Ignacia Guest House
I’m not used to being woken up by the smell of fresh baked bread every morning, or orange trees all fully blossomed. I guess these were everyday customs at Ignacia, a guest house where I suddenly felt like I was staying at a fancy aunt’s place in Mexico City. Filled with midcentury modern furniture, wall moldings, books on design, architecture, art, food and travel; it’s really easy to feel at home here.
We were welcomed by Gina (the owner of the place), and Magda (the general manager) into Ignacia after having a really suffocating day on the way from Puebla to Xochimilco and then Colonia Roma. Once you enter the house, you suddenly feel a sense of calm in the middle of the chaos and all the street sounds of Mexico City, which was completely necessary because of the crazy day we had. Located in Colonia Roma, this used to be a Porfirian-style house whose keeper was named Ignacia (hence its name). Gina and Magda told us a little bit about the story of the place before going up to the room.
The rooms are named after their colors; La Verde, La Azul, La Rosa, La Amarilla and finally La Negra, which was the one I was staying in and it’s the master room in the house. The room was perfect; we had breakfast at the balcony the first morning and let me tell you, breakfast is quite a ritual here. Not only it is filled with fresh fruit, yogurt, bread and pastries baked that same morning, the most delicious coffee and orange juice (basically everything you could ask for); it also has two courses. TWO. The first course (which includes all I mentioned before) can be considered as a more light and healthy appetizer, and the second is a stronger Mexican one which can include huevos a la mexicana or huevos motuleños; which in my case were perfect to get me ready for the hectic day that was coming ahead. Also, if you get lucky you can get a delicious éclair or two made by their super talented chef.
But this house really comes alive at 5 in the afternoon, which is when the cocktail is served at the patio. You can see all the guests suddenly coming out of their rooms to enjoy this special moment, it becomes the gathering spot and everybody joins the different conversations while having their mezcal cocktail by the beautiful oaxacan garden filled with cacti and the most perfect fountain in the middle. Laughter and good energy fill the place and faces of everyone as the sun goes down. We were especially happy to crack a few laughs with Magda and Romina, their charm, energy and curiosity made us feel as if we’ve known them forever. They also have the best recommendations for things to see and places to have lunch or dinner in the city.
Every day spent here was dream-like and it just keeps me thinking about coming back as soon as I can. Ignacia is, without a doubt, my home in Mexico City.
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Special thanks to Ignacia Guest House and all the staff.
Make sure to follow them @ignaciamx