Lofts Marques Oaxaca

The location was the only convenient part for us. The updated lobby and room photos are misleading: the rooms are outdated and need maintenance. A floorboard was lifted and popped down underfoot, there was exposed wiring right by the shower, and the fan looked like it could fall off any moment. For the price, it's fine if you just need somewhere to sleep for one night. They advertise parking, but I'd be wary of counting on it. There are only four spaces, so arrive early or you'll have to park on the street. Even when you have a space, allow at least 15 extra minutes to leave. Employees park at the entrance, and someone has to find the employee, get the keys, and wait for the car to be moved.

The innkeeper and staff were helpful and accommodating, the pool was usable for swimming, and the location was decent. It's around a 10-minute walk to the markets and maybe 15 to the Zocalo. The rooms are old and cramped, with old beds and sheets, sheer curtains, and a shower room where the toilet sits right under the shower head. There's barely room to move around someone else, and using the toilet means being in the shower. If you want AC or more space, this probably isn't the place for you. If you're under 25, adventurous, or used to having little space, you might find it great.

We found it a great place to stay in Oaxaca, with a handy location for getting around and exploring the city.

I wouldn’t recommend booking here. I reserved a room at Posada de Marques through Hostelworld more than 7 weeks ahead of Dia de los Muertos, one of Oaxaca’s busiest and most expensive hotel periods, and the booking was confirmed right away. Two weeks later, they emailed to say there was no availability and offered to help find a room at Hotel America nearby. Its reviews were considerably worse, and it didn’t even have hot water, despite nighttime temperatures dropping to 11°C. I’d booked at $37 per night, but by then nothing was available for under $50. I emailed back asking them to honor the confirmed booking and got no response. I later asked for a refund by email and heard nothing then either. A place that doesn’t honor its bookings or reply to emails isn’t somewhere I’d recommend staying.