#6, I have considered a home stay, but I really like my own space. Since posting this question I have looked into Patzcuaro and it does seem very nice, but at this time I think I will just use it as a side trip.
#5, it was difficult to find an Airbnb in my budget, in walking distance to the school that allowed kids under 12.
10
fshabazz
11
dmhaun
I agree with #9 that calling Michoacan a "conflict zone" is ridiculous, especially when comparing it to the nearly non-stop violence in the USA. According to NBC news, there have been 318 mass shootings in USA this year and 483 mass shootings in USA last year. ("Mass shootings" are defined as 4 or more victims.)
In the USA, carrying a gun seems as common as carrying a cell phone.
Yes, there are also issues in Mexico, but most of the mass murders in Mexico seem to be involved with the drug cartels. They kill their competition and often their families.
I am about to leave a genuine "conflict zone" and move from USA to Michoacan, where I feel much safer.
12
enroutesiglo
#10, that's a good plan... getting comfortable in a city like GTO with so many options within 2-3 hours is a serious plus, and having your own house for a month really makes it hard to go back to hotels once you get a taste of that!
13
mclarjh
...having your own house for a month really makes it hard to go back to hotels once you get a taste of that!
Really? I house sat for a while, and besides once making myself a cup of maruchan soup (hardly a benefit), I couldn´t see the point of having a kitchen and all that other space.
14
enroutesiglo
Hey man, I love reading your posts about sleeping in cramped cells on pieces of styrofoam, with sexy/dance noises in the hall and scary/ornery owners, waking up covered in mysterious afflictions. It lets me imagine living that lifestyle without having to pay the price. ;)
There's something about having your own place that helps you to feel integrated into the neighborhood and just more at home... some of them aren't even necessarily that spacious, but the hosts work to make them extremely comfortable. I had a wonderful place in a beautiful old building for a while last month in CDMX for around 500 pesos per night (great bed, kitchen, flat screen TV), and every day I walked past a 1000 peso hotel around the corner that I wouldn't have even stayed at for 100. Some people really prefer that whole revolving door/receptionist/hotel room experience though, to each their own.
As for the kitchen, this is used to prepare and cook food, which you then eat.
15
fshabazz
#13, you are so funny. I ended up getting what I think is a really large studio(I can't quite tell if a door separates the beds or not), so it's the both of best worlds to your point.
I did it!! I booked my nonrefundable airbnb in GTO. After getting the exact address and doing a bit of google maps recon, I think my daughter will be in for a it of culture shock. I'm super excited!!!
Thanks for all of the input!
16
enroutesiglo
That is pretty exciting!
I have never had a bad experience with Airbnb's in Mexico, and maybe 3 or 4 times out of 20, found something truuuly amazing (including in Queretaro and San Cris). The best thing about it is being able to feel that thrilling culture shock and still have "your place" to come back to and unwind, instead of feeling like a tourist in a hotel. Have fun!
17
joao_elportu.79970
Well, I went to Michoacan last year and it was great for me. I know it has some bad reputation, but it's not something that you notice when you go for tourism
Enjoy your trip, Mexico is very nice and about the precautions that I tell you to take, pay attention to what hotels and travel agencies or tourist guides recommend.
Or if you know someone who lives in the city you are going to visit, he can give you more details and recommend places for you even to go out at nights
Pro tip
Lonely Planet
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