Posted: 1/24/2024 | January 24th, 2024

I love Oaxaca. From the moment I arrived, I knew it was a special place. I’ve been back countless times since my first visit a couple years a go (and even ran tours there!).

Oaxaca is a city of colorful buildings, scenic rooftop restaurants and bars, street art, historic Spanish colonial churches, cobblestone streets, and picturesque parks. It’s also one of the gastronomic centers of Mexico and a hub for making mezcal in the country.

While there are lots of neighborhoods to stay in, almost everything you’ll want to see or do is adjacent to downtown (Centro). Whether you stay in one area or another is just a matter of how far you want to walk. There’s a lot of good, centrally located hotels in the city.

To help you plan your trip, here’s my list of the best hotels in Oaxaca:

1. La Casona del Llano

Right on Parque Llano, about 15 minutes’ walk from the main square, this is a really nice three-star hotel with rooms centered around a beautiful garden. The restaurant serves a delicious breakfast buffet (as well as food throughout the day). The simply decorated rooms are rustic and quiet. While the interior of the rooms may be a bit outdated, there’s AC, cable TV, a desk, and strong Wi-Fi. The bathrooms, while also a bit dated, are clean and the water pressure is great. If you have a vehicle, there’s free parking too.

I love staying here so much that, when we used to run tours in Oaxaca, this is where we stayed with our groups. It’s a pleasant, no-frills, affordable choice in a really convenient location.

2. Los Arrayanes

This hotel in the center of town is in an old hacienda (large estate house). It’s decorated in a traditional style, with lots of plants and colorful art throughout. There’s a beautiful courtyard and rooftop garden too. The bright and spacious rooms all include a flatscreen TV, desk, AC, and free Wi-Fi. The water pressure in the showers is really strong and I find the beds to be really comfortable.

Breakfast isn’t included but it’s affordable and has both Mexican and American options. The staff goes out of their way to ensure you have a comfortable stay. It’s one of the best hotels in Oaxaca. Note: It’s cash only.

3. One Oaxaca Centro

Located 20 minutes’ walk from the Zócalo (main square), in the Jatalco district, this modern no-frills hotel has a simple and minimalist design. The rooms are comfy (though a bit bland), the beds are soft, and while the rooms are on the smaller side, they have lots of natural light. Rooms also include free Wi-Fi, a flatscreen TV with cable, a desk, and AC. The bathrooms aren’t that spacious, but everything is well maintained and the showers have good water pressure.

There’s free parking as well as a robust free breakfast spread featuring typical Mexican cuisine. There’s free coffee/tea available in the lobby 24/7 as well. Consider this lodging to be like a Holiday Inn. Nothing fancy but comfortable and covers all the basics.

4. Oaxaca Real Hotel

This huge hotel is in a restored colonial mansion right in the center of town. A four-star property, the colorful hotel has a small pool (and poolside bar), a relaxing rooftop restaurant serving delicious traditional Oaxacan food (including breakfast), and friendly staff. The rooms are homey and clean (albeit a little dark), with touches of color and local art. Rooms include a TV, desk, free Wi-Fi, and AC. The beds are soft and it’s generally a quieter hotel so you can get a good sleep. The bathrooms, while small and dated, are clean and the showers have decent water pressure.

If you want to stay somewhere really central, you’ll want to stay here. It’s located just minutes from the main square and has the best location out of all the hotels on this list.

5. City Centro

Located east of Centro in the Jatalco area, this is one of the most modern, hip hotels in town. It’s super photogenic, featuring a bright pink exterior and décor (as well as inspirational signs), so you’ll see lots of people popping into the hotel just to take photos. A four-star property, it has an outdoor pool, fitness center, and bar on-site (there’s free parking too).

The chic and minimalist rooms have pink walls and bright decor, with trendy art, lots of light, and firm beds. They’re sleek, spacious, and airy, featuring flatscreen TVs, desks, AC, and free Wi-Fi. Breakfast, while not included, is filling and includes lots of local specialties. Check-out isn’t until 1pm too, which is a nice perk.

Oaxaca is my favorite city in Mexico and is fast becoming a favorite of everyone who visits. By choosing one of the hotels above, you’ll ensure you stay in a fun, safe, and affordable hotel while you explore what I consider to be Mexico’s best city.