Upon arriving to the hotel everything was great. We had the corner room overlooking the streets. It was a bit noisy but being from Seattle it didn't bother us. The hotel is within in walking distance of everything. We didn't have any problems with bugs and there was plenty of hot water. The staff was friendly enough and the hotel was clean. But when we planned on extending our stay the cost of the room was quite a bit more than when we reserved it. So we check out and went to another hotel down the block. The 2nd hotel we went to was quieter, cleaner, the staff was much more accomodating & less expensive (350 pesos per night). I would't stay here again just because there are better places to stay for less money.

I have stayed in the Hotel Francia 2 times already and I will be returning again in Oct. 2007 for Dia de Los Muertos for 8 days. This little hotel is the most centrally located and the most reasonably priced. I have been in the old hotel and back after renovations. I find the hotel quaint and the new renovations are beautiful. If you are looking for American conditions then stay at the Best Western. I am not fluent in Spanish but I have been able to get my needs met. I suggest that patience and manners carry you a long way. Remember that YOU are the guest in their country and YOU don't speak THIER language!

I always request a room away from the dining area so I am not bothered by the diners and the noise of the kitchen. The old side does not have windows out to the streets so it is quieter.

Water is a very precious commodity in Mexico - take brief showers! All water is delivered by truck to the cisterns. Don't waste it down the drains!

There are fabulous restaurants all over Oaxaca from humble to very sophisticated. Just ask! Very likely you will be escorted to where you are asking directions to. People are extreemly friendly and anxious for you to enjoy the beauty of their home.

Take the guided tours of the major sites and events of the area. You will be shown wonderful sites and the guides are all licensed and knowlegable. And they speak SEVERAL languages, not just english....

If you want to see Old Mexico then Oaxaca is the place to go. The people are modest and respectful. Public drunkeness is not tolerated. No wild night clubs. Lots of sidewalk dining and beautiful evening strolls. Almost daily there is a colorful street celebration. Parades are the norm! In the evenings there are free concerts in the zocolo and families gather to socialize. The town "goes home" after 10pm. It is a very safe place to walk and eat.

Go with a happy and respectful attitude and you will be rewarded with genuine friendliness and appreciation for your visit!

Paz!
Anne A.

We stayed at the Hotel Francia our first two nights in Oaxaca. We chose the hotel based on price and location and were not disappointed on either. The hot water was a a problem--the shower temperature was completely hit or miss. The hotel was a bit loud, but nothing worse than other places in Oaxaca. The courtyard and restaurant are very nice. We really enjoyed our stay and would have no problem recommending the place to other budget-concious travelers. Make sure you try the hot chocolate place across the street!

We had a room with no view with very poor water pressure in the shower. The hard beds bothered some people but not me. We were next to a seating area outside the rooms we heard people at night. I wake up early and the staff was not concerned about anything but my disturbing other guests. The lack of a frig was a concern and the staff does not speak English. We stayed at a great place in Mexico city for 45 a night but the Francia was only fair. It has a good location.In many respects the front desk staff was helpful and they recoommended a Guelaguetza show at the Mission de los Angeles Hotel which was very good.