Camino Real Oaxaca

Camino Real Oaxaca is located in the historic centre of town, just four blocks from the main square (zocalo). The hotel is housed in the former convent of Santa Catalina and there are 91 rooms spread over two floors. The convent was built in 1576 and has been meticulously restored to its former state. Spanish Baroque architecture and authentic colonial touches give you an idea of how Oaxaca would have looked in the sixteenth century.

This is probably the most comfortable hotel in the city. As you walk down the long tiled corridors with their fading original frescoes you will discover several courtyards and flower-filled patios and gardens. Indeed, the Camino Real retains many original details, such as the intricate frescoes found in many of the guest rooms. It feels as though around every corner there is a discovery to be made - a rear patio holds the covered pileta, a circle of stone basins where the nuns used to do their laundry. The enormous breakfast buffet is served under the arches in what was the convent's kitchen. The restaurant is charming, but even nicer is the grassy courtyard where mariachis play.

The rooms are generally large with high beamed ceilings, stucco walls, queen or double beds, cable TV, air-conditioning and fans, telephones and large modern bathrooms with walls of beautiful Mexican tiles. All rooms are tastefully decorated with native weavings and Oaxacan crafts.

There is a good-sized swimming pool and a charming bar 'Novicias' tucked under the archways, as well as the beautiful Patios 'Los Lavaderos' and 'Los Naranjos', 'Las Rosas' and 'Bugambilias'.