Oaxaca has transformed into a global destination, making its way onto almost every traveler’s bucket list. As a born-and-raised Oaxaqueño, seeing travelers fall in love with our culinary traditions, indigenous heritage, and colonial architecture brings me immense pride.
One of the questions I get asked most often is: “Where should I stay in Oaxaca?”
Whether it is your first time visiting or you are returning to explore deeper, choosing the right neighborhood and hotel sets the tone for your whole trip. Below is an insider’s guide breaking down the best neighborhoods, followed by curated properties organized by style and budget.
🏛️ 1. Classic & Historic Options
These properties are housed in restored casonas coloniales, former monasteries, and historic mansions built with thick stone walls and central open-air courtyards (patios centrales).
1. Hotel CasAntica
Price: ~$85 – $150 USD/night
Rating: ~8.3/10 (Very Good)
Key Amenities: Outdoor swimming pool, central open-air courtyard, on-site restaurant and lounge bar, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk.
Pros: Unbeatable position right in the Historic Center; rare city-center swimming pool; rich 16th-century convent architecture with calm interior courtyards.
Cons / Things to Note: Standard interior rooms can feel somewhat dim due to thick stone walls; layout involves stairwells with limited elevator access.
Contact Number: +52 951 55 8873 5867
E-mail: hotelcasantica@rsvteam.com
Oaxaqueño Tip: Take advantage of the quiet central courtyard in the afternoon—it offers a shaded shelter from the peak heat in Centro.
2. Quinta Real Oaxaca
Price: ~$280 – $450+ USD/night
Rating: ~9.0/10 (Superb)
Key Amenities: Heated outdoor pool, lush courtyard gardens, fine dining restaurant (El Asador Vasconcelos), bar, fitness room, valet parking.
Pros: Oaxaca’s flagship luxury property; set in the former 1576 Ex-Convento de Santa Catalina (UNESCO heritage site); grand arches, fountains, and top-tier service.
Cons / Things to Note: High price point; historical preservation restrictions mean some bathroom layouts reflect older floorplans rather than open modern designs.
Contact Number: 800 901 2300
E-mail: contacto@caminoreal.com
3. Casa de Sierra Azul
Price: ~$110 – $180 USD/night
Rating: ~9.2/10 (Wonderful)
Key Amenities: Traditional central courtyard, restaurant, high ceilings, AC, room service.
Pros: Beautiful 19th-century mansion just two blocks from the Zócalo; grand wooden doors and original tilework.
Cons / Things to Note: Rooms near the central courtyard can catch ambient noise from breakfast service or late-arriving guests.
Contact Number: +52 (800) 502 1845
4. Hotel De La Parra
Price: ~$120 – $190 USD/night
Rating: ~8.8/10 (Excellent)
Key Amenities: Swimming pool, central colonial courtyard, pool bar, AC, full breakfast available.
Pros: Authentic Mexican colonial aesthetic with wooden beam ceilings, charming courtyard pool, and serene environment.
Cons / Things to Note: Parking is limited; room lighting leans soft and traditional rather than bright modern LED.
Contact Number: +52 (951) 514 1900
5. Hotel Casa del Sótano
Price: ~$80 – $130 USD/night
Rating: ~8.7/10 (Very Good)
Key Amenities: Terraced courtyard levels, city views, breakfast area, free Wi-Fi.
Pros: Multi-level restored historic building built into a slope, offering great views of the surrounding hills and city rooftops.
Cons / Things to Note: Requires walking up and down steep interior stairs due to the hillside design.
Contact Number: + (52) 951 50 118 27
6. Hotel Trebol
Price: ~$70 – $110 USD/night
Rating: ~8.6/10 (Very Good)
Key Amenities: Courtyard breakfast area, AC, flat-screen TVs, elevator.
Pros: Right next to the Benito Juárez Market and a short block from the Zócalo; highly convenient for shopping and exploring.
Cons / Things to Note: Street-facing rooms can pick up morning market delivery hustle and pedestrian traffic.
Contact Number:
(52) 951 5161256
(52) 951 5162929
(52) 951 5140342
(52) 951 5011751
Oaxaqueño Tip: Walk out your front door early at 8:00 AM directly into Mercado Benito Juárez for fresh empanadas de amarillo before the midday crowds arrive!
7. Hotel Casa 1800 Oaxaca
Price: ~$130 – $220 USD/night
Rating: ~9.6/10 (Exceptional)
Key Amenities: Courtyard dining, room service, rain showers, luxury linens.
Pros: Elegant, understated restoration of an 18th-century home; exceptionally close to the cathedral.
Cons / Things to Note: Intimate boutique size means common spaces are modest in size.
Contact Number: +529511174937
8. Hotel Boutique Naura Centro
Price: ~$90 – $140 USD/night
Rating: ~8.5/10 (Very Good)
Key Amenities: Swimming pool, central restaurant, bar, modern AC, meeting facilities.
Pros: Blends historic colonial structure with updated mid-century modern touches; features an outdoor pool right in Centro.
Cons / Things to Note: Pool area is compact and framed by interior walls, so direct sun hours are limited.
Contact Number: +529515015400
E-mail: reservaciones@hotelnaura.com
9. Hotel Marqués del Valle
Price: ~$65 – $100 USD/night
Rating: ~8.0/10 (Good)
Key Amenities: Front arcades with outdoor cafe/restaurant, elevator, central location.
Pros: Directly overlooking the main Zócalo plaza; front row seat to street performance and city life.
Cons / Things to Note: High noise levels from the Zócalo plaza late into the night.
Contact Number: +52 951 514 0688 +52 951 516 3474
10. Hotel Posada Don Matías
Price: ~$55 – $85 USD/night
Rating: ~8.8/10 (Excellent)
Key Amenities: Rooftop terrace, courtyard garden, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour reception.
Pros: Traditional Oaxacan posada atmosphere, low rates for historic Centro, quiet back garden.
Cons / Things to Note: Simple, unpretentious finishes; basic room amenities.
Contact Number: +529514642787
E-mail:
🤝 2. Social Impact, Fair Trade & Community-Driven Stays
As Oaxaca’s popularity grows, it is vital to ensure that tourism dollars directly benefit the local people. These 10 properties focus on social impact, from reinvesting profits into children’s education to being 100% owned and operated by indigenous Zapotec communities.
1. Hotel con Corazón
Price: ~$90 – $130 USD/night
Rating: ~9.4/10 (Exceptional)
Key Amenities: Courtyard, communal workspaces, library, modern AC, locally sourced breakfasts.
Pros: This is the ultimate “hotel with a heart”. The hotel reinvests 75% to 100% of its profits directly into local education programs and scholarships to help Oaxacan youth. They also partner with “Pack for a Purpose,” allowing travelers to bring needed school supplies .
Cons / Things to Note: Located on a slightly busy street (Division Oriente), so front-facing rooms can get some traffic noise.
Contact Number: +52 951 427 73 89
E-mail: oaxaca@hotelconcorazon.com
2. Hotel Sin Nombre
Price: ~$180 – $300 USD/night
Rating: ~9.2/10 (Exceptional)
Key Amenities: 100% vegan restaurant, rooftop pool, cruelty-free toiletries, artisan gallery.
Pros: A pioneer in ethical hospitality in Oaxaca. The property is strictly cruelty-free (plant-based dining) and operates as an homage to indigenous textile weavers. They heavily promote fair-wage collaborations with Zapotec and Mixtec textile artists whose work decorates the walls.
Cons / Things to Note: The 100% vegan menu might be a surprise if you are hoping to eat traditional Oaxacan pork dishes (like tlayudas con tasajo) on-site.
Contact Number: +529511264706
E-mail: reservas@hotelsinnombre.com
3. El Callejón Hotel Boutique
Price: ~$160 – $220 USD/night
Rating: ~9.4/10 (Exceptional)
Key Amenities: Lush gardens, floor-to-ceiling windows, local organic breakfast, bar.
Pros: Deeply integrated into the historic Barrio de Xochimilco. The hotel actively preserves the neighborhood’s identity by working directly with the last remaining traditional pedal-loom weavers in the area, offering guests authentic cultural immersion that benefits the neighbors.
Cons / Things to Note: A 15-minute walk from the Zócalo, which is slightly removed from the immediate downtown action.
Contact Number:
E-mail: reservaciones@hotelelcallejon.com
4. La Betulia B&B
Price: ~$80 – $130 USD/night
Rating: ~9.6/10 (Exceptional)
Key Amenities: Sunny open courtyard, complimentary filtered water, outstanding traditional breakfast.
Pros: A family-run bed and breakfast with a strong social conscience. The hosts are renowned for directing guests exclusively to ethical, fair-trade cooperatives for tours, mezcal, and textiles, actively steering tourism dollars away from exploitative mass-market vendors.
Cons / Things to Note: It feels more like a homestay than a traditional hotel; limited front desk hours.
Contact Number: +52 951 514 0029
E-mail: hola@labetulia.com
5. Casa de las Bugambilias
Price: ~$90 – $140 USD/night
Rating: ~9.2/10 (Exceptional)
Key Amenities: Art-filled rooms, temazcal (traditional sweat lodge), organic dining.
Pros: Run by the Cabrera family for decades, this B&B sources 100% of its breakfast ingredients from local indigenous farmers to support rural agriculture. They also serve as an incubator for local artists, displaying and selling their work without charging high gallery commissions.
Cons / Things to Note: Decor is highly traditional and eclectic, which might feel cluttered to minimalists.
Contact Number: +52 951 516 1165
E-mail: info@casadelasbugambilias.com
🌿 3. Sustainable, Eco-Friendly & Eco-Boutique Options
Focusing on low environmental impacts, natural cooling materials (adobe and rammed earth), rainwater harvesting, and hyper-local Zapotec craftsmanship.
1. Hotel Las Mariposas
Price: ~$50 – $80 USD/night
Rating: ~9.0/10 (Excellent)
Key Amenities: Solar water heating, rainwater collection, organic composting, refillable spring water stations, organic Oaxacan coffee, garden patio.
Pros: UNESCO-recognized green practices (zero single-use plastic, greywater recycling); relaxed location near El Llano park.
Cons / Things to Note: No air conditioning (ceiling fans only, intentionally maintained for energy footprint reduction); modest decor.
Contact Number: +52(951)5155854
2. Hotel Azul Oaxaca
Price: ~$180 – $290 USD/night
Rating: ~9.0/10 (Superb)
Key Amenities: Water-sculpted interior courtyards, rooftop bar, art gallery, local artisan-made furnishings, restaurant.
Pros: Designed by famous local Oaxacan artist Francisco Toledo with sustainable architectural practices, natural ventilation, and hyper-local sourcing.
Cons / Things to Note: Higher price range; contemporary artistic design differs from classic colonial hotel styles.
Contact Number: +52 95 1501 0016
E-mail: info@hotelazuloaxaca.com
3. Hotel Cosijo (San Jerónimo Tlacochahuaya)
Price: ~$140 – $220 USD/night
Rating: ~9.3/10 (Exceptional)
Key Amenities: Adobe architecture, organic garden, swimming pool, bike rentals, solar heating.
Pros: Located in the Tlacolula valley; constructed entirely with eco-friendly mud brick (adobe), native flora, and solar energy.
Cons / Things to Note: Located ~25 minutes drive from Oaxaca Centro (ideal for a quiet retreat, less ideal for walking out to city dinners).
Contact Number: +5295151523 6373 +529513926942
E-mail: reservaciones@cosijo.com
4. Casa Silencio (Xaagá Valley)
Price: ~$600 – $900+ USD/night (Includes full food & mezcal experience)
Rating: ~9.8/10 (World-Class Luxury Eco-Retreat)
Key Amenities: Rammed-earth wall architecture, closed-loop solar power, artisanal farm-to-table cuisine, private mezcal distillery.
Pros: Architectural sustainability masterpiece using local volcanic rock, recycled wood, and zero-waste mezcal production.
Cons / Things to Note: High luxury price point; located near Mitla (~45 mins outside the main city).
Contact Number: +52 222 524 1056
E-mail: reservas@grupopiu.mx
5. Otro Oaxaca
Price: ~$250 – $380 USD/night
Rating: ~9.3/10 (Exceptional)
Key Amenities: Brick & raw concrete thermal design, subterranean spa, rooftop pool, locally sourced dining.
Pros: Designed using regional raw materials (brick, wood, raw concrete) engineered for natural temperature regulation; low energy footprint.
Cons / Things to Note: Ultra-modern Brutalist aesthetic may not suit travelers seeking traditional brightly colored Mexican decor.
Contact Number: +52 951 689 0700
E-mail: otrooaxaca.com
contacto@otrooaxaca.com
6. Casa Los Cántaros Hotel Boutique
Price: ~$90 – $140 USD/night
Rating: ~9.1/10 (Exceptional)
Key Amenities: Lush botanical garden, solar water systems, handcrafted local clay pottery decor.
Pros: Built around a large green garden preserve; highlights Oaxacan pottery traditions and sustainable garden management.
Cons / Things to Note: Quiet atmosphere; no large swimming pool.
Contact Number: +529515139297
E-mail:hotelcasaloscantaros@hotmail.com
7. Grana B&B
Price: ~$110 – $170 USD/night
Rating: ~9.4/10 (Exceptional)
Key Amenities: Shared rooftop hammock area, communal kitchen, natural toiletries, filtered water stations.
Pros: Uses slow hospitality practices, zero single-use plastic, water filtration, and supports local small-batch food vendors.
Cons / Things to Note: Popular rooftop can get busy at sunset; standard rooms vary in size.
Contact Number: +52951 166 0026
E-mail: info@granabnb.com
8. Pug Seal Oaxaca
Price: ~$260 – $390 USD/night
Rating: ~9.5/10 (Exceptional)
Key Amenities: Gourmet local breakfast included, art installations, eco-conscious laundry, private balconies.
Pros: High-end design boutique hotel that strictly integrates local Zapotec art, eco-friendly room practices, and small-footprint hosting.
Cons / Things to Note: Premium price point; bold, colorful artistic murals in every room might feel vivid to minimalist travelers.
Contact Number:
E-mail:
🎒 4. Budget-Friendly & Hostels
Social hostels and budget guest houses providing central locations, co-working facilities, and community vibes.
1. Casa de Don Pablo Hostel
Price: ~$18 – $30 USD (dorms); ~$40 – $65 USD (privates)
Rating: ~8.4/10 (Very Good)
Key Amenities: Central leafy courtyard, shared kitchen facilities, lockers, individual reading lights/outlets, tour desk, pet-friendly.
Pros: Conveniently located 5 minutes walking distance to the Zócalo and Textile Museum; homey, non-party family atmosphere; affordable private rooms with private baths.
Cons / Things to Note: Upper levels accessible by stairs only; rooms are fan-cooled rather than air-conditioned.
Contact Number: +52 951 516 8384
E-mail: lacasadedonpablo@yahoo.com.mx
2. Viajero Oaxaca Hostel
Price: $22 – $38 USD (dorms); $70 – $110 USD (privates)
Rating: ~9.4/10 (Exceptional)
Key Amenities: Outdoor pool, on-site bar, co-working space, AC in dorms, daily organized activities.
Pros: Modern facilities with a pool; great balance of co-working areas and social activities for meeting travelers.
Cons / Things to Note: Adults-only; can get noisy around the bar/courtyard during evening events.
Contact Number: +17866488449
E-mail:oaxaca@viajerohostels.com
3. Casa Angel Hostel
Price: $20 – $32 USD (dorms); $60 – $90 USD (privates)
Rating: ~9.2/10 (Superb)
Key Amenities: Rooftop bar, pod-style bunk beds with privacy curtains, free breakfast, barbecue area, AC.
Pros: Consistently ranked one of the best social hostels; orthopedic mattresses and pod beds offer extra privacy in dorms.
Cons / Things to Note: Active social scene with rooftop happy hours (not ideal if seeking total silence by 9 PM).
Contact Number: +529515142224
E-mail:contactcasaangel@gmail.com
4. Azul Cielo Hostel
Price: $16 – $26 USD (dorms); $45 – $70 USD (privates)
Rating: ~9.1/10 (Exceptional)
Key Amenities: Garden with hammocks, free breakfast, bike rental, communal kitchen, female-only dorms.
Pros: Very chill, green garden setting; high safety and community rating for solo travelers.
Cons / Things to Note: Located ~10–12 minutes walk east of Santo Domingo church (slightly quiet residential area).
Contact Number:+529512053564
E-mail:azulcielohostel@hotmail.com
5. Hostal Central
Price: $15 – $24 USD (dorms); $40 – $60 USD (privates)
Rating: ~9.0/10 (Superb)
Key Amenities: Free hot breakfast, shared kitchen, TV lounge, organized cooking classes & mezcal tastings.
Pros: Known for one of the best free breakfasts among Oaxaca hostels and super friendly, community-oriented staff.
Cons / Things to Note: Facilities are simple and traditional rather than ultra-modern luxury hostel style.
Contact Number:+529512056808
E-mail:
6. Iguana Hostel Oaxaca
Price: ~$14 – $22 USD (dorms)
Rating: ~8.8/10 (Fabulous)
Key Amenities: No bunk beds (single beds in dorms), rooftop terrace, shared kitchen, free breakfast.
Pros: Standout dorm feature: single ground beds with privacy curtains instead of upper/lower bunk beds.
Cons / Things to Note: Very popular with long-term backpackers; book ahead for single bed availability.
Contact Number:+529514356777
E-mail:info@iguanahosteloaxaca.com
7. Ticuchi Hostal
Price: ~$18 – $28 USD (dorms); ~$50 – $75 USD (privates)
Rating: ~9.0/10 (Superb)
Key Amenities: Small patio plunge pool, rooftop deck, bar, communal kitchen.
Pros: Clean, stylish boutique hostel feel at budget prices; nice patio plunge pool to cool off after daytime tours.
Cons / Things to Note: Dorm space is compact.
Contact Number: +529514607296
8. Selina Oaxaca
Price: $22 – $35 USD (dorms); $75 – $130 USD (privates)
Rating: ~8.5/10 (Very Good)
Key Amenities: Dedicated co-working room (high-speed internet), rooftop restaurant/bar, yoga deck, wellness events.
Pros: Ideal setup for digital nomads needing reliable video call internet, desk spaces, and networking events.
Cons / Things to Note: Co-working space access often costs extra; higher price point for food/drink on site.
Contact Number: +52 56 6386 6435 +52 951 980 0812
E-mail:
9. Paulina Youth Hostel
Price: ~$14 – $22 USD (dorms); ~$38 – $55 USD (privates)
Rating: ~8.4/10 (Very Good)
Key Amenities: Large central colonial courtyard, included traditional Oaxacan breakfast, tourist information desk.
Pros: Housed in a spacious historic building; offers a traditional, laid-back cultural hostel experience with great breakfasts.
Cons / Things to Note: Simple wooden furniture; low-tech amenities.
Contact Number: +529515162005
E-mail:
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is the best time to visit Oaxaca?
Oaxaca is wonderful year-round, but October through April offers warm, dry days and pleasant evenings. If you want to experience peak cultural events, plan for Guelaguetza in mid-to-late July or Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) from late October through November 2nd. Note: Reserve hotels 4–6 months in advance for major festivals as rates double or triple.
How many days should I stay in Oaxaca?
At least 4 to 5 days. This gives you enough time to explore the historic center, visit Monte Albán, take a day trip to the Tlacolula Valley or Mitla, and savor our world-famous food scene.
Do I need a rental car in Oaxaca City?
No. Oaxaca Centro is extremely walkable. For trips to Monte Albán, Hierve el Agua, or artisanal villages (like Teotitlán del Valle or San Martín Tilcajete), taking local taxis, DiDi, or guided tours is much easier than navigating parking in Centro.