Entire home

Casita Azul, Mesilla Plaza Only Steps Away

Lakefront holiday home with kitchen and patio

Photo gallery for Casita Azul, Mesilla Plaza Only Steps Away

Casita Azul welcomes you as you enter and are greeted with blue tile.
Street entrance to Casita Azul
Looking in the portal entrance through the Mexican wooden doors.
Entry to the casita Inside covered portal.
Exterior detail

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 383.6 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

View map
  • Place, Mesillia Plaza
  • Place, Rio Grande Vineyards and Winery
  • Place, New Mexico State University
  • Airport, Las Cruces, NM (LRU-Las Cruces Intl.)

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 3)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Single Bed

1 bathroom

One full bathroom

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Office
Dining area

About this property

Casita Azul, Mesilla Plaza Only Steps Away

Our casita is decorated in a traditional way. Mexican folkart adorns the walls as well as in nichos and shelves. It is a comfortable place to stay with furniture that conforms to comfort but in a fashion that reflects the area. Refrigerated air is available in the bedroom as well as another unit that provides comfort throughout the casita.

We scrupulously clean our casita after every renter and also block our calendar accordingly (at least a day afterwards) to provide for thorough cleaning/sanitizing. While we use primarily natural products we also use disinfecting products to ensure that we are providing as much disinfecting support as possible.
Long term renters are required to pay an extra $50.00 cleaning fee every two weeks during their stay. We can arrange a convenient time when you are out and about for the cleaning.
Feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns.

Our Property
Imagine listening to the ringing of the church bells and walking out your door onto the charming plaza of Old Mesilla. Shopping at the unique shops around the plaza and dining on a variety of foods which includes our famous Mexican food.

Casita Azul is a two bedroom, one bath, 900 sq. ft. getaway. It is a historic property, which is part of the block that is listed on the State and National Register of Historic Places dating back to the 1850's. The casita was once a barn and then converted into living quarters. It is an adobe with thick walls. The ceilings are the traditional latillas (small lengths of wood) and vigas (large wood beams). The entrance is adorned with large carved, old Mexican, wooden double doors which opens to a covered portal (porch). The property owners are right next door and a common yard is shared. A newly bricked patio is available for relaxing in the New Mexico sunshine. The casita also has its own porch and access to the backyard area. It has a pet door so there is a possibility of bringing a small to medium sized dog. Please contact us if you plan to bring your pet.

As you enter the casita you walk into the kitchen which has blue Mexican tile accents, and an open living area. The rear bedroom shares the office area and a twin bed. The bathroom has a bathtub and a shower. The bathroom area has a separate heater and fan. There are two very quiet heating and refrigerated cooling units to make the casita cozy all year long. There is also a very basic utility room with a washer and dryer and a place to store suitcases and travel supplies.

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Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 13–17
The casita is best suited for mature guests.
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
Please contact owner, small dog on property.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
If you have checked with the owner about your dog, realize that there is a leash law enforced in the Town of Mesilla.
Please do not allow your pet on the furniture or beds. Make sure if you leave them in the casita that they are comfortable being left alone.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Property Registration Number 0783

We should mention

A car is not required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Mesilla

Located in Mesilla, this holiday home is on a lake. Fountain Theater and Recycled Roadrunner Statue are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include Museum of Nature & Science and Stahmanns Country Store. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at NMSU Tennis Center or Pan American Center. Practise your golf swing on a nearby course, or enjoy other activities in the great outdoors, such as mountain biking, cycling and hiking/biking trails in the area.
Map
Mesilla, NM

What's nearby

  • Mesillia Plaza - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Rio Grande Vineyards and Winery - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • New Mexico State University - 4 min drive - 4.6 km
  • Las Cruces Convention Center - 5 min drive - 5.0 km
  • Mesilla Valley Mall - 9 min drive - 8.4 km

Getting around

  • Las Cruces, NM (LRU-Las Cruces Intl.) - 12 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Dutch Bros Coffee - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Spotted Dog Brewery - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Golden Corral - ‬4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Casita Azul, Mesilla Plaza Only Steps Away pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

What time is check-in at Casita Azul, Mesilla Plaza Only Steps Away?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Casita Azul, Mesilla Plaza Only Steps Away?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Casita Azul, Mesilla Plaza Only Steps Away located?

Situated on a lake, this holiday home is steps away from Mesillia Plaza, San Albino Basilica and Fountain Theatre. Rio Grande Vineyards and Winery and Fountain Theater are also within 10 minutes.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 173 out of 178 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 178 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 178 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 178 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 178 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.4/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Monica M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very beautiful little casita! Nice and quiet, felt safe, and Mesilla is lovely. The hosts are very gracious.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joe

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Great location and folks
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Miriam P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Short getaway

This place felt like home away from home. Really clean and very spacious. A couple of steps and you are in the heart of Mesilla. We will definitely be back.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Eduardo G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic find

Wow what a great experience. The location was great,our hostess was fantastic and the apartment was perfect. We wish we could have stayed longer.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gina M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Another lovely stay

Once again, we loved our stay in the charming, clean, and comfortable Casita Azul. The owners have thought of everything in this tastefully appointed home. Mesilla is a gem in New Mexico, and this house is just off of the original town plaza. This is a welcome respite if traveling: The thick walls and neighborhood mean that the only outside noise you hear comes from the bells of the local church. We hope to return again.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cecilia D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely and comfortable

Convenient to Mesilla Square, clean and well equipped
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kaylonn T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Historical Mesilla

It was not just a very comfortable home but the history of both the familiy and their role in the developing Mesilla was amazing. We learned about the history through literature and art as well as from the host themselves and through their National Trust building. The location put us right on the square so we could visit sites by foot and walk the canals through pecan orchards. In a few days we felt like we knew Mesilla well. The house was a big part of the charm.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

James L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Historic Mesilla

Siesta by the plaza after a walk along the ditches
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Andrea F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Mesilla Casita

Quaint place near everything.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Maria C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful historic home in Mesilla!

Mary Helen is a great host who was attentive and responsive. The spot is well equipped and a beautiful home. Very walkable to center of town and local shops and restaurants.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sandra T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful historic casita

Very authentic beautiful mexican casita in historic Mesilla, NM. Walking distance to the shop, cafes, plaza, bars! On our list to stay again on our next visit back to Mesilla, NM
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Julianna R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The PERFECT PLACE!

This is beautiful, clean and so comfortable. So close to restaurants and shops. The best place we've ever stayed at!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Marie H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Stunning Destination!

We thoroughly enjoyed staying at the spectacular Casita Azul which was perfect for our needs and in a wonderful location. Casita Azul brims with art and beautiful plants which complement its adobe charm. Our gracious host, Mary Helen, has thought of everything her guests might need. We especially enjoyed the well equipped kitchen, the gorgeous patio space, and ample seating throughout.
Stayed 10 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Susan S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Mesilla Casita Close to the Plaza

The owners did a beautiful historical renovation of the home that preserved the cultural art and style of Mesilla. The home was immaculate and the furnishings were very comfortable. The home is in a quiet neighborhood just a block from the Plaza. I enjoyed hearing the church bells ring every half hour (they dont ring during the night). My little dog enjoyed the secure backyard and walking around the village.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ralph C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Unbelievable location and Casita

The Casita was both historic and full facilities at the same time. Located right in the historic center. The owners provided every detail to make an unforgettable stay.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

deb s.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family reunion

This was by far our favorite VRBO stay of the 25+ places we have booked. We can’t wait to come back.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Martina K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Mesilla Casita

Great location with easy access to restaurants and on-off the Interstate. Very peaceful!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Bob O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Mesilla Casita

Lovely, historic property . . . perfect location.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Tim L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Ideal Retreat and Location

We stayed while I had work in town, and this was the perfect spot to come back to and relax. We were looking for someplace that my better half could get out and explore while I was off working, and this definitely fit the bill. Very comfortable in its own right, with the square just around the corner, and we even enjoyed a sunset hike down one of the adjacent canals. Definitely hope to be back here in a future trip.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nick E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Gem in Mesilla

Casita Azul was treat. Form it’s decor to its location. It is yards from the plaza in Mesilla, which was very convenient. Pet friendly and the host was very nice and accommodating. I would stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gary S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely Historic Home

The location is in the heart of town in an important historic house. Very nicely appointed in Southwest style. Mary is a wonderful host.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jon M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect location!

Loved staying in this historic property. Close to loads of restaurants and so much to do in the area. The house had everything we needed and more and was very comfortable for our month's stay. Mary Helen had lots of good suggestions and was very helpful. Would stay again if in area.
Stayed 28 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Howard & Carmen J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Happy place to stay in ...very CHARMING!!

Excellent...Top notch
Stayed 14 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Virginia R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Comfy Casita

Wonderful refuge while we were remodeling our retirement home. Owner was extremely helpful!
Stayed 7 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Nancy M S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Serenity

This was our second stay here. We love the peacefulness, the history, the proximity of entertainment and outstanding restaurants all within walking distance. Our host and hostess go above and beyond in hospitality!
Stayed 14 nights in Sep 2023

About the host

Hosted by Mary Helen Ratje

Host profile image
My husband and I decided to renovate and use the casita for vacation travelers after living in it for a number of years before building our current home close by on the property. I am a teacher and my husband has a small business. The property belonged to my mother and father and my childhood home is close by. We have kept the character of the historic property intact but have added modern conveniences such as a quality roof, refrigerated air etc. We love Mesilla and have worked hard to protect the history and character of the property.

Why they chose this property

My husband and I renovated the casita two years ago to make a vacation rental for people to enjoy. The casita was originally a barn which my mother and father purchased along with the adjoining property in the early 1950's. It is listed on the State and National Registry of Historic Properties. My parents had the barn renovated to be used as a living space for my grandmother. The casita has thick adobe walls along with a traditional ceiling with latillas and vigas which was the customary way of building homes in our village.

What makes this property unique

The property, as I mentioned has thick adobe walls and traditional ceilings of vigas and latillas. It is decorated in the New Mexico/Mexico style with folk art and art covering the walls and nichos. It is listed on the State and National Registry of Historic Places and a few steps away from the Historic Mesilla Plaza. It has plenty of beautiful areas to walk or ride bikes. Las Cruces is close by with many attractions in and around it. The Organ Mountains - Desert Peaks National Monument is nearby, along with the Rio Grande River and Mesilla Valley Bosque Park. There are plenty of art galleries, shopping and wonderful restaurants both in Mesilla and Las Cruces.

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