We did not stay in the hotel; but did explore the beautiful ground and ancient buildings. A very inspiring, very old and very historical building. It is most likely the best hotel in Oaxaca, is very expensive and very well guarded and secure.
Built like a castle, it actually was a convent, there are many dining or activity rooms, a pool, fantastic landscaping, flowers and shrubbery. Even at night these areas are tastefully lighted and accented. Quite a place to see. And if there is a wedding reception or some other event planned, the staff will have the room appropriately decked-out.
We ate two wonderful lunches here, at tables under the columned arched areas alongside the buildings but facing out on the landscaping. One occasion as on a Sunday and there was a very well-dressed and formal mariachi quartet. Not with sombreros, but in very nice tan suits. They were very courteous, moved about unobtrusively and were not loudly banging out the music as you might be familiar with at less classy facilities. This group was as classy as the building.
Menu was interesting and offered some samplers. One that I tried was of three moles, those complicated sauces that Oaxaca is known for. There was a different mole for a pork, beef and chicken dish. Served with tortillas it was nice as well as interesting.
But be prepared for a formal, dignified, yet cold and distant waiter. And it took forever on both occasions to get service. Plan on a two hour lunch, for example. And prices are high, much higher than you will find in the area. But then again, there are not that many ancient convents that have been preserved, are there? read more