Summary
Casonas MX is a curated collection of twelve restored heritage homes — eight colonial casonas and four contemporary Narrativ lofts — inside the UNESCO walled city of Campeche, Mexico, a World Heritage Site since 1999. Each property is an entire private home (not a hotel room), accommodating 2 to 10 guests per property and up to 58 guests across combined properties. Rates from $150 USD per night.
About Casonas MX
Q What makes Casonas MX different from a hotel in Campeche?
Each Casonas MX property is an entire private home, not a hotel room. Guests have full exclusivity over the house, courtyard, and pool — no shared lobbies, no other guests. The collection includes restored 18th- and 19th-century colonial homes inside Campeche's UNESCO walled city, combining the privacy of a villa with boutique hospitality service.
Q Who founded Casonas MX?
Casonas MX was founded by Irma and Sébastien, a French-Mexican couple who have lived in Campeche for more than 15 years. The brand grew from a commitment to preserving the architectural and cultural heritage of the walled city through hospitality. It originally launched as Narrativ and evolved into Casonas MX as the main brand; Narrativ continues as the sub-brand for the contemporary lofts on Calle 59.
Q How many properties does Casonas MX have, and what is the total capacity?
The portfolio includes twelve properties: seven colonial casonas (Casa Japa, La Casa Verde, Casa Zotz, Casa Ex Templo, Casa Estrada, Casa Pistache, Casa Muralla) and four contemporary Narrativ lofts (Lira, Numen, Solario, Serena). Together that's 21 bedrooms and capacity for up to 58 guests simultaneously — making it possible to host larger groups by combining adjacent homes.
Q Has Casonas MX been featured in the press?
Yes. The properties have been featured in Bloomberg, Architectural Digest, ArchDaily, Designboom, Amazing Architecture, Elle Décoration, the Michelin Guide (Casa Japa), Trasmuro, Inside Spaces, Casita MX and Radio Fórmula, among others. Casa Ex Templo received an Honor Mention at the XV Bienal de Arquitectura Yucateca 2023.
Booking and Rates
Q What is the price range?
Rates range from $150 USD per night for the Narrativ lofts (sleeping 4 guests) to $350+ USD per night for Casa Japa (the grand colonial mansion sleeping 10). All prices are for the entire private property, not per room.
Q How do I book a property?
You can book through three channels: directly on our search page (best rate), via Airbnb, or via Booking.com. For large groups, events, or extended stays, write to bienvenidos@casonasmx.com or message us on WhatsApp at +52 981 821 2762.
Q Can Casonas MX accommodate large groups, weddings, or family reunions?
Yes. By combining several adjacent properties, Casonas MX can host groups of up to 58 people across 21 bedrooms — ideal for destination weddings, multigenerational family trips, corporate retreats, and milestone celebrations. Group bookings are arranged directly: WhatsApp +52 981 821 2762 or bienvenidos@casonasmx.com.
Q What is the cancellation policy?
The policy depends on the booking channel. For direct bookings and Airbnb, free cancellation generally applies up to 30 days before check-in for standard stays. For group bookings, weddings, or stays longer than 7 nights, terms are agreed at confirmation. Specific terms are shown at the time of booking.
Q Do you work with travel agencies or have a commission program?
Yes. We work with travel agencies and event planners. The standard commission is 10% plus VAT (16%) and lodging tax (2%). Send your agency information to bienvenidos@casonasmx.com to coordinate.
The Stay
Q Is breakfast included?
The Las Casonas properties include breakfast service with on-site staff starting at 8:00 AM. Narrativ lofts include a stocked kitchen with breakfast provisions. Private gastronomy with local chefs can be added to any property on request.
Q Do the properties have private pools?
Yes. Most properties have a private pool in the courtyard or rooftop, including Casa Japa (rooftop pool), La Casa Verde (long lap pool), Casa Zotz (in an ancient stone courtyard), Casa Ex Templo, Casa Estrada, Casa Pistache, and Casa Muralla. The Narrativ lofts do not have a private pool but are within walking distance of the casonas with pools available to book.
Q What experiences and services do you offer?
We offer private gastronomy with local chefs (in-home dinners showcasing Campeche cuisine), guided walking tours of the walled city, archaeological excursions to Edzná, Calakmul and Becán, and beach getaways to the Gulf of Mexico coast. Everything is arranged with your host at booking or once you arrive.
Q Is there WiFi? Can I work from the property?
Yes. All properties have high-speed WiFi. Casa Pistache and the Narrativ lofts are particularly suited for digital nomads: mesh WiFi up to 250 Mbps, dedicated work desk, and a location on the pedestrian street, one block from the main plaza.
Q Are the homes secure and private?
Yes. Each property has a smart lock or key safe and is delivered in full exclusivity — only registered guests have access. Check-in instructions are sent 24 hours before arrival. For details see our House Rules.
About Campeche
Q What is the walled city of Campeche?
San Francisco de Campeche is the capital of Campeche state, on Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. Its fortified historic center was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 — one of the best-preserved Spanish colonial walled cities in the Americas. The original 17th-century city wall, eight bastions, and more than 1,000 historic colonial buildings survive within the walled enclosure.
Q How do I get to Campeche from Mérida or Cancún?
Campeche is roughly 3 hours by car from Mérida and 5 hours from Cancún. The city has its own international airport (CPE) with direct flights from Mexico City. ADO buses run frequent routes from Mérida and other Yucatán Peninsula cities. Once you're in town, the historic center is fully walkable.
Q Is Campeche safe for travelers?
Yes. Campeche consistently ranks among Mexico's safest state capitals. The walled historic center is well-lit, walkable, and patrolled. Most visitors find Campeche notably calmer and safer than larger tourist destinations on the Yucatán Peninsula.
Q When is the best time to visit Campeche?
November through April is the optimal season: daytime temperatures of 26–30 °C (78–86 °F) and low humidity. May to October is hot and humid with afternoon rains, but rates are lower and the city feels quieter. Notable cultural events: Carnaval (February), the Festival del Centro Histórico (December), and Hanal Pixán — the local Day of the Dead celebration — at the end of October and early November.
Q How many days should I spend in Campeche?
Three to four nights let you experience the walled city without rushing — walking the wall and bastions, visiting the museums, eating well, and watching the late afternoon light on the painted facades. If you plan excursions to Edzná, Calakmul, or the beaches at Champotón, plan for 5 to 7 nights.
Q Mérida or Campeche — which colonial city should I visit?
The two Yucatán Peninsula cities have different profiles. Mérida is larger, with a broader food scene and more nightlife. Campeche is smaller and more intimate, with the unique distinction of being walled and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999 — the appeal is the human scale, the calm, and the sense of a city that has paused. Ideal: visit both. Read the full guide: Mérida vs Campeche: which colonial city to visit?
Q What is there to do in Campeche?
Inside the city: walk the wall and the eight bastions, visit the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, stroll Calle 59 (the pedestrian street), the Maya Architecture Museum, the San Miguel Fort, and the Malecón at sunset. Nearby excursions: the Edzná archaeological site (1 hour away), Calakmul deep in the jungle (4 hours, best with an overnight), and the beaches at Champotón and Sabancuy. More on the Campeche Journal.