City Express by Marriott Oaxaca

A few things to know if you're staying here: the walk to Santo Domingo, the Zócalo, and other spots is pleasant and safe, though it's 15-25 minutes and uphill on the way back. If you're tired or can't manage that, take a taxi. I didn't understand the zoning, but in November, 2025 the fares varied from 80 - 100 pesos. The hotel shuttle usually takes people to Centro, but isn't available for pickups. When taking a taxi back, say City Express. I agreed to go to another Marriott City Centro and ended up at the wrong hotel. City Centro is pink and City Express is yellow. The drive up to the yellow City Express was nerve-racking too. The shuttle barely clears the structures, like the other drivers, and I was amazed they passed cars with only centimeters between them. Watch the awful sidewalks on the main street, especially at night. The city should repair the concrete. My second-floor room by the elevator was clean, simple and modern, with little furniture, no security box, and no closet. It faced the garage interior and was quiet enough. The bed was firm, which I prefer, but the pillows were too firm until I gave one a few good punches. Temperature and lighting were adequate. Water pressure was fine considering Oaxaca's water conservation practices. Please reuse towels if you're there more than one night, since conserving water matters. Filtered water was available in the eating area and gym, so I could refill my bottle and stay hydrated at the city's altitude. The breakfast area had some real bright spots. I appreciated Santi, who was professional, wore a mask, and made guests feel welcome with his greetings and warm eyes. He engaged with guests and made small changes to breakfast each day, giving the standard international breakfast a local flavor with quesillo, black beans, and mole. Bread, ham, lettuce, and tomato were available for sandwiches, a great option if you didn't want eggs. We booked with breakfast included through a travel agent. As an experienced traveler, I found the front desk staff unfriendly and not trained to smile or make guests feel welcome, though other staff were kind and accommodating.

It was an okay hotel, with rooms that were fine but a bit dated. The breakfast was basic and the same every day. Front desk staff did help, though they were less friendly and not very open or engaging. It's a 22-minute walk from Zocalo. That was manageable, and the area felt safe.

From check-in through the end of our stay, the staff ignored us and were as unaccommodating as could be. They seemed to have no understanding of customer service. The rooms were dated and badly in need of repairs, and were flooded with transient guests each day. When I turned on the bathroom sink, it sprayed all over me. I told the front desk, and they said all the rooms had that problem. I had to wear a towel over my clothes just to wash my hands. The rooms face a busy street, and the noise was unbearable day and night. The breakfast buffet was a joke. I wouldn't stay here again even if the room were free. I've had great experiences at many other City Express hotels in Mexico. There are so many other hotels in Oaxaca, don't stay here and let it ruin your vacation.

Our friends were a couple of doors away and couldn’t hear the laundry, but our room, 130, sits right over it. The machines started and stopped every 30 seconds, beginning around 7:30 AM. The hotel was too full to move us. Thankfully the noise stopped in the late afternoon, though yesterday it kept going until almost 6 PM. We were out exploring much of the day, but the early starts were rough. We’d spent the two nights before at Hotel con Corazón near the main square and loved it. We could only book two nights there, so we ended up at City Express for two more. It cost an arm and a leg, especially during Day of the Dead, which is typical of an overpriced corporate hotel like Marriott. The manager came to hear the noise, but didn’t offer a price break. I’ll ask for one, though I doubt it’ll happen. If you have to stay here, avoid room 130.