NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca: The Definitive Review [2024]

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

Finding a hotel in Oaxaca is very difficult because there are hundreds and 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 NaNa Vida Hotel 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 NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca in this article are credited to Expedia.com and NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca*

NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca: The Definitive Review

Where is NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca?

NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca is a fantastic traditional Oaxacan boutique hotel situated brilliantly in the historic center of Oaxaca City in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico.

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 NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca.

NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca: The Definitive Review

How Do I Get To NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca?

Getting to NaNa Vida Hotel 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 NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca as simply and efficiently as possible.

Flying Into Oaxaca

To reach NaNa Vida Hotel 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 NaNa Vida Hotel 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 NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca is very centrally located in 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 contacting the hotel. They will arrange a private transfer for you for an additional fee.

The contact details for NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca are below:

If you would prefer to arrange your own transfer, the easiest way to do it is by booking 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.

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.

NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca: The Definitive Review

Review Of NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca

The NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca is set in a beautiful early 20th century mansion building that incorporates Oaxacan art, culture and traditions into its design.

The name of the hotel itself comes from the expression of joy used in the Istmo de Tehuantepec region of Oaxaca, which is often used as a greeting and means “what a blessing!”.

The hotel is adorned with some of the most beautiful paintings, wall-art and artisanal crafts that you will find in Oaxaca. It’s one of those hotels that you can happily spend some time just wandering around to admire the decor.

World-renowned muralist Jomer Homerus painted the beautiful colorful mural pictured in the image above on the right, and Efedefroy painted the very life-like mural on the left. Well-known local artists Irving Cano and Sabino Guisú also contributed their artistic talents to various areas of the hotel.

Local artisan Benito Cabrera Orozco of San Francisco Lachigoló is the creator of the unique black-pottery and agave-woven lamps (pictured later in the article). Catalina Martínez of Teotitlan del Valle created the beautiful naturally dyed and woven woollen bed runners that are featured on the beds in the hotel bedrooms.

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 NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca for your trip.

Let’s jump right in.

1. Location

NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca has a great central location in the historic center of Oaxaca City.

You’ll find it on Calle Murguía just a few blocks south-east of the iconic Templo de Santo Domingo with its beautiful neo-Spanish baroque architecture.

The hotel is also about a 10-minute walk to the Zócalo, which is the heart of Oaxaca City and from which you can reach all of the city’s other many attractions with ease.

If you’re a lover of mezcal, then you’re in luck, as there are two great mezcal bars just a few doors down from the hotel. Mezcalillera, a beautiful modern mezcaleria, is just a few doors down to the west, and Espacio Mezcal is literally right next door on the eastern side.

Whatever you want to do or see, NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca is the perfect base for you to explore the city.

2. Price

The price per room at NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca starts at around US$165 per night. That price is for a double room that sleeps up to three adults and one child.

Breakfast isn’t included but is available at the onsite restaurant on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays for 140 Mexican pesos (around US$8.00).

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 you can use the search box below:

3. Rooms

There are 14 rooms at NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca, each tastefully decorated in a traditional Mexican style featuring Oaxacan artwork and artisanal crafts.

You can choose from a Standard Double, Deluxe Double and Deluxe King. I’ve set out more detail on the rooms available at NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca below.

Standard Double

The Standard Double room is a spacious 301 sq. ft. and comes with two double-beds and a private shower-only bathroom. Each Standard Double is air-conditioned and has a view of the inner courtyard and patio area.

You’ll have access to a flatscreen TV with cable channels, free WiFi, a room safe, a coffee-maker, an iron, a wardrobe, clean cotton sheets and a white-noise machine. In the bathroom you’ll find towels, toiletries and a hair-dryer.

You can arrange a wake-up service with the front-desk if you would like one.

The Standard Double start at US$165 per night and sleeps up to three adults and one child.

Deluxe Double

The Deluxe Double room is a little larger than the Standard Double at 323 sq. ft. and comes with two double-beds and a private shower-only bathroom.

Like the Standard Double, each Deluxe Double is air-conditioned and has a view of the inner courtyard and patio area.

You’ll have access to the amenities available in the Standard Double and you can arrange a wake-up service with the front-desk if you would like one.

The Deluxe Double start at US$210 per night and sleeps up to three adults and one child.

Deluxe King

The Deluxe King is also 323 sq. ft. and comes with a king-sized bed and a private shower-only bathroom.

Like the Deluxe Double, each Deluxe King is air-conditioned and has a view of the inner courtyard and patio area.

You’ll have access to the amenities available in the Deluxe Double and you can arrange a wake-up service with the front-desk if you would like one.

The Deluxe King start at US$220 per night and sleeps up to two adults.

4. Hotel Facilities

NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca does not have an extensive range of facilities, however, it does have an onsite spa and a business center, and also offers various classes that you can take.

The hotel can also arrange for transportation to and from the airport, as well as arranging for private drivers if you would like one. Tours to various attractions outside the city are also offered by the hotel.

I’ve set out in detail the onsite offerings below.

Serena Wellness

NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca has an onsite spa called Serena Wellness Scape.

The spa offers a broad range of massage therapies including relaxation and deep-tissue massages, and also offers other beauty treatments including facials.

Yoga classes

NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca offers yoga classes through an off-site studio located near the hotel.

You can do classes in vinyasa yoga and hatha yoga, and there are also classes suitable for children if you are travelling with your family.

Cooking Classes

If yoga is not really your thing, you can opt to join a cooking class offered by the hotel and learn to cook an authentic Oaxacan dish.

The classes are led by a local chef who first takes you to one of the local markets to buy supplies. Once you’ve bought everything you need, the chef will take you through the whole cooking process in his professional traditional kitchen.

It’s a great way to take back an edible souvenir that you can enjoy over and over again after your return home.

Business Center

If you are a digital nomad or need to work during your stay for any reason, the hotel also has a dedicated business center space that is ideal for private meetings or working.

The business center has a maximum capacity of 8 people and is air-conditioned with a flat screen display and a private bathroom. 

Handmade Complimentary Soap

NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca provides each guest with a choice of handmade complimentary soap as a welcome gift on arrival.

The soap bars are made with 100% natural and vegan ingredients, and you can choose from scents including coffee, Oaxacan chocolate, cinnamon, and the current seasonal scent available.

Although it’s not really a hotel facility as such, it’s quite unique, so I thought it was worth mentioning here.

5. Dining Options

NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca has an onsite restaurant and a small traditional bar area called CaCuachi Cantina de Autor.

Breakfast Service

The hotel offers a continental breakfast service on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 7:00am to 11:00am.

There is no à la carte option, but you’ll be able to enjoy fresh fruit, bread rolls, and tea and coffee.

There is no lunch or dinner service available.

CaCuachi Cantina de Autor

CaCuachi Cantina de Autor is NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca’s onsite bar and lounge area.

In 2020, it was a traditional Oaxacan cantina where you could play dominos and enjoy some house mezcal and craft beer. However, for the moment is isn’t in operation.

I’ve mentioned it here anyway because it’s still mentioned on the hotel’s website so there is a chance that it may be resurrected at some point in the future.

6. Reviews

NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca has a rating of 9.5 out of 10 from over 900 reviews. After so many reviews, such a high rating is nothing short of stellar.

The story that those reviews tell is that people absolutely love this hotel. In fact, Tripadvisor ranks it as the number one hotel in Oaxaca, even ahead of luxury hotels like Quinta Real Oaxaca and the Grand Fiesta Americana Oaxaca.

There are lots of reasons for this. NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca is very down-to-earth and celebrates Oaxacan arts, crafts and traditions in a very wholesome and positive way. The hotel rooms are also spacious, comfortable and tastefully furnished in a simple, traditional style.

But I think the the one thing that really lifts NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca above other hotels is the attentiveness and friendliness of its staff. They take service to a completely new level, and the reviews are just glowing with praise.

There is no doubt that NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca is a class act.

7. Check-In and Check-Out

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

Late check-in and check-out can be provided subject to room availability, but you’ll need to confirm with the hotel staff in advance.

8. Pet-Friendly?

No, NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca is not pet-friendly.

Unfortunately, if you want to visit this hotel, you’ll need to find a pet-sitter.

9. Family-Friendly?

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

Some of the rooms have a capacity limit, but subject to that, the hotel will supply you with rollaway beds free of charge.

The hotel also has cribs available free of charge if you’re travelling with an infant.

10. Nearby Attractions

NaNa Vida Hotel 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 the bottles of water from the room in your hotel.

Attractions in Oaxaca City

If you’re planning to set off exploring the city on foot from the hotel, I recommend that you start by first walking the few blocks north-west to the Templo de Santo Domingo.

If you’re not familiar with it, it 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.

Once you’ve explored that area, you can take the pedestrian street known as the Andador Turístico south to the Zócalo, which is the center of Oaxaca 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 further 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.

You can also speak to the staff at NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca, who can speak to you about tours offered by the hotel directly.

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 NaNa Vida Hotel 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.

NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca: The Definitive Review

NaNa Vida Hotel 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 NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca as I see them.

Pros

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

Beautiful hotel Building

NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca is a beautiful traditional Mexican hotel that integrates Oaxacan arts, crafts and traditions throughout its decoration and design.

Some of the most well-known Oaxacan artists applied their talents creating the works displayed at the hotel, and your room will contain pieces such as the lamps and bed-runners that are created by local Oaxacan artisans.

If you’re looking to stay in a beautiful hotel that integrates beautiful Oaxacan artwork into its offering, NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca is a great choice.

Great Location

Another selling point of the NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca is its great location in the middle of the historic center of Oaxaca, making it an ideal base to explore the city.

From the hotel, you’re just a few blocks away from both the Zócalo, which is the heart of Oaxaca City, and the Templo de Santo Domingo, which is one of the most visited landmarks in the city.

If you’re into mezcal, you can also check out Mezcalillera and Espacio Mezcal, which are on either side of the hotel on the same block.

As far as centrally-located hotels in Oaxaca City go, NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca has everything that you are likely to need.

Wonderfully Friendly Staff

The friendliness of the staff at NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca is almost legendary. The reviews of the hotel talk over and over about the staff going above and beyond to ensure that you have a wonderful time during your stay.

Little touches like giving you complimentary handmade scented soap on your arrival and ensuring that you always have a bottle of water when you’re going out to explore really make a difference.

I think it shows in the very well-deserved high rating given to the hotel.

Cons

There are a few cons to NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca, although some of them are inevitable given the small size and boutique style of the hotel.

Limited Dining Options

NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca does a lovely light continental breakfast on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, but it isn’t available on any other days. The onsite restaurant also doesn’t do lunch or dinner at all.

I don’t want to be too critical on this one, because it isn’t easy to profitably operate a restaurant in a 14-room hotel. There are also lots of great restaurants nearby such as Las Quince Letras and Expendio Tradición, so you’ll still be able to dine well without needing to walk too far.

I just wanted to flag that if you were thinking that you might like to spend the night in and just dine at the hotel, that won’t be possible at NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca.

Limited Amenities

NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca has quite a good range of amenities, considering that it’s only a 14-room hotel. It has a business center, full-service onsite spa, it offers yoga, cooking classes, tours, and can also arrange airport shuttle services, private drivers and rental cars.

However, it doesn’t have a pool, which is definitely a downside during the heat of the Oaxacan summer. There’s also no gym and, more importantly, no parking available, which makes it a little difficult if you’re planning to rent a car to see the attractions outside the city.

Again, I don’t want to be too critical here. Yes, there are are some smaller hotels with pools, like the Hotel Casona Oaxaca, although they’re often a little small to be really enjoyable. Nicer pools are normally a feature of a larger hotel like Quinta Real Oaxaca.

As long as you’re aware that there isn’t a pool when you book, you’ll know the deal when you sign up.

Noise from Nearby Bars

NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca has a neighbouring mezcal bar that can get a little noisy on the weekends.

In response to some reviews complaining about having their sleep disturbed, the hotel now provides white-noise machines in each of the rooms.

Those machines are quite good, and if you use earplugs when you sleep as well, I think you probably won’t be disturbed. Still, if you’re a light sleeper, it’s a point to consider when you’re booking.

NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca: The Definitive Review

My Personal Views

I think NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca is probably the best boutique hotel in Oaxaca. You’ll get a really authentic experience of Oaxacan hospitality while also being able to enjoy some of its arts and crafts during your stay, all at a superb location within the city.

It’s true that there are other great boutique hotels in Oaxaca that integrate Oaxacan art and culture into the hotel, such as Pug Seal Oaxaca and Hotel Sin Nombre. However, both of those hotels are at a higher price point than NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca, and aren’t as highly-rated by guests.

An important point to appreciate is that the artistic aspect of the NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca isn’t its secret sauce. It’s the wonderful staff at the hotel. They go the extra mile fo you, and the hotel’s reviews are proof that it results in you having a better experience than you’d get anywhere else.

While the hotel doesn’t have the amenities of the Grand Fiesta Americana Oaxaca or the historic setting of Quinta Real Oaxaca, the hotel and its staff still manage to create a little oasis within the city for you where you’ll feel relaxed and comfortable.

I’m very confident that you’ll have a wonderful time at the NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca. If it’s a boutique hotel that you’re looking for, this is the one to choose.

NaNa Vida Hotel 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 NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca below.

When Is The Best Time To Visit NaNa Vida Hotel 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 NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca?

There is a 24-hour concierge service at NaNa Vida Hotel 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 NaNa Vida Hotel 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 NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca.

Why Is NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca Special?

NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca is a beautiful traditional Mexican hotel that integrates Oaxacan arts, crafts and traditions throughout its decoration and design.

It also has some of the highest rating given to a hotel in Oaxaca, in large part due to the stellar performance of its wonderful staff.

Is Oaxaca City The Same As Oaxaca de Juárez?

Yes. The formal name for Oaxaca City is Oaxaca de Juárez, after its most famous citizen, Benito Juárez.

Confusingly, Oaxaca City is also usually just referred to as Oaxaca, so Oaxaca can mean both the Mexican state of Oaxaca or the city formally called Oaxaca de Juárez, depending on the context.

NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca: The Definitive Review

Final Thoughts

Hopefully you now have all the information that you need to decide whether NaNa Vida Hotel 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!