About Hotel Escondido Oaxaca
Hotel Escondido Oaxaca is a luxury boutique hotel and event space in the heart of Oaxaca’s historic center (www.ticketfairy.com ). It opened in November 2019 after Grupo Habita converted an 18th-century colonial casona into a “chic 12-room” hotel (www.ticketfairy.com ). The restored brick-and-stucco casona now houses the restaurant/bar, reading room, main courtyard and four guest suites, while an attached modern tower at the rear adds eight more sleek rooms (two with patios and six with balconies) (www.escondidooaxaca.com ). Renowned architect Alberto Kalach (T.A.X) worked with local firm Década on the project, blending traditional Oaxacan materials – white stucco walls, rough plaster, local woods and hand-woven textiles – with minimalist contemporary design (www.ticketfairy.com ) (hospitalitydesign.com ). Every detail, from artisan-crafted furnishings in each room to the neutral color palette, pays tribute to Oaxaca’s culture (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.tripadvisor.com ). This combination of old and new gives Escondido Oaxaca a warm, intimate vibe – guests often describe the common areas as “attractive and nice for hanging out” with a “relaxed and unpretentious” atmosphere (www.tripadvisor.com ). In short, the hotel is more a living art gallery than a conventional chain motel, making it a unique and notable destination in the city.
Events and Programming
Although it’s primarily a hotel, Escondido Oaxaca doubles as an event venue and can host weddings, corporate dinners or private celebrations. The staff offers fully tailor-made events on-site, providing catering, sound, lighting and personnel as needed (www.ticketfairy.com ). On occasion the hotel also opens its spaces to the public for cultural nights. For example, staff have held themed parties and live performances under the stars in the main courtyard and on the rooftop terrace (www.ticketfairy.com ). Past public events have ranged from swing-dance nights (e.g. a “Beto’s Hot Swing” evening) to seasonal festivals like the annual Day-of-the-Dead “Catrina Night” (October 2022) (www.ticketfairy.com ). These gatherings tend to be intimate rather than large concerts – only a few dozen locals might share the courtyard over drinks and dancing (www.ticketfairy.com ). Acts have included regional jazz, traditional Latin bands or DJs. In short, visitors can expect eclectic, small-scale events (jazz, acoustic guitar or world music by the pool) rather than arena-style shows (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Tickets and Booking
Most events at Escondido Oaxaca are private or by invitation. The hotel does not operate a public box office for walk-up ticket sales. When public parties or concerts are held, tickets are typically sold online via the hotel’s or promoter’s official channels (often well in advance). There’s no fixed ticketing counter, so check local event listings or the hotel’s announcements for dates and purchase details. If you’re planning a private event (wedding, corporate meeting, etc.), contact the hotel’s events team directly; they will tailor packages to your group (including A/V, lighting and catering). Pricing varies by event: for example, a recent Dia de los Muertos party sold bottle packages, whereas smaller music nights might be free or low-cost entry. Because capacity is very limited, any public event tickets tend to sell quickly, so be sure to book early once dates are announced.
Seating and Layout
Hotel Escondido’s layout is informal. There is no theater-style seating – events are set up in the open-air courtyard, the rooftop pool area or the ground-floor dining lounge, depending on the occasion. The on-site restaurant/bar (“Culture Room”) seats just 22 diners (www.escondidooaxaca.com ), so it’s very cozy. For concerts or parties, you’ll find lounge chairs, small tables and standing room rather than fixed seats. Every corner of the courtyard and rooftop pool deck offers a decent vantage point. If you want front-row space, aim to arrive early and stake out a spot on the pool deck or in the patio by the stage. That said, acoustics carry well around the small property, so even poolside chairs or patio seating still hear the music clearly. Tip: some guests note that voices and street sounds carry easily through the open courtyard, so consider sitting where there is natural shade or a wall behind you to help the sound focus. In summary, the best seat is wherever you get comfortable – views are intimate from nearly anywhere in the courtyard or along the roof’s edge.
Getting There and Parking
Escondido Oaxaca’s address is Avenida José María Morelos #401, Colonia Centro, Oaxaca de Juárez (www.tripadvisor.ca ). This puts it right in the historic Centro district – only a few blocks between the Iglesia de la Soledad and the Plaza de los Danzantes (www.escondidooaxaca.com ). It’s a pedestrian-friendly area, so it’s often easiest to get there by foot, taxi or rideshare. Oaxaca does not have a subway or light rail; local transportation consists of city buses and colectivos. There are bus routes on nearby avenues (for example Av. Juárez and Salina Cruz) that stop within a 5-10 minute walk of the hotel, but the lines can be confusing. Instead, most travelers arriving from the airport (about 6 km south) or the highway bus station (5 km west) simply take a taxi or Uber. Expect roughly a 15–20 minute taxi ride from the Oaxaca Airport (OAX) or from the ADO bus terminal to reach the hotel.
As for parking: no dedicated guest parking is available onsite. The hotel sits on a narrow city street, so free street parking is extremely limited and metered. If you arrive by car, your best bet is one of the public parking garages a few blocks away (near the Zócalo or Mercado 20 de Noviembre). Some guests drop off luggage at the front and double-park briefly to register, then move the car to a lot. Rideshares (Uber, etc.) and taxis are a popular way to reach the hotel precisely to avoid parking headaches. Keep in mind the intersection of Morelos and Matamoros (where the hotel sits) can be busy, so plan a few extra minutes for drop-off, especially at night.
Inside the Venue
At the main entrance you’ll find a small 24-hour reception desk – staff are friendly and will welcome you anytime, even late at night (www.tripadvisor.ca ). Beyond the desk is the open-plan lobby and restaurant (Culture Room) with large windows facing Morelos Street (www.escondidooaxaca.com ). Throughout the ground floor and courtyard, the décor is minimalist and artful. Travelers often note that the lobby and dining areas feel “charming and chic” yet very relaxed (www.tripadvisor.com ). The neutral walls and warm wood accents create a calming lounge atmosphere. Adjacent to the lobby is a quiet reading/co-working room filled with books and local crafts, where you can work or relax with a coffee. Free high-speed Wi-Fi is available everywhere on the property (www.tripadvisor.com ).
Just outside on the rooftop is a small plunge pool with sun loungers – a welcome respite on hot afternoons (www.tripadvisor.com ). This open-air terrace offers nice views, though do note it faces a busy intersection. Several guests comment that traffic noise carries into the pool and rooftop bar area, so it’s not completely quiet (www.tripadvisor.com ). Restrooms for guests are located near the restaurant and on the roof deck (right by the pool). The hotel does not have gift-shop merchandise or a formal cloakroom, but if you need to store coats or umbrellas during an event, just ask the front desk or event staff. In short, Escondido Oaxaca’s interior feels like an airy, craft-filled home – you’ll enter through a cozy lobby/bar, wander through a landscaped courtyard (sometimes with live music), and can even relax by the rooftop pool.
Nearby Amenities
The hotel’s central location means countless restaurants, bars and sights are within walking distance. Just a 5–10 minute stroll away are Oaxaca’s top eateries: Casa Oaxaca El Restaurante (fine local cuisine, 0.4 mi) and Los Danzantes (upscale Oaxacan menu & mezcal bar, 0.3 mi) are highly rated (www.tripadvisor.com ) (www.tripadvisor.com ). For casual casual dining, the famous Boulenc bakery/cafe is only two blocks (0.1 mi) away (www.tripadvisor.com ), and street-food stands in the Mercado 20 de Noviembre are just up the street. If you want a cocktail, the surrounding area has numerous mezcalerías and lounges (for example, La Mezcaloteca and the rooftop bar In Situ are popular).
Need more? The historic Zócalo (central plaza) with its cathedral and otomi dancers is a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Banks, convenience stores and souvenir shops line Calle Ánimas and Calle de Manuel García nearby. A public bus stop is about two blocks away on Av. Juárez, serving downtown routes. However, because the old city center streets are narrow and often pedestrianized, many guests prefer short taxi or Uber rides around town, especially at night. In fact, there’s a busy taxi stand near the Santo Domingo Church (5 min away) that runs late.
Several boutique hotels and B&Bs abut Escondido Oaxaca – for instance, Casa de Sierra Azul and B2 Hotel are a block away – so there are good lodging alternatives if Escondido is full. In general, plan to explore this colorful neighborhood on foot: you’ll find dozens of restaurants and bars within 5–10 minutes’ walk, plus museums, markets and art spaces galore. Just be sure to leave time to wander and enjoy Oaxaca’s unique cultural scene.
What Makes This Venue Special
Escondido Oaxaca stands out because it is both architecturally unique and deeply connected to local culture. Few hotels in downtown Oaxaca offer such a dramatic blend of heritage and design. Inside that 19th-century casona, you’ll find a modern art installation at every turn, while the new tower’s concrete and glass blend seamlessly into the lush garden pathways (hospitalitydesign.com ). Every room contains handcrafted furniture or textiles made by nearby artisans (www.ticketfairy.com ), so even your shower has a touch of local tradition. This thoughtful design has earned praise: reviewers often highlight how “thoughtfully crafted” and “beautifully realized” the space feels. From a cultural standpoint, the hotel’s presence has added a hip sensibility to the Centro zone. It often hosts creative events (art talks, intimate concerts) that attract musicians, artists and well-traveled crowds. In the context of Oaxaca’s rich heritage, Escondido acts as a modern tribute – it literally bridges the old and new. Guests love it for this reason: you feel you’re staying inside a living gallery or architect’s showcase. Of course, celebrities and travelers who appreciate design often note it as a highlight in Oaxaca. Through its architecture by Alberto Kalach and interiors by Década, Escondido Oaxaca has effectively turned a piece of Oaxacan history into a landmarks of contemporary design (www.ticketfairy.com ) (hospitalitydesign.com ).
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The hotel sits in an old colonial building, so keep in mind stairs and narrow corridors. There’s a modern elevator servicing the newer tower, but the original casona rooms are only reachable by steps. If you have mobility needs, ask ahead about a ground-floor (patio) suite with ramp access. Otherwise, note that the courtyard and rooftop pool areas have level tile paths. What to bring: Oaxaca’s weather is generally mild, but midday sun can be strong and evenings cool (65–70°F at night). Bring a light sweater or jacket for rooftop lounging. The hotel’s open-air areas mean you’ll want comfortable shoes – cobblestone streets are common in Centro. Don’t forget essentials like a sunhat or sunglasses for daytime, and a small camera for photos. Most visitors recommend packing earplugs: the hotel is at a busy city intersection, and the modern windows/shutters don’t fully block street noise or lively neighbors (www.tripadvisor.com ) (www.tripadvisor.com ). In particular, one guest tip was to “bring an eye mask + ear plugs” because rooms can be very loud (www.tripadvisor.com ). Food & drink: The on-site restaurant (on the first floor) serves breakfast starting at 7am and offers dinner nightly (notably, dinner service often begins around 8pm (www.tripadvisor.com )). Reservations are wise if planning a group. If you’re planning to eat off-site, Casa Oaxaca and Los Danzantes are convenient high-end options nearby (www.tripadvisor.com ) (www.tripadvisor.com ). A small minibar is available in rooms, but packed cocktails or food from outside are not allowed in event spaces. Do tip waitstaff at the restaurant – service here is attentive. Tickets & events: If attending a public event, confirm age rules. For example, the Catrina Night party in 2022 was 18+ (www.ticketfairy.com ), whereas other music nights may admit all ages. Expect a casual dress code – resort-casual is typically fine. The hotel allows cameras and cell phones (many events are Instagram-friendly), but large tripods or professional video gear might be restricted at private shows. Also, note photography in the historic streets outside is great for scenery, but respect any no-photo areas (like inside local churches or markets). Connectivity: Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel (www.tripadvisor.com ). You should have plenty of mobile signal (Mexican carriers like Telcel or AT&T work well in the Centro). Charging outlets are provided in rooms and common lounges. Common mistakes: One common surprise is meal times – some reviewers note that breakfast is not included in the basic room rate (it can be added) and that “dinner starts at 8pm” (www.tripadvisor.com ). Also, because the property is built around an inner courtyard, your room may overlook neighbors; it’s normal to hear voices or music from adjoining suites. If you need absolute quiet, pack earplugs and be mindful of that noise note. Lastly, remember Oaxaca is in a seismic zone with strict building codes, so the hotel follows design aesthetics that limit nighttime lighting – expected a dim ambiance after dark, which is part of the cozy design charm. Insider tip: Time your arrival to explore nearby culture. If you’re in town for a festival or the famous Guelaguetza dance (summer), check if Escondido has special events on its rooftop. Any weekend night, the courtyard might have a live guitar or flamenco guitarist. For a quiet stay, ask reception for a patio-side room (less street noise) or one of the smaller balcony suites. Above all, soak in the local vibes: the hotel’s art books and staff knowledge make it easy to ask “What’s on in Oaxaca tonight?” – their staff can often point you to small cultural performances or galleries just around the corner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capacity of Hotel Escondido Oaxaca for events or dining?
The hotel is very small and intimate. The restaurant (Culture Room) seats only 22 guests (www.escondidooaxaca.com ), and the courtyard can host a few dozen people for events. There is no large concert hall – parties typically gather on the patio or pool deck, so capacities are generally under 100. For plated dining or parties, count on dozens (not hundreds).
How do I buy tickets for Events at Hotel Escondido Oaxaca?
Most public events at Escondido Oaxaca sell tickets online via the hotel’s or promoter’s own channels (there is no physical box office). If the hotel is holding a party or concert, the event will be announced on its site or local event listings. Check Oaxaca cultural calendars and the hotel’s social media for dates. For private events or weddings, you book directly through the hotel’s events team.
When do shows or events usually occur at this venue?
There’s no fixed schedule as events are sporadic. Weddings and private events happen year-round by arrangement. Public music nights tend to be on weekends or holidays. A notable annual event was the Day-of-the-Dead “Catrina Night” in late October (www.ticketfairy.com ). Otherwise, the hotel may announce occasional jazz, swing or themed nights – often on Friday or Saturday evenings. In general, keep an eye on local listings or the hotel’s announcements around local festivals.
How do I get to Escondido Oaxaca by public transit?
The historic center has no metro, so take local buses or colectivos to nearby stops (Av. Juárez or Av. 20 de Noviembre) and walk a block. Practically, most visitors take a taxi or Uber. If you arrive at Oaxaca Airport or the main bus station, a direct taxi or rideshare to the hotel is easiest (about 15–20 minutes drive). Once downtown, the hotel is just a few blocks from the Zócalo (main plaza), within easy walking distance of many landmarks (www.escondidooaxaca.com ).
Is parking available at or near the hotel?
No – there is no private parking or valet. Escondido Oaxaca is on a small street in the Centro Histórico, so street parking is scarce. If you drive, you’ll likely need to use a pay parking garage within a few blocks (for example near the Zócalo). Many guests drop off luggage at the door and then park in a public lot. For convenience, a taxi or Uber is recommended to reach the hotel and move around the old city.
Are the events indoor or outdoor, and what seating is provided?
Events are typically outdoors or semi-outdoors. The hotel uses its central patio and rooftop terrace for gatherings. Seating is casual – expect lounge chairs, small tables or bar stools, and many standing spots. For example, courtyard concerts let people sit at low tables or stand on the tiled patio. There are no reserved rows of chairs. Since capacity is small, guests usually help themselves to any available seating, and may gather in small clusters around the performers. There are a few dining tables inside the restaurant for meals, but performance nights mostly utilize the outdoor spaces.
What kind of sound and lighting equipment does the venue have?
For private events, the hotel provides professional sound and lighting as part of its package (www.ticketfairy.com ). In practice, this usually means a simple PA system, stage microphones or DJ setup and atmospheric lighting in the courtyard. There is no built-in concert soundstage, so production is scaled to the small space. Expect a warm, intimate audio setup rather than stadium concert gear. Lighting is generally decorative (lanterns, uplights) rather than a full production rig. If attending a public music night, the band or DJ will use the hotel’s provided audio setup.
What food and drink is available inside the venue?
The hotel’s on-site restaurant and bar (Culture Room) serves food and drinks all day. Breakfast and an organic tasting menu lunch/dinner (featuring local Oaxacan ingredients) are prepared by Chef Saúl Carranza (www.escondidooaxaca.com ). Coffee, cocktails and mezcal selections are also available at the bar. There is no external restaurant; for off-site options you must leave the hotel. During events, light bites or hors d’oeuvres can be ordered through the hotel. Note that outside food or drinks are not permitted in the event spaces. If you arrive early, consider enjoying a meal in the restaurant or drinks in the courtyard lounge.
Is Wi-Fi available and what’s the business center situation?
Yes – complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is provided for all guests (www.tripadvisor.com ). You can connect in your room, the lobby, or common areas. There is no formal business center, but there is a cozy co-working/reading room with tables and outlets by the courtyard. Most visitors find working or checking email in the lobby lounge or their room perfectly adequate. For printing or large business needs, you would have to use a local copy shop in town.
Can I stay at Hotel Escondido Oaxaca with children or pets?
Hotel Escondido Oaxaca is an adult-oriented boutique property and does not cater to pets; only service animals are allowed. Children may stay (especially in the two larger “patio” suites), but note that the pool area is unattended – parents should supervise young kids. Evening events like themed parties often have age restrictions (for example, the Day-of-the-Dead party was 18+ (www.ticketfairy.com )), so check ahead. The hotel atmosphere is quiet and tranquil, so families should book with this in mind. Some rooms have limited space and no rollaway options, so it’s best for couples or small families.
What is the check-in/check-out time and front desk availability?
Standard check-in is in the mid-afternoon (around 3pm) and check-out by late morning, but the desk is staffed 24/7 (www.tripadvisor.ca ). This means you can arrive late at night or depart early without issue. The front desk can store luggage if your flight or event schedule is odd. Because staff check IDs at arrival, have your passport or ID ready. The hotel is part of Marriott’s Design Hotels collection, so it honors their policies (though note some alumni reviews mentioned that complimentary breakfast may not be included on award stays). Either way, the on-site restaurant opens early for coffee and breakfast if you want to purchase it.
What should I avoid bringing to this venue?
Since this is a small urban hotel, avoid bringing large luggage into event spaces or the restaurant – there is limited space in hallways and common areas. Also, outside food/drink is not allowed inside. For events, leave professional filming equipment behind unless specifically permitted. Note also that the old doors and walls can be delicate, so bulky items that could dent walls should be stowed in your room. Finally, because noise carries, avoid using loud devices or speakers; personal music should be with headphones. In general, carry only what you need for the evening – wallet, phone, keys and earplugs.
