Oaxaca is easily one of the most beautiful cities in Mexico. You just can’t help falling in love with it. With beautifully kept colonial buildings; colorful houses; breezy squares; art galleries, museums, and an incredible array of markets.
Even further, you have historic archeological and natural sites just moments away from the city. After visiting, it’s easy to see why this is a popular tourist destination.
If you are planning on visiting the city and are looking for where to stay in Oaxaca, you are in the right place. I have been there many times and have explored it in depth.
I am here to share my experience and tell you everything about Oaxaca’s best neighborhoods and places to stay.
Overall Best Places To Stay In Oaxaca
Hostal Mixteco Naba Nandoo – Where to stay in Oaxaca on a budget
Hostal Mixteco Naba Nandoo is one of the best places to stay in Oaxaca for travelers looking for a budget or friendly hostel atmosphere. Hostal Mixteco Naba Nandoo is 700 meters from Oaxaca Cathedral and Santo Domingo Temple.
This hostel is very simple, with none of the fancy amenities. However, if you’re just looking for a clean, stylish, and cozy place in central Oaxaca, you’re in luck.
Hostal Micteco Naba Nandoo has a simple rooftop terrace, often filled with friendly travelers. The furnishing, while not luxurious, is stylish and traditional.
Hotel Parador de Alcalá – Best Mid Range Place To Stay In Oaxaca
Hotel Parador de Alcalá is the best place to stay in Oaxaca for those wanting a little more comfort and luxury at an affordable rate. Hotel Parador de Alcalá is only 300 meters from Oaxaca Cathedral and Santo Domingo Temple.
This hotel has a large pool, an onsite bar and restaurant, and stylish rooms and furniture. The hotel encompasses the local culture while providing modern amenities and luxuries.
Hotel Parador de Alcalá is highly rated for its excellent service, central location, and spacious rooms.
Pug Seal Oaxaca – Best Luxury Hotel In Oaxaca
Pug Seal Oaxaca is the best of the best when it comes to luxury and the whole five-star experience. It is located in central Oaxaca, only steps away from Oaxaca Cathedral and Santo Domingo Temple.
This hotel offers an exclusive experience, with designs modeled after the Zapotec culture, while paying tribute to Mexican wealth. The hotel’s architecture is unique while providing a true sense of zen.
Each room is stunningly decorated, with plenty of space and high-end amenities for guests. The rooms also have excellent air-conditioning for hot nights, free toiletries, and a flat-screen TV.
In addition, Pug Seal Oaxaca offers free bicycles for guests, a 24/7 concierge service, and free private parking. It really is one of the best places to stay in Oaxaca.
Where To Stay In Oaxaca
Centro – Where to stay in Oaxaca for first timers
As the name implies, the Centro neighborhood in Oaxaca is in the center of everything – this is where to stay in Oaxaca for easy access to all attractions, best restaurants, and bars. This area is where the majority of lodging and attractions in Oaxaca City are located.
In Centro, you can spend a peaceful time relaxing in the Zocalo in view of the Cathedral, strolling through the many craft stalls around the center square, sipping on a warm coffee from one of the many cafes, or admiring the centuries-old architecture.
The cobblestone streets within Oaxaca Central give downtown personality and character, making it such a pleasant place to explore. If you want the be in the center of all the action, this is where to stay in Oaxaca.
Best Places to Stay in Oaxaca Centro
Budget – Hotel Suites De Centro
Hotel Suites De Centro is just minutes from the Zocalo and the middle of everything in Oaxaca. The layout and furnishing are strongly influenced by Oaxacan history, giving it a very traditional appeal.
The Hotel Suites De Centro offers family rooms, free WIFI, and a restaurant. Guests can visit the Craft Market, which is just steps away. This is the where to stay in Oaxaca for those that want to stay right in the middle of all the action while not splurging on luxuries and extras.
Mid-Range – Casa Antonieta
Casa Antonieta is near Oaxaca Cathedral, Santo Domingo Temple, and the Central Bus Station. The location is perfect, and the hotel provides a great Oaxaca experience on the whole.
The decor of Casa Antonieta can be best described as a harmonious blend of traditional Mexican elements and modern design aesthetics.
The Casa Antonieta has an airport shuttle and a great breakfast. The hotel organizes tours for guests and has a 24-hour front desk. All rooms have a sun terrace, flat-screen TVs, and a spacious wardrobe.
Luxury / Boutique – Grand Fiesta Americana Oaxaca
Grand Fiesta Americana Oaxaca is one of the best places to stay in Oaxaca, located right in downtown Oaxaca. It is only minutes away from Oaxaca Cathedral, Santo Domingo Temple, and the Central Bus Station.
This hotel combines contemporary elegance and Oaxacan charm. You can find traditional Oaxacan elements in things like the handcrafted wooden furniture incorporated throughout the hotel. The ambiance is very welcoming, relaxing, and comfortable.
Guests can enjoy the pool and spa, as well as the on-site bar and restaurant. In addition, select rooms have a private patio with a city view. And all rooms are stocked with a secure safety deposit box, flat-screen TV, minibar, hairdryer, and other luxury amenities.
El Llano – Best area to stay in Oaxaca to be close to parks
El Llano is home to one of the most famous parks in Oaxaca, Parque El Llano. The park is a wonderful place for a walk or jog along its many paths. While in the park, visit the beauty of Jardin Conzatti (botanical gardens).
The neighborhood is a great place to stay since it is usually quiet at night. However, the park does host various events, which might bring in larger crowds.
All-in-all, El Llano is only a short walk to all the downtown excitement of Oaxaca’s bars and the Zocalo while providing some escape from the hustle and bustle of Centro. If you want some space from the city center but still a variety of activities, this is where to stay in Oaxaca.
Best Places to Stay in El Llano
Budget – Hotel La Casona del Llano
Hotel La Casona de Llano is only 100 meters from Paséo Juárez (El Llano). The restaurant terrace actually overlooks El Llano Park, giving you a relaxing sunset view.
This hotel is straightforward, with outdated furniture and decor. That being said, it still holds a lot of charm and comes with everything you might need for budget accommodation. The hotel’s exterior is also incredibly charming and eye-catching with its castle-like appearance.
Most rooms in Hotel La Casona de Llano have garden views, and all rooms are complete with a private bathroom, air-conditioning, and cable TV. Overall, this is one of the best places to stay in Oaxaca for travelers on a budget.
Mid-Range – Suites Bello Xochimilco
Suites Bello Xochiilco is only 600 meters from El Llano Park and 800 meters from the Oaxacan botanical gardens. It is a peaceful area, within a short walk or taxi ride to all the main attractions. In addition, this pet-friendly hotel is adjacent to the Oaxaca Regional Museum (the Museo de la Cultura de Oaxaca).
If you aren’t out exploring, you can enjoy the stunning gardens and relaxing aura of the traditionally-styled hotel. All rooms provide an in-room safe and cable TV. The hotel suites contain kitchens, dining rooms, and living rooms.
Luxury / Boutique – Quinta Real Oaxaca
Quinta Real Oaxaca is only 600 meters from El Llano Park and a 15-minutes drive from Oaxaca International Airport – though an airport shuttle is also available for guests.
This hotel takes luxury and Oaxacan heritage to the next level with a castle-style exterior. The architecture truly captures the rich history of the region and is the perfect balance of decadence and comfort.
The Quinta Real Oaxaca has many amenities for guests to enjoy, including a swimming pool, fitness center, and a restaurant and bar. The nonsmoking rooms have air conditioning, satellite TV, and Wi-Fi. It’s definitely one of the best places to stay in Oaxaca.
Santo Domingo – Another great area to stay in Oaxaca
This area of the city is the other half of the Centro area and is named after the famous Santo Domingo Church.
Surrounding the church are a number of art galleries and museums. Santo Domingo is located a few blocks north of the Zocalo and north of Calle Independencia.
You’ll find many dining establishments in this area, with countless considered the best in Oaxaca. Several bars are in the area for nighttime entertainment. Santo Domingo is where to stay in Oaxaca if you are looking for a good compromise between a central location and a trendy area with good nightlife.
Best Places to Stay in Santo Domingo
Budget – Hostal Luz de Luna Nuyoo
Location is the big draw to this hostel in the heart of Oaxaca. It’s just minutes away from Oaxaca Historic Center and practically seconds from the Santo Domingo Temple. In addition, hostel guests can shop at the Food and Flea Market and 20 de Noviembre Market, only a few steps away.
This excellent property serves a great continental breakfast daily and has a small yet peaceful garden area for guests to enjoy. It’s where to stay in Oaxaca if you are looking for a convenient place that also has style.
Mid-Range – Hotel Fortin Plaza
Hotel Fortin Plaza is located near Santo Domingo Temple, in an excellent area of Oaxaca City.
This excellent mid-range accommodation will be a delight for everyone, with a large swimming pool and fitness center. Guests will also enjoy a great breakfast every morning in the hotel’s restaurant Nizhanda, which also serves dinner daily.
Hotel Fortin Plaza offers currency exchange, free Wi-Fi, in-room safes, and coffee makers. With all the extra amenities, services, and focus on comfort, you won’t be disappointed.
Luxury / Boutique – NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca
NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca is only a few steps away from Santo Domingo Temple, giving it an excellent location for those that want to be in the heart of the Santo Domingo action!
The hotel style is heavily influenced by Oaxacan and Mexican history, allowing guests to experience a comfortable yet cultural atmosphere throughout the entire property.
While NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca doesn’t have a pool, it does have a large courtyard and garden for guests to enjoy. The location, incredible style, and excellent onsite food make this one of the best boutique hotels in Oaxaca.
La Noria – Where to stay in Oaxaca for a local experience
La Noria is the quietest neighborhood in Oaxaca, just south of Centro. This area is mostly residential, with single-story houses painted in festive colors. While it isn’t as crowded as Centro or Santo Domingo, La Noria has several comfortable accommodation options. And as a bonus, you can enjoy some genuine Oaxacan food in one of the family-run restaurants nearby.
La Noria is in a great location, as it is just a 15-minute walk to the Zocalo and all the excitement of Oaxaca. This is where to stay in Oaxaca if you want a location that is at the same time convenient, authentic, and away from the chaos and noise of downtown.
Best Places to Stay in La Noria
Budget – Hotel Oaxaca Magicó
Hotel Oaxaca Magicó is close enough to the center of all the action while remaining relatively local and quiet. It is not directly in town but only a short walk away. And guests can enjoy one of the highly-rated local restaurants nearby.
Hotel Oaxaca Magicó is a simple hostel, missing some of the higher-end amenities. However, it does have an excellent rooftop terrace and a vibrant personality.
Mid-Range – Fiesta Inn Oaxaca
Fiesta Inn Oaxaca is a large hotel in a very quiet area of town. In addition, it does offer free transportation to and from downtown Oaxaca, making it incredibly easy to get around.
If you want to explore the local neighborhoods, guests can visit the nearby San Bartolo Coyotepec. Coyotepec is a great place to shop for black clay pottery or local handicrafts, which also happens to be a unique souvenir to bring home.
Fiesta Inn Oaxaca has a swimming pool and a fitness center. Other amenities available include free Wi-Fi and a restaurant and bar. It really is one of the best places to stay in Oaxaca.
Luxury / Boutique – Casa Carmen Morelos
Casa Carmen Morelos is located a bit outside of Central Oaxaca, but it has absolutely everything you would ever need.
This hotel is a perfect depiction of luxury and comfort, with Oaxacan historical decor and local handicrafts scattered throughout the property. It’s comfortable, relaxing, and charming in every way.
A continental breakfast is included with your stay at Casa Carmen Morelos. The rooms at this exceptional accommodation include terraces, air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and coffee machines. The amenities here include an airport shuttle, free Wi-Fi, and concierge services.
Jalatlaco – Where to stay in Oaxaca for artsy travelers
Barrio de Jalatlaco is just a four-block walk from Santo Domingo Church. This tiny, hip, and artsy neighborhood is decorated with many murals painted by local artists.
It’s important to note that this neighborhood has one of the liveliest Day of the Dead celebrations. However, the rest of the year, it is a very quiet place to be.
In between viewing the murals, you can sit and relax and have a cup of coffee at a local shop. The neighborhood also has a number of unusual restaurants and a mixture of hotels that are primarily budget to mid-range prices.
Best Places to Stay In Jalatlaco
Budget – Azul Cielo Hostel
Azul Cielo hostel is just steps away from the restaurants and nightlife of the city center. While location and a great breakfast are the highlights of this valuable accommodation, that isn’t everything they have to offer.
This hostel has a very hip, friendly, and stylish common area. So, you can easily meet other travelers or enjoy a tranquil corner of the garden to yourself. Guests have the option of a shared room or a private one. All dormitories and private rooms are complete with modern amenities and basic furnishing.
Mid-Range – Agrado Guest House
Agrado Guest House is a four-star hotel located just south of the City Center. The mid-range hotel offers free bikes for guests, making it incredibly easy to get around on foot or with a bike.
This hotel has adults-only accommodations, beautiful gardens, a bar, and a lounge. The rooms and decor are all kept up-to-date, spotless, and simple.
Each room’s facilities in Agrado Guest House include refrigerators, free toiletries, and a hair dryer. The house also serves a wonderful continental breakfast every morning.
Luxury / Boutique – Hotel La Casona de Tita
Hotel La Casona de Tita is an absolutely breathtaking hotel located only a few blocks from the city center on the outskirts of the neighborhood of Jalatlaco.
You will be amazed when you walk into this hotel and come face-to-face with the stunning and spacious hotel grounds and garden. The decor can be best described as a rustic blend of traditional Mexican elements and colonial influences.
The rooms contain colonial furnishings and artwork from local artists that guests can purchase. And finally, this awesome luxury hotel serves a delicious breakfast daily. It really is one of the best places to stay in Oaxaca.
Further Readings
Make sure to read my other posts about Mexico:
- The Best Things To Do In Oaxaca
- The Best Oaxaca Tours And Day Trips
- How To Get From Mexico City To Oaxaca
- The Best Travel Tips For Mexico
- The Best Itinerary For 3 Days In Mexico City
- The Best Things To Do In Puebla
- The Best Mexico Itinerary
- What To Eat In Mexico
- How Not To Get Sick In Mexico
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