6 Best Hotels in Oaxaca, Mexico

A trio of imaginative Europeans poured their hearts and souls into this chic B&B, and the result is a masterpiece, where gleaming white colonnades lead you to your spacious room. The design combines traditional materials like adobe and cantera stone with minimalist sensibilities. Each room is different; some have little sunrooms overlooking the indigo-tile pool; others have sitting areas where you can enjoy a cocktail. Put yourself in the hands of a spiritual healer who will guide you through the cleansing experience of temazcal in the small poolside hut.

Imagine staying at the stylish beach home of good friends, and you’ll get a sense of the vibe at this small adults-only hotel near the tidal pools of Agua Blanca, the only place to stay near the turtle sanctuary at La Escobilla Beach. Owned by a young couple—he’s American and she’s Kiwi—the property offers a collection of four cheerful casitas, each equipped with a king-size bed and rooftop palapa with ocean views. All meals are included (you preorder from a menu featuring American, Thai, and Mexican cuisine before you arrive) and are served alfresco overlooking the free-form swimming pool. Finish your meal with a chilled shot of coconut-infused mezcal from Los Cántaros mezcaleria. Wi-Fi is free. Time your visit for a turtle arribada or release at La Escobilla, one of the world's most important nesting beaches for olive ridley turtles.

Perfect for those in search of a little solitude, these private, tile-roofed villas cling to a cliff above the gorgeous beach for which they were named; you descend to the idyllic shoreline via a very steep staircase. The villas range in size from a small studio to a three-bedroom apartment with a private terrace. All have a/c, and most have kitchenettes. A favorite, called the Puebla, has bay-view balconies. The road to the secluded property is dark, so you'll need to taxi out. Or, you can just stay in and enjoy the stunning views from the terrace bar.

Red-tile roofs on the low-slung buildings add a touch of Mediterranean elegance to this sprawling all-inclusive beachfront resort on beautiful Tangolunda Bay. With its tennis courts, nightly entertainment, beauty salon, mini golf, and many other activities for kids and adults, you may have no desire to leave the resort grounds. It's popular with families, corporate groups, and wedding parties. Dining choices include four à la carte and two buffet restaurants with international theme nights. If you've got your heart set on dining at popular à la carte restaurants such as La Tortuga Seafood and Steakhouse, reserve early and be aware that the dinnertime dress code is strictly enforced.

Not well known, this small, quiet hotel with a high standard of service sits on a cobbled street just outside the very heart of the city, offering a taste of old-fashioned elegance. Noted for the impressive collection of contemporary art hung in both the public and guest rooms, its six rooms are arranged around a series of courtyards. The standard rooms and junior suites are all individually and tastefully decorated and benefit from high ceilings that keep them cool throughout the day. Popular with older guests, the hotel is very relaxed and has a good restaurant serving food throughout the day in the patio or in a quiet side room.

This relatively new contemporary-style boutique hotel is just a few minutes away from the zócalo in the city center, and while it's expensive, the quality of accommodations is high even if some of the rooms are small. The 15 rooms, each designed around a particular Oaxacan textile, are bright and clean, and situated around a series of courtyards. The restaurant is excellent and produces innovative flavors, particularly for breakfast, which can be served on the main patio. The sound of the fountains trickling and the view of azure sky make the experience a memorable one. For all-around quality of experience, the design, restaurant, and service make this one of the best places to stay in the city. The only downside here is that children under 12 are not accepted, meaning the hotel is not suitable for families.