Maria's place is warm and cozy - perfect for travelers who want a bit of peace and quiet, but also an environment to be sociable and interact.
The apartment itself is very comfortable, with a nice common kitchen and dining/living room. You can relax on one of 2 couches, or have dinner at the dining table.
It's very sunny during the day, with plenty of sunlight coming in from outside into the common areas.
The refrigerator is very large, with plenty of space; it seems some food was leftover from previous travelers, so if in doubt, ask the staff what can be discarded.
The kitchen is small but adequate, and there are plenty of common spices and condiments, such as salt and oil, and even some dry foods like rice, popcorn, and beans.
There is instant coffee and tea as well.
You'll need to buy drinkable water, though, as it's not provided and you definitely do not want to drink water from the faucet!
There are two bathrooms, plenty to avoid contention.
I found the shower on the right to have more water pressure, and you'll never run out of hot water.
Be careful, though, as the scalding point can definitely cause burns.
The internet access was one of the best I've used in the city - very fast both upload and download speeds - great for "digital nomads" and those who need to get some work done. I never saw it fail in the 3 days of my stay.
The room is quite small but has a nice comfortable desk, which can be used for work, and a bed large enough for two people.
There are plenty of blankets, and you won't get cold at night.
A black-out blind is helpful if you want to sleep in and not be awakened by the light outside.
It's also very quiet at night, although the walls are thin, so if your neighbor happens to be noisy, you may need to make a polite request.
There is a roof-deck, where you can grab a bit of sunlight and fresh air; no patio furniture, though.
The neighborhood is upscale, so expect to spend $10 USD or more on a basic breakfast, and coffee is $2-4 USD.
There are some cheaper options, like a Taqueria, and there's a fruit stand and convenience store right next to the entrance.
The neighborhood is full of upscale coffee houses, restaurants, and bars. There's also a very well-groomed family-oriented park just 2 blocks away.
It's also only about 20-30 minutes walk from Chapultepec - Grasshopper Hill -- one of my favorite places in Mexico City.
Overall, a great location for those who want access to the historic center (only about 6 metro stops away) but also want peace and quiet.
I found the 3-key entry to be a bit cumbersome, with 2 lockboxes, and I thought perhaps a keyless entry with a code would be easier; they may be working on that, as I saw a keypad on the door.
I found the place to be one step above a hostel because I met a few travelers who were staying there as well, but it lacks the kind of industrial hum drum and turnover of a hostel - not to mention you have more privacy.
At around $25 USD per night -- including all fees -- I found it to be a great value for the price paid.
Most budget-conscious travelers who are willing to spend a bit more than would be required to stay in a hostel dorm will probably agree that this is an exceptional value.