Chill Out Flat B&B: Intimate Hideaway in Mexico City's Centro Histórico (Permanently Closed)
You never know which overlooked detail during a hectic day might cause issues later.
Our backpacks grew heavier as we crisscrossed one block in Mexico City's beautifully restored Centro Histórico. Despite checking the address and map, the Chill Out Flat B&B seemed elusive amid the grand historical buildings—where could this cozy spot from online photos be hiding?
A female security guard outside what looked like an office building watched us pass. On our second lap, I approached her with what felt like a silly question about a small hotel. Before I could speak, she smiled and said in her Spanish accent, 'Chill Out?'
Relieved, we confirmed that was it. She directed us to the elevator at the back: '1st floor.'
Then, words from the confirmation email resurfaced in my memory—complicated directions I meant to pull up on my iPhone.
The six-story building houses apartments and businesses. On the first floor, we entered a patio ringed by private doors, wondering if we'd gone wrong. A quick glance right revealed a colorful sign: CHILL OUT FLAT B&B. Moments later, we were greeted by sunshine in human form—Eloisa, who runs the place with partner David.
Mid-cleaning with a mop and gloves, she was incredibly welcoming, showing us in, chatting briefly, then dashing to prepare our room.
The Chill Out feels like a private home because it essentially is. David's mother bought the apartment before the neighborhood's revival, defying warnings. Now, 25 years later, she lives comfortably in the suburbs while David and Eloisa manage the B&B. The living room offers cozy couches around a coffee table stocked with guidebooks, maps, flyers, a TV, DVD player, and internet-access computer. The 24/7 kitchen is fully stocked; we brewed green tea and planned our afternoon while waiting. It felt like home instantly.
We met David that evening while working at the kitchen table. He stopped by from their apartment across the hall—warm and chatty about travel. A former flight attendant, he launched the B&B during his first year in the skies, quitting at 35,000 feet once it succeeded, boosted by hundreds of five-star TripAdvisor reviews. They've since expanded to a Chill Out Yoga Studio on the second floor.
Six rooms create an intimate vibe. Ours had a private entrance outside the main apartment: small, simple, impeccably clean with a comfy queen bed, bedside table, lamp, dresser, and vibrant Mexican art. Cozy towels and organic toiletries elevated it to quality B&B standards.
Standout Feature: Kitchen Community
Monday-Saturday, Eloisa serves full Mexican breakfasts. On our Sunday stay, the kitchen was still stocked with homemade yogurt, fresh fruit, breads, jams, coffee, tea, kettle, water, and snacks until 10pm. Roomy with three tables, it fosters a communal feel like a premium hostel—clean, quality, and private.
Standout Feature: Prime Location
The location is unbeatable: 10-minute walk to Zócalo, Palacio de Bellas Artes visible from windows. After exploring, we napped briefly before bakery runs and dinners. Dani grabbed airport bus tickets amid a street festival; we walked five minutes to it at 6am. It's like crashing at a well-connected friend's downtown pad.
Room for Improvement: Sticky Locks
The main apartment's old, finicky lock was our only gripe. Frequent entries meant rattling and scraping, sometimes worrying about noise or access. Modern industrial locks would perfect this homey gem.
Update 2020: Chill Out Flat B&B has permanently closed.
Overall
A stay here offered unmatched intimacy, friendliness, quality, and value in Mexico City—read the confirmation directions carefully; David and Eloisa handled the rest.
Location: Bolivar #8, Apto #102, Centro Histórico, C.P. 06000 Mexico D.F.
Price (pre-closure): From $90 double / $63 single; breakfast included.
LGBT Friendly: Yes
Digital Nomad Friendly: Strong Wi-Fi, communal workspace.
Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, breakfast, Centro Histórico location.
