CAMINO REAL OAXACA

Camino Real Oaxaca

Has been recognized by Travel & Leisure as one of the 25 best hotels in Mexico and Central and South America

Camino Real Oaxaca

Camino Real Oaxaca has been voted by Conde Nast Traveller as one of the best hotels... More Information

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LOCATION

Set in the heart of Mexico’s most regal provincial capital, the Camino Real Oaxaca reflects the vice-regal splendor of New Spain in a magnificent valley where a millennium-old way of life bathes in a climate close to perfection. The hotel itself, located in the heart of the Historic Center of Oaxaca, occupies what is a 16th century monument. Faded frescos have been rescued along the corridors. Valued at millions of pesos, twelve masterpieces of colonial painting hang in the lobby and in El Refectorio, the main restaurant. Most accommodations look out on colonnaded cloisters and five patios alive with flowers, where 21st century comfort blends with a gracious colonial lifestyle not yet vanished. The garden setting includes 87 different types of flowers and plants. The King and Queen of Spain, the Prince of Wales and many Mexican presidents have stayed at the Camino Real Oaxaca.

Capital of Oaxaca state, Oaxaca City lies in Sierra Madre valley some 5000 feet above sea level, about 300 miles southeast of Mexico City. The conquistador, Hernán Cortés, offered his choice of lands in the realm he had seized for the Emperor Charles V, chose the Valley of Oaxaca; to him it was the brightest gem of New Spain. Centuries before, the Mixtecs and Zapotecs had built great centers in the valley. These archaeological zones are among the most fascinating in all of Mexico. Today, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Oaxaca shimmers as the home of some of Mexico’s finest artists. The black pottery fashioned by its artisans is prized throughout the world. Gourmets laud the local gastronomy, especially the mole sauces, and some say Oaxaca mezcal is better even than tequila.

CATEGORY

The Camino Real Oaxaca holds the coveted four-diamond rating granted by the American Automobile Association.

According to a survey made and published by Travel+Leisure magazine, Oaxaca is the very best destination in Mexico, Central and South America. Readers listed Oaxaca as one of the seven best destinations in the world, along with Sydney, Rome, Florence, Bangkok, Cape Town and New York.

THE HOTEL’S HISTORY

Europe has castles converted into hotels, India has magnificent accommodations in what once were the palaces of rajahs, and Mexico has the Oaxaca Camino Real. Built in 1576 as the Convent of Santa Catalina de Siena, for nearly 300 years the corridors were tread by the dainty feet of the religious. They were ordered to leave during troubled times in 1862 and their former home converted into offices for municipal bureaucrats until 1972 when restoration began. The National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) supervised interior decoration. Teams of experts undertook the task of restoring the frescoes that adorned the ancient walls. The floors were rearranged according to the original design and where possible artistic treasures of yore were repaired. No two rooms in the Camino Real Oaxaca are exactly alike, but all provide modern comfort in a Spanish colonial setting.

MORE ABOUT THE HOTEL’S HISTORY

Historical references show that the construction of the “Santa Catalina” Convent started on February 12, 1576. It was the second convent founded in Mexico for the religious order of Dominican nuns. Bishop Bernardo de Albuquerque assigned Friar Hernando Cavarcos to supervise the project and manage its initial construction.

This construction was carried out during different periods, concurrent with the various stages of development that the whole community was going through at that time. A better way of adapting to the changes taking place in the society of Oaxaca was being sought. This is evident from the features the Santa Catalina Convent displays, showing how it related to the outside world.

For instance, during the 17th century, open religious services were celebrated in the Chapel and the Convent’s laundry fountain, currently known as “Los Lavaderos”, became available for public use, too.

“Los Lavaderos” is located in the courtyard of the northeast corner. It consists of carved-stone pits in an octagonal-shaped fountain with a cupola. This facility is considered to be one of the most ingenious hydraulic systems of colonial times. The water flow runs from the center of the fountain to the twelve wash-pits, maintaining a constantly steady level.

As a result of the Reform Laws of 1862, nunneries were suppressed. This situation brought many important changes to the property. First, the city government moved in, followed by a municipal jail. Later, two schools were included. A few years later, in 1873 , some church departments that had been occupying the former archbishopric, returned. An atrium was then added to the property to enhance the beauty of the artistic works that grace the building.

A stroll through the property will find two outstanding features: “The Antique Bedroom” said to have belonged to Bishop de Albuquerque, who was instrumental in the construction of the convent. The furniture is said to have been pawned, when funds became scarce and is on display on the first floor. The “Holy Place” also features priceless antique colonial furniture, with incredible art that somehow survived the tumult of the centuries.

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