Located in southwestern Mexico, Oaxaca is the capital of the state of Oaxaca, surrounded by mountains and best known for its cultures and indigenous peoples. It has a rich craft heritage and hosts vibrant markets and colorful festivals, ideal for those seeking a more authentic Mexican experience. For the perfect base, consider one of these options, with everything from budget-friendly and mid-range to luxurious hotels.
Luxury Hotels
Casa Santo Origen
The elegant and romantic Casa Santo Origen is a tranquil adults-only hotel in the northern suburbs near the foothills of the Sierra Madre de Oaxaca Mountains, a 15-minute drive from downtown. It hosts eight suites, each of which is named for a different region of Oaxaca and all featuring flat-screen cable TVs, air conditioning coffeemakers, robes and slippers, and patios or balconies, some with views overlooking the city. There are options with open-air whirlpool tubs too. The grounds include an outdoor pool and terrace along with an on-site restaurant, Entre Sombres, which features a menu of Mediterranean dishes with unique Oaxacan takes. Bike rentals are available if you want to explore on two wheels.
Casa Silencio
Casa Silencio is the first hotel of its kind to provide a base for travelers who want to experience authentic mezcal. Part of the only solar-powered mezcal brand in Oaxaca, Casa Silencia sits in the remote Xaaga Valley, operating a zero-waste ethos inside and out. It has just six suites, providing a unique refuge for those who want to taste rare editions of Mezcal El Silencio. All are outfitted with handmade rugs, abstract copper-and-glass light fixtures, a bottle of El Silencio and a serving of mezcal-infused gummy worms. After touring, guests enjoy a tasting menu and meals that are a contemporary twist on classic Oaxacan dishes in the indoor/outdoor restaurant with a view of the valley and the mountains. Bespoke tours to artisan ateliers and little-known ruins are available too.
Pug Seal Oaxaca City
Pug Seal Oaxaca City is a newer hotel that opened in late 2020, set within an elegant 19th-century villa. near the Oaxaca Cathedral and Santo Domingo church. Its design is an influence of Mediterranean and indigenous Zapotec culture with art deco-style furnishings. It hosts 20 rooms, all of which are unique, but each opens to a central courtyard and includes standard amenities like air conditioning, Wi-Fi, stocked minibars, flat-screen TVs and bathrobes. Guests also enjoy a free gourmet breakfast every morning of their stay and personalized concierge services to help make the most of their time here.
Hotel Casa Hidalgo
Located in the heart of Oaxaca City, Casa Hidalgo is a boutique hotel set within a 19th-century building just a 5-minute walk from the main square of Zocalo Oaxaca. Dining can be enjoyed in the neoclassical-style patio offering open-air dining on dishes inspired by Oaxacan and international cuisine, while La Cava Bar serves light bites like tapas and ceviches along with Mexican wines, classic and signature cocktails, national and international drinks. Room service is available and there’s also a 24-hour gym and a spa on-site. Rooms all include air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen satellite TVs, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, robes, and slippers.
Casa Antonieta
A four-star luxury hotel, Casa Antonieta sits along a quiet stretch of Calle de Miguel Hidalgo just a short distance from the historic center. You’ll be close enough to all of the action but far enough from boisterous nightlife for peaceful sleep. The lush interior courtyard is a highlight, with a tranquil atmosphere for sipping a cup of coffee available at the on-site cafe. There are just nine rooms, including one that’s a larger apartment-style room, all of which come with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, cable TV, and spacious bathrooms.
Mid-Range Hotels
Hotel Siglo XVII
The historic Hotel Siglo XVII sits within a Colonial-style building just over a 5-minute walk from the tasty street food at Mercado 20 de Noviembre. It hosts a beautiful courtyard garden and a seasonal rooftop pool with an adjacent splash pool, a good-sized gym with cardio machines and weight training equipment, and an on-site restaurant bar. Rooms have warm decor, and all come with flat-screen satellite TVs, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, Nespresso coffee machines, and exterior entrances. Family suites are available that have separate living areas and an extra small bedroom with a double bed and a bathroom.
Hotel NaNa Vida
Hotel NaNa Vida is renowned for its exceptional hospitality with warm and welcoming staff who go out of their way to ensure you have a great stay while enjoying this oasis in the middle of the city. TripAdvisor ranks it as the No. 1 best-value boutique hotel and guests often note the gorgeous interior courtyard, local art throughout the property, and the sumptuous breakfast. Yoga sessions, massages, cooking classes, and tours focused on Oaxacan culture, traditions, gastronomy, arts and crafts, legends, and historic sites are all available. Rooms include air conditioning, cable TV, free Wi-Fi, and views of the courtyard.
Palacio Borghese
Located on the site of a former convent in a baroque building that dates back to the 16th century, Palacio Borghese is a European-style boutique hotel just steps from Santo Domingo de Guzman church in the historic center. It hosts six suites with colonial-style works of art and modern comforts like flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, minibars, and beds with luxe linens. Guests enjoy exceptionally warm hospitality, room service, and an on-site restaurant and bar. There’s a furnished patio and rooftop terrace for unwinding with a view, and ceremonial tea services are available too.
Quinta Real Oaxaca
The historic Quinta Real Oaxaca is a 5-star hotel set within a 16th-century convent surrounded by serene courtyards, fountains, and floral gardens in the historic city center near the Santo Domingo church. One of the most romantic hotels in the city, much of it has been impeccably restored to its original appearance, including the tile floors and its famous frescoes. It has an outdoor heated pool with umbrella-shaded tables and chairs and an elegant restaurant with outdoor seating for dining with views of the garden. Rooms and suites come with Wi-Fi, satellite TV, and minibars – interior rooms are quieter and have views of the garden, while the exterior rooms have large windows with a city view.
Hotel Parador de Alcalá
Set within a beautifully restored 18th-century colonial-style mansion in the historic district, Hotel Parador de Alcalá will put you just a short walk from Santo Domingo Square and the Museum of Contemporary Art of Oaxaca. It has 21 rooms and suites, all of which include free Wi-Fi, iPod docks, flat-screen TVs, and coffeemakers. Some have high ceilings and balconies too. Guests enjoy a complimentary cooked breakfast in the courtyard restaurant, and there’s a rooftop terrace with a gorgeous pool and loungers for sunbathing.
Hotel Casa Pereyra
Ideally located between the main tourist street and the Oaxaca Basilica, Hotel Casa Pereyra offers nine rooms and suites, all generously sized, most featuring private terraces or balconies. Each one is unique, but some are spread over two levels and include full kitchens along with standard amenities like free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and Smart TVs. A continental breakfast is included in the rates, served every morning in the courtyard.
Budget Hotels
Casa Oaxaca Hotel
An adorable hotel offering an intimate stay, Casa Oaxaca Hotel is set within a Colonial-era home and offers just seven rooms, all rustic-chic with contemporary works of art, locally crafted decor, tile floors, and colorful quilts. It’s just a few minutes on foot from the Museum of Contemporary Art of Oaxaca and other popular sights while providing an oasis of calm to return to, complete with a tranquil heart-shaped courtyard pool. An adults-only property with 12 and older allowed, cooking classes hosted by the chef or one of his associates and temazcal cleansing sessions are available too. The on-site restaurant, Casa Oaxaca, is considered the finest in the city, serving Oaxacan fare in both multicourse and a la carte menus.
Casa del Sótano
A former private residence, Casa del Sótano offers a quiet setting while being within an easy walk of popular sights. From the rooftop bar and terrace, guests can enjoy a jaw-dropping 360-degree view of the city, including Santo Domingo church which is just a few blocks away. The rooms come in a variety of categories and layouts, set around a picturesque garden courtyard. All have a rustic colonial feel with Old World Oaxacan charms, exposed beam ceilings and terracotta tiled floors with French doors that open to Juliet balconies. Some have magnificent views of the city and out to the mountains while others overlook the courtyards. Standard amenities include free bottled water and flat-screen cable TVs. While there is a cafe/bistro on-site, many bars and eateries can be enjoyed within a short walk.
La Noria Centro Histórico
La Noria Centro Histórico is located just two blocks from the main square and Oaxaca Cathedral. A colonial-style boutique hotel, it offers historic character with rooms that have Mexican and Spanish touches along with modern amenities. All come with a cable TV, air conditioning, a coffeemaker, and a balcony. The on-site Asuncion Restaurante offers delicious Oaxaca dishes, and there’s also a cafe/bistro for light bites and drinks. The helpful staff can arrange for city tours and car rentals.
