We had a great experience after the the 4-5 inch hail storm that greeted us. Alvin & Arlene were gracious since we were late due to the storm. Over the next several days we relied on Alvin's knowledge to see some great locales. We went to the black pottery area, zocalo, saw artisans, had great food and overall great experience.... More

Comfortable, apartment-like setting, including separate kitchen and own entrance, in a lovely home nestled in the hills on the outskirts of the city of Oaxaca. Breakfast supplies are provided (but make your own). Very personalized service by Alvin and Arlene sets this place apart, Alvin drives you into town each morning and you take a taxi back at night (15-20... More

My wife and I spent a month at Casa Machaya, and couldn't have been happier with our accommodations and the considerate attention of our hosts, Alvin and Arlene Starkman. They made us feel at home from the moment we arrived, and went out of their way to provide both advice regarding restaurants, shopping and museums in Oaxaca as well as... More

My wife and I arrived at Casa Machaya by taxi from the main bus terminal in Oaxaca City on December 31/12 after an overnight bus trip from Mexico City where our flight from Vancouver BC, Canada ended. It was about 7 am when we knocked on the gate and were greeted by Alvin and Tito (the friendly house dog) with... More

My husband and I travelled to Oaxaca and stayed at Casa Machaya. Alvin is an amazing and very hospitable host. He shared his experience and knowledge with us on a variety of topics with respect to Oaxacan culture. His recommendations for food and places were always great. The room was very comfortable and the house is beautiful and has a... More

My wife and I stayed at Casa Machaya and had an unforgettable visit to Oaxaca. The accommodations are beautiful and comfortable, Tito the dog befriended us and above all, Alvin so generously shared his boundless knowledge of Oaxacan culture and history with us at every step. What we learned about the indigenous communities, mezcal producers and regional foods truly enriched... More

My partner and I climbed into the taxi at the airport, handed the Casa Machaya address and directions to the driver, and gazed around as we made the trip across the city and up into the hills on the outskirts of the city. This was our first trip to Oaxaca and it was much larger than we'd anticipated! We felt... More

Its always a guess when choosing a place to stay. No different here but our choice was rewarded with a very comfortable apartment with the greatests of hosts. We chose two days of touring with Alvin which gave us highlights that we would never have seen had we found local tours. You won't find anyone more knowledgeable than Alvin about... More

It's difficult to say adequately how much our time in Oaxaca meant to us. Leaving there has been like leaving a loved one. We could not have been happier with the lodging, food, and activities, including the rides with Arlene and the tours with Alvin. Arlene and Alvin's hospitality was outstanding -- we felt right at home and loved virtually... More