Escondido Oaxaca
"Why book? Set behind an unassuming facade in downtown Oaxaca, this Grupo Habita design hotel entices travelers with its minimal interiors dedicated to elevated Mexican craftsmanship. Set the scene: The hotel developer Grupo Habita took the Oaxacan hospitality scene by storm when it opened Escondido Oaxaca, a 12-room boutique property in the heart of the city. With its unassuming burgundy facade, it would be hard to know that an architectural masterpiece by Alberto Kalach waits behind the wooden door. The starchitect appeal draws most guests here; but touches like alfresco dining in the courtyard patio and nightly mezcals in the library will keep them coming back. The backstory: Grupo Habita commissioned the architect Alberto Kalach to transform a heritage colonial building in downtown Oaxaca into a 12-room boutique hotel. The century-old facade contrasts with the new Brutalist tower, striking a surprisingly organic balance between the historic and the modern. With the introduction of Hotel Escondido Oaxaca, the city finally has an upscale boutique option that feels right for the international creatives who are flocking to its cobblestone streets in ever-growing numbers. And it’s an excellent example of what Grupo Habita does best: creating elevated interpretations of heritage Mexican design. The rooms: Minimalist in their appeal though packed with a cultural punch, the rooms are living testaments to Oaxacan craftsmanship. Each features a majority of furnishings produced from ahuehuete wood (a type of Mexican cypress that is sacred to the local Zapotec culture and even featured in their creation story), while locally-made olive green bedspreads add to the elemental, earthy palette. The top floor suites are nearly twice the size of the others, though the patio rooms offer the dreamiest views: Sliding wood doors open to a seating area within a meditation garden filled with pebbles and potted plants. Food and drink: Eschewing traditional Oaxacan cuisine, the property’s ground-floor restaurant is helmed by chef Mario Petterino and features a wide range of Italian dishes, mostly from the Piedmont region. The neighborhood/area: Set in the historic downtown, the hotel is in walking distance of all the city’s attractions, from the famed restaurant Criollo by chef Enrique Olvera to the city’s main plaza, a convivial area home to the Templo Santo Domingo church and the neighboring Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca, a museum set in a monastery building that connects Oaxaca’s cultures of past and present. The service: The vibe at Escondido Oaxaca is low-key and casual. The staff can offer recommendations on where to eat and what to do while you’re in town. Anything left to mention? The rooftop pool and patio has daybeds and umbrellas, making for a great place to cool off when the Oaxacan sun is especially strong." - Michaela Trimble
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