Mario was an amazing host! I can’t say enough good things about him and his apartment. He was warm, kinda, and very prompt in responding to messages. He was also super helpful in providing recommendations for things to do around the city. When I asked his advice about some potential activities my partner and I had in mind, he responded with not only helpful information about how to make arrangements, but he provided an *entire itinerary draft* outlining restaurants nearby the activities we wanted to do, other nearby attractions, etc. He even bought us tickets to the folkloric ballet and picked them up so they were ready for us when we arrived (we then paid him back). He also checked in with us throughout the trip to see if there was anything he could help us with. In short, Mario was wonderfully attentive and helpful both leading up to the trip as well as during.
As for the apartment, the space was beautifully decorated with lots of Mexican folk art and books, and is also very clean. Mario goes above and beyond just providing a beautiful and tidy apartment, there were also lots of amenities for guests similar to what you would expect at a hotel- bath robes, shampoo/conditioner/bodywash, shower sandals, bandaids, water bottles, etc. The apartment also has a binder with lots of helpful info about nearby restaurants, sights, etc. We also loved the location- the neighborhood seems to be both the lgbtq neighborhood as well as a hub for the Korean community in the city. So you have this fun mix of queer bars and stores, Korean restaurants and stores, and then general storefronts and Mexican restaurants - lots to do in the immediate area (definitely check out the churro place nearby - El Moro). The neighborhood is busy and bustling but once you're in the apartment it's quiet and serene. Needless to say, we had a very comfortable stay.
Lastly, I also want to leave a review for Gerardo, the driver that Mario recommended to us. He was FABULOUS. He was always timely and very reliable. And he was not only a driver in the sense of dropping us off and picking us up at places, but he was basically also our personal local tour guide. For example, after taking us to the Frida Kahlo museum, he then walked around with us showing us the local nearby markets, explaining the neighborhood, letting me know when I was being upsold on items and when to barter, etc. He was also lovely company. The one thing to note, however, is that he doesn’t speak much English. I’m fluent in Spanish so this didn’t pose a problem, but if you don’t speak Spanish then obviously this might limit your interactions.
TLDR: Mario is a great attentive host, the apartment is very comfortable, well kept, & well located, and if you need a driver ask for Gerardo. I’ll definitely be recommending Mario and Gerardo to all my friends who visit Mexico City. You should definitely stay here :)