Oaxaca City fills you with extraordinary sights, smells, and tastes. Ones that perpetually live in your mind, bringing you back to this magical place.
Whether it’s walking around the local markets, sipping mezcal and eating tlayudas, or exploring ancient ruins, Oaxaca has something for everyone.
Oaxaca also has accommodations for every type of traveler, ranging from charming budget hostels to stylish boutique hotels.
It’s a large city with an endless variety of things to do, making it a little tough for visitors to figure out exactly where to stay in Oaxaca.
That’s why we asked some Oaxaca locals (including my mom) for their recommendations on the best hotels and best areas to stay in Oaxaca City, Mexico.
In this Oaxaca accommodations guide, you’ll find the best places to stay in Oaxaca. Including everything from luxury hotels in centuries-old buildings to an instagrammable pink hotel, with a bit of everything between.
Here’s where to stay in Oaxaca City, Mexico.
TIP: Visiting Oaxaca for Day of the Dead? Book your Oaxaca accommodations at least 6 months in advance for the best selection.
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Where to Stay in Oaxaca, Mexico
Best Overall: Quinta Real Oaxaca
Oaxaca is full of hidden treasures and this hotel in Oaxaca City is sure to blow your socks off. Not only is it located right in the heart of the city between the El Zocalo central plaza and the Church of Santo Domingo, it’s also an architectural wonder.
The old-world charm is perfectly balanced with modern amenities, including multiple courtyards, a lovely pool, and 24-hour room service. Have your choice of the best food, drinks, sights, and amenities, all in one luxurious hotel at the Quinta Real Oaxaca.
Why It’s Amazing: A former convent with an incredible blend of colonial Mexican architecture and luxury amenities.
Location: The heart of Oaxaca City, about 2 blocks south of Santo Domingo Temple.
Best Spa Retreat: Hotel Hacienda Los Laureles
If you want to get away from it all, there is nothing better than this spa retreat north of the city. With white-washed walls, terracotta floors, and wrought-iron furniture, you’re going to feel at home in this retreat.
Just over three miles north of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the city center, the Hotel Hacienda Los Laureles has a perfect balance of city life with relaxing vibes. Between the relaxing spa seating, the nearby city life, and the immaculate reception, this is one of the best Oaxaca hotels and really does have it all.
Why It’s Amazing: A true spa experience in San Felipe del Agua, an upscale neighborhood north of the city center.
Location: Three miles north of Oaxaca City Centro.
Best Hotel with Restaurant: Boulenc Bed and Bread
Eating breakfast in bed is always something special. But you can ditch the subpar hotel food and instead choose to stay at Boulenc, where the food is going to blow you away just as much as the hotel itself. Their bread is mouthwatering.
A 10-minute walk outside El Zocalo city center of Oaxaca, it’s tough to beat the location and the ambiance of this little gem. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a breakfast treat or a pizza for dinner, Boulenc Bed and Bread will keep you coming back for more, even after you leave.
Why It’s Amazing: Sleep steps away from some of the best food in town.
Location: A few blocks west of the Oaxaca City center.
Best for City Comfort: Casa Carmen Morelos
Oaxaca City is known for many things. And this hotel lets you do them all without straying too far from your hotel. Take a walk down to the central plaza or the famous 20 de Noviembre Market, and you can swoop up the best food imaginable.
Hop in a taxi to get to the nearby Monte Alban archeological site overlooking the city, or take it down the street to visit other areas around this vibrant and culture-filled city. The Casa Carmen Morelos incredible hotel will keep you feeling at home while you explore all that Oaxaca has to offer.
Why It’s Amazing: Incredible central location with everything in arm’s reach.
Location: Just three blocks from El Zocalo city center of Oaxaca.
Best Decor: Casa Oaxaca
If there’s one thing that annoys me, it’s visiting areas rich in art and finding your hotel completely devoid of anything fun. This beautiful hotel, located near the coast in Huatulco, is packed full with vibrant colors and stunning furniture. It fills your soul.
The Casa Oaxaca is just a short walk away from some of the best beaches and restaurants in Huatulco. Each room has a microwave and fridge, and a shared kitchen is onsite. On top of it all, the value of Casa Oaxaca is excellent.
Why It’s Amazing: Soulful hotel near the beach.
Location: Less than one mile from the Chahue Beach in Santa Cruz Huatulco.
Best Ambiance: Hotel Sin Nombre
You know something is good when it doesn’t even need a name. Hotel Sin Nombre, literally translated as Hotel Without a Name, let’s the experience do the talking. The 17th-century building is seamlessly integrated with modern highlights, pulling off the best of both old and new worlds.
The use of natural, local textiles throughout reminds you of Oaxaca’s brilliant looms, while the courtyard skips the dingy cold feel in favor of natural light flooding in on a comfy yet luxurious area. Hotel Sin Nombre has everything you need, but the rest of this amazing city is right out the front door.
Why It’s Amazing: Seamless blend of old and new, located in one of the best spots.
Location: One block from El Zocalo city center in Oaxaca de Juarez (Oaxaca City).
Best Getaway: Hotel Casa Santo Origen
Being in the city center can be nice, but sometimes you want to balance the hustle and bustle of city life with the tranquil vibes of the foothills.
With a strong emphasis on privacy, each suite has a balcony or patio to provide fresh mountain air and calming views.
Located just 15 minutes outside of Oaxaca City center, this hotel in Oaxaca lets you enjoy the city sights while refueling your batteries.
The interior of Hotel Casa Santo Origen is warm with timbered ceilings and stone walls. An onsite restaurant uses local ingredients with a Mediterranean flair, creating an excellent balance between the nearby scene and another of the world’s best.
Why It’s Amazing: Engulf yourself in privacy without being too far from anything.
Location: 15-minute drive north of Oaxaca City, in the foothills of the Sierra Madre mountains.
Best Small Boutique: Hotel Escondido Oaxaca
Tucked away in a slightly less touristy area of the city, this little retreat packs it all in. Offering rooms with patios or balconies overlooking the city, a rooftop pool, and onsite restaurant with bar, this hotel does everything it can to please clients and provide an authentic Oaxacan experience.
The Hotel Escondido Oaxaca has a lovely Culture Room to relax or work in, while near every guest experience receives top-notch reviews.
Why It’s Amazing: Personal attention combined with authentic Oaxacan vibes.
Location: Approximately four blocks northwest of El Zocalo in Oaxaca City.
Best with Rooftop Cafe: Casa Antonieta
Not only is there a lovely rooftop area that serves all of your needs, the staff goes far above and beyond to ensure every guest is satisfied. Careful attention has been given to nearly every detail of this hotel in Oaxaca, which is just a quick 10-minute walk to the heart of the city.
You can reserve a room with a kitchen if desired, or just enjoy the onsite cafe and restaurant. The upper rooms are light and airy with touches from Oaxaca all over. Depend on the Casa Antonieta concierge service to fill you in on the best things to do in town.
Why It’s Amazing: No detail overlooked in this lovely Oaxacan-style hotel.
Location: Two blocks east of El Zocalo in Oaxaca City.
Best in City Center with a Pool: Suites de La Parra
You don’t have to leave this centrally-located hotel thanks to it’s own restaurant, bar, and lovely courtyard pool. But if you want to venture out, the center of the city is right out the door. By taking an old house and converting it into a small boutique hotel, the result in a unique place with everything you could ask for.
The Suites de La Parra bar is staffed by expert mixologists who can whip together local mezcal cocktails and international drinks, or serve craft beers and wine as you relax by the pool. Each room has been carefully designed and integrates Oaxacan culture into your stay in one of the best Oaxaca hotels.
Why It’s Amazing: Beautifully restored hacienda-style hotel with incredible location.
Location: Steps away from El Zocalo city center in Oaxaca de Juarez (Oaxaca City).
Best Budget: Casa Los Arcos Oaxaca
Sometimes you want to save your money for adventures and excursions, but you also don’t want to suffer with your accommodations. This hotel, located just a short 15-minute walk from downtown Oaxaca, has everything you need to stay comfortably and explore the area. And even though we wanted to limit this list to 11 hotels in Oaxaca, this bonus option is vital for those on a budget.
Some of the rooms at Casa Los Arcos Oaxaca come equipped with a microwave and fridge, while a shared terrace lets you enjoy some fresh air deep in the city. You can leave no stone unturned by staying at this quaint hotel which allows you to spend your money on the things that matter.
Why It’s Amazing: Incredible value that doesn’t force you to lower your standards.
Location: Hotel is a 10-minute walk north from the Church of Santo Domingo in Oaxaca City.
Best Oaxaca Hotels: Wrap Up
Oaxaca has it all. From the crashing waves on the beachfront Casa Joseph Zicatela in Puerto Escondido, to the vibrant city center hosting Quinta Real Oaxaca, you can find anything you’re looking for.
While your accommodations are important, don’t forget to soak in the art, food, and other culture that Oaxaca has to offer. Go for mezcal tastings or take a nighttime plunge in bioluminescent waters. You won’t regret it.
Want to learn more about Oaxaca and what it’s like to visit? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Oaxaca. Or if you’re ready to book your trip, search the fill lineup of Booking.com listings for Oaxaca right now!
FAQs on Where to Stay in Oaxaca
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