Hotel Maria Mixteca

This laid-back hotel fits the bill for travelers who don't need many frills and plan to spend their time exploring, rather than basking in hotel amenities. It has a quaint vibe, with lots of Mexican character, and there are a few open-air common areas for socializing. These include a small terrace overlooking the restaurant and bar, El Sabor de Oaxaca, which is bedecked in hanging tropical flowers. The restaurants often has live music for guests to enjoy, and is a popular spot for locals and tourists to have meals and socialize. The hotel is within easy walking distance of other local restaurants, nightclubs, and bars for travelers. Overall, this a humble affair, and best suited for small groups of friends, couples, and families who value location and price over bells and whistles.

Hotel Maria Mixteca is located in downtown La Crucecita, a small spot popular with tourists. Restaurants, shops, and nightclubs are within easy walking distance of the hotel, including the department/grocery store Super Che. A local market with restaurants and shops is located directly across the street from the hotel. There's also a ton of authentic Mexican street food within a five-minute walk of the hotel. The beach is too far to reach on foot for most guests, and it will gtake seven minutes to reach popular Chahue Beach by car. Huatulco National Park is a 10-minute drive from the hotel and is home to over 700 species of birds and over 400 species of reptiles. For golf enthusiasts, the 18 holes of Las Parotas Golf Club is a 13-minute drive from the hotel. Expect a 20-minute drive to the airport.

Rooms here are clean and pleasant, though they are also the definition of basic. They're not huge, though there is a bit of walking space around the beds, and most have balconies looking out over the streets of La Crucecita. Colors throughout tend toward yellow and orange, with terra-cotta tile floors, wooden accents, and a piece of black-and-white art or two on the walls. Configurations include two double beds or single rooms with only one bed, though some rooms have extra sitting space. There's plenty of storage space, from adequately sized closets to built-in desks. Standard features include high-speed air-conditioning, free (sometimes spotty) Wi-Fi, and televisions; some of the latter are still old tube units. Guests should note rooms situated above the street tend to be noisier than interior rooms. Bathrooms are moderately sized and have spacious standing showers and separate vanities. There are only a few towels for guests, and toiletries are limited to a bar of soap.

Hotel Maria Mixteca has limited features, even for a budget hotel. The restaurant and bar is a highlight, though, and serves traditional Mexican breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. Travelers can expect local Oaxacan flavors that range from meat or cheese tlayudas to Oaxacan hot chocolate or even chapulines (grasshoppers). Live music happens on occasion and there's a small bar with a skylight, serving wine, beer, and mixed drinks. There are a few common areas throughout the hotel with wooden chairs and tables. The only other perk is the hotel's tour desk. There is plenty of street parking available for guests. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and common areas, though guests should note Wi-Fi is spotty in some rooms.