Sauvé Casa Boutique is at Mariano Matamoros 102 in the heart of the historic centre, about a three-minute walk from the Zócalo, the cathedral, the Ethnobotanical Garden and Santo Domingo Square, and a few steps from the Museum of Contemporary Art of Oaxaca and the Manuel Álvarez Bravo photography centre. Guests rate it 9.6 out of 10 across about 130 reviews, which is a standout result for a small boutique hotel, and the position is hard to beat for a first visit. The hotel has an on-site art gallery, which fits the street's cultural character, a 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping, free Wi-Fi and air conditioning. There is no elevator and no parking, and it is a smoke-free property. Rooms come in seven types, from standard rooms with a double or king bed to superior rooms with balconies and city views, and a grand suite with a king bed, so there is a fit for solo travellers, couples and a family of four in the larger superior room with two double beds.
Location and getting around
Few hotels put you so close to so many sights. You can walk to the Zócalo and the cathedral in three minutes, to Santo Domingo in a similar time and to the Benito Juárez and 20 de Noviembre markets in about ten, and the streets between are full of mezcalerías, chocolate shops, galleries and courtyards that serve a long Oaxacan lunch. Because the area is pedestrian-friendly, the car is rarely needed.
Taxis are cheap for trips to Monte Albán, Hierve el Agua or the artisan villages, and the airport is about twenty minutes away by car. An airport transfer can be arranged for a per-person fee, so ask when you book. Streets in the centre can be lively in the evening, so ask for a quieter room if you sleep lightly.
Rooms and facilities
Standard rooms are on the smaller side, and the superior rooms with balconies and city views are the ones to choose if you want space and an outlook over the rooftops. The grand suite is a good option for a special occasion. Breakfast is not mentioned as part of the stay, so plan to eat out at one of the many cafes and markets nearby, which is an experience in itself.
Since there is no elevator, ask for a lower floor if stairs are hard for you, and remember that there is no parking, so a rental car should be left at a garage or avoided. Pets and service animals are not accepted. Check-in begins in the afternoon and check-out is at noon.
Who it suits and what to know: Sauvé suits couples, culture lovers, food travellers and independent visitors who want to put the sights on their doorstep and spend the day on foot. Families with young children or anyone who needs an elevator, a pool or parking may prefer Holiday Inn Express or City Centro by Marriott.
Compared with the larger colonial hotels, it is simpler, but the location and the guest reviews more than make up for that. Book early for the Guelaguetza in July, Day of the Dead and the Christmas holidays, when the centre is full, and compare flexible rates if your plans are still open.
Why stay here
- ✓Art gallery on site
- ✓24-hour front desk
- ✓Free Wi-Fi
- ✓Air conditioning
- ✓Daily housekeeping
- ✓Balcony rooms with city views
- ✓Grand suite
- ✓Airport transfer on request
Good questions
How far is Sauvé Casa Boutique from the Zócalo?+
About a three-minute walk, and Santo Domingo Square and the cathedral are a similar distance.
Does it have an elevator or parking?+
No. The hotel has no elevator and no parking, so ask for a lower floor if stairs are a concern.
Is breakfast included?+
Breakfast is not mentioned for this hotel, so check your rate and plan to eat at the cafes and markets nearby.
