First the deficits----- with a winter season advisory: 3 guests arrived in record cold January weather [30's at night; 40's in the days 3+ out of 14 days ]; necessary gas space heaters functioning in upper rooms; heater in frigid basement not functional; replaced by excellent, prompt plumber on 4th day of vacation, after second request for fix [manager and owner responsive to requests but waited to replace heater until it was certain ----after second skilled attempt ----that the old heater was kaput] ; guest [not house manager] spent 1/2 day of vacation waiting to meet polite, skilled plumber who kept appointment promptly. Bedroom comfortable thereafter. Responsible owner and accessible manager, but don't hesitate if there's a problem. While the basement shower worked with plenty of warm water------ water pressure for showers in upstairs bathrooms only dribbled water, inadequate for bathing. Sound of frequent frequent all night tolling of nearby church bells in upstairs bedrooms----- sleep-disturbing----- or charming. Your choice. [You're in Mexico -----and will be happy you are----- at Casa Christina.] Basement sound-proof. The upstairs and downstairs/basement of the house are totally discreet spaces, providing absolute privacy. Lighting throughout house dim and old fashioned. Good natural daytime light in upper rooms.

The strong positives: very pleasant, 4 story, traditional, spotlessly clean Mexican house with excellent outdoor spaces and plantings; balconies and patio roof in upper floors; lovely courtyard garden out basement doors. Good beds, bedding, blankets/comforters and towels. Drinking water in large convenient dispensers. Nice, functional kitchen with good supply of implements/appliances for cooking. Wonderful !! angelic, non-intrusive maid 5 days a week; cooks expertly upon request for very modest fee; Maria is a huge plus. She launders clothing perfectly the same day as request, with in-house appliances. Wifi great; didn't use available TVs. Excellent location 20" walking distance to Centro and Jardin. Predominantly Mexican [versus expat] and perfectly safe [as is all of San Miguel] neighborhood. Ample supply of taxis 3 blocks away on Ancha, a main thoroughfare. Extra-good [Trattoria] and indifferent [Hecho de Mexico; "Hecho de Applebee's"] restaurants close by; small cheap places too. Drugstores handy for sunscreen etc. Weekly crafts fair close on Ancha. 4 stars instead of 5 for winter guests who will want showers like home