Lola’s Guide to Oaxaca: Hotels, Bed and Breakfasts, and Apartments

Several times a month, people ask for recommendations on the best places to stay in Oaxaca. Since my first trip in 2006, I’ve stayed everywhere from apartments and homes, to bed and breakfasts and hotels. I hope this guide inspires your next trip to central Oaxaca!

WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO STAY IN OAXACA?

This is one of the questions I get asked a LOT when I’m there and while I enjoy hotel amenities, I love the cozy atmosphere of a bed and breakfast. Before you book anything, be sure to do your research to see what’s a fit for your budget and familia. I always look for places with minimal stairs to climb, completely enclosed courtyards, and a portable crib. 

If you’re looking for unique Oaxaca accommodations, the possibilities are endless. I’ve stayed at quite a few places throughout the nearly 20 years I’ve been visiting Oaxaca City and the bed and breakfasts offer a unique and more intimate cultural experience than you’d get at any hotel. Although if you have the cash, by all means, stay at La Quinta Real – it’s absolutely beautiful. For extended stays, I look into Oaxaca vacation rentals such as apartments and private homes.

There’s something for everyone! There are a number of family-friendly hotels in Oaxaca, accommodations for romantic getaways, lodging options for girls’ trips and retreats, and everything in between. 

WHAT I LOOK FOR WHEN BOOKING ACCOMMODATIONS IN OAXACA

Since I typically travel with children, my criteria are every-changing, but I always look into places with:

• Minimal stairs to climb and railing (many staircases in Mexico are floating with no railing)
• Completely enclosed courtyards for kids to play
• Portable crib for the baby
• Refrigerator to store food and drinks
• Central location based on where I need to be or what I need to see
• Access to activities for kids, a pool is a plus especially in the hot summer months, but typically these options are limited
• Parking if I am renting a car during my stay
• Access to mercado or grocery store, within walking distance

OAXACA BED AND BREAKFAST OPTIONS

Oaxaca’s bed and breakfasts offer a unique and more intimate cultural experience than you’d get at any hotel. In Oaxaca, most bed and breakfasts actually include breakfast and access to a communal refrigerator to store drinks and small snacks.

Casa Lyobaa – $
Amado, Valentina, and I wanted to move here! After spending a few weeks in downtown Oaxaca over the summer, we decided to pack our bags and explore the small town of Mitla, which is where we discovered Casa Lyobaa. This hacienda-style retreat is walking distance from the Mercado de Artesanías and zona arqueológica. The kids and I loved our daily visits to the mercado in the mototaxi and preparing our meals in the fully-stocked kitchen. We also enjoyed touring the grounds – the flora and fauna is breathtaking, relaxing on the hammocks under the huge palapa, and taking a dip in the pool. This place is definitely kid-friendly and Sylvia and her husband went above and beyond to accommodate us. Each private guest room has two full beds, a twin bed, and if you’re traveling with an infant, there are cribs available, too.

Encanto Jalatlaco – $
I haven’t actually stayed here, but I did visit with my friend Conchita of La Casa de Mis Recuerdos. Encanto Jalatlaco is her daughter’s bed and breakfast right in the heart of the hip Jalatlaco neighborhood and is absolutely charming. It’s about a 10-minute walk from Santo Domingo and just like her mother’s bed and breakfast, you’ll be swept off your feet when you enter and take in all of the beautiful flowers, succulents, and outdoor garden space. Another perk is that the rooms are detached, so it’s great if traveling with children.

Estancia Valencia – $$
The rooms and décor at Estancia Valencia are absolutely stunning. I loved unwinding here after being out and about all day. The small patio area and fountain are so relaxing. It’s also centrally located in Oaxaca’s centro historico – only four blocks from Santo Domingo. I’m always nervous staying at bed and breakfasts with children, but it’s one of the few that are family-friendly. I stayed here for a couple of days with my mom and Amado when he was four although I’d probably stay somewhere else if traveling with an infant because the rooms are all within the home, so I wouldn’t want to take away from another guest’s experience with a crying baby.

La Betulia – $$
La Betulia is one of Oaxaca’s hot new bed and breakfasts. I stayed here with a group of food bloggers, chefs, and food aficionados during a week-long retreat. Guests at La Betulia convene daily for a delightful outdoor breakfast that features a yogurt bar with homemade yogurt, granola, jams, seasonal fruit, pan dulce, and fresh juices. Breakfast specialties include huevos rancheros, enfrijoladas, huevos en salsa, quesadillas, tamales, and other Mexican favorites. The décor at La Betulia combines Mexico’s vibrant colors with a clean, contemporary twist. Let’s just say, there are plenty of photo opps! The owners also rent apartments that are centrally located, if you prefer to cook for yourself.

La Casa de Mis Recuerdos – $$
La Casa de Mis Recuerdos is one of the oldest and most beautiful bed and breakfasts in Oaxaca and proprietors Conchita Arroyo Cabrera and Moises Valencia have been receiving guests in their colonial style home for over 35 years. From the moment you enter the courtyard it’s apparent where its name derives as you find yourself lost in a magical world of patios, terraces, and flower-covered walls. Also, you can’t beat the location. It’s a five-minute walk to Santo Domingo and a two minute walk to the famous esquites with sal de chapulín at El Llano.

OAXACA HOTELS

I’ve only stayed at a hotel on my very first visit to Oaxaca and since then, have booked apartments, homes, and bed and breakfasts because my stays are typically anywhere between four to eight weeks and I find that there are better options for extended stays.

Quinta Real Oaxaca – $$$
This is where I stayed on my first visit to Oaxaca in 2006. My sister enjoys the finer things in life, and looked up luxury hotels in Oaxaca. She picked this one because it is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Site and former convent (we like thinking that the nuns haunt the historic hotel). The grounds are breathtaking, guest rooms impeccably clean, rustic and beautiful, and the architecture and gardens are perfect for instagrammable photo shoots. While it’s larger than a bed and breakfast, it definitely doesn’t feel like a chain and still offers an intimate experience with outdoor dining in the open courtyard. I’d say it’s probably one of the most beautiful and historical boutique hotels in Oaxaca. 

OAXACA VACATION RENTAL / APARTMENTS

There are a number of long-term home and apartment rental options nowadays and the first place I look for this is AirBnB. Most hosts offer discounts for extended stays, too.

Tierra del Sol Apartments – $$
I stayed at Tierra del Sol while conducting my thesis research in Oaxaca. It was safe and centrally located — walking distance from all of the action, but far enough removed to avoid loud crowds during festivals and on weekends. The apartments are fully furnished and include wi-fi and weekly housekeeping. If you don’t feel like going out to eat, pick up some prime ingredients from one of the local markets and make use of the kitchen! Barbara, the landlady and owner of the apartments, is an absolute gem to work with as well. This is a great place if you’re on an extended trip (two or more months).

I do hope this guide helps narrow down your Oaxaca lodging options. If there are other places that you’ve absolutely loved, please let me know so I can check them out the next time I’m in town!

FAQS

Is Oaxaca safe for tourists? Oaxaca is generally considered safe for tourists, but as with any travel destination, visitors should exercise caution and take appropriate safety measures, such as staying in well-lit areas at night and avoiding carrying large amounts of cash or wearing expensive jewelry.

What is the best time to visit Oaxaca? The best time to visit Oaxaca is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. This time of year has warm, sunny days and cooler nights, making it pleasant for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

How do I get to Oaxaca? You can fly into Oaxaca’s international airport, which is served by several airlines, or take a bus or car from other parts of Mexico.

What are some popular attractions to see in Oaxaca? Some popular attractions in Oaxaca include the historic center of Oaxaca City, Monte Alban archaeological site, Hierve el Agua natural springs, and the Guelaguetza cultural festival.

What is the currency used in Oaxaca? The currency used in Oaxaca, as in the rest of Mexico, is the Mexican peso.

What languages are spoken in Oaxaca? Spanish is the primary language spoken in Oaxaca, although there are many indigenous languages still spoken throughout the region.

What is the local food in Oaxaca? Oaxacan cuisine is known for its rich flavors and use of local ingredients such as corn, beans, and chili peppers. Some popular dishes include tlayudas, mole, and mezcal, a type of liquor made from agave.

Do I need a visa to visit Oaxaca? Visitors from many countries, including the United States and Canada, do not need a visa to visit Mexico for stays of up to 180 days. However, it’s always a good idea to check the visa requirements for your specific country.

What is the weather like in Oaxaca? The weather in Oaxaca can vary depending on the season and location, but generally it is warm and sunny during the day and cooler at night. The rainy season runs from May to October, with the most rainfall occurring in June and July.

What are the best ways to get around in Oaxaca? The best ways to get around Oaxaca are by foot, taxi, or public transportation. There are also several car rental companies available for those who prefer to drive.

What are some cultural festivals and events in Oaxaca? Some popular cultural festivals in Oaxaca include the Day of the Dead celebrations in November, the Guelaguetza festival in July, and the Night of the Radishes in December.

Are there any specific cultural customs I should be aware of when visiting Oaxaca? Visitors to Oaxaca should be aware of and respect the region’s indigenous cultures and customs, which may include traditional dress, music, and dance. It’s also important to be respectful of local religious practices and traditions.

Where are some good places to stay in Oaxaca? Some popular places to stay in Oaxaca include hotels in the historic center of Oaxaca City, eco-lodges in the surrounding countryside, and beachfront resorts in the nearby Pacific coast region.

What is the dress code in Oaxaca? The dress code in Oaxaca is generally casual and relaxed, although visitors should dress appropriately when visiting religious or cultural sites.

Are there any health and safety precautions I should take when visiting Oaxaca? Visitors to Oaxaca should take standard health and safety precautions.

LOOKING FOR INSPIRATION

Mollete Recipe + Oaxaca’s Estancia de Valenica Bed and Breakfast

Interview with Ariadna Vásquez, Co-Founder of Oaxaca’s Central de Diseño and Almacén Mexicano

Interview with Pia Aiko Tokiyama, Owner of Oaxaca’s La Betulia Bed and Breakfast

A Food Lover’s Guide to 3 Market Days in Oaxaca

Fideo Seco with Guajillo Chile, al Estilo Oaxaca

10 Common Questions I Get When Traveling to Mexico with My Kids

Photos were either taken by me or obtained from each place’s website or Airbnb listing.