With its vibrant indigenous culture, beautifully preserved colonial architecture, and incredible food scene, Oaxaca City makes for an enriching and affordable family vacation. This small city in southern Mexico offers a delightful blend of history, art, outdoor adventures, and so much more to captivate kids and parents alike.
Even better, Oaxaca delivers an amazing bang for your buck with loads of free activities and sights amidst a low cost of living. When it comes to accommodations, there are plenty of options to soak up the local culture without blowing your budget. From charming boutique hotels to family-friendly aparthotels and hostels, you can easily find comfortable lodgings suited to your clan.
To help you plan an enriching yet economical stay, here are some of the best family-friendly hotels in the heart of Oaxaca City for a range of budgets and needs. Many even offer vegetarian and vegan meal options to keep everyone fueled for sightseeing.
Hotel Casa Arnel
This beautiful boutique hotel housed in a 17th-century building offers a taste of Old World charm and hospitality. Spacious rooms and suites have kitchenettes, making it easy to prepare basic meals. Some even come with small private patios. The lovely interior courtyard with cafe is a nice spot for morning coffee or afternoon treats. Vegetarian options available.
Rates from $75/night
Hotel Casantica
You’ll feel like you stepped into a Spanish colonial hacienda at this lovely family-run hotel with bright, airy rooms surrounding a peaceful courtyard. Two-bedroom suites with kitchenettes make extended stays easy. Relax in the evenings with drinks and snacks (including veggie-friendly options) in the lush interior garden. The staff can arrange fun activities like pottery classes and cooking lessons too.
Rates from $98/night
Hostel Don Sebastián
Simple yet comfortable family rooms make this budget-friendly hostel a wallet-friendly home base. Dorms and basic private rooms are no-frills but clean and secure with AC. But the real highlight is the delicious free vegan breakfast served each morning! You’ll also find rotating vegan dinner options for purchase. The hostel regularly hosts activities like mezcal tastings too.
Rates from $15/dorm bed or $45/private room
Hotel Guila Naquitz
With a fabulous location in Oaxaca’s historic center, this pet-friendly hotel offers spacious family suites with kitchenettes at very reasonable rates. Rooms are basic but clean with comfy beds. Kids will love the big rooftop terrace complete with playground. The vegetarian-friendly breakfast (including fresh juices and local dishes) is included in rates. Walking distance to zocalo, markets, restaurants and more.
Rates from $60/night
Hotel Posada Don Mario
For an authentic yet budget-conscious stay, this family-friendly hotel housed in a colonial building scores high marks. Guest rooms are simple but spotless with high ceilings and balconies overlooking the internal courtyard. Vegan/vegetarian guests are accommodated by the on-site cafe offering plant-based regional specialties. Conveniently situated just off the zocalo.
Rates from $36/night
Casa de la Tía Tere
This collection of five family-run guest houses in the center of Oaxaca offers fully-equipped apartment-style suites for an amazing value. One to three-bedroom units come with living areas and kitchens – perfect for longer stays. Kid-friendly amenities and lots of communal spaces to meet other families. Staff can arrange grocery delivery and vegan catering too.
Rates from $50-100/night
Hotel Carmel
Tucked into the quiet neighborhood behind Santo Domingo Church, the family-owned Hotel Carmel offers comfortable suites with kitchenettes. Play in the garden courtyard, relax on the rooftop deck with city views, and stay fueled with the included vegetarian-friendly breakfast. While basic, the spacious rooms easily sleep families of 4-6. Easy walk to the zocalo, markets, restaurants and parks.
Rates from $55/night
Oaxaca Estancia Suites
For a home-away-from-home experience, the pet-friendly Oaxaca Estancia offers large suites and family apartments with kitchens and living rooms. On-site amenities include a lovely courtyard and media room. Kids’ activities like art classes can be arranged. While there are no dedicated vegan options on-site, staff can point you toward great restaurants and markets nearby.
Rates from $90/night
Even budget-minded families can enjoy an immersive Oaxaca City stay loaded with culture, history, and outdoor adventures. With affordable hotels and aparthotels plus the city’s low cost of living, you’ll have more pesos leftover to spend on experiences like museum visits, cooking classes, hikes, and more.
While Oaxaca offers loads of incredible food from street vendors and markets, it’s also fairly easy for vegan and vegetarian families to find plant-based specialties. Look for hotels that offer veggie-friendly breakfasts included with your stay. Many locally-owned properties also have on-site cafes and restaurants that can accommodate special diets.
Some tips to stretch your travel budget even further:
Book during low season like late summer for discounted rates.
Stay in airbnb apartments or vacation rentals to save on meals.
Pack snacks and do basic meal prep in your hotel kitchenette.
Purchase affordable handicrafts and art directly from local makers.
Experience Oaxaca’s cultural events, parks and architecture for free.
Use public transit and take taxis only when absolutely needed.
Even on a modest vacation budget, it’s entirely possible to craft an amazing family trip full of vibrant culture, ancient history, outdoor adventures, and incredible food. The real highlight? Experiencing Oaxaca’s warm hospitality and gaining a deeper appreciation for this special corner of Mexico.