Oaxaca hotels and colonial architecture

Oaxaca, beautiful Oaxaca. The colonial town that Americans are totally enamored with. Arid outskirts, old churches galore...

This is the must-go-to place for serial shoppers who are into ceramics and tapestry.

I stayed at the Hotel Victoria, nice and secluded but, in the other hand, totally annoying for those who like to be in the middle of the action. Sits on top of a hill and you have to cab it to the downtown, or walk 25 minutes or so. Nice view, though...

As is the case in most Mexican towns, the Zocalo (main square) is the center of it all, so just pull up a chair and order a mezcal and beer combo. Tequila is SO not the thing to drink here.

Hotels in Oaxaca:

Camino Real: Rua 5 de Mayo, 300, (951) 60-732
An old convent turned into a luxury hotel, considered by most the top in town.

Hotel Victoria: Rua Lomas del Fortín, 1, (951) 515-2633
Almost a country hotel, with extensive gardens, pool, tennis court, etc. Bad location.

Trebol: Rua Flores Magón, 201, (951) 516-1256
Much simpler than the other two, but has a great location, right near the Zocalo

Casa Oaxaca: Rua Garcia Vigil, 407, (951) 514-4173
The cool kid on the block, with an excellent contemporary Mexican restaurant to boot. Here are some of their PR photos: