We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Hotels + Resorts The Best Hotels in Oaxaca, Mexico Book your stay with one of these editor-loved and T+L award-winning hotels. By Austa Somvichian-Clausen Austa Somvichian-Clausen Austa Somvichian-Clausen is a travel and lifestyle journalist living in New York City. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Published on September 18, 2024 From left: Minimalist décor at the hotel Escondido Oaxaca; making natural dyes at Casa Don Taurino. Photo: Daniel Seung Lee Oaxaca City, or Oaxaca de Juárez, is a vibrant cultural gem nestled in southern Mexico that captivates with its rich history, art scene, and cuisine. The city’s stunning colonial architecture, vibrant markets bursting with local crafts and fresh produce, and spirited festivals create a dynamic and immersive experience filled with traditional Mexican culture. It’s also a uniquely magical destination for art lovers like myself, with an admittedly bad habit of finding the most impractical souvenirs possible to try to lug back home. During my travels to Oaxaca, I’ve fallen in love with everything from the region’s signature ceramics to its hand-woven area rugs, 2-foot-long beeswax taper candles, bottles of smoky mezcal, and more. All of these items have miraculously found themselves back at my Brooklyn apartment, where they sit as victorious reminders of days well traveled in and around the dynamic city. Beautiful things are easy to come upon in Oaxaca, whether you are flitting around the many studios and boutiques in the vibrant neighborhoods of Jalatlaco and Xochimilco, or driving outside of the Centro Histórico to explore Teotitlán del Valle for rugs dyed red with cochineal or San Bartolo Coyotepec for black pottery. As the sun sinks below the desert sky, Oaxaca comes alive from atop its rooftop bars and within its storied mezcalerías. And when your head is ready to hit the pillow after a long day of exploring, there are ample choices for accommodations that reflect the hospitality, culture, and architecture of the region. From stunning T+L It List-winning properties to hotels housed in storied buildings almost as old as the city itself, here’s where you should stay during your next trip to Oaxaca. Why I’m the Expert Austa Somvichian-Clausen is a travel writer who has covered many of Mexico’s top destinations. During her visits to Oaxaca she’s stayed at numerous hotels including several on this list, and has made a point to thoroughly explore all that the vibrant destination has to offer. Otro Oaxaca Courtesy of Otro Oaxaca / Design Hotels Book Now Also available to book at Tripadvisor.com What We Like Peaceful and design-forward, this small, intentional hotel feels like an authentic treat to stay at. What to Consider Like many boutique hotels in Oaxaca, Otro has a limited number of rooms, so those intent on a stay here during their trip should book with plenty of time in advance. Otro Oaxaca is a serene retreat with a fabulous location, sitting across the street from the iconic Santo Domingo Cathedral, and offers a luxurious and intimate experience with just 16 rooms. The property, which was featured on T+L’s It List 2024, is by boutique hotel firm Grupo Habita and is a member of Design Hotels. It should come as no surprise, then, that the design and architecture of the hotel are well-considered, blending contemporary design with traditional Mexican elements. The hotel’s Townhouse and Deluxe room types include luxe amenities like concrete soaking tubs, and some even offer a semi-private rooftop plunge pool. The options for submerging oneself in water don’t end there, either, as its rooftop terrace features an infinity pool with views of the city and the valley beyond. The Details: Area: Oaxaca CityAccessibility: Limited accessibilityNearby Attractions: Espacio Zapata, Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca, Jardín Etnobotánico de OaxacaLoyalty Programs: Marriott BonvoyRates: 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, T+L Contributor Grana B&B Guest room in Grana B&B. Camila Cossio / Courtesy of Grana B&B Book Now Also available to book at Tripadvisor.com What We Like Grana’s light- and plant-filled inner courtyard feels like Oaxaca’s best-kept secret, with a location right in the heart of the city. What to Consider Considering the set up of the rooms and the hotel’s location, ground floor rooms can experience some noise from the street at night. The term “bed and breakfast” might conjure images of quaint private residences, but Grana B&B lays that stereotype to rest. Located on a bustling square on the west side of Oaxaca, you can instead find Grana in a spacious, converted 18th-century mansion with only 14 rooms to book. A communal kitchen off the main lobby features emerald green tiles and local ceramic artwork, and the building’s skylit center courtyard is perhaps the main attraction — stocked to the brim with plants and dotted with a fountain and bistro tables. It's also where Grana’s complimentary Mexican breakfast is served every morning. Unique details make this B&B memorable, from ceramic Japanese soaking tubs to a courtyard wall covered in tea lights and hanging nopales (cactus paddles). Come golden hour, you can’t beat watching the sun dip below the horizon from atop Grana’s rooftop with a beer in hand. The Details: Area: Oaxaca CityAccessibility: Limited accessibilityNearby Attractions: Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca, Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca, Andador TurísticoRates: Starting at $140 Casa Silencio Guest room in Casa Silencio. Courtesy of Casa Silencio Book Now What We Like A truly immersive Oaxacan experience, Casa Silencio’s six unique suites are all beautifully appointed with pieces by local artisans. What to Consider Not technically located in Oaxaca proper, this property is an hour’s drive outside the city and requires a car to visit. Visiting this unique property will require a one hour trek outside of the city proper, but yields an experience that secured Casa Silencio a spot on our It List 2022. Founded by Vicente Cisneros and Fausto Zapata of Mezcal El Silencio, the six-suite hotel is housed inside a working distillery — the ultimate in spirited travel. Sprawling guest suites are bedecked in locally-produced artisan textiles and art, and bathrooms feature spacious showers and walls created from recycled El Silencio bottles. While on-site, guests can take a peek into daily mezcal production, or simply take advantage of sampling vintage bottles that aren’t available anywhere else. The Details: Area: Valle del Silencio (Valley of Silence)Accessibility: Limited accessibilityNearby Attractions: Mitla, Hierve el Agua, various mezcal distilleriesRates: Starting at $750 Hotel Sin Nombre Lexus Gallegos for Hotel Sin Nombre Book Now Also available to book at Expedia.com What We Like Within this peaceful boutique retreat, each room and suite is uniquely designed to reflect a light and bright yet rustic aesthetic. What to Consider While the hotel does feature a rooftop restaurant and pool, the pool is quite small and previous guests have remarked on less-than-ideal service at the restaurant. The true draw of this well-designed property is its light-filled atrium — a welcome surprise to encounter after entering the hotel through a nondescript door, and part of the reason it received a nod on the T+L It List 2021. Handwoven rugs, potted cacti, and wooden tables bring pops of color to an otherwise whitewashed space with soaring ceilings, providing a zen place to read a book or debrief with your fellow travelers on your Oaxacan adventures. Head upstairs to the roof for a drink or a dip in their petite pool, or retreat to your room where you’ll find walls painted with “natural and local extracts,” terracotta tiled floors, and comfortable beds on wooden platforms. The Details: Area: Oaxaca CityAccessibility: Limited accessibilityNearby Attractions: Catedral Metropolitana de Oaxaca, Zócalo, Oaxaca Textile MuseumRates: Starting at $296 Casa Santo Origen Book Now Also available to book at Expedia.com What We Like Despite a short driving distance into the city center, this small hotel feels like a true oasis. What to Consider Its relative isolation means figuring out transportation back to the hotel if you spend a night out on the town. For adults vacationing without children, there is nothing better than a nice adults-only hotel, which can be found just north of the Oaxacan city center at Casa Santo Origen. The only sounds you’ll hear are of other guests swimming in the pool or enjoying a meal at Entre Sombras, the property’s on-site restaurant, which features a uniquely Oaxacan take on Mediterranean fare. Each of Casa Santo Origen’s eight rooms are named for the various regions of Oaxaca, and feature their own private outdoor spaces, whether in the form of balconies, patios, or copper plunge tubs. A 15-minute drive from the city center, or around an hour walking, it’s a good option for avoiding city traffic if your aim is checking out sites like Monte Alban or Mitla, but requires a bit more foresight in terms of driving and parking when spending time downtown. The Details: Area: Agencia Municipal de San Felipe del AguaAccessibility: Wheelchair accessibleNearby Attractions: Benito Juarez National Park, Colonia ReformaRates: Starting at $382 Quinta Real Oaxaca Pool area at Quinta Real Oaxaca. Courtesy of Quinta Real Oaxaca Book Now What We Like This historic hotel doesn’t compromise on modern amenities. What to Consider The hotel and its grounds tend to be booked out for large events, which can feel disruptive for some guests. Those seeking a true sense of place should look no further than this historic property. The Quinta Real Oaxaca is housed in a beautifully preserved 16th-century convent that has been recognized as part of the city's designation as a UNESCO Cultural Heritage of Humanity site. Despite its location in the heart of the city, its spacious grounds offer guests a unique blend of colonial architecture and modern luxury, with cloistered courtyards and ancient stone walls that create a serene ambiance. Grab dinner or enjoy the weekend breakfast buffet al fresco at the on-site restaurant, El Refectorio, or sip mezcal and other regional specialties at the hotel's bar. Each room is uniquely designed, featuring high ceilings, original stone walls, and traditional tile floors, and are decorated with dark wood furniture, wrought-iron accents, and rich textiles. The Details: Area: Oaxaca CityAccessibility: Wheelchair AccessibleNearby Attractions: Zócalo, Templo de Santo Domingo, Mercado Benito Juárez, Museo de las Culturas de OaxacaLoyalty Programs: Preferred Hotels & Resorts iPrefer ProgramRates: Starting at $250 Casa Antonieta Guest room in Casa Antonieta. Courtesy of Casa Antonieta Book Now Also available to book at Kayak.com What We Like This foliage-filled hotel offers a stylish blend of contemporary design with historic colonial architecture. What to Consider Its convenient location in the middle of the city can also mean potential street noise at night and early in the morning. Peacefully minimalist and modern in a historic setting, Casa Antonieta is frequented by both travelers and locals alike. This is thanks to the hotel's on-site café, Muss Café, which offers artisanal coffee and light bites in a lush courtyard setting that features imposing columns and archways. The rooms are thoughtfully designed with locally-crafted decor, featuring neutral tones, polished concrete floors, and wooden accents that feel serene. The building itself is part of one of the first erected in the entire city of Oaxaca, back in 1529, and once served as a parish of the indigenous population living in the area. The Details: Area: Oaxaca CityAccessibility: Limited accessibilityNearby Attractions: Zócalo, Templo de Santo Domingo, Andador TurísticoRates: Starting at $345 El Callejón Hotel Boutique Book Now Also available to book at Expedia.com What We Like Warm, excellent service and lush, garden-like grounds are just two of the many perks of this intimate hotel. What to Consider It is located just north of the city center in a slightly more suburban area, rather than in the thick of it all. El Callejón Hotel Boutique is a contemporary gem nestled in the charming neighborhood of Jalatlaco in Oaxaca, offering a tranquil escape within a short walking distance of the city's most iconic attractions. This boutique hotel stands out for its sleek, organic modern design, seamlessly blending traditional Oaxacan elements with minimalist aesthetics. The spacious suites are appointed with handcrafted furnishings, natural materials, and large windows that allow for abundant natural light, as well as generously-sized private outdoor patios. Walking through the communal courtyard area, guests can enjoy a serene garden setting, marked by a winding pathway, casual seating, and lush local greenery. The service here is attentive and top notch, and breakfast is included with your stay. The Details: Area: JatatlacoAccessibility: Some wheelchair-accessible accommodations availableNearby Attractions: El Llano Park, Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca, Cooperativa 1050º (Pottery collective)Rates: Starting at $264 Pug Seal Guest room in Pug Seal. Courtesy of Pug Seal Book Now What We Like This funky hotel is unlike any other in the city, leaning heavily into the artsy vibe of the city. What to Consider Light sleepers beware — this hotel is located across the street from a club that some guests have found to be quite noisy. A hotel as funky as its name suggests, Pug Seal is a small hotel chain originating in Mexico City. Their Oaxaca City location is housed in a 20-suite restored colonial mansion, but the decor is anything but traditional. Instead, find a light-filled inner courtyard with a large fountain, chair swings, and walls that are covered in colorful murals. Within each suite, original details like wooden beamed ceilings contrast with modern furnishings and amenities, with color splashed walls. Though the hotel does not have its own restaurant, breakfast is included with your stay, and the hotel’s central location means there are plenty of dining options just outside your door. The same brand also has a Oaxacan coast location in the works to look forward to. The Details: Area: Oaxaca CityAccessibility: Limited accessibilityNearby Attractions: Museo de Arte Prehispánico de México Rufino Tamayo, Museum of Contemporary Art and Oaxaca Cultures (MACO), ZócaloRates: Starting at $295 Hotel Escondido Oaxaca From left: Minimalist décor at the hotel Escondido Oaxaca; making natural dyes at Casa Don Taurino. Daniel Seung Lee Book Now Also available to book at Marriott.com What We Like Every detail is considered at Hotel Escondido, and the property itself is stunning. What to Consider This is very likely the most expensive room in town. This architecturally stunning hotel is, no surprise, part of Grupo Habita and a member of Design Hotels. Like many of the best hotels in the city, it sits behind an unassuming facade, with exponentially more to see inside than one would expect. Designed by the esteemed Alberto Kalach, it combines a restored colonial building with a contemporary tower addition containing more rooms. That still doesn’t make it enormous, with only 12 rooms to book, but communal areas are bountiful — from a courtyard patio to a library, rooftop pool, and more. Rooms and suites contain furnishings by local artisans, and are replete with sleek-yet-rustic wood elements. Smaller patio rooms are made more enchanting by private outdoor spaces, while the top suites measure nearly twice the size of the other room offerings. With a location smack in the middle of downtown Oaxaca, a stay here is a worthy splurge if you can swing it. The Details: Area: Oaxaca CityAccessibility: Limited accessibilityNearby Attractions: Museo Textil de Oaxaca, Museo de Arte Prehispánico de México Rufino Tamayo, ZócaloLoyalty Programs: Marriott BonvoyRates: Starting at $825 Know Before You Go Bring plenty of cash Most places in Oaxaca accept credit cards, but, especially once you leave the city proper, it will be important to have pesos on hand for rest stops, souvenirs, meals, and more. ATMs are available, but it’s a good idea to bring some cash with you for convenience, and handle conversion with your bank or at the airport. The tap water is not safe to drink Unless you want to risk spending your entire stay in Oaxaca in the bathroom, we suggest you stick to bottled and filtered water. Be wary of purchasing bottles from street vendors, as there is a potential that they have been refilled, so it’s always best to grab water bottles from inside shops or at your hotel. You can also bring a self-filtering water bottle for ease and sustainability. Plan your transportation in advance Oaxaca is easy to navigate by foot, but if you have plans to rent a car for day trips, consider if there is parking near your hotel. Navigating the streets of Oaxaca can be challenging due to narrow roads, traffic, and limited parking. If you plan on staying in the city for the entirety of your visit, consider using taxis or ride-sharing services to avoid the stress of driving. Leave room in your suitcase for souvenirs One of the major draws of Oaxaca and its surrounding areas is its vibrant artisan scene, and on previous trips I’ve made the mistake of not leaving enough room to bring new treasures home. Consider bringing a larger suitcase or packing light on your next visit there. How We Chose These Hotels Oaxaca is chock full of beautiful architecture, making it difficult to narrow down a list of the best hotels. Some of these picks, including the sole spot outside the city, made it onto our list because they had already earned a coveted spot on our It Lists from previous years, meaning that they are the absolute cream of the crop. In addition to these award-winning properties, our New York-based writer, Austa Somvichian-Clausen, contributed her knowledge of the area — including personal experiences she has had while staying at hotels in Oaxaca. Besides her own first-person experience, she consulted colleagues and scoured reviews of dozens of hotels. In her process of narrowing down this list, she considered important elements such as level of hospitality, hotel amenities, location, and more. One other top consideration was whether each property promoted a true sense of place, working with local architects and artisans to give guests an authentic taste of Oaxaca. The final and most important consideration is, as always, that each hotel pick aligns with our core T+L Hotel Values. Edited by Sophie Mendel Sophie Mendel Sophie Mendel is a Commerce Editor at Travel + Leisure with Dotdash Meredith where she assigns, edits, and publishes the product reviews and recommendations that help guide travelers toward the best shoes, apparel, accessories, and hotels for their needs. Sophie has traveled to 53 countries and has lived in five, and is bilingual in English and Spanish. She has more than six years of experience as a writer, editor and copywriter. learn more