Oaxaca City, officially known as Oaxaca de Juárez, is a captivating cultural jewel in southern Mexico. This city enchants visitors with its profound history, thriving art scene, and exceptional culinary traditions. Oaxaca’s breathtaking colonial architecture, bustling markets overflowing with local artistry and fresh produce, and lively festivals create an immersive and dynamic experience deeply rooted in authentic Mexican culture.
For art enthusiasts, like myself, Oaxaca is a truly magical destination. I confess to a slight weakness for acquiring unique souvenirs, often testing the limits of practical luggage capacity. During my visits to Oaxaca, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for the region’s distinctive crafts, from its signature ceramics to hand-woven rugs, impressive beeswax candles, and bottles of smoky mezcal. These treasures have all, somewhat miraculously, found their way back to my Brooklyn apartment, serving as cherished reminders of wonderful explorations in and around this vibrant city. Oaxaca effortlessly presents beauty at every turn, whether you’re exploring the studios and boutiques in the lively neighborhoods of Jalatlaco and Xochimilco, or venturing beyond the Centro Histórico to Teotitlán del Valle for rugs dyed with cochineal or San Bartolo Coyotepec for its distinctive black pottery.
As the sun dips below the horizon, Oaxaca’s energy shifts, drawing you to rooftop bars and traditional mezcalerías. And when you’re ready to rest after a day of discovery, Oaxaca offers a wide array of accommodations that reflect the region’s hospitality, culture, and architectural beauty. From Travel + Leisure It List-winning hotels to historic buildings nearly as old as the city itself, here are the best places to stay on your next trip to Oaxaca.
Expertise of the Author
Austa Somvichian-Clausen is a seasoned travel writer specializing in Mexico’s premier destinations. Her extensive travels in Oaxaca include stays at many of the hotels featured in this guide, providing her with firsthand experience and deep insights into what this vibrant destination offers.
Otro Oaxaca
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Courtesy of Otro Oaxaca / Design Hotels
Also available to book at Tripadvisor.com
What We Like: The peaceful and design-conscious atmosphere of this intimate hotel offers a truly authentic and delightful stay.
What to Consider: Like many boutique hotels in Oaxaca, Otro Oaxaca has limited rooms. Advance booking is highly recommended, especially for travel during peak seasons.
Otro Oaxaca, recognized on Travel + Leisure’s It List 2024, is a tranquil haven ideally located across from the iconic Santo Domingo Cathedral. This luxurious and intimate hotel, part of Grupo Habita’s boutique collection and a member of Design Hotels, features just 16 rooms. The hotel’s design and architecture seamlessly merge contemporary aesthetics with traditional Mexican elements, creating a visually stunning and culturally rich environment.
The Townhouse and Deluxe rooms offer luxurious amenities, including concrete soaking tubs, and select rooms even boast semi-private rooftop plunge pools. The rooftop terrace elevates the experience further with its infinity pool, offering panoramic city and valley views.
Hotel Details:
- Area: Oaxaca City
- Accessibility: Limited accessibility
- Nearby Attractions: Espacio Zapata, Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca, Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca
- Loyalty Programs: Marriott Bonvoy
- Rates: Starting at $410
“Otro is just a short walk from some of the city’s most tempting restaurants, museums, and attractions, yet it offers guests a tranquil respite from the clamor. The neo-vanguardist hotel, with its natural palette of reclaimed wood, adobe, brick, and iron, is a dream for design aficionados, and each of its 16 utilitarian rooms includes surprising pops of color, like green–coated aluminum bed frames with built-in bedside tables and burgundy suede blackout curtains.”
–Catherine Tansey, Travel + Leisure Contributor
Grana B&B
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Guest room in Grana B&B. Camila Cossio / Courtesy of Grana B&B
Also available to book at Tripadvisor.com
What We Like: Grana B&B’s bright and plant-filled inner courtyard is a hidden gem in the city center, offering a tranquil escape from the bustling streets of Oaxaca.
What to Consider: Rooms on the ground floor may experience some street noise at night due to the hotel’s central location.
Grana B&B redefines the traditional “bed and breakfast” experience. Located on a lively square on Oaxaca’s west side, Grana is situated within a spacious, renovated 18th-century mansion, offering just 14 rooms. This intimate size ensures personalized attention and a peaceful atmosphere.
A communal kitchen off the main lobby features vibrant emerald green tiles and displays local ceramic art. The building’s skylit central courtyard is a highlight, brimming with lush plants, a charming fountain, and inviting bistro tables. This courtyard is where guests enjoy Grana’s complimentary Mexican breakfast each morning. Unique details enhance the B&B’s charm, from ceramic Japanese soaking tubs to a courtyard wall adorned with tea lights and hanging nopales (cactus paddles). As evening approaches, the rooftop at Grana offers stunning sunset views, perfect for enjoying with a cold beer.
Hotel Details:
- Area: Oaxaca City
- Accessibility: Limited accessibility
- Nearby Attractions: Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca, Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca, Andador Turístico
- Rates: Starting at $140
Casa Silencio
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Guest room in Casa Silencio. Courtesy of Casa Silencio
What We Like: Casa Silencio offers an immersive Oaxacan experience with six uniquely designed suites, each beautifully decorated with local artisan pieces, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the region.
What to Consider: Located an hour’s drive outside of Oaxaca City, Casa Silencio requires a car for access, making it less convenient for those wanting to explore the city center.
Casa Silencio, a recipient of Travel + Leisure’s It List 2022 award, provides a unique and secluded experience, requiring a journey an hour outside of Oaxaca City. Founded by Vicente Cisneros and Fausto Zapata of Mezcal El Silencio, this six-suite hotel is uniquely situated within a working mezcal distillery, offering an unparalleled experience for spirit enthusiasts.
The spacious guest suites are adorned with locally sourced artisan textiles and artwork. Bathrooms feature large showers and distinctive walls constructed from recycled El Silencio bottles, adding a unique design element. Guests can observe the daily mezcal production process and enjoy tastings of vintage mezcal bottles not available elsewhere, making it a truly exclusive Oaxacan retreat.
Hotel Details:
- Area: Valle del Silencio (Valley of Silence)
- Accessibility: Limited accessibility
- Nearby Attractions: Mitla, Hierve el Agua, various mezcal distilleries
- Rates: Starting at $750
Hotel Sin Nombre
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Lexus Gallegos for Hotel Sin Nombre
Also available to book at Expedia.com
What We Like: Each room and suite in this tranquil boutique hotel is individually designed with a bright yet rustic aesthetic, creating a unique and inviting atmosphere.
What to Consider: While Hotel Sin Nombre features a rooftop restaurant and pool, the pool is small, and some guests have commented on inconsistent service at the restaurant.
Hotel Sin Nombre, recognized on Travel + Leisure’s It List 2021, is defined by its stunning light-filled atrium. This unexpected oasis, revealed after entering through an unassuming doorway, features handwoven rugs, potted cacti, and wooden tables, creating a serene and stylish space for relaxation and socializing.
The rooftop offers a small pool and bar, while the rooms provide a peaceful retreat with walls painted using “natural and local extracts,” terracotta tile floors, and comfortable beds on wooden platforms. The design emphasizes natural materials and a calming color palette, enhancing the restful ambiance.
Hotel Details:
- Area: Oaxaca City
- Accessibility: Limited accessibility
- Nearby Attractions: Catedral Metropolitana de Oaxaca, Zócalo, Oaxaca Textile Museum
- Rates: Starting at $296
Casa Santo Origen
Also available to book at Expedia.com
What We Like: Casa Santo Origen, despite being a short drive from the city center, offers a tranquil and secluded oasis, ideal for a relaxing escape.
What to Consider: Its slightly isolated location requires planning for transportation back to the hotel when spending evenings in the city.
Casa Santo Origen is an adults-only hotel located just north of Oaxaca’s city center, offering a peaceful retreat. The only sounds are the gentle murmur of guests enjoying the pool or dining at Entre Sombras, the hotel’s restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine with a Oaxacan twist.
Each of Casa Santo Origen’s eight rooms is named after different regions of Oaxaca and includes a private outdoor space such as balconies, patios, or copper plunge tubs. A 15-minute drive (or approximately an hour walk) from the city center, it’s well-suited for exploring sites like Monte Alban or Mitla while offering a quieter setting away from the downtown bustle.
Hotel Details:
- Area: Agencia Municipal de San Felipe del Agua
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
- Nearby Attractions: Benito Juarez National Park, Colonia Reforma
- Rates: Starting at $382
Quinta Real Oaxaca
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Pool area at Quinta Real Oaxaca. Courtesy of Quinta Real Oaxaca
What We Like: Quinta Real Oaxaca seamlessly blends historic charm with contemporary amenities, providing a luxurious and culturally rich experience.
What to Consider: The hotel and its grounds are often booked for large events, which can sometimes impact the tranquility for individual guests.
For a truly immersive historical experience, Quinta Real Oaxaca is unmatched. This hotel is set within a beautifully restored 16th-century convent, recognized as part of Oaxaca’s UNESCO World Heritage designation. Located in the city’s heart, its expansive grounds offer a unique combination of colonial architecture and modern luxury, featuring serene cloistered courtyards and ancient stone walls.
Dine at El Refectorio, the hotel restaurant, offering al fresco dining and a weekend breakfast buffet, or enjoy mezcal and regional drinks at the bar. Each uniquely designed room showcases high ceilings, original stone walls, and traditional tile floors, complemented by dark wood furniture, wrought-iron details, and rich textiles, creating an atmosphere of historical elegance.
Hotel Details:
- Area: Oaxaca City
- Accessibility: Wheelchair Accessible
- Nearby Attractions: Zócalo, Templo de Santo Domingo, Mercado Benito Juárez, Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca
- Loyalty Programs: Preferred Hotels & Resorts iPrefer Program
- Rates: Starting at $250
Casa Antonieta
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Guest room in Casa Antonieta. Courtesy of Casa Antonieta
Also available to book at Kayak.com
What We Like: Casa Antonieta’s lush, plant-filled setting stylishly merges contemporary design with historic colonial architecture, creating a visually appealing and relaxing environment.
What to Consider: Its central city location, while convenient, may result in street noise at night and early mornings.
Casa Antonieta offers a minimalist and modern aesthetic within a historic setting, attracting both travelers and local residents. The hotel features Muss Café, a popular on-site café serving artisanal coffee and light fare in a beautiful courtyard with grand columns and archways.
The rooms are thoughtfully appointed with locally crafted decor, featuring neutral tones, polished concrete floors, and wooden accents, creating a serene and sophisticated ambiance. The building itself, dating back to 1529, is among the city’s oldest, having once served as a parish for the local indigenous community.
Hotel Details:
- Area: Oaxaca City
- Accessibility: Limited accessibility
- Nearby Attractions: Zócalo, Templo de Santo Domingo, Andador Turístico
- Rates: Starting at $345
El Callejón Hotel Boutique
Also available to book at Expedia.com
What We Like: The warm, exceptional service and the hotel’s lush, garden-like grounds are standout features of this intimate Oaxaca hotel.
What to Consider: Located just north of the city center in Jalatlaco, it is in a slightly more suburban area, a short walk but not directly in the absolute heart of the city.
El Callejón Hotel Boutique, a contemporary gem in Oaxaca’s Jalatlaco neighborhood, provides a tranquil retreat within easy reach of the city’s main attractions. This boutique hotel is known for its sleek, organic modern design, which harmoniously blends traditional Oaxacan elements with minimalist aesthetics.
The spacious suites feature handcrafted furnishings, natural materials, and large windows that maximize natural light, along with generously sized private outdoor patios. The communal courtyard offers a peaceful garden setting with winding pathways, comfortable seating, and abundant local greenery. Guests consistently praise the attentive and excellent service, and breakfast is included with each stay.
Hotel Details:
- Area: Jatatlaco
- Accessibility: Some wheelchair-accessible accommodations available
- Nearby Attractions: El Llano Park, Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca, Cooperativa 1050º (Pottery collective)
- Rates: Starting at $264
Pug Seal Oaxaca
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Guest room in Pug Seal. Courtesy of Pug Seal
What We Like: Pug Seal is a uniquely funky hotel, unlike any other in Oaxaca, truly embracing the city’s vibrant and artistic spirit.
What to Consider: Light sleepers should be aware that its location across from a club can result in noise, particularly in the evenings.
Pug Seal Oaxaca, part of a small hotel chain originating in Mexico City, lives up to its quirky name. Housed in a restored 20-suite colonial mansion, its décor is far from traditional. The hotel features a bright inner courtyard with a large fountain, playful chair swings, and walls adorned with colorful murals, reflecting Oaxaca’s artistic flair.
Inside each suite, original features like wooden beamed ceilings are juxtaposed with modern furnishings and amenities and colorfully painted walls. While the hotel doesn’t have its own restaurant, breakfast is included, and its central location means numerous dining options are just steps away. The brand is also developing a coastal location in Oaxaca, adding to its appeal as a distinctive hotel group in the region.
Hotel Details:
- Area: Oaxaca City
- Accessibility: Limited accessibility
- Nearby Attractions: Museo de Arte Prehispánico de México Rufino Tamayo, Museum of Contemporary Art and Oaxaca Cultures (MACO), Zócalo
- Rates: Starting at $295
Hotel Escondido Oaxaca
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From left: Minimalist décor at Hotel Escondido Oaxaca; making natural dyes at Casa Don Taurino. Daniel Seung Lee
Also available to book at Marriott.com
What We Like: Hotel Escondido Oaxaca offers meticulous attention to detail and a stunning overall property design, creating a truly luxurious experience.
What to Consider: Hotel Escondido is positioned as one of the most expensive hotels in Oaxaca City, reflecting its high-end amenities and prime location.
Hotel Escondido Oaxaca, part of Grupo Habita and Design Hotels, is an architecturally impressive hotel. Like many of Oaxaca’s best hotels, it presents an understated exterior, concealing a wealth of design and luxury within. Designed by Alberto Kalach, it combines a restored colonial building with a modern tower extension. Despite its central location, it remains intimate with only 12 rooms. However, it offers ample communal spaces, including a courtyard patio, library, and rooftop pool.
Rooms and suites feature furnishings by local artisans and incorporate sleek-yet-rustic wood elements. Smaller patio rooms are enhanced by private outdoor spaces, while the top suites are significantly larger. Located in the heart of downtown Oaxaca, Hotel Escondido is a worthwhile indulgence for a luxurious stay.
Hotel Details:
- Area: Oaxaca City
- Accessibility: Limited accessibility
- Nearby Attractions: Museo Textil de Oaxaca, Museo de Arte Prehispánico de México Rufino Tamayo, Zócalo
- Loyalty Programs: Marriott Bonvoy
- Rates: Starting at $825
Essential Tips for Visiting Oaxaca
Carry Sufficient Cash
While credit cards are widely accepted in Oaxaca City, having pesos is essential, particularly when venturing outside the city. Cash is needed for smaller towns, markets, tips, and incidental expenses. ATMs are accessible, but exchanging currency at your bank or upon airport arrival is advisable for better rates and convenience.
Avoid Tap Water
To prevent potential health issues, it’s crucial to avoid drinking tap water in Oaxaca. Opt for bottled or filtered water. Purchase bottled water from reputable shops or your hotel rather than street vendors to ensure safety. Consider bringing a self-filtering water bottle as a sustainable and convenient option.
Plan Transportation Ahead
Oaxaca City is easily walkable, but if you plan to rent a car for day trips, verify parking availability at your hotel. Driving in Oaxaca can be challenging due to narrow streets, heavy traffic, and limited parking. For stays primarily within the city, taxis or ride-sharing services are recommended to avoid driving stress.
Pack Extra Space for Souvenirs
Oaxaca and its surrounding areas are renowned for vibrant artisan crafts. Many visitors, including myself, regret not having enough luggage space for new acquisitions. Consider bringing a larger suitcase or packing lightly to accommodate the unique treasures you’ll discover.
How We Curated These Hotel Recommendations
Oaxaca boasts stunning architecture and a rich selection of hotels, making the selection process rigorous. Several hotels on this list, including the property located just outside the city, were included due to their prior recognition on Travel + Leisure’s esteemed It Lists, signifying their exceptional quality.
In addition to these award-winning hotels, New York-based writer Austa Somvichian-Clausen, with her extensive knowledge and personal experiences in Oaxaca hotels, contributed significantly to this guide. Beyond her firsthand insights, she consulted industry colleagues and thoroughly reviewed numerous hotel reviews. The selection criteria prioritized hospitality, amenities, location, and the authentic sense of place each hotel offers through collaborations with local architects and artisans. Ultimately, each hotel selected aligns with Travel + Leisure’s core Hotel Values.
Edited by Sophie Mendel
Sophie Mendel is an editor at Travel + Leisure, overseeing product reviews and recommendations to guide travelers to the best travel essentials, including hotels. With extensive travel experience across 53 countries and fluency in English and Spanish, Sophie brings a wealth of expertise to her role as a travel editor and writer.
