Casa Santa Ana

John and Judy were the best hosts! The buff-bellied hummingbirds and others visited the feeders. The room was clean and cozy and had great air conditioning. The sink was beautiful with intriguing tile-work. The breakfast was perfect for birders as it was a grab and go so we could get an early start. They were very knowledgeable about the local birding and helped us get some life birds! Thank you for such a lovely stay; we hope to come back again soon :)

7 years ago

There are a couple of rooms attached to a common kitchen/living room, all share a common patio area where the bird feeders are. If you are here for birds, you may have a fine time just sitting in the back there! Breakfast was labeled and put into the refrigerator as appropriate so that we could all have our own schedule. We loved that we could come and go as we pleased, didn't have to bother the hosts. The kitchen is well equipped, breakfast options are awesome and massive, coffee is fine. Used the apartment sized washer and dryer once, it was a lifesaver. The room was just right. The trip into town is not inconvenient at all. Lots of Border Patrol, which is good (look at the map folks..). It's in an agricultural area, if you are new to the Rio Grande area this may surprise you, but you quickly learn that there is no escaping people, and the birding is fantastic despite it. We have reservations to go back.

9 years ago

Casa Santa Ana is a delightful B&B with 3 rooms that open on a courtyard with a water feature and bird feeders where the host initiates the feeding action at 7:30 daily, so that guests can enjoy the many colorful Texas specialties with their morning coffee, quiche 'n eggs or pastry. Or if you prefer grab your brekky really early or "to go" and be out birding before sunrise. The convenience of choosing from the generous menu and having your choices ready really early (or later if you choose to sleep in) is very convenient. ||The hosts are real bird people and can help with advice about where to bird for Texas specialties. We've stayed at The Casa three years in a row, and will stay there again the next time we bird in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. The location is right at Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, a premier world birding site, and situated midway in the LRGV with a dozen other premier birding sites.||The Casa has a comfortable community area and kitchen with a good library, and reading material and maps describing the area's birding locations. There is a TV, which in 3 years (30 days accommodation) has thankfully never been turned on in my presence. There is a handy apartment sized washer dryer that works very well. The rooms are spacious and the beds comfy.

9 years ago

Casa Santa Ana is a lovely small bed and breakfast, located just a short walk from the Santa Ana NWR. The rooms are spacious and comfortable. The setting is peaceful. The hosts feed birds in the morning (in the winter) and it's quite a show to see the chachalacas, kiskadees, green jays, altamira orioles show up. Breakfast is informal and very delicious, served in a common room with a TV, sink, refrigerator, kitchen table, microwave, etc. There are good books about the local surroundings. The area around the B&B is agricultural. It's a short drive from some restaurants, but come here for the birds and the promixity to Santa Ana NWR.

9 years ago

While there was a small mixup in our reservation, Judy made it all right, and we had a very enjoyable stay. The room and common area was comfortable and convenient, and the grounds were very well kept and secure. The location right next to Santa Ana NWR made the location excellent for birders and anyone who wanted to visit the refuge in the morning. We heard Pauraque from the grounds, plus saw many other species. I highly recommend.

12 years ago

We second all the positive reviews previously written. Beautiful comfortable lodge, gracious hosts and great breakfasts ready to be heated and enjoyed at any time in the morning. (A great plus for photographers or birders who need to get out early). ||||John and Judy are knowledgable about the area, its refuges and all the birds within them. If you're looking for a comfortable place to enjoy nature outside your door and nearby, this is the best lodge to stay at.

10 years ago

John and Judy were friendly, welcoming hosts. The breakfasts were delicious and I so appreciated that they were ready to go super early in the morning so I could could out the door to go see birds. The rooms are simple, but clean and beautiful. The birds that come to the feeders are a bonus - I could have sat on the patio and just enjoyed them all day.

7 years ago

We stayed here three nights while we visited a variety of Rio Grande Valley birding spots. It was a welcome place to call home after long days in the field. The walk to the Santa Ana refuge is but a short jaunt on the highly productive levee. Highly recommend!

5 years ago