The Real de Chapala Hotel in Ajijic, Mexico, provides a blend of old-world Mexican charm and exceptional service. The hotel sits in the middle of a residential street lined with flowering Jacaranda trees. You wouldn’t know the hotel was in the midst of the gorgeous houses unless you stumbled upon the hotel’s sign. With this being Mexico, it’s a blend of outdoor/indoor living spaces.
Since I live in the Phoenix area, only a few months (for me, anyway) can be considered comfortable outdoor months, so this was a treat. Let me give you a little background on the area. Ajijic is a mile-high village, so the temperature is pretty comfy. It also sits on the largest lake in Mexico…Lake Chapala…49 miles long, 12 miles wide. I was not prepared for its beauty. Seriously.
I love this street; so beautiful. I checked it out thoroughly…
All the streets in the area are cobblestone. This will get interesting when we are back during the rainy season. I feel a shift in my footwear…
The lobby has quite a few areas where you could relax…wait for friends… people-watch.
As the week progressed, the hotel filled up quickly with families celebrating Samana Santa (Holy Week). Those pool tables were put to good use during the week. On my way to breakfast one day, there must have been a dozen people waiting to play.
The hotel has two pools which fill up later in the day. This was taken first thing in the morning. See the lake and mountains in the background?
The grounds are immaculate.
Lake Chapala in all its glory. I may take up kayaking…NOT. But I like the idea of it. Maybe hubby will row me around the lake in a little rowboat. That is kind of romantic. I see a rowboat in our future…
On the weekends, they have an extensive buffet with Mexican and continental dishes, including an omelet bar. The food was excellent. I had room service several times, and I just ordered what I wanted. I didn’t have a menu, but they could provide what I asked for…and quickly.
The hotel has a volleyball court, soccer field, and tennis courts.
The hotel has 85 rooms and five suites. They are spacious and laid out nicely. Fab bathrooms. Somehow, the room pics were deleted by accident. It may have happened near the bar while I was playing with my camera.
Not that I spent any time in the bar or bar area… Isn’t this lovely? I’ll get room pics the next time.
Can you tell I am smitten? Old world charm…the cliche fits. The downside is no A.C. (breezes from the lake make up for that) and no hairdryers in the rooms.
This was my first time in this part of Mexico (I used to visit the tourist spots on the coast a lot), and I fell in LOVE with it. If you ever have the opportunity to visit, GO FOR IT. It is like going back in time in many ways. That’s a good thing.
So lovely… those trees, though. At first I though it must be wisteria, which is a favorite of mine, but that much of it would take over the world. Jacaranda trees probably wouldn’t grow here, but I might just have to check into it. That color is mesmerizing. 🙂
Lovely trip report!
Hi Christi,
You are fast! We have Jacaranda trees here…beautiful but messy. The color is so soft and delicate. Outstanding.
I have a new happy place. hehe.
Big hugs,
Barb
Dearest Barb,
How dare you go by yourself and not taking me along?! Oh, how I would have LOVED seeing that many Jacarandas again.
Only when Pieter and I went to a Mushroom Conference in South Africa did it look like in your photo. To me these are about the most beautiful flowers, their color is incredible and even when the petals drop, it looks still beautiful.
But what a relaxing and tranquil place to be.
One does not need air conditioning. We used to call it ‘The Lord’s Air Conditioning’ when we visited mushroom areas in the mountains.
Thanks for sharing this beauty.
Hugs,
Mariette
Hi Mariette,
Thank you for visiting. We would have had so much fun, a girl trip!
The Jacarandas are just stunning. We have them in Az but not streets just lined with them. The color is magnificent.
It is the Lord’s air conditioning, for sure. I love the breeze.
Now, a Mushroom conference sounds fascinating to me! I bet that was amazing.
Hugs to you and Pieter. Have a fab weekend.
Barb
We always enjoyed our travels to where Pieter lectured at conferences or else. Both of us did give seminars on all continents, except the north and south pole of course! Yes, I would love to team up with another savvy traveler like you! So glad you were there at the peak of the Jacaranda blooms!
Hugs to you both and enjoy the weekend after the good Drs. report!
Mariette
Hi Mariette!
Like you and Pieter…seminars everywhere. Initially I loved it, not so much as life became a little crazy!
I think we would travel well together.
We are so thankful for the good report. Until we have the ok, the question hangs over our heads.
Enjoy your weekend!
hugs,
Barb
So lovely, peaceful and serene. Thank you for sharing your beautiful photography with your peeps. Love ya!!
Jackie
P.S. Those cobblestone streets rock!!!
Hi Jackie!
Thank you for visiting and leaving a comment. I truly appreciate it.
Peaceful and serene describes it well…although there was a rooster that crowed day and night!
I think you would like it. The village is very interesting. lots to see in the area.
Big hugs and love,
Barb
P.S. The cobblestones do rock but man they can be deadly. xoxo
I’ll bet it was great! I too love cobble stones. Had the thought of doing my driveway like that. I love that lake and the mountain in the background makes it almost a place for angels to vacation. And if your hubby rows you around in a row boat I hope he sings nice romantic songs. GOD bless.
Hi Mikala,
Thank you for visiting and taking the time to leave a comment.
It was like stepping back in time, very tranquil. I can see a certain Guardian Angel visiting. He would love it!
I have a feeling we won’t be rowing ourselves but who knows? Singing…now that is not going to happen.
Have a great weekend. God bless you too!