Oaxaca, a gem of southern Mexico, is a place where colonial architecture blends seamlessly with lush green valleys, towering mountain ranges, and expansive desert vistas.
Whether exploring ancient ruins, gazing at intricate weavings in markets, or indulging in world-renowned flavours, Oaxaca is a place that ignites the senses and leaves an indelible mark on the heart.
The city’s deep cultural roots are evident in its hotels, which range from colonial boutiques to luxury heritage buildings. Here are my favourite cool and unusual hotels in Oaxaca, Mexico (in no particular order)…
1. Flavia Hotel – an industrial-chic, upscale and Insta-worthy design boutique hotel featuring an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center and garden
This family-run hotel beckons travellers to experience the beauty, flavours, and traditions of Oaxaca.
Through intricately crafted décor, vibrant textures, and exquisite artwork, Flavia brings a creative flair to your vacation, and is also surrounded by panoramic views of the all-encompassing verdant landscapes. Designed to exude comfort and serenity, each room is a piece of art in itself, and tells a unique story.
After a day of exploring the charming surroundings, the sparkling infinity pool awaits with a true spot of pampered luxury, and is dotted by cosy chill-out areas where the city’s charm can be relished in full force.
I especially loved the dining experience at the on-site Cruz Cocina Mixta, where each dish mixes tradition, modernity, and freshness, accompanied by a first-rate service.
To book, check prices or availability for Flavia Hotel
2. Hotel Casa Santo Origen – a lavish, Instagrammable and exquisite hotel perfect for Millennials and Gen Zs to enjoy a memorable stay
I thought Casa Santo Origen was the perfect spot to soak up a tranquil countryside setting away from the hustle and bustle.
Each of the 8 suites bears of the name of one of the regions of the state of Oaxaca, and is decorated accordingly with eloquently crafted local art. I especially enjoyed the gastronomic offerings at the restaurant Entre Sombra, where the pleasures of Mediterranean-style food accompany the culinary delights of the state.
The interior aesthetic combines the quintessential charm of historic Oaxaca with a modern look, and the outdoor pool area offers the perfect space to return to after a memorable, action-packed day out.
3. BOULENC BED AND BREAD – a hip, trendy and newly renovated hotel designed to feel like a home-away-from-home
This intimate boutique hotel is an opulent sanctuary where natural hues combine with splashes of traditional artistry and plenty of colour, forming an eye-catching aesthetic.
The charming terrace offers a supreme vantage point over the city’s eclectic streets, and is decked out with cosy seating areas from which you can relish an awe-inspiring sunset over the gleaming rooftops.
Whichever room you opt for will offer something unique, and every detail is crafted to perfection, offering an experience full of sensations.
The hotel’s gastronomy is another stand-out feature, with the best flavours and aromas from the region brought to each signature dish.
4. Majagua Hotel Boutique -Adults Only – a trendy, bright and contemporary hotel perfect for design-loving Millennials and Gen Zs
Nestled in the historic area of Oaxaca, this hip, design-led hotelwelcomes visitors into a world of timeless luxury.
Handcrafted décor, lavish tapestries, and modern amenities fill the 14 organically designed rooms, setting the scene for a memorable immersion into the city’s wonderful traditions.
Wood, rattan, and stone combine in perfect harmony in each unit, and the accompanying bathrooms are both spacious and elegant.
There’s a glamorous open-air bar which evolves from a quaint, chilled-out space by day to a vibrant hub of socializing at night, as the sun sets over the surrounding trees and the ambient lounge music gets dialled up a notch.
5. Casa de Adobe Gallery & Luxury Boutique – a Colonial-style, traditional and hip hotel where guests can experience the delicious flavors of Mexican cuisine
An exquisite mix of Oaxacan authenticity and colonial influence defines this luxury boutique, topped with Tuscan touches.
The many open-air hangout spaces are bathed in natural light and bring an uplifting ambiance to the property. I especially loved the plant-fringed swimming pool in the courtyard, which truly made me feel as if I was living in the heart of the jungle.
There’s also a gym and a beauty salon, as well as three refined eateries. My favourite was the Hook Fish Bar, where each dish on the ever-changing menu was exquisitely crafted and reflected Oaxaca’s famous gastronomic traditions.
6. Palacio Borghese – an upscale, unique and charming hotel steps away from the majestic Santo Domingo de Guzmán temples
The perfect harmony between European classicism and Mexican baroque is achieved at this beautiful 16th century boutique, were refinement, elegance, and art take centre stage.
The property is situated only a few steps from the majestic temple of Santo Domingo de Guzmán. Having recently undergone a head-to-toe revamp to keep up with the times, the property today shines in splendour and houses 5 luxurious suites, as well as its original standard rooms.
The units centre around a charming interior courtyard dotted with cosy chill-out spots, and the in-room aesthetic is designed to exude glamour through rich fabrics, elegant furnishings, and elaborate wall embellishments.
7. Quinta Real Oaxaca – a beautiful, quiet and colonial-style hotel surrounded by several well known activities
Set in the expertly restored 16th-century Convent of Santa Catalina de Siena, The Quinta Realis a beautiful boutique which is rich in history and culture.
This architectural masterpiece has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in honour of the four centuries of history preserved in its colonial design, yet balances this with a sense of modern elegance.
The colonial-style décor of the spacious guestrooms is brought to life by the garden and streetscape backdrop, which gleams through the large windows.
The on-site restaurant El Refectorio and the Las Bugambilias Bar brought a timelessly elegant tone to our evenings at Quinta Real, enhanced with delicious regional food and a comprehensive list of wines and cocktails.
8. Hotel Hacienda Los Laureles – a vibrant, intimate and unique boutique hotel perfect for a couple’s romantic getaway
Secluded within extensive gardens of exotic flowers, as well as mango, nisperales, and cypress trees, this traditional boutique invites you to wake up to a symphony of tweeting birds and a peaceful bucolic ambiance.
Surrounding this 1800’s hacienda are mountains and forests, forming a picture-perfect backdrop which is matched by the interior décor.
Each corner of the property has been intricately designed to ooze a functional classiness, with a splash of colourful Oaxaca shining through the wall paintings.
The guestrooms are dominated by fine wooden furniture and light-colored fabrics which lend a soothing mood, while re-creating the gentle elegance of colonial times.
9. Casa Hidalgo Hotel Boutique – a stylish, historic and 5-star hotel housed in a beautiful listed property
This historic boutiquewas once the seat of the French consulate, and has housed many important personalities throughout its existence.
Its façade maintains a neoclassical style, and inside, quarry stone continues to predominate and exude a sense of colonial comfort.
Walking through the property, I was mesmerized by its architectural beauty, with grand columns soaring over handmade banisters and artistic tapestries.
The guestrooms are tech-forward and innovative, and each one is automated with the virtual assistant Alexa. The on-site restaurant offers you a unique chance to marvel at the pristine natural surroundings from a large patio, as you tuck into organic gourmet cuisine.
10. Hotel Siglo XVII Art Gallery – a classic, quirky and tranquil hotel where guests can enjoy a central location
With downtown Oaxaca reachable within 700 metres, Hotel Siglo XVII combines convenience and comfort, and awaits guests with a whole host of modern facilities ready to add a tranquil tone to your Mexican vacation.
My favourite spot was without a doubt the sparkling outdoor pool, where both the city’s gleaming rooftops and the verdant mountains set a gorgeous, insta-worthy backdrop.
Dotted around the lush plant-fringed garden are the charming guestrooms, which are each dressed in an individual colour scheme and exude comfort through plush linens and state-of-the-art amenities.
There’s also a handful of open-air hangout spaces, where you can embrace a social atmosphere as you soak up the hotel’s authentic charm.
11. El Callejón Hotel Boutique – a contemporary, stylish and petite accommodation moments away from an array of coffee shops and restaurants
El Callejón’s connection to the local area is embodied through its pioneering eco-conscious concept. This graceful boutique is more than just a spot to rest your head, it is a vibrant space ready to fill your Oaxaca vacation with a sense of curiosity and creativity.
Every floor-to-ceiling window frames a delightful backdrop of luxuriant greenery, bringing an iridescent flair to each lavishly appointed space.
I loved the convivial atmosphere here, whether hanging out on the terrace or tucking into delicious local fare in the on-site bar. The guestrooms are bedecked with quirky furnishings crafted by local artisans, setting a cosy, intimate tone for your stay.
Set within the city’s historic centre, Pug Seal weaves a splash of modernity into a traditional aesthetic, with bright pops of colour bringing to light the exquisite artistry.
Dotted around the sophisticated interior courtyard are cosy hang-out spaces, steeped in a vivid colour scheme designed to embody Oaxaca’s creative vigour. Zapotec legends, stories, and symbols are enveloped by the delightful motifs designed by renowned artist Manuel Lozano.
My room was full of creativity and inspiration, and gave me a real insight into the city’s eclectic panache.
13. Casa Antonieta – a cool, chic and rustic accommodation in a location perfect for Millennials and Gen Zs
Tranquillity and traditional flair are the hallmarks of this graceful Oaxacan home, which offers the most idyllic haven to disconnect from everyday life.
Catering to the curious explorer looking for a spot of refined luxury, Casa Antonieta has preserved the property’s original roots, with symmetrical arches surrounding a beautiful central patio exuding a bygone-era glamour.
Here, beginning the morning with a coffee offers a magical start to the day, surrounded by beautiful potted plants.
The hotel offers 9 rooms, all with an intimate living area and a spacious bathroom. The handcrafted pieces in my room combined with contemporary amenities to create an enchanting atmosphere of comfort and elegance.
To book, check prices or availability for Casa Antonieta
14. Hotel Boutique Cosijo – a modern, bright and elegant accommodation offering guests complimentary breakfast and yoga lessons
Hotel Cosijoembraces a deep harmony with nature, with each space designed to mimic the wonderful natural landscapes of the area.
The modern and elegant design continues to the ten guestrooms, which are each named after different trees or elements that reflect the biodiversity of Oaxaca.
I thought the staff presence was top-notch, and I was helped to organize memorable excursions in and around the city, which included touring some of the pristine nature trails on bicycle.
On-site, you can make use of an exclusive meditation space, where you can join in with a garden yoga session. You can also savour authentic cuisine at the on-site restaurant, where the textures, aromas, and colours echo the city’s splendour.
15. Hotel Boutique Casa Catrina – a family-friendly, petite and modern accommodation within walking distance of local popular attractions
Located on one of the main streets of the city with easy access to the main tourist attractions, Casa Catrinais a peaceful colonial house which exudes a graceful boutique flair through many contemporary pieces.
The walls were painted using an ancient technique which incorporates many home-grown elements, and the 6 guestrooms centre around a quaint central patio area.
Each room boasts a unique colour theme, and abstract paintings by a famous Mexican artist take centre stage among traditional wooden fixtures, local textiles, and brick floors.
The courtyard dining room is one of my favourite Mexican eateries, treating the discerning palate to delicious regional meals and coffee harvested from the farms of the Oaxacan coast.
Ever since he was knee-high to a grasshopper Michael has always been a sucker for an adventure. Growing up he was lucky enough to live in a handful of exotic far flung locations including Hong Kong, Pakistan, Kenya and Tanzania and since then he’s continued his taste for seeking out new cultures. So much in fact he now travels the world as a trading digital nomad, exploring everything from the sizzling street markets in Bangkok to random back alleys in Sri Lanka and everything in between! He also has a special fondness for Cohibas, street food, playing carrom, and fine wine and knows his clarets from his chiantis. He counts Cuba, Amsterdam, Indonesia, Cambodia and Italy as his favourite destinations.
