Hotel Posada del Centro

Set on one of Oaxaca’s busiest streets, Avenue de la Indepencia, Hotel Posada del Centro is about as central as it gets, yet much of the property feels removed from it all. Past its rustic chipotle-red and sky-blue facade and foyer, guests come to the busy front desk, just to the left of a large courtyard. With a tiered fountain at its center, wrought-iron patio sets scattered about, and bushes of flowering greenery, the courtyard makes for an inviting space to sit, dine, read, work or plan the day’s adventure. Open walkways (which access rooms) are full of character; their walls are dressed in turmeric yellow with burnt orange and cobalt blue trim; and floors are finished in terra-cotta tiles. Wrought-iron balustrades and lantern lighting overhead add a colonial touch, while smiling clay artwork add to the happy vibe. The first courtyard leads to a second, calmer one with more lush greenery, a swinging seat for two, and stairs up to the second-level rooms, plus a rooftop deck and terrace. This spot -- sparsely scattered with bar seats, deck chairs, more patio sets, and flowering plants -- is a serene spot for taking in well-elevated views of the city.

During our stay, there was a noticeably warm vibe here, thanks to the welcoming staff, the happy decor, and no doubt the cheap rates that elevated travelers' moods. The mixed bag of friendly guests staying here spanned singles, couples, and small groups of more mature ages (30-plus). 

Posada del Centro sits just a seven-minute walk from the town's beating heart -- the Zocalo and Plaza de Armas -- where indoor/outdoor restaurants, bars, street vendors, and live local entertainment are in colorful abundance, day and night. Posada del Centro is situated on Avenue de la Indepencia -- the main thoroughfare through town, which makes navigation to and from city sites super easy. The Basilica of our Lady of Solitude and The Museum of Pre-Hispanic Art are both three minutes' walk from the property. Other nearby highlights include the Museum of Contemporary Art (a seven-minute walk), and the iconic Santo Domingo Church (an 11-minute walk). Fabulous nearby markets include Benito Juarez Markets (a seven-minute walk), the Artisans Market -- Mercado de Artesanias -- (a nine-minute walk), and food fest -- Mercado 20 de Noviembre -- (an eight-minute walk). It's a 20- to 25-minute drive to Oaxaca International Airport (depending on traffic).

Posada del Centro offers 22 rooms (16 with private bathrooms, plus six private rooms with shared bathrooms). Single, Double, Triple, and Quadruple configurations are available (the latter has bunk beds). All are clean and comfortable with colorful Mexican decor echoing the common areas. Painted brick and lime-washed walls (in various bright colors), terra-cotta tiles, and cheery Mexican bedspreads give the rooms a happy vibe and a strong sense of place. Timber furniture, like headboards, armoires, and bedside tables add a rustic feel, and some rooms include a small dining set for two. All rooms feature flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and fresh jugs of water -- the water and towels are replenished daily. That said, only some rooms provide air-conditioning, while the rest have portable fans (some have both). If AC is a must, it pays to book accordingly. French entrance doors open onto the hotel's hallways; opening them can provide pretty views and fresh air -- but it also compromises privacy as other guests may pass by. 

Bathrooms are basic, but nice and clean with Mexican tiling detail, shower stalls, and a selection of individual toiletries. Shared bathrooms, separated by gender, are located off the main courtyard and are cleaned regularly. Be aware that some guests complain of road noise in street-facing rooms, and others of noise around the reception area, so light sleepers should request internal/second-floor rooms.

Adding to its overall value, Hotel Posada del Centro offers some enticing freebies. Free morning coffee is provided near the front desk, and there are plenty of private lockers at reception where guests can store valuables. Free bicycles are also available for guest use, and free Wi-Fi is provided. But another perk here is simply the outdoor space offered including the main garden courtyard where a number of dining and lounging areas invite chilling. There’s a second courtyard towards the rear, and a common rooftop terrace scattered with high and low chairs, taking in views of the city. Despite these dining spaces, there are no on-site cooking facilities. However, a small, privately owned cafe restaurant -- “Xuncu Choco” -- neighbors the entrance, which guests often frequent. The property also strives toward eco-friendly practices, including solar water heating and recycled water.