When I landed in Oaxaca City, I wasn’t sure what adventures lay ahead. The weekend trip was booked on a whim after a friend said she had never visited while we were out having coffee. My base for the weekend, Pug Seal Hotel, provided a true home away from home experience that allowed me to see, taste, and feel all that Oaxaca City can offer travelers.
Oaxaca de Juárez is an ethnically diverse city in the state of Oaxaca offering experiences for every type of traveler. Located in the Southwestern part of Mexico, the vibrant town has colonial architecture, deep history, artisans, and divine gastronomy. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) declared all traditional Mexican food in Oaxaca an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Mankind in 2010.
I first traveled there for the annual Día de los Muertos (Day of the dead) celebration. The unforgettable experience is a week of non-stop festivals, parties, and ceremonies.
As a digital nomad for the last two years, the flexibility to take last-minute trips is one of the best perks of a nomadic lifestyle. This time around, I wanted to ease into the city and travel more slowly.
One of the best parts of staying in boutique properties is that they can provide an intimate experience and a sense of calm.
Here’s why Pug Seal is one of the best lodging options for a weekend in Oaxaca.
The Location
As a walkable city, staying in a central hotel will ensure you get the most out of your time in Oaxaca City. Opening in late 2022, Pug Seal Oaxaca City is situated in a 19th-century colonial villa in the heart of downtown. Its excellent location allows guests to go on a seamless journey to truly experience Oaxacan roots. You won’t have to go far to find something to do.
The hotel is steps away from the town square along with galleries and cafes for all-day entertainment. Additionally, The Zócalo Main Square and the Metropolitan Cathedral are only a short walking distance away.
Pug Seal is easily accessible by taxi and takes approximately 25 minutes from Oaxaca International Airport. Travelers can also commute via colectivos, a local form of mini-bus transit that holds roughly 14 passengers.
The Design
Accommodations and aesthetic are majors factor in deciding where to stay, especially when working remotely. Pug Seal Oaxaca City is intentionally designed to pay homage to Oaxacan roots and Mexican wealth.
The hotel has 20 rooms with art-deco-inspired furniture and handcrafted textiles. No two rooms in the hotel are the same and each is unique. Colorful murals by local artists such as Rafael Uriegas, Sabino Guisú, and Manuel Lozano adorn the walls. Each of their unique designs represents indigenous Zapotec values, fertility, and Mexican wealth.
Pug Seal’s courtyards are also the perfect alternative space for relaxing or completing an afternoon work session. Room options range from junior suites to the master executive. Depending on the season, rooms vary on average from $300-400 USD per night.
How To Get There
Flying into Oaxaca is relatively simple. The main airport is Oaxaca Xoxocotlan International Airport (OAX).
If extending your trip is an option, affordable bus routes can take travelers to other destinations in Mexico, such as Mexico City, which is only about 6 hours away.
During a weekend in Oaxaca City, trying the best traditional Oaxacan cuisine is a must. The city has a broad and delicious selection of mole, cheese, and chocolate dishes. Known to have some of the best Mezcal in Mexico, a tequila tasting should also be at the top of any visitors list.
