It’s no secret that I’m a sucker for unique, one-of-a-kind accommodation. Before every trip, I quite literally spend HOURS scouring every possible resource, comparing reviews, enlarging photos, and searching, searching, searching for the best possible place to stay.
And more often than not, I end up opting for an Airbnb.
While I truly love the fleeting opportunity to live (well, at least sleep) like a local in a new city, if I’m honest, the main appeal of an Airbnb is more often than not the chance to stay in my own private space featuring unique architecture, design, and style.
I’ve stayed in some incredible units with funky layouts, gorgeous details, amazing views, and stunning decor (remember my hillside home in San Miguel de Allende?!)…and my Airbnb in Guanajuato was certainly no exception.
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I was intrigued as soon as I saw the name of the listing: Bakery B&B in beautiful Guanajuato.
Hmmm..bakery B&B?!
As it turned out, my host – Dana – is an American expat who decided to open up her own little bakery in Guanajuato. While the shop itself is in the heart of town, she bakes the bread up at her amazing hillside home. And as her guest, I was treated to a freshly baked loaf – along with a few other breakfast items – every morning during my stay…hence the “B&B” description.
Um, SOLD. Count me in!
Things kicked off to a great start when Dana met me at El Pipila, the massive monument perched on a cliff overlooking the town. She showed me the way down her house, while sharing tidbits of local knowledge about Guanajuato and pointing out must-see sights in the city below.
When we arrived at her place, she had a plate of avocado toast (featuring her own homemade bread, of course) and a cold beer waiting. #WayToMyHeart
We spent a while just chatting, exchanging travel stories and sharing bits and pieces of our life stories with each other. Dana is the type of person who is easy to connect with; she’s warm and welcoming, but also passionate and quirky.
She has lived a fascinating life and has some amazing stories to share. I don’t want to spoil any of them, but be sure to have her tell you a bit about the places she has traveled and lived around the world, and some of the adventures she’s had.
Quite the inspiration, I tell you!
But while Dana’s friendly, lively energy and kind spirit were absolutely a big part of why I loved this particular Airbnb experience so much, I know that many of you just want the deets on the house itself. So, let’s dive into it!
Dana’s home is gorgeous. GORGEOUS.
From the sunken living room to the tiled terrace to the airy bedroom, I felt right at home the moment I stepped inside. There was a fluffy robe in the closest (SO COZY) and chocolate truffles waiting on the pillows. The bathroom was stocked with all sorts of amenities, and I had full access to the kitchen.
Best of all, her home was perfectly decorated; a bit boho, a bit eclectic, a bit of local Mexican flair, but minimalist and simple and homey at the same time. Think tiled floors, wooden beams, exposed brick, clean white linens, greenery, and pops of colored decor here and there. So dreamy!
It’s nestled up in the colorful hills of Guanajuato, so you can catch some amazing views from the property itself. You will need to do a bit of uphill walking to get home, but it’s so worth it for the cozy ambience and incredible panoramic views (and your calves will look amazing).
And oh my goodness, don’t even get me started on those sweet doggies!
Dana has added four of the most precious pups to her household over the years, and they were such a joy to have around. I miss my own little guy, Cooper, SO much while I’m traveling.
So having four loving, energetic, friendly dogs around to keep me company during my four-night stay in Guanajuato was the best. That’s Cuba curled up on the rocking chair in the photo above. D’awwww.
But what really set this Airbnb experience apart was the delicious breakfast prepared by Dana every morning. I mean, have you ever had an Airbnb host make you breakfast before?!
As I mentioned already, Dana owns a small bakery down in the city center. Each morning, she’ll set out a loaf of her freshly baked bread, jam and butter, avocado drizzled with olive oil and sea salt, coffee, and fresh juice. There was even one morning when she chopped up some vegan chocolate and melted it into my coffee. Holy YUM!
The weather was nice enough that I was able to have my breakfast on the terrace every morning. Colorful views of Guanajuato + sunny Mexican mornings + homemade breakfast = pure heaven.
But ultimately, what I loved the most about staying in Dana’s Airbnb was having a small space that truly felt like home during my stay.
A space where I had homemade breakfast waiting on the patio every morning, happy doggies to greet me when I came home in the afternoon, a cozy living room to hang out and work on blog posts in the evening, and a new friend to share local tips and guidance.
I even helped Dana knead bread for her bakery one morning!
(Note to self: There is zero chance of me switching into a career as a baker one day. Zero. I don’t have the upper body strength!!)
All of that to say, this was hands down one of the best Airbnb experiences I’ve ever had…and I’ve stayed in a lot of them over the years! I take my accommodation seriously, and I honestly believe it has the ability to make or break a travel experience.
Guanajuato stole my heart from the second I arrived…and checking into this one-of-a-kind property sealed the deal. Te amo, Guanajuato!
Have you ever stayed in an Airbnb? What do you look for when booking accommodation?
How do I find this airbnb listing??