The Best Unusual Hotels to Book in Puerto Escondido, Mexico

The setting’s a real treat, situated on a tranquil slice of coast about 18mi (30km) west of town. A stay here is heaven – from the spa treatments to the luxuriant palapas sheltering king-size beds, tucked alongside wild cactus groves just steps from the beach. There are only 16 of them, so it’s a secluded spot minus large crowds. The hotel is popular for its large pool and its restaurant, serving international and Oaxacan dishes – including seafood, naturally. Guests must be 16 years or older, so this isn’t an option for families.

Get the classic big beachside resort experience at Vivo, a 25-minute drive from Puerto Escondido. With a mix of fully equipped apartments and villas, as well as more standard hotel rooms, it has mid-price accommodation options for most needs, including families – a kids’ club is offered, too. While some lodgings have full kitchens, there are two restaurants on-site — one Thai, one Oaxacan — as well as two bars and plenty of excursions laid on for visitors looking to get out to explore the area’s natural beauty.

Shavanna is an affordable number in the center of Puerto Escondido – nice and easy from the airport – with restaurants and beaches no distance whatsoever. Expect a mix of suites, standard rooms and self-contained apartments, appointed with simple yet comfortable furniture. It’s a good option for digital nomads, with an open-air co-working space and longer-term stays welcome. Even if you’re only sleeping over on a journey elsewhere, you’ll love the pool and a few ice-cold beers in the casual in-house bar, too.

A hostel, rather than a hotel, Selina is one of the best cheap options in Puerto Escondido. Not that what you save in money you’ll lose out on with location, though: it’s right across from the north end of the Zicatela surfing beach. Lodgings manage to mingle dorms and private rooms – some have shared bathrooms – simple yet tastefully furnished. With bar nights, live music and co-working spaces during the day, it’s also a good bet for social butterflies.

This enchanting colorful beach house is ideal for groups of up to 12 – with private bathrooms connected to each of the five bedrooms, you’ll still have space to feel holiday solitude. Tick boxes for a pool, covered terrace, full kitchen and wifi – and the whole thing’s just a one-minute walk to surf destination, Playa Zicatela. Central Puerto Escondido is just a couple of kilometers down the road – if you fancy it. If not, there are plenty of bars and restaurants close by. Take note: you have to book the whole house, so this isn’t ideal for solo travelers or couples.

The price is modest, but even so, this casual near-central hotel won’t disappoint – it’s got all the necessities, from air conditioning and parking to an outdoor pool and bar. Best for small groups, the cool, concrete-chic rooms have multiple beds and there’s a hostel-style shared kitchen and communal space available. Step out and you’ve got the beach just a couple of minutes away on foot. Just be aware that this is not family-friendly: the hotel only accepts adult guests.

This four-star favorite is right by the Zicatela surfing beach and central Puerto Escondido, with 53 rooms in a tiled-hacienda-style building – many of them have views and for a few dollars more, you might book one of the handful of refined suites. It’s all air-conditioned and wifi’d-up and considering the caliber of the place, rates are pretty great value. Especially when you factor in the palm tree-lined pool and a highly reputable in-house restaurant, serving seafood and irresistible – if rather calorific – Mexican specialties.

Across the way from Zicatela beach, Hotel Rockaway attracts a faithful crowd, drawn to its mix of bright, modern hotel rooms and self-contained apartments – including plenty with Pacific views with wifi and air conditioning across the board. This is one of the larger hotels in Puerto Escondido proper, blessed with two pools, a sizeable gym, solarium, meeting rooms, a small on-site shopping center and a restaurant, open day and night. It’s also close to numerous other restaurants and bars, so your holiday can be an idle one.