Hotel Trebol

With two of Oaxaca’s most bustling scenes (the Zocalo and Benito Juarez Markets) nearby, Hotel Trebol is surrounded with a hive of pedestrian and vehicular activity. Despite this hubbub, its bold fuchsia exterior with cactus-green signage is hard to miss. A chocolate shop and a cafe sit either side of the entrance (along with the odd street vendor selling local delights), and overhead Juliet balconies adorned with pretty flower pots give a sweet, homey contrast to the gritty streetscape. Formerly a 19th century private residence, the building unfolds over two and three levels surrounding a large atrium (where the restaurant is located), and a sunny alfresco courtyard -- where pleasant gardens, bench seats and a tiered fountain offer a calm outdoor chill zone (and lovely views from some rooms). Chocolatey aromas from the Mayordomo chocolate store right next door waft through the lobby; and a street front cafe that happens to back into the hotel restaurant, sells “real” coffee (as opposed to the 24-hour instant stuff provided by Trebol). The colorful theme established outside flows through charismatic interiors with terra-cotta tiles and rustic Mexican touches, filling the spaces with vibrant local flavor. It's a tranquil hotel -- other than gathering for breakfast in the atrium, guests are typically out and about, or chilling in common areas with a book, a meal, or a laptop.

Hotel Trebol is located on a busy intersection in the heart of Oaxaca City that’s right on top of some of the city’s biggest highlights -- it's a two-minute walk to Benito Juarez Markets and the Zocalo. Other walkable highlights include the Museum of Contemporary Art (seven minutes); the Basilica of Our Lady of Solitude (10 minutes); the Artisans Market, aka Mercado de Artesanias (six minutes); and Mercado 20 de Noviembre, or food markets (three minutes). The iconic Santo Domingo Church is a 12-minute walk through the town, where a plethora of restaurants and bars catering to all budgets unfold. It’s around 25 minutes’ drive from the Oaxaca International Airport, depending on traffic. 

Guest rooms at the Trebol come in a number of basic categories, like Single, Double, and King -- and the rustic tone established in common areas flows into rooms. Bold lime-washed walls (in pinks, blues, and ochres) with sky-blue ceilings, are paired with terra-cotta floors and slab-timber furniture all reflecting a “Mexicana farmhouse” look. Traditional Mexican bed runners, floor mats, wall prints, and subtle decor touches feel “local” without being cliché. Layouts are nice and spacious, and the shiny surfaces are testament to the cleanliness here. Higher categories offer kitchenettes, and some rooms feature Juliet balconies (though street side rooms can encounter noise at night). All categories feature flat-screen TVs, telephones, and free bottles of water. Bathrooms are generously sized with large walk-in showers framed with Mexican tiles, and a couple of basic free toiletries are included. Coffee- and tea-making facilities are not provided (thought there is a free 24-hour supply of instant tea and coffee in the restaurant). Free Wi-Fi is offered throughout. Some rooms have air-conditioning, while others just have portable fans, so if AC is a must, guests should request it. 

Hotel Trebol’s biggest selling point is its location, followed by its local charm. Features are a distant third and rather pared down. A free buffet breakfast is served in the atrium courtyard every morning. (Guests often rest here with a book or their laptop during the day.) Fresh (instant) coffee, tea, and fruit is available, self-serve, 24 hours a day. Though it's not part of the hotel, a chocolate shop and a cafe (serving decent espresso coffee) sit either side of the entrance, should guests care for a treat. There’s a travel desk on-site, eager to assist with local activities and tours. Free property-wide Wi-Fi is included in rates.