Otro Oaxaca: For Travelers, Not Tourists

Otro Oaxaca immerses travelers within Oaxaca through another lens—one that is undeniably, authentically local. Sited directly across from the Church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán and its pedestrian-only plaza, the hotel appears unassuming from the street. But behind its historic façade is a contemporary compound that extends the vibrancy of the public square through a series of picturesque courtyards, a lively roof terrace, and cultural spaces. Such areas encourage moments of lingering and mingling amongst visitors and locals alike, while guestrooms and an underground spa provide serene retreats.

“Oaxaca is a city we know really well, and it’s very close to our hearts,” say Originals Carlos Couturier and Moisés Micha, cofounders of Grupo Habita. “Otro Oaxaca embodies the spirit of an authentic local friend. It sets the tone for discovering the city slowly and through chance encounters, just as we like to.”

Otro Oaxaca’s building was designed by the team of local architects at RootStudio, led by João Boto Caeiro, a key figure in the city’s creative community and catalyst behind the hotel’s personality. The floor plan takes inspiration from the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mitla, with a cross-shaped walkway at the heart of the design. Meanwhile, its principal materials reference those of Santo Domingo, with brick walls and a limestone rooftop terrace. These unpolished materials are complemented by raw concrete and reclaimed wood, reflecting the textured surfaces typical of Oaxacan architecture.

“Everything about the hotel is 100% local—the team, the materials, the entire production. It’s meant to be a place that travelers and locals can enjoy equally,” João says.

Floating stairways and flickering shadow play define open-air spaces, while the interiors, designed by Carlos Couturier, showcase the craftsmanship of the region. Everything from the furniture to the linens was specifically designed for Otro Oaxaca and handcrafted by local artisans using regionally sourced materials, creating a utilitarian yet sophisticated ambiance. 

The vibrancy found throughout communal spaces is juxtaposed in the 16 guest accommodations, where a sense of serenity is established through elegant simplicity. Wooden tables crafted by local carpenters appear alongside soft quilts, leather curtains, and textured clay pieces handmade in Oaxacan ateliers. Offering the opportunity to fully indulge in unwinding the Oaxacan way are a series of multistory suites, privately accessed via a courtyard, with their own dip-pools and terraces.  

For an even deeper sense of tranquility, the wellness spa Otro Mundo—one of few in the city—invites guests to descend into “another world.” Walking down laddered steps, the sun from the brightly lit patio slowly fades to reveal a calming darkness. Here, a breathtaking underground pool reminiscent of a cenote awaits, accompanied by a steam room, an ice bath, and two private rooms for treatments, all of which has been inspired by ancient wisdom.

Other publicly accessible spaces, including the roof terrace, the ground-floor restaurant, and a gathering space deemed The Búnker, unite locals and travelers over shared meals and cultural exchanges. Given the notoriety of Oaxacan cuisine, chef Saúl Carranza’s menu at the restaurant is certain to surprise diners in the best possible way. With less focus on tradition and more emphasis on flavor, freshness, and unexpected textures, his signature dishes, all created with local ingredients, can be enjoyed on the ground-floor patio as well as the large communal table on the roof, where Saúl and his team cook on an open grill. The Búnker, located adjacent to the hotel’s main patio, provides the perfect ambiance for co-working and catch-ups, yet the space will also host screenings, performances, and other social gatherings—reinforcing Otro Oaxaca’s ties with the local community.

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