We'd been going to Casa Arnel for years, but hadn't been for over 12 years. {Disclosure: we consider the Cruz family friends of ours.} We were pleased to see all the renovations. We enjoyed our stay, and the renowned warmth of the family was not lacking. We also had some plumbing problems: stuffed up toilet, and care must be taken... more

We had high hopes for this hotel. After using our usual method (choosing the hotels that appear in both mainstream guides, such as Frommer's, and discount ones, such as Let's Go) and having amazing success in Mexico City, we tried the same thing in Oaxaca. Gee, were we wrong. Although the courtyard of this hotel IS beautiful. It is not... more

This is a small family run hotel. All rooms face the courtyard which seems tropical with water fountain, giant lime and pomelo trees, parrots and other birds chirping away. 2 of the people at the front desk spoke English which was very helpful. The staff were wonderfully polite. The room ran us $45 USD per night which really fit our... more

I am in the apartment a half block away from casa arnel but I go there all the time. Everything they say about the caring family is true--they are great (the grandmother even sleeps in the room behind the kitchen with her parrot). Expect to be part of the family when you have questions or attend the family posadas (I... more

From the Cruz family you recieve attention, interest, helpful hints and warm reception into their holiday fiestas. We spent a month renting a suite, (small apt) and could join hotel guests across the street for their inexpensive breakfast menu. The hotel is charming and the sight for Christmas Posadas, 9 nightly celebrations with song and snacks, ending in a Christmas... more

We stayed at Casa Arnel from January 2 to January 24, 2006 while studying Spanish in Oaxaca. We paid 200 pesos per night (around $18 USD) for a double room with a shared bath. Casa Arnel is essentially an inexpensive family-run guesthouse (there really is an "Arnel"), and represents excellent value for the money. There is a wonderful casual atmosphere,... more

Well , the apts which are part of Casa Arnel leave a lot to be desired. At 7am the street outside is getting very noisy with sellers of water , propane etc hawking their wares. The noise is pretty constant going on well into the night. For your money you get a sparsely furnished apt. No comfortable chairs to sit... more

Bofore I get into this I want to say that we stayed in the Apartments at Casa Arnel no the Hotel itself. The apartment we rented cost us $450 U.S. per month and is approx 1/2 block away from the hotel. I'm not sure what we expected but these units are at best spartan. The unit we stayed in had... more

I just got back from a week at Casa Arnel. It was a perfect place to retreat to for many reasons. There are different public spaces to relax in - some shady, some sunny, some with hammocks. The staff was very courteous and helpful. The breakfasts are delicious and quite a bargain. My room, a renovated corner one, was quiet... more