Hotel Tabáa Oaxaca: The Definitive Review [2024]

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Are you planning a trip and want to know if you should stay at Hotel Tabáa Oaxaca?

Finding a hotel in Oaxaca is very difficult because there are literally hundreds to choose from.

While there are some great options out there, it’s important to choose the perfect hotel to ensure that your trip is everything that you want it to be.

The last thing that you want to do is choose a bad hotel and return home disappointed and frustrated.

To make sure that doesn’t happen, I’ve set out a comprehensive guide to the Hotel Tabáa Oaxaca so that you can find out everything that you need to know before making your decision.

Let’s dive right in.

*All images of Hotel Tabáa Oaxaca in this article are credited to Expedia.com and Hotel Tabáa Oaxaca*

Hotel Tabáa Oaxaca: The Definitive Review

Where is Hotel Tabáa Oaxaca?

Hotel Tabáa Oaxaca is a highly-rated boutique hotel situated in the Jalatlaco district of Oaxaca City, Mexico, around 10 minutes’ walk to the east of the city’s historic center.

If you aren’t familiar with Oaxaca, it’s a vibrant city in southern Mexico that is known for its rich cultural heritage and colorful traditions.

Probably the most famous of these is the Day of the Dead festival, which is held in Oaxaca each year from 31 October to 2 November.

Other attractions of the city include its countless beautiful colonial-era buildings that date back to the time of Spanish rule in Mexico during the 16th century.

And if that isn’t impressive enough, just a short drive outside the city you’ll find Zapotec ruins that are literally thousands of years old.

Let’s take a look now at how to get you to Hotel Tabáa Oaxaca.

Hotel Tabáa Oaxaca: The Definitive Review

How Do I Get To Hotel Tabáa Oaxaca?

Getting to Hotel Tabáa Oaxaca is a simple two step process.

The first step is to fly into Oaxaca International Airport (OAX). The second step is to book a private transfer, get a taxi or rent a car to drive to the hotel.

I’ve set out the steps you’ll need to take to get to Hotel Tabáa Oaxaca as simply and efficiently as possible.

Flying Into Oaxaca

To reach Hotel Tabáa Oaxaca, you’ll need to first fly into Oaxaca International Airport (OAX), which is around 5 miles from the hotel.

In North America, you can get a direct international flight from Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston or Los Angeles.

From elsewhere in the world, you’ll need to fly into Mexico and take a connecting flight. There are regular flights to Oaxaca from Mexico City, Tijuana, Cancún, Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Mexicali.

Flights from Mexico City are by far the most frequent. Unless you’re planning on stopping over in one of the other cities listed above for a few days, I recommend you fly via Mexico City.

Oaxaca Airport to the Hotel

Once you arrive in Oaxaca airport, you’ve got a few options to get to Hotel Tabáa Oaxaca. You can book a private transfer, take a taxi or rent a car.

I’ve gone through each of these below.

Rent a Car

If you’re staying in Oaxaca for more than a day or two, I recommend that you rent a car at the airport.

Even though Hotel Tabáa Oaxaca is very centrally located just to the east of the historic center of Oaxaca, many of the best attractions in Oaxaca are outside of the city, so having a rental car is the ideal way to get around.

Getting a car at the airport is very easy. You can book ahead and pick up your car in the arrivals hall of the terminal when you get off the plane.

I recommend using DiscoverCars to book the best deal available ahead of your arrival. You can expect to pay around US$30 per day plus gas for a basic rental car.

Book a Private Transfer

The simplest way to get to the hotel is by booking a private transfer on a platform like Viator. There are plenty of different providers for you to choose from, and prices start at around US$25 for a couple.

If you prefer to get a local recommendation, you can reach out to the staff at Hotel Tabáa Oaxaca. Their contact details are below:

Take A Taxi

If you haven’t booked a car with the hotel, the simplest way to get from the airport to the hotel that requires absolutely no planning whatsoever is taking a taxi.

You’ll need to be able to tell the driver your destination and agree a price for the trip. The journey should cost you around US$15 – US$20 and you may need to haggle to get the driver down into that range.

You’ll also need to make sure that you have Mexican pesos with you, as the driver may not accept US dollars and won’t take credit cards.

Now that you know where it is that you’re going and all of the options that you have for getting there, let’s get into the review itself.

Hotel Tabáa Oaxaca: The Definitive Review

Review Of Hotel Tabáa Oaxaca

Hotel Tabáa Oaxaca is 12-room pet-friendly boutique hotel situated in Barrio Jalatlaco in Oaxaca City, Mexico.

The hotel’s name comes from a Zapotec town called San Juan Tabaá. It’s said that San Juan Tabaá is a place where the gods of the rain, the earth, the air and the sun all come to rest.

In that spirit, the hotel looks to provide you with a relaxing peaceful oasis outside of the hustle and bustle of Oaxaca de Juárez.

When you enter the hotel, you’ll see that the interior has a lovely garden area with outdoor tables and seating and a hammock where you can sway away the afternoon.

Each of the 12 rooms is individually furnished and decorated using locally produced Oaxacan artworks and artisanal products. The hotel seeks to blend the traditional with the modern to make your stay as relaxing as possible.

I’ve set out below a summary of the hotel, the rooms, hotel facilities, dining options and nearby attractions.

After that, I’ve given you a list of pros and cons of the hotel and given my personal view on whether you should book Hotel Tabáa Oaxaca for your trip.

Let’s jump right in.

1. Location

Hotel Tabáa Oaxaca has a great location in Barrio Jalatlaco, just to the east of the historic center of Oaxaca City.

You’ll find it on Calle de Refugio just to the east of Calzada de la República. Look out for the verdigris-colored walls with the broad pine-colored wooden door.

From the hotel you’re a half-dozen blocks to the east of the Templo de Santo Domingo, with its iconic neo-Spanish baroque architecture. From there, you can walk south along the pedestrian street known as the Andador Turístico to the Zócalo, which is the heart of Oaxaca City.

Whatever you choose to do, it’s a great base for you to explore the city without having to stay right in the middle of it.

2. Price

The price per room at Hotel Tabáa Oaxaca starts at US$220 per night for up to two, which includes a light self-service breakfast.

Discounted offers may be available from time to time, so it is worth checking prices in advance of your travel dates to see if you can get yourself a deal.

Check out Booking.com or Expedia.com for prices and availability on your travel dates, or use the search box below:

3. Rooms

There are 12 rooms at Hotel Tabáa Oaxaca, comprised of three Standard King Rooms, four Double Rooms, three Junior Suites, one Matrimonial Suite and one Master Suite.

Each of the rooms is unique, having been individually designed in a modern minimalist style, with feature-walls with exposed stone and brickwork and traditional touches including woollen bed-runners produced by local artisans in Teotitlán del Valle.

The rooms are located on the upper and lower floors surrounding the central internal courtyard.

I’ve set out more detail on each of the rooms below.

Standard King Room

The Standard King Rooms are a comfortable 183 ft² (17 m²). Each is air-conditioned and comes with a king-sized bed and a private shower-only bathroom.

You’ll have access to a flatscreen TV, cable channels, free WiFi, a room safe, an iron, clean linens, a telephone, and a closet. In the shower-only bathroom, you’ll find branded toiletries, towels, and a hairdryer.

Housekeeping staff will also come by daily.

The Standard King Rooms start at US$233 per night for up to two.

Double Room

The Double Rooms are a comfortable 194 ft² (18 m²). Each is air-conditioned and comes with two double-beds and a private shower-only bathroom.

You’ll also have access to all of the amenities available in the Standard King Room, including daily housekeeping.

The Double Rooms start at US$233 per night for up to two. You can also have up to two additional adults stay in the rooms for US$23 each per person per night.

Matrimonial Suite

The Matrimonial Suite is a more spacious 215 ft² (20 m²). Each is air-conditioned and comes with a double-bed and a private shower-only bathroom.

You’ll also have access to all of the amenities available in the Standard King Room, including daily housekeeping.

The Matrimonial Suite starts at US$220 per night for up to two.

Junior Suite

The Junior Suites are a very spacious 258 ft² (24 m²). Each is air-conditioned and comes with a king-sized bed and a private shower-only bathroom, as well as a small table and chairs for seating.

You’ll also have access to all of the amenities available in the Standard King Room, including daily housekeeping.

The Junior Suites start at US$244 per night for up to two.

Master Suite

The Master Suite is a very spacious 258 ft² (24 m²). Each is air-conditioned and comes with a king-sized bed and a private shower-only bathroom, as well as a living room and a sofa-bed.

You’ll also have access to all of the amenities available in the Standard King Room, including daily housekeeping.

The Master Suite starts at US$306 per night for up to four.

4. Hotel Facilities

Hotel Tabáa Oaxaca doesn’t have a lot of amenities but it does have a spacious, relaxing interior garden and patio area.

There is plenty of seating available and there is also a hammock strung up for you to climb into and sway in the afternoon breeze.

5. Dining Options

Hotel Tabáa Oaxaca doesn’t have an onsite restaurant, but it does offer a light complimentary breakfast of tea, coffee, toast, musli, yoghurt, fresh fruit.

You can come down for breakfast each day between 8:00am and noon and you can enjoy it out in the open patio and garden area.

The hotel doesn’t offer any other dining options, but there are lots of options nearby, including Las Quince Letras a few blocks to the west and Boulenc Pan y Café just a block to the north.

6. Reviews

Hotel Tabáa Oaxaca has a rating of 9.3 out of 10 from over 100 reviews, which is an outstanding score.

Despite not being right in the historic center of Oaxaca City and having quite limited amenities, the story that the reviews tell is that people really love this hotel.

One reason for this is the very friendly and attentive staff at the hotel. The reviews tell lots of stories of the staff going above and beyond by organizing transport and caring for sick guests.

Clearly what the hotel does do, it does very well.

7. Check-In and Check-Out

Check-in at the hotel is from 3:00pm, and check-out is before 11:00am.

Late check-in and check-out can be provided subject to room availability.

8. Pet-Friendly?

Yes, Hotel Tabáa Oaxaca is pet-friendly.

You’ll need to pay an additional 250 Mexican pesos (US$15) per pet per night and you’ll also need to pay a deposit of 250 Mexican pesos (US$15) per night as well.

9. Family-Friendly?

Yes, children of all ages are welcome at the Hotel Tabáa Oaxaca.

The hotel doesn’t provide additional rollaway beds but you children under 18 years of age can stay in the beds in the rooms free of charge.

Cribs are available at no extra charge if you’re travelling with an infant.

10. Nearby Attractions

Although it isn’t situated in the historic center, Hotel Tabáa Oaxaca is very close to all of the attractions in Oaxaca City, and you’ll be able to reach everything within the city limits on foot.

Don’t forget your sunhat, suncream, and a bottle of water.

Attractions in Oaxaca City

If you’re planning to set off exploring the city on foot from the hotel, I would recommend that you start by walking the half dozen blocks to the west until you reach the Templo de Santo Domingo (pictured).

If you’re not familiar with it, the Templo de Santo Domingo is a beautiful building designed in the neo-Spanish baroque architectural style dating back to 1551. It’s one of the primary landmarks in Oaxaca City and an absolute must-see.

The Oaxaca Cultural Museum (Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca) is also next to the church and has lots of fascinating Oaxacan cultural exhibits. You can also walk over to nearby El Llano park, which is known for having a statue of one of Mexico’s most famous presidents, Benito Juárez, who was a native of Oaxaca.

From the church, you can take the Andador Turístico south towards the Zócalo, which is the heart of the city. Oaxaca’s stunning cathedral, Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, is right opposite the Zócalo, and the beautiful Teatro Macedonio Alcalá is just a few blocks to the east.

You can also head south from the Zócalo to visit some of the city’s great markets like the Mercado 20 de Noviembre and Mercado Benito Juárez.

Attractions Outside Oaxaca City

If you have time to do a day-trip out of the city, there are also some fantastic places that I recommend you visit, and some of them are quite close by.

I’ve described a few of the best of these below.

Monte Albán

The closest attraction outside the city limits is the ruined Zapotec city of Monte Albán. It’s only three miles away from Oaxaca City, so you can reach it easily and can even fit something else in after you’re done exploring.

Monte Albán is built on the top of a hill overlooking Oaxaca. It’s quite large at about four square miles and there’s lots to see. Among other buildings, there are two pyramids, a ball court, and around 170 tombs.

The simplest way to reach Monte Albán is by taxi. It will cost around US$5 – US$10. Make sure you bring Mexican pesos and agree the price before you depart. 

There are also lots of Monte Albán tours available if you’d rather have the trip planned for you. Viator offers lots of different options, and you can often combine it with other attractions.

Hierve El Agua

Hierve El Agua is a unique geological marvel created from two petrified waterfalls about 40 miles to the south-east of Oaxaca.  

The smaller waterfall is called “la cascada chica” and the bigger one is called “la cascada grande”. The waterfalls were formed over thousands of years as mineral-rich waters ran over the edge of the cliff and down the escarpment.  

The plateau above the falls is covered in large shallow pools separated by beautiful mineral formations that look like atolls in an ocean. It makes you think that you are walking on a shallow reef in the Caribbean.

You can also hike to the bottom of the waterfalls, where there some more pools that you can sit in. There are change-rooms and toilets nearby.

The best way to visit Hierve El Agua is with a tour. There are some great tours from Oaxaca that combine Hierve El Agua with a visit to local mezcal producers or other attractions.

The hotel can recommend a tour operator, and Viator also has lots of them to choose from if you’d prefer to arrange a tour yourself.

Mitla

The ancient ruins of the Zapotec city of Mitla is about 30 miles to the south-east of Oaxaca, on the way to Hierve El Agua.  The name is derived from the Nahuatl word “Mictlán”, meaning “place of the dead”.

The ruins are situated in a valley nearly a mile above sea level and the site is thought to have been inhabited as far back as about 500 BC.  The city was a center of religious power in the region and was destroyed by the Spanish shortly after their arrival in the 16th century.

Mitla is perhaps best known for its intricate stone mosaics, which are sometimes called “Zapotec Greco”. You’ll recognize the striking pattern in lots of ancient friezes adorning walls and floors at the site, and it is often used in clothing and other artwork produced in Oaxaca.

My recommendation is to combine Mitla and Hierve El Agua together as a tour. They start at about US$50 per person on Viator, and you can speak to the concierge at Hotel Tabáa Oaxaca if you’d prefer to organise it through the hotel.

If you prefer to guide yourself, you can reach Mitla with a taxi or the bus, and its about a 90 minute trip each way.

Entrance to Mitla costs US$5 so bring your Mexican pesos with you.

Hotel Tabáa Oaxaca: The Definitive Review

Hotel Tabáa Oaxaca: Pros and Cons

To try to pull all of the information above together for you, I’ve set out below the pros and cons of Hotel Tabáa Oaxaca as I see them.

Pros

Pros are easy here, because there are some genuinely top-notch aspects of Hotel Tabáa Oaxaca.

Great Location

Despite not being in the historic center of Oaxaca City, the hotel receives very high ratings for its location in Barrio Jalatlaco.

The Jalatlaco neighbourhood is known for being very artistic, with lots of great wall-art on street corners and iconic shops and shopfronts.

There are also countless local cafes, restaurants and art galleries that you can check out during your stay.

So although it isn’t quite in the thick of it, the location is actually still fantastic.

Friendly Attentive Staff

The staff at Hotel Tabáa Oaxaca are renowned for being friendly and very attentive. Guest reviews are positively glowing about the amazing staff at the hotel.

Friendly staff at a hotel are a dime a dozen, but the many great reviews confirm that the Hotel Tabáa Oaxaca staff take it to the next level and really go above and beyond to make your stay perfect.

Great staff that do that little bit extra can really make a difference to how much you enjoy your vacation.

Individually Furnished Rooms

Another cool thing about Hotel Tabáa Oaxaca is that all of its 12 rooms are individually furnished and decorated, given them a personalised feel.

Each of the rooms features artwork from local Oaxacan artists, a feature wall with exposed stone and brickwork, and furnishings such as locally-made bed-runners.

They’re not as individually different as the rooms at the more arty hotels like Pug Seal Oaxaca or Hotel Sin Nombre, the rooms at Hotel Tabáa Oaxaca still have a personal touch that definitely gives them a more relaxed and homely atmosphere.

Cons

There are a few cons to Hotel Tabáa Oaxaca, although in my mind some of these tend to be a result of the style of the hotel.

Price

Although it is by no means the most expensive hotel in Oaxaca, prices for a couple still start at US$220 per night. That’s quite a lot to spend on a boutique hotel in Oaxaca.

To be fair, that price does include a light breakfast that you can enjoy in the outdoor garden patio, and if you’re travelling as a family, your children can stay free of charge in the room’s existing beds, which is quite good value for money.

When you compare it to some other hotels in Oaxaca City, though, it isn’t quite so easy to justify the higher rate. As an example, Hotel Parador de Alcalá Oaxaca has a stunning rooftop pool, a small gym and an onsite restaurant, and its rooms are the same size for about half the price.

Having said that, the reviews for Hotel Tabáa Oaxaca really are overwhelmingly positive. Those guests clearly found value for money, so if you love the relaxed atmosphere and you’re looking for something in Barrio Jalatlaco, you’ll likely see the value as well.

Limited Amenities

Hotel Tabáa Oaxaca has lovely rooms and a relaxing interior garden and patio area, but it doesn’t really have any other amenities at all.

To be fair, the staff are very attentive and can help you to arrange day-trips or spa treatments offsite, but the hotel itself doesn’t offer any of those services.

If you weren’t planning on spending enough time in the hotel to use the amenities anyway, then you won’t even notice that they’re missing.

But if you were planning for a spa treatment of any kind or you want a hotel where you can work on your tan by the pool, you should be aware that Hotel Tabáa Oaxaca doesn’t offer those services.

limited Dining Options

There is a light complimentary breakfast available at the hotel each morning, it’s a self-service breakfast and there isn’t an onsite restaurant of any kind.

It’s not a problem at all, because there are lots of nearby options in the vibrant Jalatlaco neighbourhood.

Still, it does mean that you don’t have the option of just eating at the hotel if you feel like staying in for whatever reason, so you should bear it in mind when you’re booking.

Hotel Tabáa Oaxaca: The Definitive Review

My Personal Views

In my view, Hotel Tabáa Oaxaca is a peaceful, pet-friendly boutique hotel where you can base yourself very comfortably outside of the hustle and bustle of Oaxaca City.

Depending on how you’re planning to explore, the Jalatlaco location may not be for you. If you’re looking to explore a lot and planning to do it on foot, then you’re probably better off being a little closer to the action.

But if you’re planning on taking taxis into the historic center anyway, or if you just really want a hotel outside of the historic center, then I think the location is great.

Other than it’s location, the stand-out aspect of the hotel has to be its staff. Judging by the gushing reviews left by happy guests, the hotel staff consistently go out of their way to make your stay perfect.

The hotel’s rooms aren’t huge, but even the smallest rooms are still quite comfortable. They’re also individually furnished, which I think is always nicer than where every room is a carbon copy of the next.

In my mind, the main downside to the hotel is the limited amenities. Basically, other than the outdoor garden and patio, you get a comfortable room and a quiet, peaceful place to relax when you’re not out exploring, and that’s the deal.

If you’re looking for a hotel with more amenities, City Centro Oaxaca is just a few blocks north and has a lot more amenities with slightly bigger rooms at about the same price.

But as long as you value the relaxed vibe, I think you’ll enjoy your stay at Hotel Tabáa Oaxaca.

Hotel Tabáa Oaxaca: The Definitive Review

Frequently Asked Questions

Just in case you still have a few questions that I haven’t covered, I’ve set out some responses to a few frequently asked questions about Hotel Tabáa Oaxaca below.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Hotel Tabáa Oaxaca?

The best time to visit is during the high season (December to April) because the weather is cooler and there is little or no rain.

However, it’s also more expensive during the high season, so if you’re on a budget and can put up with a little rain, the low season is also a good option.

Is It Safe To Visit Hotel Tabáa Oaxaca?

There is a 24-hour front-desk service at Hotel Tabáa Oaxaca, and you’ll have access to a room safe so that you can store your belongings when you’re not in the room.

You’ll also have no troubles when you explore Oaxaca provided you take basic precautions. You can read more about safety in Oaxaca here.

What’s The Closest Airport To Hotel Tabáa Oaxaca?

Oaxaca International Airport (OAX) is the closest airport, and is about 5 miles away.

You can reach the hotel by booking a private transfer, taking a taxi or renting a car. If you want to book a private transfer, I recommend using Viator or reaching out to the staff at Hotel Tabáa Oaxaca.

Why Is Hotel Tabáa Oaxaca Special?

Hotel Tabáa Oaxaca is a relaxed, peaceful pet-friendly boutique hotel located in the vibrant Jalatlaco district of Oaxaca City, just to the west of the historic center of the city.

If you’re looking for a highly-rated boutique hotel that goes out of its way to help you relax during your vacation, you’ll love Hotel Tabáa Oaxaca.

Hotel Tabáa Oaxaca: The Definitive Review

Final Thoughts

Hopefully you now have all the information that you need to decide whether Hotel Tabáa Oaxaca is the hotel for you.

If you’re interested in booking, you can get the latest current prices and availability on your dates at Booking.com or Expedia.com.

If you want to check prices of car rentals at Oaxaca airport, you can find out at DiscoverCars.com.

Enjoy your stay!