برچسب: Hotel

  • Quinta Real Hotel in Oaxaca: A Blend of Luxury, History, and Authenticity

    Quinta Real Hotel in Oaxaca: A Blend of Luxury, History, and Authenticity


    Nestled in the heart of Oaxaca, Mexico, the Quinta Real Hotel stands as a testament to the rich history and culture of the region. This review explores the various facets of this enchanting hotel we enjoyed during our visit to the city, from its luxurious rooms to its delectable cuisine and everything in between.

    Quinta Real Hotel is not just a place to stay; it’s an immersive experience that seamlessly blends the old and the new, offering guests a unique opportunity to connect with the soul of Oaxaca.

    Rooms: A Haven of Comfort and Elegance

    Quinta Real Hotel’s rooms are more than just spaces to rest; they are cocoons of comfort and elegance.

    The Deluxe Rooms, adorned with local artwork and equipped with vintage amenities, provide a perfect balance between traditional charm and contemporary convenience. 

    room quinta real oaxaca

    The Suites, with their spacious layouts and panoramic views, offer a heightened sense of opulence. Guests can unwind in luxurious surroundings, appreciating the attention to detail that defines the quintessential Oaxacan hospitality experienced in each room.

    For those visiting Oaxaca with kids, it’s important to note that the beds are full size double beds, not queen or king size.

    The ambiance within the rooms is carefully curated to reflect the cultural richness of Oaxaca. From the choice of textiles to the handcrafted furniture, every element tells a story, creating an atmosphere that encourages relaxation and cultural immersion.

    Quinta Real Hotel invites guests to not just stay in a room but to embark on a sensory journey through the artistic and historical tapestry that defines the Oaxacan aesthetic.

    Common Areas: Old-World Elegance Meets Modern Comfort

    The common areas of Quinta Real Hotel are a perfect fusion of old-world elegance and contemporary comfort. The lobby, adorned with historical artifacts and colonial-inspired decor, serves as a welcoming gateway to the hotel’s rich history. Guests can- and should- take a leisurely stroll through the corridors, marveling at the architectural splendors of the meticulously restored 16th-century convent.

    The courtyard, with its lush greenery and tranquil fountain, is a serene escape within the bustling city. It’s a space where guests can unwind with a book, enjoy a cup of local coffee, or simply bask in the beauty of the surroundings. The swimming pool area, surrounded by palm trees and adorned with comfortable loungers, provides a refreshing oasis for relaxation and rejuvenation.

    pool quinta real oaxaca

    Quinta Real Hotel’s commitment to preserving the historical integrity of the building while offering modern amenities creates a unique and immersive stay for every guest.

    History of the Hotel: A Journey Through Time

    Quinta Real Hotel is not merely a place to rest; it’s a living museum that tells the story of Oaxaca’s rich history. The hotel is housed within a meticulously restored 16th-century convent, a structure that has witnessed centuries of cultural evolution (learn 40+ fun and interesting facts of Mexico!). Original architectural elements, such as the intricate archways and stone columns, have been preserved to transport guests to a bygone era.

     The convent later became a movie theater, and eventually was bought to become what is Oaxaca’s best high end hotel within the city center.

    Exploring the history of the hotel is like taking a step back in time, with every nook and cranny revealing a piece of Oaxaca’s cultural tapestry. The hotel’s commitment to historical preservation is evident in the way it seamlessly integrates the past with the present, creating an immersive environment that educates and enchants visitors.

    Guests can partake in guided tours led by knowledgeable staff, gaining insights into the hotel’s transformation and its significance in Oaxacan history.

    Dining: Culinary Delights at Quinta Real

    Food enthusiasts will find themselves in gastronomic heaven at Quinta Real Hotel. The on-site restaurant showcases the best of Oaxacan cuisine, featuring locally sourced ingredients and traditional recipes.

    The culinary team, led by experienced chefs, crafts a menu that celebrates the diverse flavors of the region. From the iconic mole poblano to the rich and complex taste of mezcal, every dish and drink tells a story of Oaxaca’s culinary heritage.

    We did have a delicious dinner the first night that we arrived, but it’s the breakfast that really blew our socks off. As you can see in the pictures they have everything you might want and more, scattered as well along different rooms.

    For what it’s worth I don’t really like to eat non sweet food in the mornings, but the tamales I had hear were the best I’ve had anywhere. Really.

    The dining experience at Quinta Real extends beyond exquisite flavors. The restaurant’s ambiance is carefully designed to complement the culinary journey, with warm lighting, elegant decor, and attentive service creating a memorable atmosphere. Guests can choose to dine al fresco in the courtyard for a romantic evening under the stars or enjoy a more intimate setting indoors.

    breakfast quinta real oaxaca

    The breakfast at the Quinta Real in Oaxaca has to be one of the best I’ve ever had. The tamales they had were- hands down- the best I’ve eaten anywhere.

    Whether it’s a hearty breakfast, a leisurely lunch, or a sophisticated dinner, Quinta Real Hotel elevates the dining experience to a cultural celebration of Oaxacan cuisine.

    courtyard quinta real oaxaca

    Spa and Wellness: Rejuvenation in Tranquil Surroundings

    For those seeking relaxation, the hotel’s spa and wellness facilities are a sanctuary for the mind and body. Indulge in a range of rejuvenating treatments inspired by ancient Oaxacan healing traditions, ensuring a blissful escape from the stresses of everyday life. The spa, with its soothing ambiance and skilled therapists, invites guests to unwind and embrace a holistic approach to well-being.

    The wellness offerings at Quinta Real extend beyond traditional spa treatments. Guests can partake in yoga sessions in the peaceful courtyard, surrounded by the fragrance of local flowers and the gentle sounds of nature. 

    The hotel’s commitment to holistic wellness is reflected in every aspect of the spa experience, from the carefully selected ingredients used in treatments to the tranquil surroundings that promote relaxation and rejuvenation.

    Events and Meetings: A Venue for Every Occasion

    Quinta Real Hotel goes beyond being a mere accommodation; it’s also a premier venue for events and meetings. The hotel offers state-of-the-art facilities, expert event planning services, and an exquisite backdrop for weddings, conferences, and social gatherings. The meeting rooms, equipped with modern technology, provide a sophisticated setting for business events, while the lush courtyard and elegant banquet halls offer versatile options for celebrations.

    The hotel’s event planning team works closely with organizers to ensure every detail is meticulously executed. From intimate family celebrations to large corporate conferences, Quinta Real Hotel caters to a diverse range of events. The seamless blend of historical charm and contemporary amenities creates an ambiance that enhances the significance of every occasion, making it a memorable experience for both hosts and guests.

    Local Experiences: Exploring Oaxaca Beyond the Hotel

    Quinta Real Oaxaca Hotel not only provides a luxurious retreat but also serves as a gateway to the vibrant city of Oaxaca. The hotel’s concierge can curate personalized experiences, from guided tours of historical sites to culinary adventures exploring the local markets. Guests have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the cultural tapestry of Oaxaca, discovering the art, traditions, and flavors that define this captivating region.

    Beyond the hotel’s walls, Oaxaca offers a myriad of experiences waiting to be explored. Guests can embark on a mezcal tasting tour, visit local artisan markets, or attend traditional festivals.

    The hotel’s concierge team, with their in-depth knowledge of the region, assists guests in creating a bespoke itinerary that reflects their interests and preferences. 

    Quinta Real Hotel not only provides a luxurious stay but also opens doors to the authentic and enriching experiences that Oaxaca has to offer.



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  • How to Book a Cheap Hotel in 2025

    How to Book a Cheap Hotel in 2025


    A beautiful hotel with a huge pool in San Jose, Costa Rica

    As much as I love hostels, there is something nice about the luxuriousness of a hotel: the clean room, comfy bed, desk, iron, strong shower, and bottled soap for the taking (errr…I mean borrowing). They are a quiet, relaxing respite from the world.

    But luxury comes at a price.

    Hotels aren’t cheap and I hate spending money on a room I am only going to be in for a few hours. Often, even at my age, I would much rather stay in a hostel (private room though!), which costs less, has more social interaction, and doesn’t make you feel as removed from the destination you’re staying at. I always feel hotels are isolating, like a concrete bubble keeping you out of the place you’re visiting.

    That said, the older I get, the more I use hotel points, and the more I travel for work, the more I find myself staying in hotels, especially if it’s a short trip.

    I’ve spent years looking at websites trying to find the best ways to get the best rates on hotel rooms because the budget traveler in me hates spending a lot of money. Post-COVID, hotel prices have increased a lot and it seems there are fewer and fewer bargains these days.

    But there are a lot of ways to actually get a good deal and stack deals on deals to lower the cost of your room.

    Let me show you how.

    Want to travel the world for free?

    Download my free guide to points and miles and learn how to master the one thing all travel experts do to save money and get free flights and accommodation!

    Enter your info below to get the guide sent to you right away:

    How to Book Cheap Hotels

    Here is how to find the cheapest hotel in one simple step:

    First, go to Google and type in where you want to go. For example, “New York City hotels.”

    That’s it. Google will pull results from all the major booking websites and tell you what site is the cheapest. You just go there and book your hotel. That’s why it’s the best booking site because, rather than searching every website individually, you can just go to Google, find which website has the cheapest rate, and book there. It saves a lot of time!

    Here’s a step-by-step guide:

    A screenshot for booking a hotel on Google

    Click on the “View hotels” button at the bottom of the first result section to go to Google’s hotel searching hub.

    A screenshot for booking a hotel on Google

    Next, put in your dates and filters to narrow your search until you find a hotel you like in your price range. You’ll be able to sort by lowest price and look at the map to book by location. You can even see typical pricing trends for your dates by clicking on “what you’ll pay.”

    A screenshot for booking a hotel on Google

    Click on the “view prices” button for a hotel and you’ll be presented with all your booking options. Find the lowest price and head to that website. Just keep in mind that the top results are usually ads, so scroll down to make sure you aren’t missing out on any deals.

    A screenshot for booking a hotel on Google

    Once you’ve found the lowest price, book at that website!

    But, before you actually book the room, there are a couple of other tips you need to know about to ensure you get the best price possible:

    1. Contact the hotel directly

    Find the hotel, call them up, and ask them to match the offer (they usually will since it saves them on commission). If they are a big global brand, the big benefit to direct bookings is that you only earn loyalty points and status when you book direct, so if you love earning points and miles, don’t book their rooms elsewhere!

    2. Use points

    The best way to save money on a hotel room is to not have to pay for it. Collect hotel points through branded credit cards or transferring them from a Chase, Capital One, etc., and book a free room. I save thousands upon thousands of dollars a year doing this. Here are my favorite hotel cards to get you started.

    3. Use discount rates like AAA or AARP

    If you are part of the AARP or AAA you can get special rates that are cheaper. Fun fact: Anyone can join the AARP. I’m a member. They have amazing travel benefits (including deals on hotels and British Airways flights). It’s well worth the membership.

    4. Use Mr.Rebates or Rakuten

    If the lowest rate is through a major booking site like Booking.com, Expedia, or Hotels.com, go through Mr. Rebates or Rakuten. By using their links, you’ll get 1–10% back. It’s a little extra savings that can add up over time. I never do any online shopping without going to these sites (they have deals for everything).

    5. Book a mystery deal

    Both Priceline and Hotwire offer cheaper rates on hotel bookings where you don’t get the full reservation details up front. On Hotwire’s Hot Rates and Priceline’s Express Deals, you’ll see the general neighborhood as well as star rating of the property and amenities offered, just not the exact hotel itself. With Priceline’s Pricebreakers deals, you’ll be guaranteed one of three hotels that they group together (you just won’t know which one until you book). You can save 30–60% off with these deals if you can tolerate a bit of the unknown!

    6. Sign up for Booking.com’s loyalty program

    Booking.com offers members 10–20% off bookings. They definitely helped a lot. Before you sign up for their loyalty programs before you book with them!

    7. Get discounted gift cards

    You can book major hotel chains with hotel gift cards. Check out a website like Giftcardgranny.com for discounted gift cards and use it to book your hotel. (Gift card purchases also count toward point earnings and status.)

    8. Buy someone else’s reservation with Roomer

    Often people can’t go on a trip and can’t cancel the reservation, so rather than lose the money, hotels put these rooms on Roomer, where they sell it at a discount to earn some money back. I’ve never used this website, but I’ve heard good things about it.

    ***

    Hotel pricing is a lot more set than airline pricing and tends to fluctuate less. I wouldn’t spend hours searching hotel websites or days tracking prices like people do with airline prices. I’d spend, at the most, 30 minutes on booking a hotel.

    Just follow the steps above to get a cheap hotel by using my favorite (and what have been shown to be the best) hotel booking websites listed here so you get a good deal and enjoy your trip quicker.

    And if you find yourself staying in a lot of hotels, it might be worth looking into getting a hotel credit card so that you can start earning points towards free stays (free is always better than cheap)!

    Stop paying full price for travel!

    Download my free guide to points and miles and learn how to use points and miles for free travel! It’s how all the pros travel so much! In this guide, I’ll show you:

    • How to Pick a Credit Card
    • How to Earn Up to 10x Miles on Your Spending
    • How to Redeem Your Points
    • And a Ton of Other Money Saving Tips!
    Points and Miles

    Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

    Book Your Flight
    Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner. It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

    Book Your Accommodation
    You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

    Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
    Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

    Want to Travel for Free?
    Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

    Need a Rental Car?
    Discover Cars is a budget-friendly international car rental website. No matter where you’re headed, they’ll be able to find the best — and cheapest — rental for your trip!

    Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip?
    Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

    Ready to Book Your Trip?
    Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.



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