Larry Grossman shares his experience staying at Casa Carino in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
“I have traveled across Mexico for 4 decades now and I don’t believe there is a more beautiful city in the country than San Miguel de Allende located in the state of Guanajuato. In 2013 Conde Nast Traveler named San Miguel the “Readers Choice Award World’s Best City” and I have to concur. My friends and I just completed a week in a glorious THIRDHOME, Casa Carino, located about a 10-minute walk from the downtown plaza. The residence itself is part castle, part mansion, and part museum with unique Mexican art and artifacts scattered throughout the home. The master suite was large, cozy, and difficult to leave in the morning. There were numerous sitting areas throughout the house with fireplaces and comfortable places to read talk or play games and we took advantage of all the spots in the course of our week. The outdoor terraces at all levels of the house gave us an outstanding view of the city and the downtown churches.
We were told that the home is often the site of weddings and other special events with the pool being covered and turned into a dance floor. The Casa Carino staff were friendly, professional and full of knowledge of what to do in town, and they did everything possible to make our stay perfect. Our Cocinera (chef), Alicia, prepared meals to rival the best restaurants downtown. Pepe and Abraham ensured we were well versed in all that San Miguel had to offer and even provided transportation to selected events.
Each day we ventured out to explore a different part of the city and the surrounding area. The weekly Tuesday market at the top of the hill was crowded and bustling with fresh produce, bargain clothes, electronics, Mexican candies, live music, as well as chickens, rabbits, and roosters for sale. The smell of fresh tacos, grilled chicken, carnitas and tamales was everywhere and whole families took advantage of the market to shop, eat and spend time together. It is a photographer’s dream as the market is so colorful and full of energy and people enjoying themselves.
t Parroquia de San Miguel, the 17th century iconic church in the middle of town. It is “people watching” at its best and great fun to feel like a part of Mexican culture.
This was not my first trip to San Miguel, but it was an exceptional experience, in large part due to the once in a lifetime opportunity to reside at the lovely Casa Carino home.”