I have stayed at Casa Arnel several times in the past 15 years. I never cease to be amazed at the wonderful surroundings and warm attention given by Arnel, Lilia and family. It is very well situated. The barrio Jalatlaco is precious, very colonial and peaceful. It is close to everything, but not in the midst of the noise of el centro. It is a few minutes walk to el Parque el Llano and about 15 minutes to Santo Domingo. Easy bus service to most places. Breakfasts are delicious and the family ambiente lets you mingle with other guests at the table and exchange stories and information. Prices are very reasonable and the room very comfortable. I highly recommend it for those looking for a lovely place to stay at a very comfortable price.

If you're on a budget, this is one of the nicest places you can stay, about 10min walk from town. Really pretty little hotel with lovely owners and a lot of parrots. I had a single room, it's quite basic but clean, some lovely terraces at the top with hammocks. This place comes with shared bathrooms but you can pay extra to have your own. Walking in, it's like a little bit of paradise.

We found this little gem via the Lonely Planet guide book. On arrival in Oaxaca, we asked at the bus station's Information desk for directions. It was late afternoon, and we had just alighted from a 6 hour bus journey from Mexico City. We turned up without a booking, but fortunately for us being low season, there were vacancies. The hotel was still quite busy, with a block booking from an Antipodean tour company.

The hotel is on the outskirts of Oaxaca City - 5 minute walk from the bus station. It takes 15 - 20 minutes brisk walking to reach the Zocalo, not long really when you weigh up the benefits of the peace and quiet you have at the hotel.

Oaxaca city is built mainly on a grid system so once you navigate the main road you shouldn't get lost.

The family who run this hotel don't speak much English so you'd be best off learning a few phrases of Spanish in advance, or brining a phrase book. That said, they are extremely accommodating and helpful.

In the courtyard of the hotel you wiil be greeted by a number of green parrots some caged, some not, that wolf whistle when a stranger arrives. If you don't find the chorus of whistling parrots strange enough, you may be slightly nervous of Rex, the large, bald dog, that roams around day and night. Thankfully, he is much friendlier than he looks, but he's always on the lookout for a snack.

The rooms are small, without air conditioning but ours had a very efficient fan that did the job. There is free wifi here and, if like me, you didn't bring your laptop along, you can use the computers in reception for 10 pesos (50p) per hour. The @ sign is not where you'd expect it to be - if memory serves correctly you need to press alt q - if not just ask Joaquim, the youngest son and he will sort you out.

This delightful little sancturary also offers a spacious roof garden and an expanding library - you need to leave 2 books and you can take 1.

I would definitely come here again.

This hotel is an amazing site it is a plain but an amazing adventure for kids. My father used to bring his spanish studets here and they all love it and still come back! It as a small library and almost all outdoor space! The family that ownes it will give you great places to go!! Casa Arnel is my favorite place to stay in Oaxaca!!!!