Hotel Boutique De La Parra

Despite the central city setting, so close to the Zocalo (the city’s busiest hub), Boutique de la Parra’s setting remains surprisingly calm. Past hefty double doors, an elegantly rustic entrance blends soaring ceilings with exposed timber beams, brass and pendant chandeliers, and Old World religious artworks. Just beyond, wide arched walkways unfold around the open-air courtyard -- where five prettily dressed tables populate La Mesa (restaurant). From here, the property evolves in two directions -- up grand stairs past more religious relics to a second level looking down upon the restaurant area; or to a second, much larger open-air courtyard at the rear where thick walls (one blanketed in flowering green vines), surround the beautiful sky-blue pool, lush palm gardens, a neat row of cushioned sunbeds, and the alfresco bar and lounge. 

Most rooms are entered via the wide common walkways through French doors, and wicker lounge settings outside each entrance provide a homey, patio-like feel throughout. Unless guests are out and about, they’re typically chilling by the pool, taking a quiet meal in the restaurant, or reading a book outside their room. Do note that there's a long-running (peaceful) teachers' protest unfolding on the same street as the hotel that showed no time of ending any time soon, but the area is still perfectly safe for travelers. 

Set in the historic center of Oaxaca City, the property is one block (a two-minute walk) from the Zocalo and the City Square -- a lively hub of entertainment, street sellers, restaurants, and bars. It’s a 20-minute drive from Oaxaca International Airport (depending on traffic), and plenty of highlights (churches, museums, and restaurants) are within easy walking distance. They include Santo Domingo Church (10 minutes), the Museum of Contemporary Art (six minutes), and the Basilica of Our Lady of Solitude (11 minutes). The city’s most iconic food and artisan markets are also walkable. They include Benito Juarez Markets (five minutes), Mercado 20 de Noviembre -- a sprawling indoor food fest -- (seven minutes), and the Artisans Market -- Mercado de Artesanias -- (10 minutes). 

Rooms are split into four categories: King, Double, Junior Suite, and Master Suite. Layouts vary, but on the whole they're spacious, with lofty ceilings. Decor is finished with stone floor tiling, dark timber furniture, and marble sideboards or plush lounges (in some rooms). Comfortable beds with crisp white bedding are broken up with splashes of deep color in Mexican bed runners and cushions. One Standard King layout is smaller in size, but as a tradeoff it offers a private balcony overlooking the lovely pool with attractive district views into the distance. All rooms feature flat-screen TVs, coffee- and tea-making facilities, minibars lightly stocked with basic snacks and soft drinks, and work desks. Marble bathrooms with generous vanities and shower stalls are equipped with hairdryers and a generous selection of free individual toiletries. Extra blankets, safes, and irons are also provided. Like many Oaxacan hotels, rooms are accessed via common walkways surrounding an internal courtyard, so although most rooms don’t have private balconies, comfortable lounge settings are set up just outside each room, for private patio effect. However, many rooms lack opening windows and views, which some guests find “stuffy.” Street-facing rooms can encounter noise, so light sleepers should probably opt for an internal room. 

Besides the sensational location, one of La Parra’s biggest attributes is its gorgeous courtyard pool -- a decent size by Oaxaca standards, surrounded by wide walkways with magical gardens and plenty of sun beds. An alfresco bar and lounge area shares the space, however the bar was closed during our stay. (The setting is also available for private events.) La Mesa restaurant serves delicious, hearty meals with traditional Oaxacan flavors in an intimate, open-air courtyard setting (there are only five tables). A rooftop terrace area with an outdoor dining setting is available for guest use as well-- and it’s worthwhile venturing to the rooftop to checkout panoramic views of the city. Free Wi-Fi is provided in public areas, and free parking is available on-site.