Quinta Real, Oaxaca

Centrally located, the former Convent of Santa Catalina de Siena is a spectacular 16th century landmark that was restored in 1994 under the supervision of the Mexican government and offers a choice of luxurious and individually appointed suites with street or garden views. Although some of the rooms are small and reminiscent of, well, a convent, the larger rooms receive more light and all categories are beautifully furnished and harken back to the building’s colonial past. Exterior rooms enjoy large windows out onto the street, interior rooms are quieter with views to the hotel gardens. The attractive grounds include a grassy courtyard and a heated pool, a beautiful breakfast area under the arches of the old kitchen and a restaurant with an excellent reputation for fine food. One of the hotel’s most unusual features is its historic old laundry area.