Hotel Arisa Oaxaca

The car was broken into overnight, and about $800 worth of belongings were stolen. Staff had assured us it would be safe because the property had security cameras. So much for that. When we tried to cancel the second night, the front desk said it would be “no problem” if we called Travelocity. But when Travelocity tried to reach the hotel, the staff wouldn’t answer, and we never got the refund. We’d booked two nights through Travelocity and left after just one because the place was filthy and in terrible repair. There were no windows in our room, the atmosphere felt claustrophobic and gloomy, and the visibly collapsing ceiling made us feel unsafe. The service was awful, as if nobody cared about guests’ comfort or safety. If I could give zero stars, I would. Do not stay here. Spend a little more for peace of mind, or even sleep in your car. Avoid it at all costs.

We managed to enjoy Day of the Dead in Oaxaca, which is what we needed the hotel for, but I wouldn’t recommend it to tourists. We like a comfortable place in a central area, and this wasn’t our first choice. Options were limited for the Day of the Dead weekend. It’s about a 20-minute cab ride or an hour’s walk from central Oaxaca. There’s no lift, just stairs, and nobody helped with the luggage. Staff don’t speak English, so you’ll need Spanish or Google Translate. The bed felt like sleeping on a box, and the shower is right beside the toilet. It seemed more like a no-fuss guest house for long-stay travelers than a hotel for tourists wanting to enjoy the center.

11,000 pesos were stolen from my room, number 207, on the last day before I left. Thieves are working in this hotel! Avoid the place if you care about your belongings and safety. Read the other reviews too, someone had a car broken into in the hotel parking lot.

Close to the city center.