City Centro by Marriott Oaxaca is in the historic centre of the city, close to the Ethnobotanical Garden and the church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán, with the Zócalo and the colourful Jalatlaco neighbourhood nearby. It is a modern 103-room hotel, and guests rate it 9.0 out of 10 across about 840 reviews. What sets it apart from most hotels in the centre is its social space. There is an outdoor pool with a poolside bar, a rooftop terrace, a bar, an on-site restaurant called Deli and a gym, and guests can borrow bicycles for free, which suits the flat, compact streets around the centre. A buffet breakfast is offered for a surcharge. Rooms have air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, a safe, a desk, a flat-screen television and a shower with a hair dryer. The hotel also holds a recognised sustainability certification, and there is a 24-hour front desk, a business centre and a banquet hall for events.
Location and getting around
Oaxaca's historic centre is built on a grid and almost every sight is within a pleasant walk. From this part of town you can reach Santo Domingo and its cultural centre and the Ethnobotanical Garden on foot, wander through Jalatlaco's painted streets and its small cafes, and continue to the Zócalo and the cathedral.
Taxis are inexpensive for trips farther out, such as the Monte Albán tours, the Hierve el Agua day trip or the villages along the mezcal trail. The airport is a short drive away. Walking in the middle of the day is hot, so plan your longer outings for the morning and early evening, and use the pool to cool off in between.
Rooms and facilities
Rooms are modern and practical, in a business-hotel style that contrasts with the colonial courtyards of the historic mansions. The rooftop terrace is the best place for a drink at sunset, with views across the rooftops and toward the hills, and the poolside bar keeps the afternoons easy.
The gym and free bicycles help if you want to stay active. Breakfast is a buffet for a surcharge, and there are many excellent breakfast places in the centre, from markets with memelas to cafes with strong coffee, so compare the cost with your rate.
The hotel accepts one dog up to a set weight for a nightly fee, and extra beds and cribs are not available, which matters for larger families. Check-in begins in the afternoon and runs until midnight, and check-out is before noon. The minimum check-in age is eighteen.
Who it suits and what to know: the hotel is a good match for couples, friends, solo travellers and anyone who wants a pool and a rooftop in the centre, and for those who like the consistency of a major hotel brand. It lacks the historic charm of Casa Antigua or Quinta Real, so choose those if you want an old building and a quieter courtyard.
Parking details are not clear, so ask before you arrive if you are driving. Book early for the Guelaguetza in July, for Day of the Dead and for the Christmas holidays, and compare flexible rates, since free cancellation is available on many rooms in quieter months. Altitude and heat are mild, but the sun is strong, so bring sunscreen.
Why stay here
- ✓Outdoor pool
- ✓Poolside bar
- ✓Rooftop terrace
- ✓On-site restaurant and bar
- ✓Gym
- ✓Free bicycle rentals
- ✓Free Wi-Fi
- ✓24-hour front desk
Good questions
Does City Centro by Marriott Oaxaca have a pool?+
Yes, there is an outdoor pool with a poolside bar, and a rooftop terrace.
Are pets allowed?+
One dog up to a set weight is accepted for a nightly fee. Confirm the current terms when you book.
Is breakfast included?+
A buffet breakfast is offered for a surcharge, so check your rate for current terms.
