Holiday Inn Express Centro Historico Oaxaca

Located on a narrow street in a calm residential pocket of Oaxaca City, the Holiday Inn Express exudes a charming European vibe from its colonial facade. The peach facade with sandstone trimmed windows and black wrought-iron Juliet balconies, perfectly fits the Old World aesthetic on show throughout the city. Inside, the atmosphere shifts to more standard Holiday Inn fare. Marble tiling throughout the expansive lobby is marked off by Romanesque planter pots, and 80s-style vinyl seating the color of sherbet serves as the lobby centerpiece. A fairly generic breakfast room, located at the rear of the lobby, fills up with guests each morning -- while wrought-iron alfresco tables, shaded with umbrellas, spill out into the lovely -- and huge -- terraced courtyard where the colonial factor, consistent with the facade, comes back into play. The sapphire blue pool features matching sunbeds, and a platform overlooking the pool is the perfect spot to take it all in.  

The Holiday Inn sits in a fairly quiet pocket of Oaxaca City, that’s walking distance to nightlife and highlights -- without being in the thick of it. It’s a 25-minute drive from Oaxaca International Airport, depending on traffic. Nearby attractions include the famed Santo Domingo Church (10-minute walk), the charming Historical District (nine-minute walk); and the Museum of Contemporary Art (12-minute walk). The Zocalo (17 minutes walking or 10 minutes by car) is located in Oaxaca’s lively main square -- where restaurants, street vendors, and live music are in abundance. The Guelaguetza, where residents gather for an annual dance festival, is a six-minute drive or a 16-minute walk up steep stairs, but the views over Oaxaca are well worth the trip. Plenty of restaurants, bars, and nightlife are within easy walking distance, and there are a number of small eateries and convenience stores in surrounding streets.

Categories at this Holiday Inn range from Standards to Suites with varying outlooks and a choice of king or double configurations. All spaces are consistent with the brand's style -- clean, comfortable, and spacious -- yet generic in chain-hotel style. Neutral off-white walls; matching light wood furniture and upholstered vinyl headboards; crisp white bedding (on comfortable beds); and deep blue carpet, are more functional than stylish. There's nothing in the way of local touches, but guests appreciate the comfort and consistency factor. Tech features include flat-screen TVs, work desks, telephones with free local calls, free Wi-Fi, and plenty of places to plug in. Marble bathrooms are outfitted with shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and free individual toiletries. All rooms offer coffee- and tea-making facilities, free bottled water, safes, and irons and ironing boards. Suites feature separate living areas and kitchenettes; connecting suites are available.

The Holiday Inn offers some appealing perks over other local properties. For instance, there’s a beautiful heated courtyard pool that’s quite big by Oaxacan standards. There are plenty of sunbeds, a whirlpool spa, and alfresco dining settings where breakfast can be taken. Hotel gyms are a rarity in Oaxaca, and although this one is small, the equipment is decent and adequate enough for a cardio workout. There’s an on-site breakfast room providing a solid buffet breakfast for free everyday. The property features a huge secure, undercover car park at the rear, so guest with their own cars have ample spots. There’s a small two-computer business center located off the lobby, function/event spaces are available, and free Wi-Fi is provided throughout. A travel desk in the lobby can also assist guests with travel and activity requests.