Despite its moniker, there is one name writ large throughout Casa No Name – that of Deborah Turbeville, the acclaimed 70s fashion editor-turned-photographer (known for her collaborations with Vogue, Chanel and Valentino) who called this Mexican haven home. Her spirit infuses the place, from the cobbled courtyard to the Indian archways. The main hotel, with only six rooms, is an 18th-century sanctuary aimed at 21st-century sophisticates looking to sample the myriad delights of San Miguel de Allende, recently named by Travel and Leisure as ‘Mexico’s most enchanting destination’. A second building one street over houses four super stylish lofts that have art at their heart. Casa No Name is also the only hotel in town considered a World Heritage Site by Unesco, thanks to a biblical fresco made by Antonio Martínez Pocasangre in 1812.
Though we're yet to see the hotel for ourselves, we're confident it ticks all the boutique boxes: stunningly designed suites, rooftop bar, spa, even a library boasting more artworks than books. But for most visitors, it’s the centrality to San Miguel de Allende itself that truly appeals. Step outside, and within a dozen paces there are countless art galleries, markets, bars, restaurants, historic churches… Step back inside and it’s a holistic retreat; quirky yet stately, romantic yet contemporary, informal yet tirelessly chic.
So after a hard day’s culture-vulturing, don that designer kaftan, swish that Gin Mare cocktail, dip your toes in that magazine-ready hot tub, and feel totally fabulous.
Highs
- Location, location, location. San Miguel de Allende has been an artistic magnet for nearly a century and you have the cream of Mexico’s – and the world’s – art history literally on the doorstep
- The town's nightlife glistens with live music and buzzing cocktail bars
- Apparently, service scores high here: understated but detailed
- The rooftop bar (which happily also serves tapas) is locally renowned as one of the town’s coolest hangouts. You have VIP access!
- You won't need a car to get around the city
Lows
- You’re in the middle of the action, and there have been some reports of noise carrying to rooms from within the hotel - but earplugs are provided
- San Miguel de Allende is becoming increasingly gentrified. There’s a debate about whether it’s losing its original charm
- No children under 13 allowed, a plus for those seeking romance and grown-up sophistication
Best time to go
Hard to call. San Miguel de Allende is often referred to as 'the home of the eternal spring'. November until April is considered high season; temperatures are hottest but aren't overwhelming. Summer is mild but rainy. Autumn is when the tourists invade but when the local festivals explode with life. Winter isn’t really a thing.
Our top tips
Whatever the season, we've heard the nights can get chilly so pack an extra layer, and also bring something stupidly glamorous. This is a small town with big friends – you never know where the night will take you.
- Boutique Hotel
- 6 rooms + 4 apartments
- Breakfast + other meals on request
- 13+ years only
- Open all year
- Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Laundry service
Rooms
There are 10 rooms and lofts in all, each with their own individual characteristics.
The main building houses the 6 rooms. Aura is on the second floor and has its own private terrace. Naia, on the ground floor, has a glass floor that looks down into an 18th-century tunnel. Deborah's Suite was, as the name suggests, Deborah Turbeville’s bedroom and still has its original four-poster bed frame. Anan features artworks by Turbeville herself, while Ambu has its own private terrace. Neha is a private room that can be accessed independently and has its own gorgeous internal view over the courtyard and terraces.
One street over in the Art Building, there are 4 luxurious loft-style apartments sleeping 2-4. Each named after a renowned artist, they centre around an inner courtyard and feature a clean, natural palette, red and black woven rugs, and bedside fireplaces. Miro and Matisse each sleep 2 and open onto the courtyard. Tamayo has a more vintage feel with polished wood floors and heavy shutters. Its top-floor position gives it a view across surrounding rooftops and more natural light than Miro and Matisse. Lastly, Van Gogh is a split-level loft with a ground-floor bedroom, an upstairs sitting room (which doubles as a second twin bedroom) and a private terrace.
All rooms and lofts come with their own heating, Smart TV, Nespresso coffee makers and safety boxes. Lofts also have kitchenettes and access to a communal rooftop terrace with a Jacuzzi and barbecue.
Features include:
- Bathrobes
- Hairdryer
- In-room treatments available
- Safe box
- WiFi
Eating
There's no onsite restaurant, but breakfast and Sunday brunch are served. During the day, rooftop Bar Olivia offers snacks and small plates. You can also have a romantic dinner in the courtyard or bar, provided you book four days in advance.
But there are a host of restaurants within easy walking distance. Recommendations include Aperi, a chi-chi but relaxed seafood eaterie, which is on the expensive side but worth it; El Pato Barbacoa y Mixiotes is at the other end of the price scale and also raved about (banana-leaf-wrapped lamb cooked in a pit is the go-to staple).
If you want to be truly in the know, sashay down to the ramshackle rooftop of Baja Fish Taquito – you won’t find any frills, you will find the best shrimp tacos this side of the Rio Grande. All said, this is San Miguel de Allende – hungry doesn’t happen.
Those staying in the Lofts benefit from their own kitchenettes. They are only small, with a stove, small fridge and microwave, so are best suited to preparing snacks and simple meals.
Features include:
- Bar
- Coffee maker
- Dinner by arrangement
- Restaurants nearby
Activities
- San Miguel de Allende came to fame as an artists’ enclave and that ethos still – just about – holds. It’s unapologetically artistic, from the upscale galleries to the street-level market hawkers.
- And the markets must be explored. You’ll have to fillet the tourist tat from the real finds, but check out the hand-painted porcelain, bespoke jewellery and food stalls.
- History buffs should explore the (somewhat camp) Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, the archaeological ruins of Canada de la Virgen, or the more recent offerings of Santuario de Atotonilco.
- If you insist upon something more active and earthy, a trail ride through the Boca de la Canada canyon or a riding tour at Rancho Xotolar will soon get that out of your system.
- Though there's no pool back at the hotel, there is a hot tub on the roof terrace, so you can exercise your drinking arm at least.
- Unwind with a warm river stone or aromatic herbal massage. Private yoga classes are also offered.
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Historical sites
- Horse riding
- Museums / galleries
- Shopping / markets
- Well being
- Yoga
Kids
Casa No Name isn't suitable for younger children, so only allows those aged 13 and over.
Best for:
Teens (over 12)
Family friendly accommodation:
Aura and Deborah can both fit an additional bed. Van Gogh Loft has 2 single sofabeds.
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Casa No Name is in the historic centre of San Miguel de Allende, in Mexico's Guanajuato district.
By Air
Queretaro Intercontinental Airport (90km away) and Guanajuato International Airport (95km) are the closest - both have regular domestic links from Mexico City (271km).
From the Airport
Airport transfers are available from Queretaro, Guanajuato and Mexico City airports, or you can hire a car and self-drive. See our car rental recommendations.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Querétaro Intercontinental Airport 90.0 km QRO
- Guanajuato International Airport 95.0 km BJX
Other:
- Beach 528.0 km
- Shops 0.1 km
- Restaurant 0.1 km