Tlaquepaque is a great place to tour and explore. But it was hard to leave QDJ because just being in the property was so pleasant and relaxing. Expert landscaping, relaxing music, friendly staff, comfortable rooms, and eye-pleasing decor made it difficult to wander away from. The breakfast fare was delicious without exception. The hot chocolate was genuine Mexican, made the way it has been made for centuries. And the bar, especially at the 2 for 1 happy hour, produced great drinks among a group of contented guests. We will recommend QDJ to anyone who will listen, and we will always make it our home in Tlaquepaque.

Hadn't been to Guadalajara in 25 years, found QDJ on the internet and decided to try it as a "re-entry point". We planned on arriving on Christmas Eve and departing on January 1st. Figured it probably wouldn't be exactly what we were looking for in terms of giving us a real feel for the area (hotels sometimes don't) but went ahead. I was impressed with the quick response and follow-ups to our emailed questions and chose a room based upon internet pictures. Arrival was uncomplicated as the person meeting us was exactly where they said they would be, holding a sign with our name. The driver turned out to be the owner and was extremely helpful in getting us oriented to the area. The room (Master Suite) was beautiful, convenient as it opened up right onto the spacious enclosed patio near the bar and outdoor eating area and was exactly as shown on the internet. Once inside the property we had access to grassy areas, fountains, flowers, a pool, lounge areas and a hammock. Everything was immaculate. We arrived on Christmas eve and were invited to a complimentary "simple Christmas dinner buffet" that evening that included ham, turkey, tamales, side dishes, dessert, wine, punch and a most interesting corn-based hat drink.

The hotel staff was friendly, always available and willing to help but never invasive - able to speak English if needed but also supportive of guests' efforts to learn or improve their language skills.

We never really felt as though we were in a hotel - we had all the privacy, support, attention and comfort you would expect to have staying in a well run bed and breakfast. We took them up on a couple of tours with Abel who is a lifelong citizen of Guadalajara. We took trips with him to downtown Guadalajara as well as a couple of shopping excursions to Tonola. Again - support and suggestions when we wanted them, lots of information and opportunities to visit with artisans in their small workshops and never any pressure. Abel and his introduction to the area was one of the high points of our trip.

The owner and his wife were extremely accommodating and resourceful. I mentioned on the way from the airport that some time I really wanted to learn to make tamales and the next day he said he had contacted a woman who lived next door and if I liked, she would come to the hotel and give me a class. I jumped at the opportunity - the hotel provided someone to help with the language and in no time I was slapping cornmeal on a corn husk and comfortable making both sweet and savory tamales.

My husband is a runner and we were directed to a park with running track a short walk away - I'm not a heavy drinker, but became enamored of the house tequila with its unique smoky flavor. When we wanted to venture somewhere new, it was very easy to make arrangements for the hotel van to take us and pick us up later if we wished.

I can't imagine wanting to stay elsewhere in the area and in fact, several guests arrived after having spent some not-so-enjoyable days at other small hotels in the area. We have already reserved the same room for the week between Christmas and New Years this year and plan on taking advantage of their expertise in plotting some additional day-trips with Abel. If you happen to be there, look for the contented lady sipping a smoky tequila sunrise and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere from the vantage point of the large swinging hammock. That would be me.

Just spent two nights over Christmas at Quinta Don Jose before heading into El Centro for another five and can't think of a better way to ease into a week's vacation in Guadalajara. The other reviewers have already said it: the place is a hidden gem a block and a half off Tlaquepaque's square - and the staff easily outshines the outstanding facilities. Delicious breakfasts and cordial happy hours sandwich tours by cultural ambassador Don Abel (my 17-year old daughter fell in love with him) to Tonala, Tequila, El Centro, etc. We look forward to returning (as soon as we see the rest of Mexico). Tom in Cincinnati

We just returned from a fabulous holiday stay at the Quinta Don Jose. Our family enjoyed every moment of our vacation; the rooms were delightful, the service was excellent, the food was absolutely delicious.

Our group included people in education, real estate, construction and art. We came to Mexico tired and weary...and left relaxed and refreshed. Thank you, Quinta Don Jose!

Flying into Guadalajara was easy and quick. We were picked up and wisked off to the hotel. The staff at the QDJ is wonderful and they have great recommendations for fun things to do and see.

We are already making plans to return, and we would most definitely plan our trip around the availability of accommodations at this super B&B.