Staying in what was a convent is one of the best experiences that every traveler should have. Because? Because they are very beautiful, even majestic. And what goes through your mind when you hear the word convent? A place where friars or nuns live. But at the end of the 16th century these enclosures were a school, a library, a hospital, an orchard and many other things.
In the heart of Oaxaca, a few minutes from the historic center and one block from the church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán, is the ex-monastery of Santa Catalina de Siena, which was founded by Fray Domingo de Betanzos in the 16th century to house nuns. franciscans
What was the convent of Santa Catalina de Siena is now a luxurious five-star hotel called Quinta Real, which continues to preserve its beautiful original construction. In 1998 it was named as a Cultural Patrimony of Humanity by UNESCO since it houses more than four centuries of history inside.
Quinta Real is part of Camino Real Hotels, which is made up of three different brands: Camino Real, Real Inn and Quinta Real. The group’s collection is made up of 32 hotels in 21 destinations, covering the most visited cities and beaches in Mexico.
Old world charm and modern conveniences
Each hotel in the group is unique and different with its own authentic touch. In the case of Quinta Real in Oaxaca, its corners are full of history. If the walls of Quinta Real could talk, they would have a lot to tell. Well, before being a home for religious, it was a military barracks, jail, municipal palace, cinema and Masonic lodge.
The beautiful gardens that, by the way, do so much good for the soul are not lacking in Quinta Real. In addition, a large pool to enjoy the sun that gives us its heat. Right there, in this architectural jewel, is a baroque-style laundry room where the nuns would gather to wash their habits.
Something that is also very enjoyable is walking through the corridors of the ex-convent. While you are touring the place, suddenly you connect with different patios! Likewise, during your walk through this ex-monastery full of history, you will be able to see the original frescoes on some of the walls of the Quinta Real hotel. But that is not all. In the La Capilla room, the Guelaguetza show is held weekly, one of the most important festivals in the city, which guests can enjoy all year round.
This is how at the Quinta Real Oaxaca hotel the past coexists with modernity, offering the perfect balance between old world charm and modern comforts. The rooms and suites are spacious and cozy with a colonial-style decoration.
All this makes the Quinta Real Oaxaca hotel an incomparable place where everything becomes more special because they guarantee a spectacular service to make your travel experience unforgettable.
The rooms are complemented by impeccable service and facilities that include free Wi-Fi, travel agency, taxi, laundry, dry cleaning, luggage storage, valet parking, concierge and 24-hour room service. Guests also enjoy the swimming pool, a well-equipped gym, and babysitting services.
In the place there is a restaurant called El Refectorio that stands out for its Oaxacan and international cuisine; in addition to the Bugambilias bar that offers an a la carte menu with a wide variety of wines, cocktails and more than 101 types of mezcal. The candlelit bar “Las Novicias” provides a romantic atmosphere with live music on weekends.
The Quinta Real Oaxaca hotel is also ideal for romantic weddings or any event you want to celebrate in this charming colonial city located at Calle 5 de Mayo No. 300 Colonia Centro. CP 68000, Oaxaca Mexico. Only 15 minutes from the airport.
Quinta Real is close to the must-see museums of the city of Oaxaca, the nature of the Ethnobotanical Garden, the famous Árbol del Tule and the archaeological zone of Monte Albán, which is one of the greatest attractions in the area.
In short, Quinta Real offers all the wealth of the city of Oaxaca with its cobbled streets in the center, the impressive cathedrals and its fascinating market where you can enjoy delicious cuisine such as mole, grasshoppers, tlayudas, water chocolate, within an atmosphere full of color and tradition. Quinta Real is definitely a magical place that invites people to write their own story.