Hotel Azul de Oaxaca

Hotel Azul de Oaxaca: A Comprehensive Review of a Michelin Key Selected Property

Hotel Azul de Oaxaca, a distinguished Michelin Key Selected property, consistently receives high praise for its unique artistic concept, exceptional service, and prime location in Oaxaca City. This boutique hotel seamlessly blends modern design with traditional Oaxacan roots, offering guests a tranquil and culturally rich experience.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Hotel Azul de Oaxaca is overwhelmingly positive, with guest scores often ranging from 8.9 to 9.0 out of 10. Guests frequently describe it as an "oasis of beautiful Mexican art" and a "beautiful property" that provides an unforgettable experience. Many express a desire to stay longer, highlighting a high level of satisfaction.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud Hotel Azul de Oaxaca for several standout features:

• Design & Art: The hotel is celebrated as a "hotel gallery," designed by five different Mexican artists and showcasing contemporary Mexican design. The tranquil inner patio, featuring an installation by Francisco Toledo, is a central focus.
• Service: The staff is frequently described as incredibly attentive, thoughtful, helpful, warm, and professional.
• Location: Its central yet quiet location allows for easy walking access to major city attractions.
• Amenities: The rooftop terrace with city views, two patios for casual dining, and a complimentary, delicious breakfast are highly appreciated.

3. Room Quality

The hotel offers 21 rooms and five uniquely designed suites, each conceptualized by a different Mexican artist, including Francisco Toledo, Rubén Leyva, José Villalobos, Luis Zárate, and Tres Manos Arquitectura. Rooms feature modern décor, air conditioning, iPod docking stations, mini-bars, safes, and elegant tiling in the private bathrooms. Most rooms are situated around the tranquil inner patio, with slatted wood doors and windows designed to reduce noise and light for restful sleep. While generally spacious and comfortable, some guests have noted rooms can be a little dark and bathrooms might have small sink areas or "wet bathroom" layouts, with showers that could be larger.

4. Dining Experience

Hotel Azul de Oaxaca provides a delightful dining experience. The on-site restaurant, known as "Pabilo" or "Cocina Azul," serves traditional Oaxacan food, which can be enjoyed on one of the patios. The complimentary breakfast is a particular highlight for many, described as varied and delicious, although some guests noted the options are primarily Mexican. The rooftop bar offers contemporary Oaxacan fare and cocktails, coupled with impressive city views.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Hotel Azul de Oaxaca consistently receives exceptional feedback. Guests frequently commend the staff for being "impeccable," "super friendly," "helpful," "hardworking," and "thoughtful." The warm Mexican hospitality contributes significantly to the overall positive guest experience.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel boasts a superb central location in Oaxaca, just 984 feet from Santo Domingo Church. It is within easy walking distance of major attractions such as the Ethnobotanical Garden (6 minutes' walk), Amate Books (11 minutes' walk), the Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca, Zócalo, and the Andador Turistico. Despite being central, the hotel offers a quiet refuge from the city's busy streets. Oaxaca International Airport (OAX) is approximately 17 km (8.9 miles) or a 30-minute drive away, with transfers able to be organized by the hotel.

7. Value & Pricing

As a Michelin Key Selected property, Hotel Azul de Oaxaca is positioned as a luxurious 4-star boutique hotel. Rates on Kayak start from around $262, with an average weeknight price of $294 and a weekend night price of $303. While some guests consider the price to be high, particularly during peak seasons like Día de los Muertos, the overall value for money is rated around 8.2, reflecting that many guests feel the experience justifies the cost.

8. Common Complaints

While largely positive, some recurring criticisms include:

• Room Lighting & Bathrooms: Some guests found rooms to be a little dark and wished for more light. Issues like small sink areas and "wet bathroom" layouts, where the shower space might feel constrained, were also mentioned.
• Noise: Despite its generally quiet nature, a few guests reported noise from the courtyard, particularly in the mornings, noting that room doors did not always provide sufficient sound privacy.
• Minor Amenities/Service: Isolated instances of laundry service delays or communication difficulties with evening staff were reported. One guest mentioned limited breakfast options primarily being Mexican and an additional charge for an extra egg.

Sources

1. journeymexico.com
2. michelin.com
3. wheree.com
4. booking.com
5. booking.com
6. booking.com
7. tablethotels.com
8. hotelazuloaxaca.com
9. oaxaca-hotels.com
10. hotelesenoaxaca.org
11. fodors.com
12. kayak.com
13. momondo.com