Why book?
The quintessential option for classic Oaxacan luxury, Quinta Real is a sprawling 16th-century compound in the heart of El Centro that offers an impressive selection of on-property green spaces, multiple patios, and a large swimming pool.
Set the scene
The hotel oozes charm, with pergolas draped in fuchsia bougainvillea, an expansive grass patio with a swimming pool, and traditional fountains throughout the property. It’s a spectacular property with stone archways, Cantera Verde flooring, and countless patios, corridors, and enclaves to explore. A former monastery, the compound comprises an entire city block with 91 air-conditioned guest rooms, two restaurants, and several courtyards. Large groups of international and domestic travelers are often on property as part of a room block for a wedding. You’re likely to find slick, slightly older Chilangos, people from Mexico City, around the property, too.
The backstory
As part of Camino Real Hotels, the Quinta Real Oaxaca has a serious pedigree in Mexican hospitality. The hospitality groups’ Quinta Real-branded hotels in particular are known for their architecture, and the Oaxaca property doesn’t disappoint. Founded by Benedictine monks, this former monastery, the Santa Catalina de Siena ex-Convent, was later abandoned and eventually converted into local administrative offices until restoration for the hotel began in 1998.
The rooms
Rooms come in four classes—Novicia, Superior, Gran Clase, Suite Gobernador—and it's easy to envision these spaces as part of a former monastery or convent. The white-washed concrete walls, exposed beams, and dark wood feel vaguely religious. Beds are comfortable, with some rooms being more spacious than others, and the ground-floor rooms that are close to the banquet hall or are exterior-facing tend to be the least quiet. The Gobernador Suite is the only suite—it includes a king-size bed and separate living space. Overall, the rooms feel very rooted in their origin as a 16th-century hotel, and can sometimes come across as dated.
Food and drink
Refectorio is the hotel’s main restaurant, but Quinta Real also plays host to two bars, Bugambilias Bar and Novicias Bar, where snacks and light plates are served. The weekend breakfast buffet at Refectorio is sprawling and impressive—featuring a mix of Mexican and European options while the menu is a la carte during the week. Both bars offer a good selection of mezcal and cocktails. But when you’re in the food epicenter in the middle of Oaxaca, and across the street from Sabina Sabe–one of the best bars in North America–it’s hard to make a case for drinking and dining at the hotel. Even so, having room service available is always a welcomed perk.
The neighborhood/area
Quinta Real is steps from the baroque cathedral Santo Domingo, around the corner from the botanical garden, and minutes away from some of Oaxaca’s best restaurants. It would be hard to be more centrally located. And while Quina Real is in the center of a vibrant city, its many interior courtyards lend tranquility.
The service
Quinta Real is known for its service, and the concierge at the Oaxacan property delivers. Available 24/7, front desk staff are quick with recommendations for dining and drinking, know which nearby villages to visit, and have contacts to organize every tour, cooking class, or distillery visit imaginable. As part of their turn-down service, staff adjust the room’s temperature, and leave a local chocolate or two, as well as a day-specific bookmark.
For families
Quinta Real is one of the better options for families in Oaxaca. With sprawling grounds, a large swimming pool, and a restaurant that’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Quinta Real offers families the entertainment and utility they look for.
Anything left to mention?
Though on the smaller size, the hotel has a gym, making it one of the few options with an on-site fitness center in Oaxaca.
Calle 5 de Mayo 300, Oaxaca, Oaxaca 68000
Mexico
http://quintareal.com/
+52 55-11-05-10-00