La Casa de Espiritus Alegres B&B - Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Guanajuato, and what is it like?
Guanajuato, the capital city of the State of the same name, is located in the geographical center of Mexico, in the central highlands known as the Bajio. It is 225 miles northwest of Mexico City, 184 miles northeast of Guadalajara, 41 miles northeast of León, and just over an hour west of San Miguel de Allende.

The European flavored city is a classic example of the Spanish colonial style, full of stone arches, baroque facades, and tree lined plazas. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Zone, Guanajuato retains its old-world charm, while becoming a bustling hub of government and home of the University of Guanajuato .

Perhaps the most distinctive feature of Guanajuato is its system of tunnels laid out under the city. The river that ran through the city overflowed its banks one too many times in 1906 and was rerouted, leaving the riverbed behind to be used as the major east-west artery through tow. We're guessing because of the proclivities of the local miners, there are now dozens of tunnels interlacing the city, each one unique in style and fascinating to behold.
What is Marfil and how is it different from Guanajuato?
No different, Marfil is simply a district of the city, we are still in Guanajuato. It's like Pacific Heights or the Sunset in San Francisco, or Greenwich Village in New York City. All one town, divided into parts.

Marfil is located about 10 minutes by car to the downtown district (el Centro) of Guanajuato. Buses and cabs are plentiful and inexpensive and go right by the end of our driveway, so getting to town is a breeze. Walking in Guanajuato is highly recommended, walking to Guanajuato is not. Grab a cab and save your feet for all those beautiful little pedestrian-only streets downtown.

Marfil grew up around the river that runs through it because they needed the water to process the silver coming out of the prolific mines in the mountains. It is therefore filled with fabulous old stone haciendas built over 300 years ago, most of which were ravaged by floods on the early 1900's and have now been restored as private homes. One has become a fascinating museum dedicated to a Canadian artist who lived in the area for many years, another a restaurant, yet another a quirky and idiosyncratic bed & breakfast (Hey, wait! That's us!!).
How do I get to Guanajuato?
If you are flying, there is a international airport in León, just 20 minutes from the B&B. American, Delta, United, and Continental all have flights daily, as well as Aero Mexico and Mexicana.

At the airport you can hire a safe registered taxi to bring you to the B&B for about $25 US. CLICK HERE for instructions on to take a taxi. We are also happy to send a driver to meet your flight for a cost of about $35.00 US by car or $65.00 US by Suburban. Just ask when you make your reservation and we will make the arrangements.

If you are driving, we are happy to provide you with written directions from most major cities in Mexico, as well as a map of our neighborhood, so that you can find us quickly and easily. CLICK HERE for direction info.

If you are coming here from another city in Mexico and would like a driver to pick you up and bring you to us, just ask at the time of making your reservation and we will be happy to arrange that.
Should I rent a car?
Unless you plan to travel extensively throughout the region, we suggest you save your money (so that you can buy more pottery!) and use public transportation. Taxis are plentiful and affordable, buses are downright cheap and the adventure of a lifetime, and Guanajuato is a city made for walking, not driving.

Should you want to travel outside of the central district, we have wonderful bilingual guides available for hire for day trips to San Miguel de Allende for retail therapy, Dolores Hidalgo for pottery and ice cream, the mountains for hiking, or along the Pottery Trail visiting several local artisans of world renown.
What about getting pesos?
We don't suggest getting pesos in the US, the exchange rate is very low and it's unnecessary. There is a Casa de Cambio (Exchange House) at the León airport where you can exchange dollars or Travelers' cheques. In a pinch you can pay for your cab in US dollars and get pesos in Guanajuato later.

BUT... An ATM card is the way to go in Mexico these days. There are machines everywhere (including at the casa de cambio at the airport), they are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and they give the best rate of exchange. Even if you've never used one before, I highly suggest getting one before traveling and using it. You'll be glad you did. Depending on your bank, there may be a charge each time you use the card so we recommend taking out the daily limit. Your bank can tell you what that amount is.

To find out the current rate of the peso against the US dollar, click here.
What is the weather like in Guanajuato?
Our altitude combined with latitude make for almost-perfect Spring-like weather year round. People are often surprised to find out that our summers are not hot and humid, but lovely and refreshing.

We basically have one cold month (down to 40 at night, 60's or 70's during the day) which usually falls in December, and one hot month before the rains start (90's and dry during the day, 60 at night) which is usually May. The rainy season usually runs from June through September and it typically means great cumulous clouds piling up in the mountains and culminating in a late afternoon shower most days. Afterwards the sky clears in time for sunset and all is refreshed and clean.

All that said, please remember that try as we might, we still can't control the weather, and we highly recommend that you check! Click here for detailed up-to-date weather conditions before you pack.
Is the water safe to drink? Is the food safe to eat?
All food served at the B&B (and at the restaurants we recommend) is disinfected and only purified water is served. Yes, even the ice cubes are safe. Every day we'll put a fresh pitcher of purified water in your room and there is always plenty more available. At this altitude we highly recommend drinking plenty of water daily.

We recommend that you do NOT eat on the street, no matter how delicious the mango and watermelon slices look. Hole-in-the-wall restaurants may look muy autentico but we do not recommend risking your vacation to try them; stick to the tried and true.

Some quests bring Pepto Bismal tablets along, some take acidophilus before and during the trip, and having some Lomotil along just in case probably isn't a bad idea. Chances are you'll never use it but you may rest easier knowing you have it.
What about electricity? Do I need to bring an adapter?
No, Mexico operates on the same 110 system as the US.
Where do I check my email? Send and receive faxes? Make and receive phone calls?
There are several cyber cafes in Guanajuato where you can check your email The cost is about $1 an hour. You may receive emails at the B&B an an urgent situation. Our address is:
La Casa de Espíritus Alegres
Bed and Breakfast
Attn: Hugo or Angelica Anaya Innkeepers
La Ex-Hacienda La Trinidad #1
Colonia Marfil
Guanajuato, Guanajuato 36250
Mexico

Faxes are no problem. You may send and receive faxes at the same number as our phone, from the US 011-52 (473) 733-1013. Please be sure that the sender is aware of our time zone (same as Mountain Time in the US) and have faxes sent before our 'quiet hour' of 10 pm.
What about using my laptop?
You are welcome to hook up your lap top to our phone line, just be sure you have a local Guanajuato number or a Mexican 800 number to call. US 800 numbers are *NOT* free calls from Mexico.
May I bring my children?
La Casa de Espiritus Alegres, with it's balconies, steep stairs and folk art is not very convenient for small children. If you wish to bring children under the age of 10, please contact us first.
Okay, I am ready to come tomorrow. What do I do next?
Click HERE to email us and ask about availabilities. In order to answer your inquiry we will need to know how many people are coming and your arrival and departure dates. If you have a rooms preference let us know, otherwise we will let you know which rooms are open when we write you back.
How will I pay you?
We accept pesos, US dollars, travelers' cheques and Visa or Mastercard. If you prefer, you can prepay by personal check. Details about payment will be provided when the reservation is made.
Sounds great! Just one last thing... What's with the name? And all the skeletons?
Well, if you collect Mexican folk art (and when you see this place you will understand that Carol & Joan Summers collected some of the best folk art of Mexico, and lots of it) you end up with a lot of skeletons in one form or another. Once your house is filled with skeletons-laughing, playing, working, dancing- what else can you do but name it 'The House of Good Spirits'?

The departed are a part of daily life in Mexico and there is a playfulness and acceptance in that can be enlightening. The decor is FAR from morbid- the skellies are dancing and cavorting, peeking around corners and grinning from the ceiling. The whimsy and joy that Joan brought to her house will surely make you smile. Especially knowing that she, the consummate Good Spirit, is looking down upon us all. And beaming.