We are planning to go to Oaxaca in Nov and would like to stay in the centro histroico. A Holiday Inn is inexpensive (around $105), but we would prefer to avoid an American chain. Any suggestions for local hotels that are similarly priced and have similar accomodations? And we'd be glad to receive any other tips about visiting the area.

Thanks, Joe

Try here. . .B&B with three locations all in Centro Histórico. https://lasbugambilias.com

Hi, Joe! We stayed at the Hotel Azucenas last winter:
https://www.hotelazucenas.com
It is not in the centro historico, but it is within easy walking distance--I'd say 5 minutes to the Zocalo. I hope others will give you suggestions for the centro, but we loved the Azucenas and would happily stay there again.

Hotel Oaxaca Magico but a couple of blocks from the main plaza.
Clean, well equipped rooms if a bit small with cable TV, Excellent WiFi & normal amenities.
Excellent friendly staff but a bit of Spanglish does help.
About $60 US for two.

I have stayed at that Holiday Inn, it is not bad at all, but is about a 15 min. walk to the zocalo.

We really like Parador San Miguel. Hlaf a block off the zocalo. Lovely place, great restaurant in the hotel also.

Another option:

http://www.hostaldelanoria.com/

EK, that hotel is in a great location and looks very nice for the rate. Thank for sharing it.

You're welcome! But I have to add that I stayed there many years ago. I used to travel a fair amount in that area, and there are two others that I've stayed at in that general price range:

1.Calesa Real, which looks to be renovated and had a name change since I was there.

2.Victoria, in the hills outside Centro but with a huge heated swimming pool. (Maybe more pricey, though) Although the location requires a taxi or long walk to Centro, I found the pool to make up for that inconvenience, but again, since it has been so long, I should not really advise on any of these.

I booked Casa Oaxaca for October...will let you all know what I think...there seem to be many, many places that looks appealing, especially in the moderate price ranges...

bookmarking

We also stayed at the Victoria though it was about twelve years ago. The cottages are pleasant and the pool is great. They run a shuttle to the centro historico. Despite all these amenities -- and the great view over the valley -- I would stay downtown next time.

Thanks to everyone. Trvlmaven, which of the Casa de las Bugambilias buildings is closest to downtown?

Kpe

Oops, sorry, I meant closest to the zocolo and the centro historico.

Joe

Here are the locations of their three properties; El Secreto and Las Bugambilias are closest to the central square, the Zocalo. They seem to get booked up well in advance, so I would book soon, especially since you plan to go in prime season:

http://lasbugambilias.com/location-map/