My stay at Quinta Recreo was delightful. I arrived in early October for a two week stay in 'Casa Feliz' (Happy Little House). The website photos and information were 'spot on.' My hosts, Ildiko and Federico Cervantes welcomed me with big smiles even though I did not arrive until 11:30pm. They oriented me and showed me to my very charming casita decorated with Mexican furniture, lovely artwork and fresh flower bouquets in every room. After a long trip, I was very pleased to find a small food basket prepared with small juice boxes, crackers, a selection of fresh fruit, tea and coffee. I later found out that the food basket is expecially made up for late arrivals. A very thoughful gesture, I thought.
After a restful sleep, I awoke to the sound of birds singing and clear blue skies. From my bed I saw the enchanting garden that is Quinto Recreo. The grounds are abundant with brightly colored bougainvillia, Orange trees, ferns and geraniums. Opening my door, I could smell the heavenly scent of the honeysuckle that grows up the iron railings on the outdoor staricases. I made a pot of coffee and sat at my patio table in the warm sun, filtered by the leaves of the long branches of an unnamed tree.
As a writer and avid reader, I found Quinta Recreo to be an oasis away from telephones, televisions and computers. (There are numerous internet cafes and 'hot spots' throughout San Miguel). A phone was available for local calls in a small private office for use free of charge. When I began to meet people, (which occurs without trying in San Miguel), I asked my hosts about renting a cell phone and Federico was able to provide me with a cell phone already charged with 100 pesos of airtime. The cost to rent the phone for two weeks was $300 pesos (approx $28 US). Speaking of meeting people, I made some nice friends among my fellow guests. There was a lovely couple from Toronto who were also writers, two artists from the San Francisco area and a mix or singles and couples taking Spanish language classes. Other guest s were there just to experience the warmth and beauty of San Miguel.
The long-time housekeeper, Reyna, came daily to clean and replace any supplies that I needed and took out the trash. She speaks no English but we understood each other anyway. (I think she understands more English than people think!) she was very kind and conscientious. I used the laundry service available and it was a great bargain at 30 pesos per bag. I used the service twice during my stay and my clothes were returned nicely washed and neatly folded.
Though my hosts, Ildiko and Federico, do not live on the premises, one of them was always somewhere in the compound during the day. They helped me orgaized two site trips and gave me great recommendations for shopping and restaurants. As a lifelong resident of San Miguel, Federico knows this entire area of Mexcio inside and out and is very generous about sharing his knowledge with guests. He and his wife, Ildiko, have traveled extensively throughout the world. Their travel experience has given them great empathy to the needs and concerns of their traveling guests.
One night during my stay we experienced a wild rain storm with an incredible display of lightning and thunder. The electricity went out in the entire Centro area of San Miguel. Almost immediately, my hosts arrived to check on all of the guests armed with extra candles and matches. On another occasion, I misplaced the key to my casita. I telephoned Federico and he was there to my rescue in 10 minutes! The attention I recieved from my hosts was wonderful and as a woman traveling alone I was greatly comforted to know that Ildiko and Federico were just a phone call away, 24 hours a day.
During my stay I was able to view several of the other apartments on the premises. Each one of them was different in layout but all were decorated with the same lovely taste, maintaining the ambiance of old Mexico.
Quinta Recreo gave me respite form my busy life. I returned home feeling rested and renewed. The beautiful gardens, my charming casita, the care I received from my kind hosts and the newly formed friendships I had made put my visit to San Miguel and my stay at Quinta Recreo onto my top five list of favorite personal destinations.

Charming group of casitas around a central walkway/courtyard. Some patios aren't very private as they basically sit in the common area. Very quiet location next to a park.

Room was pleasantly furnished in Mexican style. Big, comfortable bed.

Owners very friendly and obliging of late night arrivals, etc.

Don't expect big, fluffy towels. A few problems with housekeeping - complementary coffee and matches for stove/candles were used up and never replenished. But worse, no TP after the first night and maid never added more. A couple of notes left in English and Spanish but alas no TP for several days of visit. Good thing there's a supermarket at the end of the road!

My wife Carol & I stayed at Qunita Recreo, during the 3rd week of April, 2006, and we were not disappointed. It was enchanting and we thoroughly enjoyed our casita. Federico and Ildiko were the most delightful, helpful and endearing hosts. I'm sorry it took me so long to get to writing this. Of course we love San Miguel and will be returning in the future and would definitely stay in Qunita Recreo again.

Paul Henri

San Miguel is home to many fine lodging places. But if you are a visitor who is budget-conscious, aesthetically-sensitive, and historically-minded, you cannot beat Quinta Recreo.

From the moment your hosts open the lovely wooden door, you know you are at a very special place, and you will be enchanted by the beauty of Quinta Recreo, with its extraordinary flowers, gardens, and trees.

If you want a bit of heaven, have a glass of wine on your casita patio, absorbing the scents, sounds, and sights of nature, especially the jacaranda trees with their purple blossoms (March). And the magnificent white egrets are everywhere!

Ildiko and Federico are marvelous hosts, eager to help but always respectful of the privacy of their guests, and Ildiko's artistic sensitivty is found everywhere--what an amazing touch she has.

This is a place well taken care of, and no wonder: it has been in Federico's family since 1945. Even more special, the beautiful casitas are graced by paintings, drawings, and other works of art by Federico's parents, Sonia and Enrique Cervantes. This place hasan amazing history, perhaps best exemplified by the friendship of the Cervantes family with the famous Canadian painter York Wilson, who wrote fondly of their experiences there in the 1950s.

Quinta Recreo is located in a lovely section of San Miguel, El Chorro. Within two blocks you will find several outstandingrestaurants and a magnificent park, beautiful with its fountains andtrees and vegetation. The park is wonderful for morning walks or jogs.

Our respite from a harsh northern winter was more
rejuvenating than we ever dreamed. The beauty of Quinta Recreo, along with the warmth and kindness of Ildiko and Federico, will make you return, just as we will. And as soon as possible!