6 Best Hotels in Oaxaca, Mexico

This oasis of greenery offers charming suites arranged around a free-form swimming pool and lush gardens inside a gated complex near La Punta. The well-maintained, low-rise buildings are decorated in Mexican style with a profusion of locally crafted artwork and hand-painted Talavera tiles. Suites range in size from studios to two bedrooms (maximum occupancy five), all with terraces and fully equipped kitchens. There's a TV lounge, a communal palapa with massage room, and a weekly meet-and-greet. Cribs are available upon request. Smoking is not allowed. Daily yoga and weekly zumba classes are complimentary for guests.

If you're looking for a more peaceful atmosphere for your Oaxaca stay, this small, simple hotel north of the city may fit the bill nicely. Simple tiled rooms are arranged around a long, narrow garden, at the end of which is a small pool. The restaurant is available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the hotel is close to other restaurants in the village of San Felipe. Excellent service makes this hotel worth the visit.

A fantasy villa buried in the wooded hills about 30 minutes north of the city center, Casa Raab is ideal for traveling groups. You can rent rooms in the main house or take over a casita that's perfect for a family of four. Hiking trails surround the house, which has breathtaking mountain views. You'll feel part of the family as you eat meals together in the dining room. Owner Tony Raab grows his own agave plants, produces his own artisanal mezcal, and helps to organize excursions. To really get around, though, you need to rent a car.

What was for a long time just a restaurant and convention center is now the top lodging choice in Mitla. Owner Alfonso Moreno Díz has lovingly restored his grandfather's estate, and it's a remarkable place to stay, complete with an inner courtyard that has a solar-heated pool, an orange-tree-shaded garden bar, and a play structure for kids. Rooms could hardly be cheerier—everything is saturated with color—with intricately carved furniture brightly painted with flowers and fruits. Some doubles have private terraces over the garden—definitely ask for one. Rates are discounted Sunday–Thursday. The restaurant ($) is worthwhile in its own right; don't pass up the pollo relleno con quesillo y huitlacoche (chicken stuffed with Oaxacan cheese and corn fungus) or the local version of mole negro.

There's plenty to keep families busy (and pampered) at this luxurious all-inclusive resort on a perfect stretch of beach. The rate includes a vast array of outdoor activities—a good deal if you want to do more than just work on your tan. The Explorer's Club entertains youngsters with supervised nature-based activities while grown-ups go snorkeling or relax in the soothing spa. Parents are supplied with pagers in case they need to be reached. The light-filled guest rooms have plenty of space in which to spread out. Request a room on a higher floor for the best views. À la carte dining at five restaurants (no reservations needed), an ever-evolving buffet, 24-hour room service, and a café for morning lattes set this all-inclusive apart from others in the area.

Although huge by Oaxaca standards, this hotel is still very close to the city center and manages to exude a cozy feel once you enter the peaceful gardens. Rooms are arranged in small blocks around the gardens so guests can enjoy the quiet, the tennis courts, and the swimming pool throughout the day. For lunch, you can order food at the poolside bar. The rooms are slightly old-fashioned but are light and comfortable with a rustic feel. The restaurant is excellent, serving classic Oaxacan and other Mexican standards. There is a good family vibe here, with lots of things for children to do.