The Best Boutique Hotels in Oaxaca

Seemingly unassuming, hidden behind a plain colonial facade in downtown Oaxaca City, the Casa Oaxaca is an enchanting nine-room hotel with a miniature swimming pool and a delightful central patio for eating, having a glass or wine, or sitting with a book. Its restaurant of the same name is directed by chef Alejandro Ruiz and is one of the best in the city for traditional Oaxaca cuisine. Chef Ruiz is also available for cooking classes, which can be arranged at the hotel.

In the heart of downtown Oaxaca City, the Casa Cid de León was once a family home, now converted into a four-suite upscale boutique hotel. If you want incredible views, reserve the Bella Epoca on the top floor and enjoy the sight of Oaxaca City from its three terraces. Also, don’t forget breakfast: delicious Oaxacan favorites are served daily on the rooftop terrace.

Rented either on a B&B or villa basis, this hotel in Oaxaca City is a beautifully decorated, family-run establishment. Delicious Oaxacan breakfasts are served daily, but guests also have access to the full-service kitchen for cooking their own meals if they are so inclined. The hotel is within walking distance of most of the city’s main attractions, and the staff can help to arrange all types of excursions for you with enough advance notice.

A hidden paradise just a short way from Puerto Escondido, this hotel has its own private stretch of beach as well as an Olympic-sized pool, and is run by the oh-so-chic Grupo Habita of Mexico City. Private casitas have a view of the ocean and hammocks to swing in on your private patio. The hotel is eco-conscious as well, with solar power and no single-use plastic bottles. Most of the ingredients used in the restaurant are locally grown, and there is complimentary wifi throughout.

A former estate home in the upscale neighborhood of San Felipe de los Agua, Hacienda Los Laureles’ owners have taken pains to conserve its colonial style. The hotel’s rolling, landscaped grounds and its intimate setting away from the hustle and bustle of the city make it perfect for a little rest and relaxation. There is a small swimming pool and an excellent restaurant run by Chef Horacio Reyes, who draws even the locals to his tables.

Beachside in San Agustinillo, a small village on the southern Pacific coast, Casa Aamori uses natural building materials to blend into the environment, creating an upscale bungalow atmosphere with luxury amenities. Besides a walk on the sand, gourmet food, and drinks poolside, you can also take advantage of their spa services, yoga classes, and a long list of aquatic activities that they can arrange.

Run by the talented Cabrera family, Las Bugmbilias is a folk art lover’s dream. Each room but one has a private terrace and there is a two-room suite with a sitting area great for families. Their breakfasts are legendary and the family-size vibe enticing if you want to rub shoulders with other travelers. The hotel is right next door to La Olla, Chef Pilar Cabrera’s delightful restaurant, which serves gourmet versions of traditional Oaxacan dishes.

With a variety of suite and room types, Hotel Azul in Oaxaca City has a colonial shell but the heart of a modernist. Clean lines, geometric decor, and minimalist style are their trademarks and most rooms have art pieces by local Oaxacan artists on display. The hotel has a rooftop bar for an afternoon cocktail, a full-service restaurant, and a large meeting room for companies and work groups.

Xquenda is a tiny hotel and spa with only three rooms: a kingsize, a queen size, and a double suite with two rooms. They call themselves a prehispanic spa and offer several traditional techniques and treatments within their long list of services. Located beachside in the incredibly stunning Bahia de Huatulco, this spa is the very opposite of big-name, all-inclusive hotels, and provides an extremely personal service to its guests.

Las Palmas‘ eight accomodations – five casitas and three villas – all have incredible views of the Violin Bay just below the hotel. A short walk takes you to the water’s edge on an usually deserted beachfront. There are other beaches nearby and lots of water activities, including kayaking and snorkeling. Each of the accommodations include a full kitchen, air conditioning, and balconies or patios, with the villas having slightly more space with living and dining areas.