Hotel Boutique Parador San Miguel Oaxaca

A persimmon-red facade topped with black wrought-iron grills offers an elegant colonial introduction to Parador San Miguel -- set on a slim stone footpath next to a narrow but busy street. Inside -- past the office-inspired reception and traditional restaurant (occupying the street front) -- arched walkways lead around a cute alfresco courtyard that sets San Miguel’s sweet, hacienda-style tone. Tangerine-orange walls with white trim and more wrought iron detail take the decor here in a peppy direction. Tables for four scatter the scene amongst lush potted palms, pretty flowering plants, and a bevy of brightly painted birdcages -- each home to a teeny tiny bird, filling each floor with gentle birdsong. (Cages are covered through the night so bird chirps don't interrupt sleepers). The two floors overlooking the courtyard hold rooms, a second-floor common patio, and a sunny rooftop terrace with a choice of spots to sit or sunbathe. Parador San Miguel feels more compact than other hotels as it doesn’t seem as deep, but the rooms remain spacious, and it adds to the overall whimsical cute factor, which guests seem to appreciate. 

Located around 20 minutes drive from Oaxaca International Airport, Parador San Miguel occupies a central spot in the charming historical district -- a short walk from many of the city’s biggest highlights. Alameda de Leon and the Zocalo are a five minute walk away -- here travelers will find a smorgasbord of restaurants, live music, and local activity on offer every day and night. Markets in walking distance include Benito Juarez Markets (five minutes), the Artisans Market (Mercado de Artesanias) (eight minutes), and food mecca, Mercado 20 de Noviembre (also eight minutes). There’s also the Museum of Contemporary Art (a five-minute walk), the famed Santo Domingo Church (a nine-minute walk), and the Basilica of Our Lady of Solitude (a five-minute walk). Valet parking (at a public lot) can be arranged by the hotel for guests with cars, and taxis are easily arranged at the front desk. 

Unfolding over three levels (with stair access), rooms come in Standard, Standard Superior (which are more spacious), and four suite categories -- with more space again, and each with its own decor flavor and perks, like stereos, dining settings, and/or bigger bathrooms (with tubs). Suite Zaachila opens onto a balcony overlooking the courtyard, and Double and King sleeping configurations are available. Vibrant color palettes in the accent walls, hand-loomed local fabrics, and quaint folk artwork fills each room with Mexican charm. Terra-cotta floors add a rustic element, and decorative wrought-iron details in lamps and headboards add Spanish colonial flair. Coffee- and tea-making facilities are provided, and even the lower categories have enough room to move around and sit down. All rooms feature lounges, bureaus (or work desks), flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, digital safes, and free bottled water. Shuttered armoires are equipped with irons and ironing boards, plus extra blankets and pillows. Bathrooms are dated yet well-maintained -- Standards offer narrow stalls, while Suites feature shower/tub combos, and all come stocked with hairdryers, plus a good selection of individual toiletries. Ground-floor rooms don’t get as much light as others -- and some rooms are more peaceful than others (street and corridor noise can bother some guests).

As a small-scale, mid-range hotel, this property has limited amenities, but they reflect its local color. The on-site restaurant “El Andariego” serves all meals with an emphasis on traditional Oaxacan food, including a range of moles (which were born in Oaxaca). The entrance courtyard offers alfresco tables for guest use; on the second floor, a lovely patio setting offers shade umbrellas and deck chairs overlooking the courtyard; while on the top (third) floor, a spacious rooftop terrace with sun loungers offers a pleasant, sunny spot to take a break from sightseeing. Valet parking to a public lot is available, and taxis can easily be arranged through the front desk. Reception staff assist with booking tours and activities, and provide access to additional services, like massages and hair styling (through outside vendors). Laundry/dry cleaning services are also available. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.