Review: Hotel Escondido

Why book?

If, like me, this is your first time to Oaxaca, you couldn’t pick a better location to explore everything the city has to offer. That’s provided you can tear yourself away from the rooftop pool and dangerously drinkable mezcal margaritas… 

Set the scene

There are countless reasons to take a trip to this southwest Mexican city, from its tropical savanna climate to its history and culture (Oaxaca was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the 80s). For me, and for countless others, it’s all about the food. Known as Mexico's culinary capital, expect mole, chocolate, tlayudas, chapulines (fried grasshoppers with chile), tejate (an Indigenous drink made with corn, cacao, cacao flower and mamey fruit seeds) and, of course, mezcal, at every turn. Hotel Escondido, a sanctuary in downtown Oaxaca, is the perfect spot to experience everything this vibrant city has to offer. As you step into the hotel’s entrance, with its cobbled path and polished plaster walls – the plant-lined courtyard visible ahead – the sounds of traffic give way to birds singing in the trees, and you can feel yourself begin to relax.

The backstory

Grupo Habita opened the doors to this design hotel in November 2019, and it's been drawing in travellers ever since thanks to its central location and sleek design. Although you’d never tell from the unassuming street facade, architect Alberto Kalach – known for works that blend into the natural environment – has transformed a heritage colonial building into a 12-room boutique hotel. He’s created a space that feels relaxing and welcoming, with modern, minimal interiors that focus on elevating and celebrating Oaxacan artisans. With growing numbers of digital nomads flocking to the city, Hotel Escondido’s communal areas attract a creative crowd. On the courtyard patio, guests sip coffee at laptops, the sounds of keyboard tapping masked by trickling water and birdsong, while on the roof, some sink mezcal-infused concoctions while others lay by the pool, soaking up the last of the burnt orange afternoon sun.

The rooms

Comfort, contemporary design and a celebration of local craftsmanship merge in Hotel Escondido’s 12 rooms, where furnishings by local artisans and textiles by Oaxacan artists in earthy tones soften the minimal, brutalist surrounds.

Our patio room is muted and calming, with stone and wood-panelled walls, cool floor tiles and an olive green bedspread. There’s something very special about sliding the heavy wooden door open each morning to sit and drink coffee surrounded by towering palms, listening to the sounds of Oaxaca waking up on the other side of the hotel’s walls. 

The neighbourhood

You’d struggle to find a better base for a trip exploring Oaxaca. Set in the historic downtown area, Hotel Escondido is a short walk to all the city’s attractions – Criollo, the restaurant headed up by famed chef Enrique Olvera – is close by, while the city’s main plaza can be reached in mere minutes on foot. Boulenc – a buzzy bakery churning out buttery pastries and flat whites by day and sourdough pizzas from a candlelit courtyard restaurant by night – is just around the corner, quickly turning our patio into our daily takeaway croissant and coffee spot. 

The service 

Friendly, welcoming and warm. Don’t expect to see a staff member waiting to greet you at every turn but do expect to be able to find someone at the front desk 24/7, ready to help with any requests or directions you need. 

For families 

Although children are welcome here, the clientele definitely consists of couples and groups of friends looking to enjoy an oasis in the middle of a bustling city. 

Eco effort

There is a notable effort to source locally here, from the furnishings in the rooms to the tipples in the bar. Minimal plastic is used throughout the hotel – our toiletries came in glass bottles and were refilled daily.  

Accessibility 

There is no lift at Hotel Escondido, which means that the rooftop pool and bar area are not accessible for those with mobility issues. Four of the hotel’s 12 rooms are located on the ground floor and are wheelchair accessible. 

Anything left to mention? 

There’s no shortage of rooftop bars in Oaxaca, but do make time for a cocktail on the roof here – the mezcal negroni was a revelation.