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If you’re going to visit Oaxaca city, you’re going to need somewhere to stay! And with literally hundreds of hotels to choose from, it’s hard to know exactly where to stay in Oaxaca.
Well, in this blog, I’m going to answer that question by outlining exactly where to stay (in terms of the neighborhood) as well as the best Oaxaca hotels for every budget!
Note: None of the Oaxaca hotels recommended in this blog are sponsored and all opinions are actually my own. While there are affiliate links within this article, I have not partnered with any of the hotels individually and the hotels I’ve chosen are because I think they really are the BEST (and I think you’ll agree!)
But first…Do I need a hotel near the Zocalo?
The first question people generally have when asking where to stay in Oaxaca is about the neighborhood.
I’m going to answer that one quick for you right now before we actually get into the best individual hotels.
Stay in the “Centro Historico” or Historic Center.
Simple. The closer to the Zocalo, the better.
Yes, there are other nice neighborhoods around but if you’re coming to Oaxaca as a tourist then the Zocalo (main square or plaza) is in the middle of almost everything you’ll want to see – cathedrals, museums, the best restaurants in Oaxaca, shops, the main tourist pedestrian street, and more! This is the best place to base yourself to enjoy all of the best things to do and see in Oaxaca!
To be close to all the action as well as be in the safest area you need to choose a hotel in Oaxaca near the Zocalo in the Historic Center. It’s also the best place to be for celebrating the Day of the Dead in Oaxaca as this is where the majority of the parades and festivities are.
For that reason, in this blog, I’ve focused on the best hotels in Oaxaca that are near the Zocalo. So, no need to worry about the location of the hotels below. They are all in the Historic Center only a short walk from the Zocalo.
Don’t have time to read the full article? We really love staying at Hotel Parador de Alcala. There location is perfect for anyone looking to explore the city. They also have beautiful rooms, a tasty complimentary breakfast, and a rooftop pool which is the perfect spot to relax after a long day.
The 9 BEST Hotel in Oaxaca near the Zocalo (for every budget!)
So now that we’ve determined that you want a hotel in Oaxaca near the Zocalo, you need to actually pick your hotel.
Which hotel you choose largely should be dependent on your budget. That’s why I’ve divided this blog into three different sections based on budget: luxury hotels (4 and 5-star hotels), mid-range hotels (comfortable without paying for small extras), and budget (small guesthouses or hostels for the budget traveler.)
So, no matter what your budget is, you should be able to find a really great hotel in Oaxaca on my list below!
Related Read: While in Mexico, you’ll want to try some of the fun things to do in Puerto Escondido! It’s known as a great place for surfing but there are lot more epic tours in Puerto Escondido to check out like releasing baby turtles or swimming with wild dolphins!
BEST Luxury Oaxaca Hotels ($130 USD +)
These Oaxaca hotels are the best of the best when it comes to luxury. Although they are located in the historic center (in old buildings protected by UNESCO) they are still beautifully designed and have everything brand-new modern hotels offer!
I’ve chosen these hotels because of all the small details they’ve thought of and the incredible service. You would be hard-pressed to find a bad review online anywhere about any of them!
And of course, they are all located within a 10-minute walk to the Zocalo!
If your budget allows, then one of these below 3 hotels should be where you choose to stay in Oaxaca!
1. Palacio Borghese
Photo Credit: Palacio Borghese
- Location: 120 meters (400 ft) from Santa Domingo Cathedral and the pedestrian walking street. 750 meters (2,500 ft) from the Zocalo.
- Cost: $170 + USD per night
- Why I love it: Gorgeous courtyard with a fountain, hydro-massage bathtub in every room, king beds, and an included breakfast!
Palacio Borghese has everything you could want in a hotel in Oaxaca. With a gorgeous courtyard, restaurant and bar, and rooms fit for a king (literally, they all have king-sized beds!) this hotel is a paradise within the busy city center.
The staff is super friendly here. In fact, every day they will chat with you at breakfast (which is included) and help you plan your day. Whether it be booking amazing tours in Oaxaca or just wandering around attractions, they will help you decide what to do and how to get there!
Special touches in the room like the hydro-massage bathtub and feather pillows set Palacio Borghese apart from other hotels around.
One thing to keep in mind is that the rooms tend to be poorly lit and there is no elevator.
Check Reviews and Prices for Palacio Borghese
2. Quinta Real Oaxaca
Photo Credit: Quinta Real Hotel
- Location: 650 meters (2,100 ft) from the Zocalo, one block from the pedestrian-only street, 150 meters (500 ft) from Santa Domingo Cathedral
- Cost: $170 USD +
- Why I love it: The POOL! But also the fitness center, incredible location, and gorgeous designed rooms.
The Quinta Real Oaxaca hotel is a five-star hotel in a historic building that is simply beautiful. Inside and out the stylistic decor sets the scene for an upper-class yet relaxed stay.
Let’s talk about the pool for a second. This hotel is not only located right in the middle of the historic center, but it also has a beautiful outdoor pool! On a hot summer day, this is the perfect place to relax and cool off.
The insides are just as breathtaking as the outsides and they offer a range of different rooms. For the ultimate stay, be sure to splurge for one with a city view, you won’t be disappointed!
Check Reviews and Prices for the Quinta Real Oaxaca
3. Hotel La Casona de Tita
Photo Credit: La Casona de Tita Oaxaca
- Location: Around the corner from Santa Domingo Cathedral, 1 kilometer from Zocalo.
- Cost: $300 USD +
- Why I love it: Amazing reviews, colonial decor, great breakfast included, and courtyard to relax.
Hotel La Casona de Tita is a classy hotel focused on the comfort of the guests. With only a handful of rooms, the atmosphere is relaxed and inviting and it tends to stay on the quiet side.
It’s located super close to all the important places you would need to reach in town which is a nice surprise considering how tucked away this place feels.
Although not a massive hotel overall, there is a ton of space in the rooms and you can even open the windows to hear the birds sing or for fresh air! There is also a courtyard with a fountain as well as a restaurant and bar that offers mezcal and wine tasting!
Another unique feature about Hotel La Casona de Tita is that all the artwork on the wall are originals from local artists and if you fall in love with a piece you can purchase it to take back home with you!
To be honest, I never personally stayed here but I met some travelers who did and they said it was fantastic! If you don’t believe them, check out their flawless reviews for yourself!
Check Reviews and Prices for Hotel La Casona de Tita
Related Read: Like extreme sports? You definitely should go skydiving in Puerto Vallarta, it’s one of the best places to do so in Mexico.
Best Value (mid-range) Hotels in Oaxaca ($50-$120 USD)
These Oaxaca hotels are the perfect mix of comfort and affordability. I like to call them the “best value” because, for the price, you really do get an amazing stay in a beautiful hotel.
When deciding where to stay in Oaxaca, these mid-range hotels are a great choice for anyone who doesn’t want to spend a ton, but also wants to feel a bit spoiled on their holiday!
And the best part?!
There are some really great hotels in this price range in Oaxaca near the Zolcalo. And below, I’ve picked the top 3!
4. Hotel Parador de Alcalá
Photo Credit: Hotel Parador del Alcala
- Location: 300 meters (1,000 ft) from Santa Domingo Cathedral, 500 meters (1,600 ft) from the Zocalo. Right on the pedestrian walking street.
- Cost: $90 USD +
- Why I love it: Amazing central location, a gorgeous rooftop pool and terrace with incredible views, and an included breakfast.
I personally love this hotel. For the price, Hotel Parador de Alcala is an incredible deal with everything you could need and more! In fact, it could easily be considered a “luxury” hotel, but since the price for a standard room comes in under $100 USD, it truly is great value for money!
The location is about as central as it gets, about two blocks from anything you’d want to see. It is right on the pedestrian walking street which is where you’ll find tons of beautiful cafes, bars, restaurants, and attractions. To me, it is the most ideal location possible.
Not to mention, the gorgeous large rooftop pool and terrace which is the perfect place to relax during your holiday in Oaxaca.
Rooms are large and spacious and some even have a balcony. Plus, a super delicious breakfast is also included in the room rate.
Check Reviews and Prices for Hotel Parador de Alcala
5. Hotel NaNa Vida
Photo Credit: Nana Vida Boutique Hotel
- Location: 850 meters (2,800 ft) from the Zocalo, two blocks from Santa Domingo Cathedral. Slightly quieter location.
- Cost: $109 USD +
- Why I love it: Large rooms with air conditioning, private bathrooms, and patios. Incredible restaurant onsite and top-rated reviews of the staff.
Hotel NaNa Vida is a three-star boutique hotel with five-star reviews! The staff is incredibly helpful and they can book amazing tours and transport for you making your trip that much easier. In fact, many people who’ve stayed here claim that the staff provides the “best service!” and they really felt at home during their time here.
The hotel itself is in a colonial building but has modern updates and the outdoor courtyard has beautiful fruit trees. The rooms are very clean and the bathrooms look newly renovated. Rooms also come with everything you’d expect in a luxury hotel including air conditioning, a tea and coffee maker, a safety deposit box, and garden views. Free drinking water is also given to all guests.
The restaurant has amazing food, especially breakfast, and is well worth checking out whether you stay here or not.
Check Reviews and Prices for Hotel NaNa Vida
6. Hotel Casona Oaxaca
Photo Credit: Hotel Casona Oaxaca
- Location: Only 1 block from the Zocalo.
- Cost: $50 USD +
- Why I love it: Location, great prices, rooms that sleep up to 5 people, buffet breakfast, and free gym access.
Hotel Casona Oaxaca is one hotel in Oaxaca I can highly recommend.
First of all, the location is perfect. Hotel Casona Oaxaca is one of the closest hotels in Oaxaca near the Zocalo located only one block away – you can’t get more central than that!
Second of all, the price is very reasonable considering everything you get. I am someone who loves a great deal, and I feel like Hotel Casona Oaxaca is just that! For as little as $50 USD you can get a standard double room that comes with air conditioning, two double beds, and a tv with cable. You can also choose to add on breakfast when booking which is a huge buffet!
There is also a bar with a bartender inside of the courtyard where you can sit and enjoy a couple of cocktails or socialize with other guests.
Some of the rooms feature two double beds as well as a sofa bed that sleeps up to five people. This is an ideal hotel for families as you can all stay together for a reasonable price, as well as be close to the main square to enjoy attractions and have access to everything you may need.
Check Reviews and Prices for Hotel Casona Oaxaca
BEST Budget Hotels and Hostels in Oaxaca (under $50 USD)
Being on a budget doesn’t always have to be a bad thing. In fact, in Oaxaca, there are a number of hotels and hostels that are clean, centrally located, comfortable, and offer incredible service for less than $50 USD a night!
I used to be the most budget of budget traveler out there. Today, I’m not that way anymore, but I do try to save money where I can. So, when I find a cheap hotel that still offers everything I need at a fraction of the price of other places, I normally book it!
The hotels and hostels below are those kinds of places.
They might not be “luxury”, but they will be comfortable and I’m sure you’ll find them great for your trip to Oaxaca!
Related Read: Amongst the hustle and bustle of one of the busiest cities in there world there are still plently of incredible things to do in Mexico City.
7. Yabanhi Hostel & Bungalows
Photo Credit: Yabanhi Hostel and Bungalows
- Location: 4 blocks from Santa Domingo Cathedral, 1 kilometer (0.6 mi) from the Zocalo.
- Cost: $31 USD + for a private double room, $11 USD + for a dorm bed
- Why I love it: Amazing view from the terrace, comfortable common areas, good prices, and a large range of rooms available.
Yabanhi Hostel is a great accommodation choice in Oaxaca. Not only is it a hostel in the sense that there are dorm beds and common areas available, but they also offer standard double rooms for good prices as well as bungalows that have their own private kitchen! These bungalows are great for those who love to cook.
Guests have noted that it doesn’t have the typical hostel vibe which may or may not be a good thing depending on your preferences.
But since this is technically a hostel, you will still be able to interact with other international travelers.
The hostel is owned by a local family who is very welcoming and accommodating. By staying here you know you’re supporting a small local business.
Although a bit of a walk from the Zocalo (just over 1 kilometer) it is only a couple of blocks from the Santa Domingo Cathedral and the pedestrian-only walking street. There are tons of restaurants and shops nearby and the view from the terrace is incredible!
If you’re a solo traveler, this is a great place to stay in Oaxaca!
Check Reviews and Prices
8. Hotel Camba
Photo Credit: Hotel Camba Oaxaca City
- Location: 750 meters (2,500 ft) from the Zocalo. Very close to the Benito Juaraz Handcraft Market.
- Cost: $40 USD + for a double room
- Why I love it: Included breakfast, location is in a quieter area but still close to the Zocalo, and friendly staff.
Hotel Camba is a lovely budget hotel in Oaxaca City. All rooms have a private bathroom with consistently hot water and there are even rooms for the solo traveler. In terms of price for a private room with a private bathroom, it doesn’t get much better than this!
Breakfast includes free bread and drinks and there is also a meal offered for dinner.
I also personally love the location. It is only 750 meters (2,500 ft) from the Zocalo, but on a different side of the square further away from the pedestrian walking street and Santa Domingo Cathedral. The area is not quite as touristy and is a little bit quieter.
Here, you’ll find more local shops and restaurants that are cheaper than the more touristic areas (near a supermarket too!) It is still technically in the historic center though and a safe area to stay and walk around in.
This is a great choice for a hotel in Oaxaca if you want a relaxed stay on a budget.
Check Reviews and Prices for Hotel Camba
9. Azul Cielo Hostel
- Location: 8 minutes walk from the Zocalo, meters from Santa Domingo Cathedral
- Cost: $49 USD + for a double room, $19 USD + for a dorm bed
- Why I love it: Modern design and facilities, lots of common areas including a garden and rooftop bar, a larger hostel where you can meet other travelers.
Azul Cielo Hostel is a centrally located hostel, with tons of shops and restaurants within 15 minutes of a walk. It offers both dorm beds and private rooms with private bathrooms. The entire building is extremely clean, there is a lot of colorful wall painting, and it seems newly renovated, or at least very well-kept.
The bunks have privacy curtains and the backs of the doors have a full-length mirror.
This hotel has a very social vibe thanks to the affordable prices and plenty of common areas including a workroom, garden, and a rooftop bar (great for sunset) to socialize but the hours aren’t super late so you can still get some sleep.
Breakfast is varied daily and you can expect to be served crepes or eggs with fruit plates.
The staff also help as they speak English and are always happy to chat with visitors and the hostel offers yoga and dancing classes, and walking tours – a great place to be social!
Check Reviews and Prices for Azul Cielo Hostel
Related Read: Heading to Mexico City? Check out our blog all about the best and safest areas to stay in Mexico City as well as the BEST hostels in Mexico City!
Activities to do While You’re in Oaxaca
Now that you know where to stay, it’s time to fill up your itinerary with some of the fun things to do in Oaxaca. Check out some of our favorite activities below and start planning!
- Taste local cuisine – Oaxaca City is a foodie’s paradise with many amazing restaurants and a local hot chocolate drink that is beyond tasty. For traditional Oaxacan cuisine, El Escapulario is our top choice, and the place for all things cacao is Chocolate Guelaguetza. If you want to sample it all, go for this food and drink tour, which has over 24 different items to try!
- Tour the historical center – Learn about Oaxaca’s rich history as well as the day-to-day lives of locals on a guided walking tour! If you’re on a budget, try this Free Walking tour, but if you can afford it, this guided tour is much more in-depth and very well-rated.
- Visit the world’s widest tree – El Arbol del Tule is the world’s widest tree and one of its oldest! It’s located just outside Oaxaca City, so you can take a private car or this guided tour, which also visits historical towns and includes a mezcal tasting. If you prefer to exercise, visit the Tule tree on this bike tour.
- Day trip to Teotitlan del Valle – This unique village near Oaxaca is famous for its weaving. Every step of the rug-making process is on display when you pop into the artisan weaving shops here. This 3-in-1 tour includes a stop in Teotitlan del Vale for weaving demos along with a visit to the stunning Hierve el Agua to see a petrified waterfall.
- Explore the Botanical Gardens – If you need a break from all the action, visit the Botanical Gardens. They house a wide range of flora and fauna local to the city – and since Oaxaca is one of the most biodiverse regions in Mexico, you’re bound to see something that catches your eye.
- Go museum hopping – Take a break from the sun and stop into a few of Oaxaca’s museums. The Textile Museum of Oaxaca is a haven for fashion and textile enthusiasts. The Oaxacan Museum of Contemporary Art is the ideal place to immerse yourself in art, history, and culture. Lastly, Museo de la Culturas de Oaxaca is a glorious landmark with a wealth of historical artifacts.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Those are the 9 best hotels in Oaxaca near the Zocalo! I hope my blog has helped you narrow down your choices and maybe even select a hotel in Oaxaca city for your upcoming trip.
As always, if you have any comments or questions leave them below – I’ll get back to you!
We have written many informative guides about traveling in Mexico. Check out all of our Mexico blogs or some of our favorite articles below:
Guide to the BEST tours in Oaxaca City
Amazing things to do in Puebla, Mexico
Ultimate guide to Tequila (the town, not the drink!)
