Uncover Oaxaca's Hidden Gem: Hotel Don Nino's Luxurious Escape
Oaxaca's Secret Eden: Hotel Don Nino – A Luxurious (and Occasionally Flawed) Revelation
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because I just got back from Oaxaca and, frankly, my soul feels a little… recharged. And a big chunk of that rejuvenation is directly thanks to Hotel Don Nino. They call it a "luxurious escape," and while that’s mostly true, let's be real, even paradise has a few… quirks.
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Let's Dive In (Finally!)
First impressions? Stunning. The lobby… wow. Seriously, I think I gasped. That kind of slow, involuntary "oooh" that only happens when you stumble upon something truly beautiful. And the staff! Smiling, helpful, genuinely glad to see you. Okay, so far, so good. This isn't going to be a total disaster, I figured.
Accessibility - The Good, the Slightly Messy, and the "Room for Improvement"
Now, I need to be straight with you. My travel buddy uses a wheelchair, and accessibility is HUGE. Let’s be clear, Don Nino tries. They have elevators, which is already a massive win. Facilities for disabled guests are clearly a consideration, with rooms that are designed to be wheelchair accessible. The elevator access is good, although, on one occasion, it was a bit slow, but that's the thing with elevators, you gotta wait. Sigh.
The rooms? Spacious. Huge. Air conditioning that actually works (a lifesaver in the Oaxaca heat). Complimentary tea and coffee makers are a nice touch. And the Internet access - both Wireless and LAN, was a gift. No problems getting connected, and I could keep pretending to be productive while actually just watching cat videos. The extra-long beds are a blessing. The biggest plus was the shower, which was huge, allowing for easy access, which the bathroom overall was a great size.
BUT (here's that "quirk" I mentioned) getting to the pool? Well, it involved a slight incline and a couple of tight turns. Definitely doable, but not exactly seamless. It's not like they're deliberately making it difficult, mind you. It's just… the architecture. Beautiful, but perhaps not completely thought through for every single possible mobility issue. So just be prepared, and maybe ask the hotel about it specifically when booking.
Food, Glorious Food (and My Ongoing Battle with the Buffet)
Okay, let's talk food. This is where Don Nino absolutely shines. Multiple restaurants on-site. Seriously, I think I ate my weight in Oaxacan specialties. The Asian cuisine in the restaurant was a delightful surprise – who knew Oaxaca was hiding such culinary prowess?!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking:
- A la carte in restaurants: YES! So important!
- Alternative meal arrangement: They were very accommodating of dietary needs.
- Asian breakfast: Try it. Trust me.
- Bar: Excellent cocktails (especially during Happy Hour!).
- Bottle of water: Replenished daily. Crucial.
- Breakfast [buffet]: The star! But… look, I'm not a morning person. Buffets can be a beautiful, horrifying things. I’d like to say I was all grace and elegance, but I probably resembled a ravenous beast at 7 AM, eyeing the Buffet in restaurant, stalking it. Western breakfast was also a great option if you got tired of the Asian.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Always available, and always needed.
- Coffee shop: Great for that afternoon caffeine hit (and people-watching).
- Desserts in restaurant: Don't even get me started. Just… go.
- International cuisine in restaurant: The blend of flavours was incredible.
- Poolside bar: Where I spent a concerning amount of time, sipping margaritas and pretending to be a sophisticated traveler.
- Restaurants: You're spoiled for choice.
- Room service [24-hour]: Perfect for those late-night cravings.
- Salad in restaurant: Fresh and delicious (necessary after all the mezcal).
- Snack bar: Ideal for quick bites.
- Soup in restaurant: Warm and comforting.
I must admit that my favorite thing was the Poolside bar. Getting that afternoon sun with a delicious cocktail in your hand is an absolute treat.
Relaxation Station: Spa, Pool & All Things Blissful
Okay, this is where Don Nino truly earns its "escape" title. You name it, they've got it:
- Pool with view: Absolutely breathtaking. Seriously, the view alone is worth the price of admission.
- Sauna: Steamy, relaxing, perfect for sweating out all the mezcal.
- Spa: Heavenly. Do it. Seriously.
- Spa/Sauna: Combine the sauna and spa, and you’re basically in a state of pure bliss.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Crystal clear and inviting.
- Steamroom: Another great way to relax and detox.
- Massage: They gave my sore muscles new life.
The Spa - A Deep Dive into De-Stressing
Okay, I need to tell you about the spa. I got a massage that was so good, I think I levitated for a few minutes (maybe that was the mezcal). But the space itself is just gorgeous. Serene, with flickering candles, soft music, and the kind of smell that makes you want to take a nap (in a good way). The body scrub was amazing! I felt born again afterwards. The Body wrap… well, I'm convinced they managed to suck all the stress out of me within a few minutes. I think I might've even fallen asleep in the foot bath.
Cleanliness, Safety and That Pesky Pandemic
I'm a bit of a germophobe, so this was a HUGE plus.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Made me feel safe.
- Cashless payment service: Convenient.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Appreciated.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere.
- Hygiene certification: Peace of mind.
- Individually-wrapped food options: Smart.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Mostly observed, though, at times, it was a bit hit or miss.
- Professional-grade sanitizing service: Good to know.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Reassuring.
- Safe dining setup: Thoughtful.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Yes!
- Staff trained in safety protocol: The staff was masked, and overall, they did a good job.
Rooms, Glorious Rooms (and the Little Things)
The rooms themselves are large, luxurious, and comfortable: Air conditioning, Free Wi-Fi, Bathtub, Coffee/tea maker, Closet, Desk, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Mini bar, and Refrigerator. The Bathrobes and Slippers added a touch of luxury. The blackout curtains were a godsend. The daily housekeeping was impeccable, and the additional toilet in our room.
The Balcony was my haven, a place to enjoy a late-night drink or simply soak in the Oaxaca air. The bed was like sleeping on a cloud.
Things to Do (Besides Gorge on Food and Get Massaged)
Don Nino has Meeting/banquet facilities. Outdoor venue for special events and Indoor venue for special events
- Fitness center: I did attempt to use it. Briefly. Then went back to the pool.
- Concierge: Super helpful for booking tours and giving advice.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Perfect for last-minute presents.
Services and Conveniences - The Often Overlooked Gems
From the 24-hour front desk to the efficient laundry service, Don Nino thought of everything. I took full advantage of the Luggage storage, since, lets face it, I always need it. They had Air conditioning in public areas and Elevator was a huge plus!
The Quirks (Because Nothing's Perfect, People)
Here’s where the "flaws" come in (because no place is perfect, right?).
- The "Express" Check-In: Let's just say "express" is a relative term. It still took a smidge longer than I'd hoped.
- The Noise: While the Soundproof rooms were great
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into Oaxaca, Mexico, and my brain is currently operating at about the same level of organization as a Frida Kahlo painting after a tequila bender. This is my Hotel Don Nino Oaxaca adventure, and honestly, it's gonna be a glorious mess.
Hotel Don Nino: Oaxaca Me Crazy - A Messy-But-Magical Adventure
Day 1: Arrival & Tequila-Fueled Reverie (Plus, Mild Panic)
- Afternoon (Around 2 PM, Maybe? Who's Counting?): Landed in Oaxaca. Sun's blazing, air's thick with the promise of…well, everything. The airport's a whirlwind of Spanish I vaguely remember from high school, and finding the transfer was a minor victory. The taxi driver, a man with eyes that had seen things (and probably sold a few of them), got us to the Hotel Don Nino. OMG. It's gorgeous. Lush courtyards, colonial architecture, a balcony overlooking the city… Suddenly, I'm picturing myself living here forever, painting, writing, and eating my weight in mole.
- (3:30ish PM): Check-in. Things are going…okay. My Spanish is even WORSE than I thought. I'm pretty sure I just accidentally asked the receptionist if she wanted to wrestle a chicken. She gave me the polite, "Oh, this tourist is a disaster" smile, but hey, at least she understood!
- (4:00 PM - Onward): First priority? Tequila. Seriously, this is a life-or-death situation. Found a rooftop bar with a view that made me want to weep tears of joy. Downed a couple of margaritas. Three, okay? Maybe a few more. The world started to shimmer. Oaxaca started to feel like a dream. Started sketching in my notebook, giggling to myself, and feeling the weight of the world (and the travel fatigue of the past few months) just…lift.
- (Late Evening): Dinner at a recommended restaurant, "Los Danzantes." Everyone raves about it, and I was very hungry. The food was divine. I ordered something with mole (obviously), and I swear, it was like a religious experience. But the real drama? Trying to order the dessert. I had to use all my Spanish skills to ask for the Flan, but I think I said "Flan, you are my love". I stumbled out of there with a full belly and a slightly bruised ego. On my way back to the hotel, this guy tried to sell me a rug, and I almost bought it. Thank goodness for the tequila-induced ability to recognize a scam. Went to bed with a smile and a hazy head (and the distinct feeling I'd forgotten something important).
Day 2: Markets, Mezcal, and Mass Confusion
- (Morning – Let's Say "Morning" - probably around 9:00 AM?): Woke up with a slight headache, a vague memory of a mariachi band, and the burning desire for coffee. A little too much Tequila the night before? Yeah, maybe. Headed down for breakfast in the hotel courtyard. Seriously, the courtyard is perfection, parrots chirping, and the scent of freshly baked bread. Life goals.
- (10:30 AM): Attempted the Benito Juarez Market. Oh. My. God. It's sensory overload in the best possible way. Colors, smells, sounds… I got completely lost but found a delicious sandwich from a lady who wouldn't take "no" for an answer. Also, I'm pretty sure I accidentally bought a questionable-looking fruit. Fingers crossed I don't get sick. Maybe I found a strange magic trinket, a small stone that could grant wishes, I'm still unsure if I can trust it yet.
- (Afternoon - Around 2 PM, After the Market Debacle): Mezcal tasting! This was crucial. The guide was amazing, told tales of the magic of Mezcal, and how it's supposed to have a connection to the spirits. Downed several shots (responsibly, of course… mostly). Suddenly, the world felt…more interesting. More vibrant. I think I understood the meaning of life for about five minutes, then forgot it.
- (4 PM): wandering around the town, I stumble in front of Oaxaca cathedral, beautiful, a choir was singing. I sat down, with tears running down my face, I had never heard such a wonderful sound.
- (Late Evening): Dinner at a little restaurant that my taxi driver recommended for the best "tasajo". It was amazing. I might have gone a little overboard and ordered the entire menu. Went back to the hotel, took a shower and slept like a baby.
Day 3: More Mole & Maya-Style Dreams
- (Morning): So, I found the ancient ruins of Monte Alban. It's amazing. The history, the views… all of it. I was transported with imagination.
- (Afternoon): Cooking class with a local grandma, who probably knew more about life in her pinky than my entire existence. She taught me how to make mole from scratch. The smell of it cooking filled the air! It was such a messy and wonderful experience. I accidentally dumped a whole bottle of oil in the pot (oops), and she just started laughing. Honestly, I think she was the funniest person I met.
- (Evening): This is the day I’m dedicating to that magic stone I found at the market. I went back to the same place where I bought it, and the vendor told me I shall write it, and light candles. I wrote down my deepest desires, and I light the candles.
- (End of Day 3): The best thing ever, it was a little messy, but I knew I had a friend, and now I was ready for my next adventure!
The (Probably) Inevitable Day 4: Farewell Oaxaca!
- (Morning): Packing. Always the worst part. A mix of nostalgia, regret for things I didn't do (like, what did that questionable fruit taste like?), and a desperate attempt to cram everything into my ridiculously small suitcase.
- (Late Morning): One last rooftop margarita. Okay, two. Maybe three? Who's counting? Admiring the view. Promising myself I'll come back. Because, honestly, Oaxaca has burrowed its way into my soul.
- (Afternoon): Taxi to the airport, one last look back at the Hotel Don Nino. Goodbye to the courtyard, the balcony, the margaritas, the people, the culture… goodbye to the magic. A bittersweet goodbye, to a place that may have just changed my life.
- (Departure): Onward!
Observations, Opinions & Quirky Ramblings:
- The Food: Oaxaca is a food paradise. Mole, tlayudas, chapulines (grasshoppers – yes, I tried them!), everything. Be prepared to loosen your belt… and then buy a bigger one.
- The People: Warm, welcoming, and incredibly patient with my terrible Spanish skills. Thank you, Oaxaca, for being so forgiving.
- The Hotel Don Nino: Stunning. Seriously, book it. You won't regret it. The staff is amazing, the location perfect, and the ambiance…chef's kiss.
- My Emotional State: A glorious mix of joy, wonder, slight anxiety, and a whole lot of tequila-fueled happiness.
- The Soundtrack: The sounds of Oaxaca. The clinking of glasses, mariachi music, the chatter of locals, the endless chimes of chimes, it's a soundtrack I'll never forget.
- Final Thought: This journey taught me that life is messy, imperfect, and sometimes, unbelievably beautiful. Oaxaca, you beautiful, chaotic mess, I already miss you.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go find a cure for my travel hangover. And maybe start planning my return trip. Adios!
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Uncover Oaxaca's Hidden Gem: Hotel Don Nino's Luxurious Escape - Let's Get it Real! (And Slightly Messy)
Okay, Spill the Beans - Is Don Nino REALLY the "Hidden Gem" Everyone Says?
Alright, alright, let's be honest. "Hidden gem" is thrown around like confetti at a fiesta. But in Don Nino's case? Yeah, it's pretty damn close. I went in expecting… well, a nice hotel. I came out wanting to write sonnets about the pool. Seriously. It's not *perfect*. (More on that glorious imperfection later). But the location? Chef's kiss. The ambiance? Mmm, layered. And the staff? They treat you like you're family, assuming your family is really good at anticipating your needs and also knows how to whip up a killer *tlayuda* at 2 AM (okay, maybe not the 2 AM part, but you get the idea).
The Rooms! Are They as Luxurious as the Pictures Make Them Out to Be? Because Instagram Lies, you know...
Okay, deep breaths. Because yes, some Instagram is, you know, a lie. But in this case? Mostly true. The rooms at Don Nino...wow. I booked the "Hacienda Suite." (Brag alert, I'm aware). Picture this: High ceilings, exposed brick, a giant bed that swallowed me whole every night, and a balcony that overlooked the courtyard and had me feeling like some kind of colonial queen (I'm not, but it felt good). The bathroom? Massive. They have those fancy rain showers, but let me tell you a story… I got so engrossed in the shower (the water pressure was *divine*, by the way) that I almost burnt my breakfast because I lost track of time! (Pro Tip: Set a timer. Especially if you're prone to shower-induced amnesia, like me. And maybe turn down the temp to avoid the aforementioned burnt breakfast).
The one tiny… teeny snag? The WiFi could be a touch temperamental at times. But honestly? I saw it as a blessing in disguise. More time to stare at the courtyard, more time to *exist*. You know? Plus, the staff always fixed it quickly if it went belly up. No biggie!
Let's Talk Food. Is the Restaurant as Amazing as the Reviews Claim? (And Does Oaxaca Actually live up to the Food Hype?)
Okay, Oaxaca and its food. Prepare yourself. It's not just hype; it's a religious experience. And Don Nino's restaurant? *Chef's kiss, again*. I'm talking about truly phenomenal food. I ate my weight in mole (black mole, red mole, *green* mole... I even saw a mole with a rainbow hue in my dreams). The breakfast? Order the chilaquiles with a fried egg *and* a side of avocado. Trust me. You won't regret it. I’m drooling just thinking about it. (Okay, I’ll go get a napkin…) The restaurant itself is beautiful, set in a lovely courtyard. One evening, I had the absolute best grilled octopus – it was practically dancing on my tongue! I think that dish single-handedly converted me into a seafood lover (which is a huge win, considering my usual relationship with seafood is… wary).
Oh! One slightly messy moment: I accidentally spilled a full glass of red wine all over my white linen pants (I know, I know… rookie mistake). Mortified. But the staff? Absolute angels. They rushed over, offered to clean them (which they did, brilliantly), and somehow managed to make me feel less like a clumsy oaf and more like a slightly glamorous accident. That's service, people. That's the Don Nino magic.
The Pool! Is it a Real Oasis, Or Just an Over-Photoshopped Dream?
Alright, the pool. This deserves its own paragraph, maybe its own song. The pool at Don Nino is *legendary*. It’s not just a pool; it's a portal to pure relaxation. Imagine this: you, lounging on a sunbed (strategically placed, might I add), a delicious cocktail in hand, the Oaxacan sun warming your skin, the gentle sounds of the fountain… It's pure bliss. Seriously, I spent a good chunk of my trip just *being* there. Reading, napping, occasionally glancing at my phone, but mostly just… existing. And honestly, that's what I was looking for. A chance to *unplug*. To breathe. To just be. And the pool delivered. I would have stayed there forever. And yes, the pool photos? They’re real. They don’t even do it justice. It’s better in person.
I'm getting emotional just thinking about it. Okay, back to practicalities... It’s a good size, well-maintained, and the service at the pool bar is impeccable. They bring you drinks and snacks (the guacamole is heavenly). Seriously, it’s perfection.
Any Downsides? Let's Be Brutally Honest.
Okay, the truth. Nothing is perfect. Here's the (very) minor stuff. As I mentioned before, the Wi-Fi can be a bit spotty sometimes. And the walls might not be soundproof (but it's a historic building, cut them some slack, yeah?). There's some noise from the street, but I grew to love it. It's part of the charm! The courtyard fountain made me feel like someone was trying to lull me to sleep, but it didn't always work. Overall, these are nitpicks!
So, would I go back? In a heartbeat. In fact, I'm already planning my triumphant return. And this time, I’m bringing *extra* sunscreen and a book I actually intend to finish. And maybe I’ll bring a small notepad to learn how to make mole!
Overall, is Don Nino Worth the Hype (and the Price Tag)?
YES. Absolutely, unequivocally, yes. It's an investment in your happiness, your sanity, and your taste buds. It's not cheap, but you're paying for an experience. You're paying for impeccable service, a stunning setting, and food that will make you weep with joy. You're paying for a chance to escape. And honestly? In today’s world, that’s priceless. Go. Book it. You won't regret it. And if you do, hey… at least you’ll have a great story to tell.
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