15 Chic Boutique Hotels In Oaxaca Mexico

Looking for the best boutique hotels in Oaxaca Mexico?

Indigenous culture, flavour-filled culinary specialities, a historic town centre that’s included on UNESCO’s World Heritage List – these are just the first things that spring to mind when we think of reasons to visit Oaxaca. It’s an essential stop on any trip to Mexico, with the Zapotec ruins of Monte Alban less than half an hour out of town.

Amidst the scenic city streets, there are lots of Oaxaca boutique hotels where you can rest your head after a full day of exploring and eating. From our experience alone, we’ve come across four-room casas, 19th-century haciendas, and modern luxury hotels in Oaxaca Mexico, many of them filled with nods to traditional crafts.

In this post, we’ve put together a list of some of our favourite Oaxaca City boutique hotels. There’s something here for every budget, no matter if you’re looking to splash out on elegant contemporary suites or find a relatively inexpensive lodging that still has plenty of character.

TOP Pick Of Boutique Hotels In Oaxaca

Best Luxury Boutique Hotels Oaxaca

Luxury hotels in Oaxaca City run the gamut of experiences, from expansive properties with almost 150 rooms to tiny little places with just a handful of suites.

Some provide their guests with all the modern amenities a person could desire, while others place the focus on flawlessly designed accommodation that brings together historic preservation with contemporary comfort.

#1 El Callejón Hotel Boutique – One Of The Most Spacious Oaxaca Mexico Luxury Hotels.

Named for the small street on which it sits, El Callejón has used traditional adobe walls to provide a rough framework for the modern structure that has been nestled within.

LOCATION | Sandwiched between the Santo Domingo and Xochimilco neighbourhoods, this property is just off the Calle Macedonio Alcalá. Head south on this street, and it transforms into one of the most popular pedestrianised areas in town.

Don’t miss the elaborately decorated Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán and abutting botanical gardens on your way down.

FACILITIES | A serene fern-enshrouded garden and terrace provide a pleasant place to take the load off – perhaps with mezcal from the bar? There’s also a complimentary breakfast and free private parking included with every stay.

ROOMS | All of the 12 rooms here are sizable affairs, with the smallest deluxe room still totalling up to 484 square feet. Opt for the terraced suite, and you can enjoy your own private oasis, with the room’s full-length glass doors opening into a patio and garden.

#2 Casa Naila Hotel Boutique – Best For Breakfast.

A bijou spot not far from the heart of town, the Casa Naila combines modern comfort with handmade pieces of art and handicraft for the pinnacle of Oaxaca hotel luxury.

LOCATION | To the eastern part of the Centro barrio, just 10 minutes from the town square, the Casa Naila has plenty of good dining options in the vicinity for those that what to sample the local fare.

FACILITIES | A restaurant and bar are in situ, with a compact internal courtyard where you can relax away from the bustle of the surrounding area. Compared to other boutique hotels in Oaxaca, the Casa Naila has one of the best breakfasts in town, ensuring you start the day right.

ROOMS | Recess lighting brings the mood to the stylish rooms, which feature hand-woven rugs and paintings by a local artist to add flashes of individuality to the impeccable modern design.

#3 Pug Seal Oaxaca – Industrial Chic Meets Zapotec Culture.

The Oaxaca brunch of the boutique Pug Seal brand, this property is an excellent example of how to restore and renovate a building while retaining its underlying character.

Drawing upon the Zapotec culture for inspiration, the interior designers have lavished attention on creating striking, colourful murals in the communal areas, making this one of the most personality-filled luxury hotels Oaxaca City has to offer.

LOCATION | Excellently situated, this hotel is a very short walk to the central square, where Oaxaca’s cathedral provides one of the finest examples of stone buildings made from the local Cantera verde stone. Just as convenient to reach is the city’s top museum, the Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca, housed in the former monastery buildings abutting the Templo de Santo Domingo.

FACILITIES | In contrast to some of the other best boutique hotels in Oaxaca Mexico, the Pug Seal has fairly limited facilities, though you do get free breakfast and free parking with your stay.

ROOMS | While amenities might be scarce, there’s no denying the fantastic quality of the rooms, which give off an industrial chic vibe with their exposed concrete walls and stone bathroom fixtures. One of the more unique places to stay in Oaxaca, each lodging is a little different, cleaving to the available space.

#4 Casa Hidalgo Hotel Boutique – Best Boutique Hotel Oaxaca For Central Location.

The Casa Hidalgo is a sizable bit of property right in the heart of town. Once upon a time, the 19th-century building housed the French consulate, but today it’s one of the more well-equipped boutique hotels in Oaxaca.

LOCATION | The central plaza is just a few steps away. If you’re interested in local art, we enjoyed exploring the Museum of Oaxacan Painters, which, despite its name, also houses some intriguing sculptures.

FACILITIES | The laidback bar space offers up an insouciant, cosy atmosphere that reminds us of private gentlemen’s clubs – though it’s equally well suited to ladies in search of a refreshing margarita with tapas.

For a more substantial meal, the Casa Hidalgo offers a restaurant within its central courtyard (made from some of that Cantera stone, by the by) serving food throughout the day. There’s also a 24-hour fitness centre, a spa, and free parking.

ROOMS | Decked out in an inoffensive contemporary design, the rooms here are spacious and unfussy.

#5 Grand Fiesta Americana Oaxaca – Best Boutique Hotel Oaxaca City For Comprehensive Facilities.

The Grand Fiesta Americana brings US-size portions to the Oaxacan hotel game, making it a top choice for anybody seeking five-star hotels in Oaxaca City with large communal spaces and plenty of amenities.

LOCATION | Just off the El Llano urban park, this property is on the edge of the Barrio de Jalatlaco, a charming neighbourhood of cobbled streets and vibrant street art. It’s also around 15 minutes walk to the Andador Turistico pedestrian street.

FACILITIES | A slim pool, good-sized fitness centre, and spa with sauna and relaxation room supply plenty of leisure options, while for refreshment, there’s an expansive restaurant and a modish outdoor bar.

ROOMS | While the rooms here may lack a sense of history – the Grand Fiesta Americana was only completed in 2019, after all – their recent construction means they are the epitome of modernity, with smart fittings and a clean beige colour palette.

Best Mid-Range Oaxaca Boutique Hotels

While these mid-range Oaxaca Mexico boutique hotels might not have quite as much overt panache, they still have bundles of personality, from a former 16th-century convent to an adorable little spot with just four fabulously stylish rooms. All of the places we’ve chosen have something unique to offer the discerning traveller.

#6 Quinta Real Oaxaca – Convent Lodgings That Are Far From Conventional.

Quinta Real operates quite a few properties around Mexico, but the one in Oaxaca has to be among the most stunning in their portfolio. Housed in a restored 16th-century convent, few boutique hotels in Oaxaca have quite so much history within their walls.

LOCATION | The hotel is about halfway between the Zocalo and the Templo de Santo Domingo, putting it within easy reach of most of Oaxaca’s main attractions.

FACILITIES | We particularly like the outdoor pool here, which is one of the largest in town and has a good amount of seating for sunbathers. Indoors, the cosy Novicias Bar is open for dinner on weekdays and live music on weekends.

Outdoors, the Refectorio serves meals and drinks throughout the day in the convent’s cloistered courtyard. There’s also a fitness centre where you can enjoy a light workout.

ROOMS | Clean and neat but a little old-fashioned, the rooms’ simple décor allows the history of the building to shine through.

#7 Casa Carmen Reforma – Hotel Boutique Oaxaca That’s Warm And Welcoming.

There are just four rooms available at the Casa Carmen Reforma, a beautifully decorated property whose design exudes warmth, comfort, and style.

LOCATION | Right next to the Botanical Gardens, the Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca, and the Templo de Santo Domingo, Casa Carmen Reforma has both the sights of downtown and the trendy haunts of Jalatlaco within walking distance.

FACILITIES | Given the limited number of guest rooms, it’s hardly surprising that the Casa Carmen Reforma offers little in the way of facilities compared to some of the other boutique hotels in Oaxaca, though it does serve an excellent breakfast – we love waking up to having it served in our room every day!

ROOMS | Sandy-coloured tones accented with vibrant rugs and tiles lend all the rooms here a welcoming feel. All rooms come with their own patio – in the larger suites, there’s even a bathtub included where you can soak in privacy and seclusion.

#8 Casa Carmen Morelos – Like Staying In Someone’s Designer Home.

From the same people that run the Casa Carmen Reforma, Casa Carmen Morelos has a similarly chic design aesthetic to its sibling, though with slightly smaller rooms and no patios.

LOCATION | Situated in the western part of the centre of town, the property is just a stone’s throw from the Plaza de la Danza, which features one of our favourite buildings in Oaxaca, the Basilica de Nuestra Senora de la Soledad. This fantastic church dates back to the late 1600s and has a wonderfully ornate façade, matched by gilded Baroque interiors.

FACILITIES | Just like Casa Carmen Reforma, the Morelos residence keeps services to a minimum, sticking strictly to the literal meaning of B&B by supplying daily breakfasts and comfortable beds but little else.

ROOMS | As boutique hotels in Oaxaca go, the four rooms here are on the smaller side, though they incorporate natural materials and local artwork into the design with aplomb.

#9 Suites De La Parra – Aparthotel With Rooftop Pool.

Big rooms and a rooftop area with views are the clear highlights of the Suites de la Parra, which provides apartment-style rooms with plenty of living space.

LOCATION | One of the most central boutique hotels in Oaxaca on our list, these suites are just a block over from the Zocalo. Two of the city’s most popular markets are also a very short walk away: both Mercado Benito Juarez and Mercado 20 de Noviembre have a mixture of handcrafts and foodstuffs on display.

FACILITIES | The rooftop pool and terrace here is, obviously, our favourite thing about this place (besides, perhaps, the proximity to so much good food). There’s also a restaurant and bar on-site, with a continental or cooked breakfast available for an additional fee.

ROOMS | Suites here are essentially clean modern flats, albeit perhaps rather sparsely decorated. Each one comes with a private living room, complete with a sofa and flat-screen TV, while the larger options also feature dining nooks and kitchenettes.

#10 Palacio Borghese Hotel Boutique – Italianate Excess.

While the Palacio Borghese was never actually a palace in any real sense, it does offer a taste of palatial splendour, with over-the-top rooms that wouldn’t feel out of place in 18th-century Europe.

LOCATION | Just a street over from the Templo de Santo Domingo, the main square is about 10 minutes walk away. A block north, you can visit the former home of Benito Juarez, Mexico’s first indigenous president.

FACILITIES | You can enjoy a continental breakfast and free parking at the Palacio Borghese, but little else is in the way of services.

ROOMS | The rich, heavy fabrics, gilded furnishings, and imitation marble pillars that populate the rooms seem rather out of place in Oaxaca, but that doesn’t make the purposely antiquated rooms feel any less decadent.

Best Budget-Friendly Boutique Hotels Oaxaca Mexico

To round off our guide to boutique hotels in Oaxaca, we’ve highlighted some of our favourite properties for people who are after value for money. It’s worth noting that some of the most unique hotels in Oaxaca are also among the cheapest.

After all, when you have to create a comfortable hotel experience with a relatively small budget, you tend to get creative!

#11 Marialicia Suites, Hotel Boutique – Clean And Comfortable.

Offering plenty of space for couples or families, the Marialicia Suites is an aparthotel with cheap prices right in the heart of town.

LOCATION | Less than 10 minutes east of Oaxaca’s Zocalo, these suites are well-situated if you want to get in on the local action, no matter whether you fancy a good meal or a banging night out.

FACILITIES | Breakfast and parking are both available for an additional fee, but the beauty of staying here is less about the amenities and more about having the freedom to spread out in an apartment that’s like a home away from home.

ROOMS | All accommodation here includes a kitchenette with a fridge and a microwave, while the larger suites also feature multiple bedrooms with combinations of either two doubles or one double and two singles.

#12 Boulenc Bed And Bread – Boho Bliss.

One of the coolest hotels in Oaxaca, the Boulenc Bed and Bread is an appealingly decorated B&B that exudes bohemian charm.

LOCATION | Right in the centre of Oaxaca, this is the place to stay if you want loads of cafes, restaurants, bars, and sights at your fingertips. Just bear in mind it’s a neighbourhood that stays vibrant until the early hours, particularly at weekends.

FACILITIES | While the breakfast here is good, our favourite thing about Boulenc is the rooftop terrace, which provides great views over the surrounding area thanks to its slightly elevated height compared to the neighbouring buildings. There’s also a shared kitchen where you can grab some complimentary snacks and beverages.

ROOMS | Decorated in an eclectic style with distinctive pieces of locally crafted furniture and fabric, the seven rooms here are homey but memorable spaces that give off an upmarket backpacker air for those who want the laidback vibes of a hostel but with a greater level of comfort.

#13 Nardazul “Casa De Sueños” – Central But Tranquil.

Literally the ‘House of Dreams,’ Casa de Sueños is in a relatively quiet part of the downtown area, with easy access to all the major sights.

LOCATION | The middle of Oaxaca is just a short walk away, but not so close that you’ll feel like you’re in party central at night.

FACILITIES | Casa de Sueños is a fairly small property without many facilities, but there is a daily breakfast served on the outdoor terrace that makes for a lovely start to the day. 

ROOMS | One of the nicest things about this property is that every room here has either a terrace or a balcony where you can sit outside and enjoy the sounds of the city. The décor incorporates local flavour while remaining unfussy.

#14 Holiday Inn Express Oaxaca – Brand Familiarity.

While it’s not one of the most characterful boutique hotels in Oaxaca, the Holiday Inn Express guarantees a certain level of service that will set warier travellers at ease.

LOCATION | A little further out of the centre of town, the property is about 10 minutes to the Templo de Santo Domingo and 15 minutes to Oaxaca Cathedral.

FACILITIES | You won’t find many boutique hotels in Oaxaca with a better outdoor pool or fitness centre at this price point. There’s also a spacious outdoor terrace, complimentary breakfast, and free parking.

ROOMS | Admittedly, the rooms at the Holiday Inn Express are a little staid and uninspiring, but if all you’re looking for is a reasonably priced place to sleep in comfort at the end of a long day, this is a good option to have.

#15 Hotel Casa De Arte Gallery And Pool – A Showcase Of Local Artistry.

Prioritising local creatives and makers in its design, the Hotel Casa de Arte is a sleek establishment decked out in natural tones and sustainable furnishings.

LOCATION | Oaxaca’s Reforma neighbourhood may be a little further away from the main attractions, but this upmarket area provides a different perspective on the city, with restaurants and bars that are less tourist-oriented.

FACILITIES | Aside from the proudly advertised outdoor pool, this place also offers an all-day restaurant, a bar, and free parking, plus a daily morning meal in the breakfast area.

ROOMS | Accommodation here varies greatly in size, from the petite 172-square-foot Guamuchil room to the 377-square-foot Ocote room, which comes with a small balcony facing the interior garden. Each one of the 7 rooms has been individually decorated, but always with lots of wooden accents and pieces of local art.

Boutique Hotels In Oaxaca: FAQ

What are the best neighbourhoods to stay in Oaxaca City?

Jalatlaco, Zocalo, and Santo Domingo are some of the best neighbourhoods to stay in Oaxaca City.

Barrio Jalatlaco, often referred to as the “soul of Oaxaca,” is known for its vibrant colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and tranquil ambience. The neighbourhood is filled with local artisans and charming cafes, making it a perfect spot for tourists looking to immerse themselves in the local culture.

Zocalo, the city’s main square, is another excellent choice for visitors. It’s a bustling hub of activity, surrounded by restaurants, shops, and historical landmarks like the Oaxaca Cathedral. Street performers, local vendors, and traditional music create a lively atmosphere that captures the spirit of Oaxaca.

Last but not least, Santo Domingo is a favourite among travellers for its proximity to the magnificent Santo Domingo Church and the botanical garden. This neighbourhood is a cultural and historical hotspot, hosting several museums and galleries that exhibit Oaxaca’s rich heritage.

How many days in Oaxaca is enough?

Two days in Oaxaca City provides ample time to explore the vibrant local culture, bustling marketplaces, and exquisite historical landmarks. However, should your schedule allow, we highly recommend extending your stay to include day trips to the nearby attractions of Monte Alban and Hierve el Agua.

Monte Alban, a large pre-Columbian archaeological site, and Hierve el Agua, a set of natural rock formations that resemble cascades of water, are must-visit destinations on your Mexico itinerary.

What is the most visited place in Oaxaca?

The most visited place in Oaxaca is undoubtedly the Santo Domingo Church. Known for its stunning baroque architecture, this landmark is more than just a place of worship. It also houses the Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca, a museum showcasing the region’s rich cultural history and artefacts.

Another popular place, just outside of Oaxaca City is Monte Alban Archeological Site.

Is Oaxaca safe to walk at night?

Like any city, safety can vary in Oaxaca, but generally, it is considered relatively safe to walk at night. Many tourists and locals enjoy the vibrant nightlife in the city centre. However, it’s always advisable to remain vigilant, stick to well-lit, populated areas, and avoid flaunting expensive belongings. Remember, safety can largely depend on your actions and awareness of your surroundings.

Is Oaxaca City walkable?

Yes, Oaxaca City is highly walkable. The city’s grid layout is easy to navigate, and many of the main attractions, such as Santo Domingo Church, Zocalo Square, and a variety of museums and galleries, are located within a compact area.

The streets are lined with colourful buildings, local shops, and street art, making walking not just a means of transportation, but a delightful opportunity to immerse oneself in the vibrant local culture.

Do you need to speak Spanish to visit Oaxaca?

While it’s not absolutely necessary to speak Spanish to visit Oaxaca, having a basic understanding of the language can enhance your experience. That’s because being able to communicate in Spanish will allow you to interact more freely with locals, understand the history and culture better, and navigate the city with greater ease.

However, English is also spoken in many hotels, restaurants, and tourist spots, so non-Spanish speakers can still have an enjoyable visit.

What is the best time to visit Oaxaca Mexico?

The best time to visit Oaxaca, Mexico, largely depends on your preferences. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more laid-back visit, May to June is a great choice as it’s just before the peak tourist season.

However, for the best weather, consider visiting between October and March, when the temperatures are pleasant and the chance of rainfall is low.

It’s also worth noting that Oaxaca is famous for its Day of the Dead celebrations that start at the end of October and the start of November and visiting the city during that time will be super special.

Do you need a car to get around Oaxaca?

A car isn’t absolutely necessary to get around Oaxaca City. The city is very walkable with a compact layout and many attractions are within a short distance of each other. Also, public transportation, including buses and taxis, is readily available and typically inexpensive.

However, if you plan on taking day trips to nearby attractions like Monte Alban or Hierve el Agua, renting a car could be more convenient and give you the flexibility to explore at your own pace.

What food is Oaxaca known for?

Oaxaca is renowned for its rich and diverse culinary scene. Perhaps most famous is Oaxacan cheese, also known as Quesillo, which is a stringy white cheese often used in local dishes.

Oaxaca is also the birthplace of Mole, a complex sauce that includes ingredients like chocolate, chilli peppers, and a variety of spices.

Tlayudas, often referred to as Mexican pizza, is another popular Oaxacan dish, featuring a large crispy tortilla topped with beans, cheese, lettuce, avocado, and meat.

Chapulines, or fried grasshoppers, are another local delicacy, known for their high protein content and unique flavour.

Last but not least, Oaxaca is famous for its mezcal, a spirit distilled from agave plants that offers a diverse range of flavours depending on the variety of agave used.

Boutique Hotels in Oaxaca: Final Words

So, there you have it, a curated selection of 15 of the best boutique hotels Oaxaca City has to offer!

Hopefully, this post has given you tonnes of inspiration about all the wonderful places you can stay while visiting one of Mexico’s most exciting destinations – a place where the county’s indigenous culture and colonial past brush up against one another to create an utterly unique experience.