Tlaquepaque (pronounced tlah-kay-PA-kay) is the folk-art capital of central Mexico and seems to stand apart in time, retaining its character as a tranquil historic village surrounded by the modern metropolis of Guadalajara Mexico. Fine dining, colonial ambiance, wonderful art, and music are all here, to be enjoyed at a leisurely pace in Tlaquepaque. Casa de las Flores makes your visit even more special with its garden ambiance, fantastic colorful folk art, warm Jalisco charm, expert hosts, and 5 star staff. We offer business and vacation travelers the chance to escape city stress and enjoy the traditions of Mexico in a unique neighborhood at our special bed and breakfast inn.

Guests refreshed after the night's rest at Casa de las Flores, and informed after an over-breakfast chat with your hosts or staff about things to see and do in the Guadalajara and Tlaquepaque area, find it easy to venture to the historic city center of Guadalajara Mexico, less than 20 minutes away -- or to any of a number of destinations nearby -- although once visitors reach us, they may find it hard to leave Casa de las Flores and the village of Tlaquepaque.

Guadalajara's Casa de las Flores Bed and Breakfast is a wonderfully comfortable home base from which to explore the many local destinations and area attractions. The village friendliness of Tlaquepaque, the fine restaurants and shops in town, combined with the comfortable elegance and informative assistance of the Casa de las Flores staff, makes for the perfect place to venture out from and to get to know the fabulous points of interest in our lovely part of Mexico. And, it is also the perfect relaxing place to return to after a busy day in the bustling metropolis and historic center of Guadalajara Mexico.

Enjoy the best of both worlds: the faster pace of the busy city of Guadalajara Mexico and all it has to offer, and our tranquil walled gardens -- that is if you can tear yourself away from just enjoying a good book, a glass of wine or cup of tea in the spectacular gardens of Casa de las Flores Guadalajara Bed and Breakfast.
Not only is Tlaquepaque a special destination, but Casa de las Flores and it's unique location is one of a kind, in the heart of one of the oldest working folk art neighborhoods, rich in tradition, history and craftsmanship. Casa de las Flores provides every guest with an insider's knowledge of this fascinating area.

As an introduction to Tlaquepaque´s artistic heritage, Stan, one of your hosts, often offers interested guests a complementary in-house tour of Casa de las Flores' collection of local folk art. Trained as an artist himself and a passionate collector of local folk art, Stan began the in-house tour to introduce visitors to the hidden wealth of creative treasures available locally to those who know where to look.

Tlaquepaque is acclaimed for its fine ceramics and craftsmen and was famous even before the Spanish conquered the area in the 1530´s. Tlaquepaque is a Nahuatl Indian word meaning "the place on hills of clay." Artists of ancient cultures from this region were famous for their skill throughout the Aztec empire as fine ceramicists. Later, during the colonial period of Mexico, Spaniards called on the skills of Tlaquepaque craftsmen to help build Guadalajara Mexico as well as many of the remaining fabulous villas and mansions that graciously adorn our historic center of town. Colonial Guadalajara Mexico was founded on Valentine's Day, and modern Guadalajara Mexico is also known as the city of roses, making our area one of the most romantic destinations in Mexico.

Despite the rich artistic traditions of the area Colonial Tlaquepaque was as renowned for hospitality as for its artists.

Tlaquepaque was the first place to receive colonial dignitaries and noblemen traveling overland from Mexico City on their way to the grand city of Guadalajara Mexico. These influential travelers would stop to rest and refresh themselves in Tlaquepaque before making their grand entrances to meet the Viceroy in the colonial capital of Guadalajara Mexico.

Wealthy and influential Guadalajarans built lavish summer homes in Tlaquepaque, due in part to their desire to extend hospitality to these distinguished travelers. Casa de las Flores is proud to carry on this tradition of welcoming travelers like you with gracious hospitality.

In the 19th century, hospitality among wealthy Guadalajarans included a variety of summer balls, parties and galas. Such festivities created a demand for musical entertainment. Mexico's national music of Mariachi originated right here in Tlaquepaque. Mariachis were hired for the private celebrations in the grand mansions of the wealthy and nightly played for the public in ¨El Parian¨, Tlaquepaque's legendary mariachi plaza. Here musicians defined their sound and style that evolved into the unique music of Mexico that is Mariachi.

Large as a city block, El Parian houses 16 cantinas serving food and drink around a tree-shaded interior courtyard. Mariachis still stroll among diners at the outdoor tables, playing requests for romantic couples and families celebrating a special occasion. On Sundays, dancers swirl to the music in colorful folk dances. Twice a day on weekends, special floor shows of classical mariachi music and regional dance are presented.

When it's time for a break from shopping, visitors may get a fruit drink or ice cream and sit down to watch the passing parade of families in El Jardin, the large central plaza. A couple of blocks from the plaza, visitors can watch artisans twirl molten glass from the furnace and take home the finished piece, or tour the ceramic museum to see the scope of Tlaquepaque´s artistic heritage. At the end of the day, there is always time to retire to El Parian, just steps from the plaza, for a refreshing drink or to come home to Casa de las Flores to really relax.

All these layers of history overlap in Tlaquepaque to form a unique cultural district in the space of a few blocks. Visitors stroll along a pedestrian-only street among restored colonial-era mansions, browsing among shops, museums, restaurants and galleries. More than 300 specialty shops feature spectacular locally-produced pottery, decorative tile, glass, metalwork, textiles, furniture and other crafts that draw visitors and buyers from all over the world.

Golden glass spheres get their finishing touches at a local glass factory, and the final strokes of engobe, the paint used in traditional ceramics, is put on a piece that is destined for sale at Casa de las Flores' wonderful little folk art gallery.

Staying at Casa de las Flores Bed and Breakfast adds another unique facet to the pleasures of Tlaquepaque and Guadalajara Mexico. A sparkling gem of colorful gardens, comfort, and hospitality, as well as information about Guadalajara, is waiting to be discovered and enjoyed by you. A scant three blocks from shopping and entertainment, guests become part of a peaceful and unique artist's community, which has both practical and cultural advantages.

Guests' chores, projects and goals are made easy with the assistance of our staff and hosts. Tasks like changing money, shipping purchases, buying furniture or enjoying a meal are made effortless by hosts and staff, and at the same time, there are cultural experiences that are meant to be enjoyed and can be part of the fun of travel.

Come and let us help you enjoy more of Mexico.