Oaxaca is easily one of the most beautiful cities in Mexico, and you 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 and with archeological and natural sites just moments away from the city, 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 a bunch of times and have explored it in depth, and I am here to tell you everything about the Oaxaca’s best neighborhoods and places to stay.
Where To Stay In Oaxaca: Best Areas And Best Hotels
Centro
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.
Along the cobblestone streets, you will see great restaurants, markets, craft stalls, and museums. Visitors can also admire the centuries old architecture of all buildings in the area.
Best Places to Stay In Centro
Budget – Hotel Suites De Centro
This budget hotel is just minutes from the Zocalo and the middle of everything in Oaxaca. The Hotel Suites De Centro offers family rooms, free WIFI and a restaurant. Guests can visit the Craft Market which is just steps away.
Mid-Range – Casa Antonieta
The Casa Antonieta has an airport shuttle and a great breakfast in an excellent location. 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
One of the best places to stay in Oaxaca, located just outside downtown Oaxaca is the Grand Fiesta Americana Oaxaca. Guests will enjoy the pool and spa, as well as the on-site bar and restaurant. The Central Bus station is located near Grand Fiesta Americana Oaxaca, making it convenient to travel around the city and surrounding area.
El Llano
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 unless there is an event happening in the park. But it is only a short walk to all the downtown excitement of Oaxaca’s bars and the Zocalo.
Best Places to Stay In El Llano
Budget – Cielo Rojo
This budget hotel is located just under a mile from downtown Oaxaca. The hotel has family rooms, room terraces and free WIFI. Guests can enjoy shopping at the nearby Food and Flea Market.
Mid-Range – Suites Bello Xochimilco
This pet-friendly hotel is adjacent to the Oaxaca Regional Museum (the Museo de la Cultura de Oaxaca) and rooms provide an in-room safe and cable TV. The hotel suites contain kitchens, dining rooms and living rooms.
Luxury/Boutique – Quinta Real Oaxaca
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. An airport shuttle is also available for guests.
Santo Domingo
This area of the city is the other half of the Centro area, and named after the famous Santo Domingo Church. All around 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.
This area has many dining establishments, with a great many considered the best in Oaxaca. Several bars are in the area for nighttime entertainment. This is where to stay in Oaxaca if you are looking for a good compromise between a central location and a trendy area with lots of 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, since it is just minutes away from Oaxaca Historic Center. This excellent property serves a great continental breakfast daily. Hostel guests can shop at the Food and Flea Market and 20 de Noviembre Market, just steps away.
Mid-Range – Hotel Fortin Plaza
This excellent mid-range accommodation will be a delight for everyone with a 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. The hotel offers currency exchange, free Wi-Fi, in-room safes, and coffee makers.
Luxury/Boutique – Casa Bonita Hotel Boutique & Spa
Guests will love the convenient airport shuttle for their arrival in Oaxaca. Then they can indulge themselves in a spa treatment if they wish. The hotel also offers breakfast to guests, an on-site night club, free WIFI, and a fitness center and pool. It’s definitely one of the best hotels in Oaxaca.
La Noria
La Noria is the quietest neighborhood in Oaxaca. This area is mostly residential with single story houses painted in festive colors. There are a few places to stay in this area, which is also populated with a few family run restaurants. 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, but also local and away from the chaos and noise of downtown.
Best Places to Stay In La Noria
Budget – Hostel Oaxaca Magic
Every room at Hostel Oaxaca Magic has a city view. This great budget property has a shared kitchen and free Wi-Fi. The property is just steps away from Santo Domingo Temple and the food and flea market.
Mid-Range – Fiesta Inn Oaxaca
This mid-range hotel has a swimming pool and a fitness center. Other amenities available include free Wi-Fi, and a restaurant and bar. Guests can visit the nearby San Bartolo Coyotepec, if they are in the market for black clay pottery or local handicrafts.
Luxury/Boutique – Casa Carmen Morelos
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
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. The neighborhood has one of the liveliest Day of the Dead celebrations, whereas 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
Location and a great breakfast are the highlights of this value accommodation. Azul Cielo hostel is just steps away from the restaurants and nightlife of the city center. Guests have the option of a shared room or a private one.
Mid-Range – Agrado Guest House
This excellent guest house has adults only accommodations. Agrado Guest House has a beautiful garden, and a bar and lounge. The room facilities 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
You will be amazed when you walk into Hotel La Casona de Tita. The rooms contain colonial furnishings and artwork from local artists that guests can purchase. This awesome luxury hotel serves a delicious breakfast daily.
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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