When I first saw photos of Casa Arrona Oaxaca, I imagined peaceful, designer interiors where I could work on my blog in silence.
Instead, I got something much better – an authentic Mexican experience where fireworks at 4 a.m. are simply part of everyday life.
That’s why I decided to write an honest review of Casa Arrona Oaxaca – the place where I spent five December nights.
Casa Arrona is a boutique hotel in a restored 1950s building that combines contemporary design with the authentic spirit of Oaxaca.
From the first glance, you can feel the respect for local culture and craftsmanship. But is it worth staying here? Let me walk you through it.
Planning a trip to Oaxaca? Check out my full Mexico travel guide – you’ll find even more tips, inspiration, and soulful places that beautifully complement this stay.
Location: In the Heart of Oaxaca
I’ll start with what stood out the most to me – the location.
Casa Arrona is a hotel in downtown Oaxaca, located a 10-15 minute walk from the Zócalo (Plaza de la Constitución). It’s the perfect starting point for exploring the city.
Check current prices for this location on Booking.
For us, this was a huge advantage because every evening we could leisurely walk to the best restaurants in the city without worrying about transportation or taxis.
The area is safe, and evening walks are pure pleasure – colorful colonial buildings, local taquerías on every corner, and that characteristic Oaxacan atmosphere of warmth and hospitality.
Attractions Nearby
From the hotel, you can easily walk to Santo Domingo – a beautiful colonial church that’s been excellently restored and now houses a fascinating museum of Oaxacan culture.
If you’re a lover of folk art (and who isn’t?), I definitely recommend taking a morning walk through the surrounding galleries.
Oaxaca is famous for traditional crafts – from alebrijes to black pottery from San Bartolo Coyotepec.
It’s also worth visiting the local markets. Mercado Benito Juárez is just a 10-minute walk from the hotel and is a great place to experience local flavors, buy fresh fruit, and try authentic mole.
And if you’re in Oaxaca on a Saturday, don’t miss Mercado de Tlacolula – the largest weekly market in the region. Although it’s about 30 minutes from the city, the experience is absolutely unforgettable.
Design and Atmosphere: When the 1950s Meet the Present
I knew from the moment I entered the hotel that this would be something special!
The building’s architecture is classic Mexican construction from the 1950s, beautifully restored while respecting its original character.
But what really captivated me was how they combined the building’s history with contemporary, minimalist design and bold use of color.
Pink Walls and Atmospheric Interiors
The entire hotel interior radiates warmth thanks to pink walls – not screaming pink, but in those soft, earthy tones characteristic of Mexican architecture.
This isn’t another kitschy “colonial” style hotel, but a thoughtful combination of tradition with modernity and local craftsmanship.
These pink walls combined with natural materials, local ceramics, and lush greenery create an extraordinary atmosphere – simultaneously calm and full of character.
You can feel authentic Oaxaca here, but filtered through the lens of contemporary aesthetics.
Common Areas: Patio, Rooftop Terrace, and Lounge
The hotel offers several beautifully furnished common areas that definitely enhance the comfort of your stay.
The patio with tables is the heart of the hotel – perfect for morning coffee or evening mezcal. Tables are set up in the shade, surrounded by plants and those characteristic pink walls.
The rooftop terrace is another highlight! You can go up there and admire the panorama of Oaxaca – colorful roofs of colonial buildings, mountains in the background, and amazing sunsets in the evenings.
This was one of my favorite spots for a pre–evening drink before heading out into the city.
The shared lounge offers comfortable sofas and space to relax. Perfect if you work remotely and want to change your environment, or simply sit with a book somewhere other than your own patio.
It’s precisely these common spaces that make the hotel not just a place to sleep, but a space for living and discovering Mexican style.
Art and Local Craftsmanship
Throughout the hotel, you’ll find elements of local craftsmanship – from fabrics dyed with naturally colored wool to ceramics from nearby villages.
In my room hung a beautiful work of art made from agave fibers – the same plants used to produce mezcal.
It’s precisely these details that make you feel like you’re in real Oaxaca, not in a generic boutique hotel.
Room Experience: Functionality and Comfort
When booking, I chose the king size con escritorio option – a room with a large bed and desk for work. And it was a great decision!
The room was about 290 square feet, which is really comfortable in downtown Oaxaca. I had everything I needed for a comfortable stay and working on my blog.
But the real cherry on top was the private patio in front of the room with a rocking chair – the perfect place for evening stargazing!
Oaxaca sits at about 5,000 feet above sea level, and the night sky can be spectacular.
I spent many evenings there with a glass of mezcal, simply looking at the stars and listening to the sounds of the city. This was one of the most beautiful elements of my entire stay.
Room Amenities
The room was equipped with:
- Comfortable king–size bed with high-quality linens (I really slept well!)
- Large desk with comfortable chair – ideal for work
- Small fridge – practical for bottled water and snacks
- Robes and slippers – a really nice comfort touch that I appreciated
- High–quality toiletries – not standard hotel samples, but really good products
- Private patio with rocking chair – absolute highlight!
- Daily cleaning – the room was always perfectly clean
Bathroom and Practical Matters
The bathroom was spacious and modern, with good quality towels and those nice toiletries I mentioned earlier.
The only minor inconvenience? The sink had separate hot and cold water taps that stuck a bit. You had to turn them harder to get the water flowing.
It wasn’t a big problem – more a matter of getting used to this old system – but at $180 USD per night, a modern single-handle faucet would be more convenient.
The Biggest “Problem”: Authentic Mexican Experience
I need to warn you about one thing – in Oaxaca, especially in December, nights can be… loud. Very loud.
Fireworks. At 4 AM. At 6 AM. Sometimes at midnight.
It’s part of Mexican culture – every holiday, religious procession, or local celebration means fireworks. And there are A LOT of them. Especially in December, when Christmas preparations are in full swing.
Is this the hotel’s fault? Absolutely not. It’s just Oaxaca. Authentic, alive, loud Oaxaca. If you’re looking for absolute silence – this isn’t the place for you (nor is any other place in downtown Oaxaca during the holiday season).
But honestly? After the first night, I got used to it. And now, when I remember this stay, those fireworks are part of the memories – they remind me that I was in a real, living city, not in a sterile tourist bubble.
And when the fireworks were too loud, I’d go out to the patio and… just look at the stars.
Or I’d go to the rooftop terrace, where the city’s perspective made the noise become part of a larger whole – the “soundtrack” to Mexican life.
This moment very much reminded me of something I realized earlier in Mexico – that I’m no longer looking for “Instagram-worthy” trips, but ones that leave me calmer. I wrote more about this in my article “Mexico, Not Like on Instagram – The Moment I Realized I’d Changed.“
Breakfast: When the Chef Truly Shines
The hotel’s biggest attraction was supposed to be the chef–prepared breakfast – included in the room price.
And I must admit – this was one of the best hotel breakfasts I’ve had in Mexico! The quality was truly on par with a good restaurant, not a typical hotel buffet.
Shared Table: Charm and Challenge
Breakfasts are served inside Casa Arrona at a communal table – all guests eat together in one space.
This can be both an advantage and disadvantage, depending on your preferences.
On one hand, the communal table creates a unique, family atmosphere – you can meet other travelers, exchange impressions about Oaxaca, learn about hidden gems of the city.
On the other hand, if you’re an introvert and prefer a quiet breakfast with a book or in silence with your partner, the communal table can be a bit demanding – especially in the morning when not everyone is ready for conversations.
For me, it was a pleasant experience – I happened to meet nice guests and didn’t feel pressure to constantly talk. But it’s worth knowing about this before booking.
What Impressed Me
The chef really knew what he was doing. Each breakfast was like a small culinary work of art – from perfectly prepared chilaquiles to ideally composed avocado toast.
The menu rotated daily, incorporating seasonal ingredients from local markets.
I especially appreciated that there was no problem with vegetarian options.
Just mentioning dietary preferences, and the chef would prepare special dishes – from quesadillas with quesillo to memelas with frijoles. Everything fresh, everything delicious, everything with local ingredients.
An abundance of fresh fruits – papaya, mango, guava – all perfectly ripe and sweet. Plus freshly baked panqué de nata, soft, creamy cake in the Mexican version.
This was breakfast at a level I wouldn’t expect in a hotel – more like a good restaurant.
What Needed Improvement
But… tea.
Herbal tea and sencha (Japanese green tea) were available, but there was no classic black tea.
For someone who starts the day with strong black tea, this was a minor inconvenience.
Fortunately, like a true travel veteran, I had an emergency pack of my favorite black tea from home – it always comes in handy!
If, like me, you start your day with black tea, it’s worth bringing your own – it’s a small thing in your suitcase, but can save your morning.
And the cappuccino. So-so. The coffee was okay, but far from what you’d expect in a boutique hotel for $180 USD/night.
In Oaxaca, where there are so many great local roaster cafés, this was a bit surprising – especially since the food was at such a high level.
I usually finished breakfast, then went for real cappuccino to Boulenc – a fantastic French bakery a few streets away.
Practical Matters: WiFi, Quiet, Comfort
On the plus side – the room had everything I needed for work:
- Free WiFi that worked great (important for digital nomads!)
- Comfortable desk with good lighting
- Enough electrical outlets
- Quiet during the day (those fireworks are mainly evenings/nights/early mornings)
And if the room felt too cramped, I could always move to the shared lounge with my laptop – a great solution for people working remotely.
The air conditioning worked flawlessly, though in December it wasn’t particularly needed – in Oaxaca the weather is ideal. About 25°C during the day, pleasantly cool in the evenings.
Hotel Services: Friendly Staff and Flexibility
Reception was open from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and the staff was really friendly and helpful.
Even though we arrived in the evening, there were no problems with late check-in – everything was perfectly prepared and the check-in process went smoothly.
The staff spoke English well enough to communicate, though basic knowledge of Spanish always helps in Mexico.
Value for Money: Is It Worth It?
Taking into account the location, unique design, restaurant-level breakfast included in the price, and overall atmosphere of the place, I believe Casa Arrona Oaxaca offers very good value for money.
$180 USD per night with breakfast totals about $900 USD for 5 nights. This isn’t the cheapest hotel in Oaxaca, but not the most expensive either.
For this money you get:
- Authentic experience in a restored, designer hotel
- Restaurant-level breakfast prepared by the chef
- Flexibility in the menu (vegetarian options no problem)
- Perfect downtown location
- Spacious 290 sq ft room with desk
- Private patio with chairs – ideal for evenings under the stars
- Access to beautiful common spaces: patio with tables, rooftop terrace, shared lounge
- Atmospheric pink walls and Mexican ambiance
- Welcome mezcal (because we’re in Oaxaca!)
- Robes and slippers
- Local art and craftsmanship in every detail
- Hassle-free late check-in
The problems I encountered weren’t serious enough to completely discourage me from this place.
Most of them could be solved with better attention to details (black tea, modern bathroom fixtures, better cappuccino).
Do I Recommend This Hotel?
The answer is… it depends.
If you’re wondering where to sleep in Oaxaca and you want an authentic experience, beautiful design combined with local art, and fireworks don’t bother you (just normal life in Mexico), Casa Arrona Oaxaca might be the perfect choice for you.
This place works great for couples seeking a romantic yet authentic stay, and for solo female travelers working remotely who need a comfortable desk and good internet.
I especially recommend this hotel if you:
- Dream of evenings spent under the stars on your own patio or shared rooftop terrace
- Are looking for a place with character and local soul (those pink walls!)
- Need workspace (desk in room + shared lounge + great WiFi)
- Appreciate boutique design with respect for local craftsmanship
- Are vegetarian and want certainty of good breakfast options
- Like places with beautifully furnished common spaces
I wouldn’t recommend it for people who:
- Need absolute quiet for sleeping (fireworks are part of the deal in downtown Oaxaca)
- Expect perfect hotel service at international chain level
- Are addicted to strong cappuccino in the morning (though there’s a great bakery 5 minutes away!)
- Don’t tolerate small inconveniences like sticking faucets
This is an atmospheric boutique hotel for people seeking an authentic Oaxacan experience, not a luxury resort with full service.
Important: the hotel accepts children, but due to its design and atmosphere, it works better for couples or solo travelers.
Practical Tips
If you decide to stay, remember:
- Earplugs – if you’re sensitive to noise (especially during the December season)
- Your own black tea – if like me you can’t imagine a morning without it
- Trip to Boulenc – for real cappuccino (5-minute walk)
- Informing about dietary preferences – the kitchen handles vegetarian options great
- Booking in advance – the hotel has only a few rooms and fills up
- Small bills – for taxis and markets (not all places accept cards)
- Camera – those pink walls are very photogenic
How Do You Want to Continue Your Mexican Adventure?
🍽️ Flavors of Mexico → 10 Yucatan Dishes You Must Try – guide to local cuisine
🏖️ Paradise island → Isla Holbox Guide – small island without cars
🏛️ Mayan Culture → Things to Do in Tulum – ruins, cenotes and more
🏨 Where to stay → My Experience from 2 Tulum Hotels – honest reviews without BS
What tempts you most?
Summary and Rating
Casa Arrona in Oaxaca is a place with soul that offers an authentic Mexican life experience in a beautifully restored 1950s building.
The location is phenomenal, the design combines tradition with modernity in a thoughtful way (those pink walls!), and the atmosphere really transports you to the spirit of authentic Oaxaca – with its colors, flavors, and… fireworks.
Pros:
- Location – 10-15 minute walk from Zócalo and main attractions
- Unique design – restored 1950s building with atmospheric pink walls
- Spacious room – 27 m² is comfort in the city center
- Private patio – ideal for stargazing
- Beautiful common spaces – patio with tables, rooftop terrace, shared lounge
- Restaurant-level breakfast – prepared by the chef
- Work desk – ideal for digital nomads
- Welcome mezcal – authentic Oaxacan experience
- Robes and slippers – pleasant comfort accent
- In-room fridge – practical for water and snacks
- Nice toiletries – not standard hotel samples
- Daily cleaning – room always perfectly clean
- Friendly staff – helpful and flexible
- Hassle-free late check-in – everything smoothly prepared
- Free WiFi – works great
Cons:
- No black tea – only green available at breakfast
- Average cappuccino – below expectations for a boutique hotel (though food is great!)
- Separate water taps – sticking, somewhat outdated system
- Fireworks at night – but that’s a matter of location in downtown Oaxaca, not the hotel’s fault
- No 24/7 reception – closes at 10 PM
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My Rating: 9/10
This is definitely one of the best boutique hotels I’ve stayed at in Mexico!
Private patio under the stars, shared rooftop terrace, atmospheric pink walls, local character, great location, hassle-free service, and restaurant–level breakfasts outweigh the minor inconveniences.
Despite minor drawbacks, I still remember this stay as exceptional – because sometimes authentic experiences are worth those small compromises.
And Oaxaca with its fireworks, mezcal, amazing culture, and starry sky will definitely remain in my heart.
What about you? Have you been to Oaxaca or are you planning a trip to this magical city?
Share your experiences or questions – I’d be happy to help you plan the perfect days in Mexico’s culinary capital!
And if my review was helpful, share it with a friend who dreams of a Mexican adventure.
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