La Casa Rodavento
Authentically magical
Top of the lake
A couple of hours west of Mexico City, La Casa Rodavento is a chic stay in the pueblo mágico of Valle de Bravo, where one enterprising local has decided to open up his home as a hotel – and you’ll be glad he did. A handful of the seven rooms are arranged around the pool and patio, as well as a modern outhouse, which also has a rooftop Jacuzzi that overlooks the town’s cathedral and houses. The town, set around the shores of Lake Avándaro, is delightful: streets are steep and cobblestoned, locals ride around on quad bikes, and there are abundant restaurants, including the creative cuisine at La Casa’s own Nuestro restaurant. Welcome to the real Mexico.
Facilities
Rooms
Seven suites.
Checkout
1pm, but flexible, subject to availability. Earliest check-in, 4pm, also flexible.
More Details
Rates don’t usually include breakfast (from 455 pesos a person).
Also
There are no specially adapted rooms, but the lobby, pool and restaurant are accessible for wheelchair users.
Free Internet Access
Laundry
Pool
On-Site Restaurant
Room Service
At the Hotel
Free WiFi throughout, car park. In rooms: TV, Nespresso coffee machine, Bose speakers, iPod dock air-conditioning, free bottled water and Rodavento or Bannik bath products.
Our Favourite Rooms
There are only seven and each has its loveable bits. We particularly admire Room Seven’s two balconies, valley views, private patio and garden-facing bath tub; Room Four’s outdoor shower; and Room Two’s private rooftop terrace. If your needs are modest, Room One’s the smallest. Four of the bedrooms are in a more modern building at the back of the existing house.
Poolside
There are two: a heated pool in the hotel’s central patio and a Jacuzzi up on the roof.
Spa
There’s no spa at La Casa, but guests can access the one at the sister property nearby, Hotel Rodavento. Pilates, yoga and other fitness classes can be arranged.
Packing Tips
Bring your quad-bike-friendly clothing and cobblestone-friendly footwear.
Also
Tourism is pretty new on the Valle de Bravo agenda, but if you want to experience an authentic Mexican community in a crowd-free way, this is the destination to do it.
Children
This grown-up getaway is for guests aged 18-and-over only.
Gallery
Food & Drink
Top Table
Outside, listening to the trickles of the fountain by the pool.
Dress Code
The hotel attracts a cool crowd – make it minimalist but don’t be afraid of a vibrant flash of colour.
Hotel Restaurant
Nuestro serves top-drawer Mexican food in a gloriously laid-back setting. The ingredients are all hyper local and hyper seasonal, which means the menu changes all the time – the only given is that it will taste delicious (and look pretty darn amazing, too). Food is also served on the rooftop. Breakfast is set up in your room (suites One, Three, Four and Six), in your living room (Suite Five) or on your terrace (suites Two and Seven).
Hotel Bar
The mixologist was lured from Mexico City and is a master of the mojito, along with everything else – ask for their choice and you won’t be disappointed (especially if it’s mezcal based). Drinks can be served in the bar by the restaurant and on the rooftop, as can tacos, tostadas and gazpacho.
Last Orders
Breakfast is from 7am until 1pm. Food and drinks are served any time you want them, provided it’s between 7am and 11pm.
Room Service
Food from the restaurant can be served in your room 24 hours a day, but it’s a reduced version of the menu between 11pm and 6am.
Planes
It’s a two-hour drive to Mexico City’s airport; Toluca’s airport is 80 kilometres away.
Automobiles
Mexico City is a headache to navigate by car, and the winding cobblestone streets of Valle de Bravo won’t be much fun either (though there is a valet for the brave).
Worth Getting Out of Bed For
Once you’ve tried and tested every cocktail on the mixologist’s menu and admired the cathedral from the rooftop, head out to find the magic of this pueblo mágico (a government-bestowed honour upon particularly miraculous Mexican towns), which features the largest Buddhist stupa in the west, as well as a craft market. The Monte Alto reserve is a haven for hiking, biking and paragliding; the concierge at sister property Hotel Rodavento can also arrange zip-lining, kayaking and archery. It’s a good idea, especially if you don’t speak Spanish, to leave the activity arranging to the hotel, who will guide you to the best vendors. Lepidopterology lovers will find sanctuary at the Monarch Butterfly Reserve. You might be able to see its towers from your room, but check them out up close by walking down to the Parroquia de San Francisco de Asís church.
Earn or Redeem Points with World of Hyatt
This Mr & Mrs Smith hotel participates in the World of Hyatt loyalty program. As a member, you can earn and redeem points and enjoy exclusive benefits for qualifying nights. .
