My travel style tends to be that I'm either splurging for 5-star, or staying in an AirBNB or the like so I get a truly authentic local experience. I'm just not paying $250/night to stay in a middle-of-the-range Hilton. I only do those things on points.During my recent 7-day solo trip through Mexico City, Chaya BNB was a perfectly happy medium between the two.A few things about Mexico City: 1- It doesn't have the best reputation, 2- It's freaking huge and 3- People don't speak English.I was traveling solo, had lots of ground to cover and speak an embarrassingly little amount of Spanish considering the amount of years I've studied it. I was going to need some help on the ground, and Chaya BNB was it.
Location, Location, Decor
BNB is a new concept in Mexico City, and these guys are paving the way in style.The location can't be beat, literally on top of Barrio Alameda in Alameda Central -- smack dab in the middle of the city and easy walking distance to everything you'll want to see in downtown. It's even close to the Turibus route, and along major bus lines if you want to take those around to see the sights.
See: 30 Mexico City Experiences You Don't Want to Miss
The common areas are straight out of a Kinfolk magazine, clean and crisp and modern without being cold. Your room opens up to a rooftop deck of hammocks, waiting to hold your feet up under the stars after a long day exploring.And inside, the sweeping, modern concrete floors remind you that you are right in the heart of a busting, reforming urban metropolis.
Family-Style
The best part of Chaya is the homemade, family-style continental or Mexican breakfast each morning, and conversations and explorations shared with other travelers around the dining table.During my stay, I met an Asian writer for Lonely Planet, French couple and Australian couple, all exploring on leisure. Telling ya -- rising international destination here!Best of all (for U.S. travelers), the bi-lingual staff is ready to help plan your days as much or as little as you like. They are super friendly and make themselves available to you 24/7 by WhatsApp during your stay. There's serious comfort in that.Enough of the perks, more of the snaps!Chaya BNB: a traveler's retreat in the heart of it all.
currently exploring was welcomed to Chaya BNB as a guest of Mexico City Tourism. All opinions are my own.See ChayaBNB.com for booking.