What a gem of a hotel! This lovely lodging is located several blocks from the Zocalo. We enjoyed our daily walks (great for burning off all that Oaxacan cheese, tequila and chocolate), and really appreciated the peace and quiet of our surroundings at Los Pilares.

Our room was beautiful and immaculate, with a lovely bathroom, king bed, TV, mini-fridge, A/C, and just off our bedroom, a jetted tub complete with candles and bubble bath! (Not all rooms have the tub, but it was worth the little bit extra we paid for it.) Fresh bottled water appeared in our room daily.

The atmosphere was exquisite. The hotel is always filled with gorgeous, sweet-scented lilies, with candles burning in the entry way. There is a pretty bar set up inside the hotel on the main level (not noisy at all!) and we enjoyed a nightcap there,

The breakfast on the upstairs terrace was always delicious, with friendly service. We were surrounded by pretty plants and flowers. One of my morning favourites was the squash-blossom stuffed crepes with poblano sauce and Oaxacan cheese, and I drank delicious chocolate caliente every morning. The papaya was also excellent.

There is also a small pool and hot tub on the roof terrace. We didn't get to try them but they looked inviting.

I can't say enough good things about the staff. They are highly professional, attentive and welcoming, always with smiles on their faces. When we returned at night, the fellow at the front desk would often be waiting right at the entrance with our room keys. He must have heard us coming up the street! Such attention to detail. They really aim to please here.

I brought along teabags on this trip, as I find it difficult to get a decent cup of tea in Mexico. My hubby would go off with teabag, and the front desk staff would obligingly boil some water and get milk for my tea. I was spoiled by both spouse and staff.

It's a small thing, but I also really appreciated the good lighting in our room. I have never seen so many light switches in a hotel room! There were great reading lamps on either side of the bed, and a multitude of other lights to set the mood. No fluorescent glare in there!

We stayed at the hotel with two other friends and they were equally effusive about Los Pilares. If I return to Oaxaca, I will definitely stay here again. I can't say enough good things about the place. It's a gorgeous oasis in the hubbub of Oaxaca.