The Best Unusual Hotels to Book in Puerto Escondido, Mexico

The setting’s a real treat, situated on a tranquil slice of coast about 18mi (30km) west of town. A stay here is heaven – from the spa treatments to the luxuriant palapas sheltering king-size beds, tucked alongside wild cactus groves just steps from the beach. There are only 16 of them, so it’s a secluded spot minus large crowds. The hotel is popular for its large pool and its restaurant, serving international and Oaxacan dishes – including seafood, naturally. Guests must be 16 years or older, so this isn’t an option for families.

Get the classic big beachside resort experience at Vivo, a 25-minute drive from Puerto Escondido. With a mix of fully equipped apartments and villas, as well as more standard hotel rooms, it has mid-price accommodation options for most needs, including families – a kids’ club is offered, too. While some lodgings have full kitchens, there are two restaurants on-site — one Thai, one Oaxacan — as well as two bars and plenty of excursions laid on for visitors looking to get out to explore the area’s natural beauty.

A hostel, rather than a hotel, Selina is one of the best cheap options in Puerto Escondido. Not that what you save in money you’ll lose out on with location, though: it’s right across from the north end of the Zicatela surfing beach. Lodgings manage to mingle dorms and private rooms – some have shared bathrooms – simple yet tastefully furnished. With bar nights, live music and co-working spaces during the day, it’s also a good bet for social butterflies.

This enchanting colorful beach house is ideal for groups of up to 12 – with private bathrooms connected to each of the five bedrooms, you’ll still have space to feel holiday solitude. Tick boxes for a pool, covered terrace, full kitchen and wifi – and the whole thing’s just a one-minute walk to surf destination, Playa Zicatela. Central Puerto Escondido is just a couple of kilometers down the road – if you fancy it. If not, there are plenty of bars and restaurants close by. Take note: you have to book the whole house, so this isn’t ideal for solo travelers or couples.

The price is modest, but even so, this casual near-central hotel won’t disappoint – it’s got all the necessities, from air conditioning and parking to an outdoor pool and bar. Best for small groups, the cool, concrete-chic rooms have multiple beds and there’s a hostel-style shared kitchen and communal space available. Step out and you’ve got the beach just a couple of minutes away on foot. Just be aware that this is not family-friendly: the hotel only accepts adult guests.

This four-star favorite is right by the Zicatela surfing beach and central Puerto Escondido, with 53 rooms in a tiled-hacienda-style building – many of them have views and for a few dollars more, you might book one of the handful of refined suites. It’s all air-conditioned and wifi’d-up and considering the caliber of the place, rates are pretty great value. Especially when you factor in the palm tree-lined pool and a highly reputable in-house restaurant, serving seafood and irresistible – if rather calorific – Mexican specialties.

Across the way from Zicatela beach, Hotel Rockaway attracts a faithful crowd, drawn to its mix of bright, modern hotel rooms and self-contained apartments – including plenty with Pacific views with wifi and air conditioning across the board. This is one of the larger hotels in Puerto Escondido proper, blessed with two pools, a sizeable gym, solarium, meeting rooms, a small on-site shopping center and a restaurant, open day and night. It’s also close to numerous other restaurants and bars, so your holiday can be an idle one.