There are big luxury hotels ready to seduce you with luxury, then there are small boutique hotels that are intimate and personal—which one do you prefer? Travelers pick their accommodation for various reasons; my preference is for small hotels outside the mainstream, with a touch of the quirky or quaint, reflecting the local culture wherever you are. Hotel Ayook in Oaxaca is such a hotel.
The name ‘Ayook’ comes from the indigenous Mixe language and translates to ‘the people with the language of the mountains’. It refers to the people themselves and to their language, signifying their identity as an indigenous group from the eastern highlands (Sierra Norte) of the state of Oaxaca, known for its hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails through lush, spectacular cloud forest. Oaxaca has 16 officially recognized indigenous groups with vastly different languages and customs, creating a state that is ethnically the most diverse in Mexico.
Hotel Ayook offers a contemporary blend of traditional Mexican charm and modern comfort, and is the perfect place to put your head on a pillow at night when staying in Oaxaca. Located a mere five-minute walk from the buzzing heart of the old town and two minutes to the Michelin star restaurant Criollo, it’s within easy meandering distance of the Oaxaca Cathedral, Santo Domingo Temple, and local markets.
When my daughter and I were there, we walked everywhere, despite some of it being uphill (maybe a walking stick would have been a good idea for the old girl) and down—it’s a treasure trove for the strolling explorer. From the hotel, it’s a level promenade down Avenida de la Independencia on very skinny sidewalks, where passing another person quite often entails a staring competition as to who will step off onto the cobblestoned roadway. The avenue is the city's living, breathing main artery, showcasing its historical, cultural, and commercial life. It’s a focal point adorned with discrete doorways to restaurants, glass walls of shops, colourful buildings, and stunning colonial architecture. This avenue connects most of the iconic landmarks, such as the Basilica of Nuestra Señora de Soledad, a Roman Catholic basilica built between 1682 and 1690, which is near the hotel, to the shady Zócalo, where locals and tourists gather in the middle of the town. For any information about the city and its sights, if you forget to ask before you leave the hotel, head to the Oaxaca Tourist hut on one side of the square.
The vibe at Ayook is informal and intimate. There is no grand façade to walk through on arrival, only a rustic wooden door (you will get your own key once checked in) that leads into a world of calm away from the hustle and bustle of the roadway. Colourful facades and intricate local craftsmanship create an inviting atmosphere only enhanced by the staff’s smiles and willingness to help in any way possible. There are only 12 carefully designed rooms over two floors, decorated with a local artisanal touch. Think indigenous textiles and artworks that showcase Oaxaca’s dynamic culture. The rooms are spacious and thoughtfully designed. Some feature balconies or interior terraces with views of the city or the surrounding mountains, offering guests a perfect spot to relax and soak in the scenery. Ayook is an ‘adults only’ hotel, translating to no screaming kids to put up with.
If you can’t wait until breakfast for your early morning espresso coffee, there is a café to haunt in the wee hours of the morning that opens to the public. It became a ritual for my daughter and me to grab our first caffeine hit of the day here and take it back to our room to savor slowly. There is also a dedicated tea and coffee station, complete with some of the best biscuits I have ever tasted, on the second level, where you can help yourself at any time of the day. Complimentary breakfast at Ayook is set up outside your door at your own table overlooking the atrium of greenery. It’s a la carte eggs and ready when you want to eat, whether you are still in your PJs or not. The hotel’s café also serves as a restaurant with its own terrace overlooking Avenida de la Independencia. Here you will find local specialties and iconic regional flavors, including mole and tlayudas (often called Mexican pizza). After a day of buzzing around town, you can hang out on the rooftop terrace with a drink while watching the sun set, or if you wish for some lazy time during the day, there are a couple of hammocks perfect for a book reading session.
The hotel’s staff are happy to assist guests with local advice, transport, organizing tours, guides, and cultural experiences, or maybe getting you into the best cooking class in the whole of Oaxaca. Dedicated to eco-friendly practices, Hotel Ayook supports the local producers and artisans, giving a sense of community and cultural preservation. Nature lovers and adventure seekers will find plenty of opportunities nearby. The city’s surrounding hills and valleys are dotted with scenic spots, such as Cerro del Fortín, which offers panoramic views of Oaxaca City. Additionally, the surrounding regions are famous for their indigenous villages, where visitors can learn about traditional ways of life, weaving, and pottery-making.
Hotel Ayook is more than just a bed; it’s like staying at a friend’s home with all the benefits and none of the impositions or obligations that friends can sometimes allude to. Whether visiting for a cultural exploration, culinary adventure, or a peaceful retreat, guests at Ayook Hotel leave with a memorable experience rooted in the rich heritage and warm hospitality of Oaxaca.
Gail Palethorpe, a self proclaimed Australian gypsy, is a freelance writer, photographer and eternal traveller. Check out her website Gail Palethorpe Photography and her Shutterstock profile.
