HOTEL INFORMATION
Camino Real Oaxaca
 Oaxaca, Mexico

This four centuries old ex-convent of Santa Catalina (declared an historic monument by UNESCO) is located conveniently about 4 blocks from the main square (the zocalo.) and is close to shopping, dining, museums and galleries.

Some find the rooms on the second floor to be more pleasant than those on the ground floor. Others prefer to walk out of their room into one of the many garden courtyards. One of the larger patios, one with the large, carved, stone basin in the center, is called Los Lavaderos (the laundry); it’s where the Dominican sisters of the convent used to wash their clothes.

The old convent of Santa Catalina has adapted to its role as a hotel, without sacrificing its original style and grace. A romantic feeling still lingers in the breezy courtyards and small enclosed patios. This is definitely for those who want to bathe in the ambiance of ‘luxurious authenticity’. The addition of a beautiful courtyard-enclosed pool, breakfast buffet in the garden and the weekly Guelaguetza dinner-show celebration all add up to a magnificent blending of old and new; the pairing of simplicity and elegance.

There are certainly other fine hotels in Oaxaca, but of course none compare with the Camino Real (formerly known as "El Presidente"). We offer our guests the opportunity to enrich their stay in this historic city, adding even greater vacation pleasure.

Represented by the Oaxaca Hotel Group and managed by Camino Real Hotels, it remains under the auspices of the National Institute of History and Anthropology (INAH) and is designated a national treasure.

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ACCOMMODATIONS
All rooms have ceiling fans, air-conditioning, telephone, color satellite TV, shower and bathtub.

Roll-away beds and cribs available with minimal charges. 

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DINING

Restaurant
El Refectorio

Enjoy traditional Oaxacan specialties as well as regional Mexican dishes at Camino's well regarded El Refectorio restaurant. Utilizing fresh, local ingredients our chef creates tantalizing buffets, full breakfasts, lunches and dinners for your enjoyment.

 

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AMENITIES

  • Outdoor swimming pool
  • Twenty four hour room service
  • Safe deposit boxes
  • Laundry and dry cleaning
  • Doctor on-call
  • Restaurant El Refectorio
  • Bars Las Novicias & Las Bugambilias
  • Tobacco shop and newsstand
  • Taxi stand / Travel agency


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BONUS FEATURES

Enjoy the beautiful public areas within the hotel, such as the spacious outdoor pool area with its charming bar 'Novicias' tucked under the archways, as well as the beautiful Patios 'Los Lavaderos' and 'Los Naranjos', 'Las Rosas' and 'Bugambilias'.

You might be tempted to just stay in the hotel to bathe in the ambiance of the luxurious authenticity found in every nook and cranny, but there is so much to find in a culturally rich colonial city like Oaxaca that you'll be out exploring right after your magnificent breakfast buffet out in the patio

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE HOTEL

Santa Catalina Convent. Construction of this magnificent colonial building began in 1576, when the foundation was laid for the second convent in Mexico to be founded for the order of Dominican nuns. The most prominent among many reminders of the original plans and use of the hotel are the impressive chapel, the alto coro with its precise natural acoustics and the beautiful washing well in the north east courtyard called Los Lavaderos - still existent in the hotel. The wash fountain features twelve stone bowls, in which water was kept at a steady level by the convent's and the city's ingenious hydraulic system. Remnants of the city aqueduct can be seen just a few blocks from the Camino.

You can also visit the room reported to have been used by Bishop de Albuquerque, who was instrumental in the construction of the convent. Guests can now see the priceless antique furniture with its incredible baroque carving which has now been restored and is on display. At one point, years ago, it was pawned when funds became scarce, but thanks to the impeccable restoration plans the hotel has rescued it.

Over the years, the convent has evolved along with Mexico's turbulent history, but has always been a vital part of the community. During the 1600s, open religious services were held in the chapel for the first time and the convent's washing well became available for use by the public.
After the suppression of the Church by the Reform Laws of 1862, the convent assumed a variety of new roles. First as a government office and then a municipal jail. Later it was used as a school. And for a short time in the 1950s the chapel served as a movie theater in what was then a poor small southern Mexican town. In 1975 the government made the convent available for use as a hotel. It has been beautifully and lovingly restored, in keeping with its history providing guests a respite from the excitement of exploring the other rich treasures of Oaxaca.

Guelaguetza!
               at the Camino Real

Don’t miss this most spectacular presentation of the traditional dances of the Guelaguetza-- a magnificent selection from the seven regions of Oaxaca. Held in the beautiful 16th century chapel, offering a sumptuous Oaxacan buffet, 20 regional dancers in glorious costumes and a 14 piece village brass band. An exhilarating evening of rich folkloric tradition in a majestic setting. If you like, you can pre-purchase the tickets when you make your hotel reservations with us.

 

The Beautiful regional costumes glimmer under the golden glow of the candles in the chapel during the Guelaguetza dinner performance held each Friday evening at the Camino Real.
One of the many beautiful patios that are surrounded by our rooms

The magnificent chapel as seen from the choir loft.

    
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