What is a Homestay? | Casa 426 Guadalajara
"Homestay" doesn't mean what you might think
If you're picturing a teenager living with a host family during a semester abroad — that's not what we do. At Casa 426, "homestay" simply means you have a private room inside a real home, with a host on-site, rather than an anonymous hotel room or an empty rental apartment. Think of it less like a program and more like a well-run, welcoming household in the middle of historic Guadalajara — one you can join for a week, a month, or longer.
How is this different from an Airbnb or hotel?
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You're not alone in an empty unit. There's a host, and often other guests, in the house with you — which means built-in company if you want it, and privacy when you don't.
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We're not on any booking platform. Casa 426 isn't listed on Airbnb, Booking.com, or VRBO. You book directly with us, which means no platform fees baked into your rate and direct communication with your host before you even arrive.
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Stays are weekly or monthly, not nightly. This isn't set up for a two-night city break — it's built for people who want to actually settle in, work remotely, explore the city properly, or spend an extended season somewhere new.
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The house itself is part of the experience. Casa 426 is a restored 100-year-old former doctor's residence in Centro Guadalajara — original architecture, common areas, and a location you can walk to plazas, cafés, and cathedrals from.
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We help you understand the local culture and make local connections.
Who stays at Casa 246?
Mostly Americans, Canadians, and Europeans between 25 and 85 —
Remote workers, retirees, slow travelers, and anyone spending extended time in Guadalajara who wants a home base with some built-in community, rather than total isolation in a rental apartment or the anonymity of a hotel. We welcome the LGBT community.
Do I need to speak Spanish?
No. Your host is bilingual, and the house is set up for English-speaking guests, though many people enjoy the chance to practice Spanish in a low-pressure setting.
What is included?
Private furnished room with King or Queen bed
Bed linens, blankets, towels changed once per week.
Private bathroom
In room mini-refridgerator
Fans, mosquito screens,
All utilities (except air conditioning)
Wifi,
Shared access to kitchen and laundry facilities.
Shared access to public areas of the house like the living rooms, roof terrazas, BBQ grill.
Weekly room and bathroom cleaning.
Bulk purified water to refill your water bottle.
Coffee and Tea
What is not included?
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Food is not included however there are many inexpensive places to eat within a 10 minute walk. There is also an awesome mercado 2 blocks away if you want to buy and prepare your own meals in the kitchen. Guest sometimes prepare meals together.
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Air conditioning is available in each sleeping room for 75 pesos /day or 525 pesos/week. You can decide after you arrive. Most guests discover our 1500 meter elevation, thick adobe walls, high ceilings, natural ventilation, and floor fans do an amazing job of maintaining very comfortable temperatures year round without heat or air conditioning.
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Parking is available offsite for an additional charge
How many days should I plan to visit to really know Guadalajara?
Minimum 1-2 weeks to understand the authentic rhythms, welcoming community, diverse neighborhoods, and living options requires a deeper stay. This allows you to explore colonias like a local, build genuine connections through repeated social events, and experience the daily lifestyle that makes Guadalajara a compelling place to live.
In the first 4-5 days, you will be able to sample the cultural highlights and start to feel the city's magical energy.
Are pets or service animals allowed?
No. I can refer you to a few hosts who accept dogs.
Is air conditioning available?
Yes. Air conditioning is availabe in all our sleeping rooms for 75 pesos /day or 525 pesos/week. You can decide after you arrive. Most guests discover our 1500 meter elevation, thick adobe walls, high ceilings, natural ventilation, and floor fans do an amazing job of maintaining very comfortable temperatures year round without heat or air conditioning.
Do I need a car?
Is parking available?
In Guadalajara, - No a car is not needed. Casa 426 is on a pedestrian street in a safe and very walkable residential area of the historic center. Ubers, Didi's, and taxis are plentiful and inexpensive if needed. We recommend NOT renting a car unless you must travel to a remote area .
For those wanting to visit with a car or motorcycle, free street parking is available nearby. For peace of mind, I recommend parking your vehicle overnight in a nearby secure parking lot or indoor parking garage.
Is this a hotel or an Airbnb?
No. Casa 426 is my cosmopolitan homestay project. When you arrive, you're not checking into a hotel or short term rental; you're being welcomed into an updated neo-colonial era home by a well traveled American host who can help you discover the city's hidden gems and authentic rhythm. My goal is to offer an authentic, personal experience for those looking to explore, discover, and socially integrate into Guadalajara.
Since 2022, I have hosted many wonderful travelers from across the globe. Many have become friends and are part of the Casa 426 story. I focus on integrating into and building local community.
Is Casa 426 a for profit venture?
No - It’s a Passion Project. While not a formal non-profit, 100% of the revenue generated goes directly back into maintaining, improving , operating and sustaining this property.
Why is a Relaxed Cosmopolitan Homestay better than a hotel or Airbnb?
Travel is about connection, not just transaction. Airbnb remotely rents you an empty apartment and a hotel offers a digital keycard to a standardized room. You’re on your own to figure out the rest. By contrast, Casa 426 invites you into a home and fosters local connections. Solo travel doesn't have to be lonely. I offer a built-in social network to help you connect with like-minded people. From the moment you arrive, I'm here to ensure you experience the Guadalajara that locals love. This includes:
A Personalized Welcome Tour: I’ll help you get your bearings with a neighborhood orientation, so you can navigate with confidence and discover hidden gems from day one.
Tailored Recommendations That Matter: Tell me what you love, and I’ll point you to the perfect spots. I save you the hours of research and steer you clear of overpriced, inauthentic tourist traps.
The Gift of Local Insight: Have a question? Need a personal contact? My genuine local knowledge and network are at your disposal, turning potential challenges into seamless opportunities.
Authentic Social Connections: If you're interested, I can help connect you with local events and people who share your passions, transforming a solo trip into a social adventure.
At Casa 426, you aren't just booking a room; you're gaining a friend and a cultural interpreter. You get the independence of a vacation rental with the warmth, insight, and support of a true local host.
Payments
A small non refundable booking/reservation payment is required to secure the room for the dates you choose. You may change your arrival date once, at no cost, up to 4 days before check-in—subject to room availability.
The remaining balance for the first week is payable in MXN pesos in person in Guadalajara the morning after you arrive and weekly thereafter.
Check in Check out
I will work around your schedule.
Arriving : Early morning flight? Late night bus? No problem. Just let me know your schedule, and I will be ready to welcome you.
Departing: Flexible. If I have a guest arriving that same day, I ask that the room be cleared by 12:00 Noon so I can prep for the next guest. If you have an evening flight/bus, you are welcome to store your bags and hang out in the common areas or explore the city until you need to leave.
Quiet hours
I maintain a respectful and relaxed atmosphere all day. If you need any special quiet times, please advise and I will try to accommodate.
Keep in mind that Mexico is vibrant! We are in the urban core where occasional music, laughter, dogs, and fireworks are part of the culture. While the nights are generally peaceful after 9 PM, city noise is part of the charm.
Smoking
I keep the air fresh inside, but you are welcome to smoke tobaco cigarettes on the azotea/terraza. To avoid headaches and keep the vibe peaceful, cigars and marijuana are not permitted on the property.
Outside guests
Casa 426 is a sanctuary/safe space to recharge. Please do not invite visitors without discussing with me first. Gracias.
Where else is Casa 426 listed?
We are a hidden gem! You won't find Casa 426 on Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com, or Misterb&b. Travelers find us through word-of-mouth referrals and several Guadalajara social networks. This helps me keep our community tight-knit and our experiences personal.
