Hotel Review: Grana B&B, Oaxaca

Far grander than the bed and breakfast in the name would suggest, Grana is an example of how to restore an 18th-century Oaxacan mansion and transform it into one of the city’s best boutique hotels.

Grana B&B: Oaxaca's boutique gem

First Impressions 

Blink, and you just might miss it. But when you enter the sanctuary of Grana, the unassuming facade feels like a secret gateway. Find hundreds of plants, tall ceilings with curved enclaves, and a warm receptionist offering you a glass of refreshing fruit juice. We arrived before check-in and were welcomed to relax on the patio with a cup of coffee from the machine, with our bags waiting in our room when it was ready.

Location

Step through the weighty arched front door, and you’re instantly hit with market stalls and the buzzy atmosphere of Oaxaca’s streets. The baroque Santo Domingo is just a block away, and the city’s must-see sights like the Museo Textil de Oaxaca and the Graphic Arts Institute of Oaxaca are within a 10-minute walk through the colourful, low-slung old town. The many options for food, be it street vendors or traditional colonial-style restaurants, are within easy reach, too. It feels like the city is at your fingertips. 

Facilities & Services

This is an inner-city boutique hotel, so don’t come expecting lists of on-site activities. But do come expecting a warm, attentive service, where the friendly front desk staff are available 24/7. There’s a prompt laundry service, along with other concierge services, and the staff are always happy to help organise local tours and offer recommendations. There’s a thoughtful turndown service – think slippers by the bed, dimmed lights, cookies, and other much-welcomed touches.

The glorious teal tiled kitchen is Grana’s piece de resistance. And it’s not just for their beloved breakfast; it’s a wonderful communal kitchen. Picture this: you recreate a recipe you learnt the day before in a Oaxacan cooking class (a must-do in the city) and enjoy it alfresco in the open-air patio enveloped by plants, sipping a coffee from the machine in the kitchen.

The rooftop transforms throughout the day, too. There are twice-weekly free morning yoga classes, which drift into afternoons reading in the hammocks and soaking up the city-to-mountain panoramic views, and culminate with mezcalitas from the cocktail cart from 6pm. 

The traditional beauty of this boutique hotel makes it one of the most sought-after spaces in the whole city. They can host events for up to 85 people, including yoga groups and even weddings. 

Rooms

There are 14 rooms that feature the original layout, tall ceilings, and traditional wooden shutters. No two rooms are the same, but they all share dark terracotta floors, crisp white bedding, large windows or doors, and glazed tiles and walk-in showers. And of course, plenty of plants. The rooms are bright yet warm and inviting, tempting you to jump into the comfortable bed and watch Netflix on the Smart TV over nights out. 

We discovered more goodies and Oaxacan artisanal touches the longer we stayed there, from small but helpful things like cotton pads in the bathroom to palm-woven hats and bags that guests are free to use. We stayed in a suite with a wraparound balconette, putting us right into the vibrant action, while the double-paned glass shut it out when we were done for the day. But there are earplugs provided if noise travels through.

Food & Drink

As a B&B, Grana only serves breakfast, but a Grana breakfast is a good enough reason to stay here. There are all the usual suspects of a spread – fruits, yoghurts, toast – but lovingly elevated and distinctly Oaxacan, from homemade granola to the huge stone pot of hot sauce. Load up on the muffins, croissants, and cinnamon rolls, enjoyed with as many cups of chocolate de agua and cafe de olla as you like. The mammoth spread is displayed in the extremely photogenic kitchen – tuck in around the communal old wooden table or on the patio. 

There’s also a changing daily special, cooked by a team of local female chefs. Think huevos rancheros with salsa verde / salsa roja and tlayudas. 

Value

Grana does an amazing job of feeling elevated way beyond its price point. The attention to detail, the incredible breakfast, and the personalised service make this one of Oaxaca’s best-priced boutique hotels.

Prices start from £130 per night.

Is Grana B&B family-friendly?

Grana is set in a historic building, so there are tall steps and limitations for pushchairs. However, the team absolutely welcome families and children, and can arrange cribs and cots upon request. There are also two rooms that can accommodate four people: the double room with two double beds and the twin room, which also has two double beds. 

Is Grana B&B accessible?

Given the layout of the building, there are limitations for guests with accessibility needs. There are steep stairs, and there is no lift. However, the team can accommodate wheelchair users.

Is Grana B&B dog-friendly?

Yes, Grana B&B welcomes pets for an additional fee.