Fair price, a responsive owner and a safe, close-in location.
All the units were similarly and tastefully decorated in an architecturally, minimalist style. We found our unit to be a pleasant, clean and secure space with an adequately provisioned kitchen that was adequate for simple breakfasts, lunches and dinners. It was fairly priced for a small one-bedroom unit only 15 minutes by foot to the Zócolo, great shopping and restaurants. That said, when in developing countries, one has to not expect first world infrastructure and maintenance. For example, in Oaxaca, the water is rather “hard”and unless filtered, has residue, hence clogging shower heads and leaving debris in sinks. Hot water sources are mostly the culprit. All that is needed for a good shower is to clean out the shower head filter every three days or so. We were provided with filtered water throughout our stay. Somewhat disconcerting at first, plastic plumbing is allowed in Mexico but it seems to work so long as everything is properly secured. Thankfully, the owner-host was very responsive and kind. He took care of whatever was not working as promptly as he could.
The entire complex of apartments was secured by high metal walls in the front and electrically protected on its accessible perimeter. We felt very safe. Casa Maye is only about three years old at most, and hence, still a work in progress, having had to survive the pandemic in its recent history. Only a couple of apartments on the upper floors have air-conditioners for the summer heat but all units have fans in the living area and in the bedroom. There were several screened windows and a sliding glass door to provide cross drafts so that we were always comfortable. We especially liked that Casa Maye is mostly solar-powered, except for the individual gas-powered water heaters for each unit. There’s always noise in Mexican cities—fireworks and crackers for celebrations and a section of the Pan-American Highway just a couple of blocks away. Earplugs and a noise cancellation device eliminated the noise.
A busy neighborhood there are 2 parks 5-8 minutes away. An attractive complex nearby houses a grocery store and a fast, affordable laundry. A hospital and pharmacy are in the next block. We plan to return to Casa Maye to enjoy the many cultural experiences that city of Oaxaca offers and to explore further the beautiful Teotitlan Vally in the Tlacolula District.
