"We don't really have breakfast hours," the front desk clerk at Villa Ganz tells me. "When you wake up, when you're hungry, you just tell us what you want. Seven in the morning? Noon? It's okay with us."

That personifies the attitude at this beautifully designed hotel in Mexico's second-largest city of Guadalajara. That breakfast can be in a breakfast nook, on a terrace, or next to flowering bushes in the garden. There's a feeling that they'll probably let you sit on the front steps eating a muffin if you really want to–––and they'll come refill your coffee with grace.

The nine suites of Villa Ganz are in a grand 1930s home lovingly decorated with antiques and quality crafts from around the region. The first impression at Villa Ganz is not all that remarkable, with guests buzzed in through a metal security gate. Stepping inside it's a different story, however, checking in at an antique desk amidst candles, area pottery, and original paintings.

The comfortable lobby is in the original living room of the house and serves as the social center. Here guests can read from a large collection of books, play games, or put on a CD. A public laptop supplements the complimentary wi–fi access throughout the grounds. Tea, wine, and snacks are laid out each evening and a small two–table room works as an honor bar in the evening, a breakfast nook in the morning. French doors lead to a quiet garden space outside, where meals and drinks are offered when weather permits.

A covered outdoor terrace is the favorite location choice for meals or drinks, with its large rustic fireplace, equipales wood and leather chairs, votive candles hanging overhead, and oil lanterns providing a warm glow. With a bit of advance notice, the chef will whip up dinner of your choosing and they'll serve it at a spot of your choice on the premesis, with a nice tablecloth and candles.

There are no recreational facilities on site, but the owners and staff know the city well. They are happy to make helpful recommendations for sightseeing or adventure and to arrange meal delivery from local restaurants.

The bright guest rooms are full of personality and each has a different character. All feature quality materials, good bedding, a smattering of regional antiques, and heavy wood furniture. All have cable TV, mostly king beds, safes, and closets with quality wood hangers. Bath layouts vary from room to room, with the smallest being shower–only affairs. Decorated with colorful Mexican tiles, all contain hair dryers, robes, slippers, and upscale toiletries. Turndown service is a nice touch for a hotel this size.

Master suites are worth the minimal upgrade cost. They provide more space in an additional room, plus a stereo and a selection of books. Reserve number 14 or 15 for French doors opening to a garden view. Room 13 has its own terrace. The next best choices are 11 and 12, also facing the garden. The other rooms are also attractive, but the fact that they come with earplugs tells you something about the street they are facing.

Groups or guests who are looking for a long–term stay should visit the property's website below as they also run several upscale area rental apartments. While Villa Ganz can't compete with the better–equipped Quinta Real as the top hotel in town, this well–run inn is a favorite of discerning travelers looking for personality, attentive service, and historic charm.


Web Address: www.villaganz.com
Total Number of Rooms: 9
Published rates: $200 to $260 BB

Review by Tim Leffel, photos courtesy of Villa Ganz.