Grazie
Thanks!
A few reviews…
“AN INCREDIBLE FIND. We spent five nights in this jewel box of a home—we used it as our home base for various adventures around town and also as a hideaway when we wanted to read and write (there’s a great office for those activities, but we really loved using the rooftop terrace, too, with its striking potted cacti and a fantastic view of SMA). We also had guests over for a great dinner prepared by the wife of the owner’s house manager for a reasonable fee. The kitchen is warm and versatile. The amenities in general are terrific—the owner has imagined every need ahead of time. We felt in very good hands!.”
— Barbara O., Montclair, NJ
“TRULY A GEM. My wife and I spent a week at Casita Laurita in June and enjoyed every minute of our stay. It is a wonderful home in a magical city. The location simply cannot be beat. Calle Loreto is a quiet street and a stones throw from the jardin and everything else that you want to walk to and see in San Miguel. My wife and I spent every morning on the rooftop terrace listening to the birds in the morning and watching the sunset at night…From the artwork to the architectural elements everywhere you look there is something new to see and appreciate at Casita Laurita. You can tell that the house was built with love and is truly a home to be enjoyed.”
— Jesse R.Phoenix, AZ
“TRULY A JEWEL - A DIAMOND, TO BE EXACT. A friend and I rented Casa Laurita for 5 nights beginning on New Year's day and it couldn't have been any better. The Casita is incredibly spacious, comfortable, modern, and immaculately designed. It feels like a boutique hotel, without other guests. It's a short walk to the main square, but far enough away from the hustle and bustle to be quiet. The kitchen is truly a dream, with everything you could want. The bedrooms and office are on upper floors and private from each other, each bedroom has its own bath. There are two beautiful and sunny balconies with incredible views to sit in the sun reading, have breakfast, or share drinks at sunset. Laura has a super friendly and helpful local gentleman to help arrange everything and troubleshoot any problems if necessary. I can't recommend this house highly enough. ”
— Jeff M., NY
“AMAZING PROPERTY! This is a really great property with an excellent location to everything! The house is very comfortable - we especially liked the study area and the rooftop patio area! It is very well appointed and Laura has done an amazing job with making it super comfy for all with the tasteful decor that represents SMA! We appreciated all the great info you provided for restaurants, things to do, emergency contacts etc etc!! Guillermo, the property owner was great to work with. I would definitely stay here again and recommend this property to all. Thanks for a great place to stay! We loved San Miguel Allende.”
— Dayna and Raul S.
“A PERFECT CHARM! One of a kind house. For the memory books. The house was perfectly situated within a 10 min walk to the main 'Jardin'. When not exploring the charming city of SMA, there was no better escape than this house to call home. No detail is left out in this house! Relaxing on the main patio, reading in the library or taking naps on the top balcony/deck to the sounds of parrots & other birds was quite lovely. The open concept floor plan with wrap around catwalks and stairs gives a great view to each room and center patio. I hope to come back to SMA one day and stay here again!”
— John H.
“TRULY A JEWELBOX! This is a truly lovely property. From the correspondence with Laura, arrival with Guillermo, and housemaid Paula this rental was perfect. My favorite moment was reading the owner's book - All Over the Map - while staying in this property ). The location is ideal, and I felt very safe walking home at night alone. Laura provided so many great restaurant recommendations that I (almost!) got through most of them in my two weeks. The property was located just around the corner from my Spanish school which made making breakfasts in the wonderfully equipped kitchen before heading off to class a delight. This residence is best enjoyed by 2 -3 people, but I really enjoyed having it all to myself!”
– Tamara G.
Which is best for me – Casita Laurita, or the Bird House?
Bird House
You like having a comfy living room with a big TV
You like a King-sized bed
You’d like a separate dining room
Whimsical decor
Fairytale atmosphere, great for kids older than 7
Second-story rooftop terrace with privacy, set in.
You’re fine with bathrooms in the hall
One terrace
Living room turns into a third private bedroom with full bathroom for people with mobility challenges who’d like to be on the first floor.
Casita Laurita
You’re an artistic soul who loves architecture, design, art, and books.
You don’t care so much about having a big TV, and like an outdoor lounge area
You’re happy with a Queen or double bed
You like your living room to be outside
You love a well-equipped kitchen
Spare, modern, elegant decor
Third-story rooftop terrace with big view and comfy lounging area
You like your bathroom ensuite.
Three terraces
