All in all we spent more than seven weeks at the Casa in two installments. It was wonderful to return there—to the wonderful garden—after days spent exploring Oaxaca, its museums and its cultural events, most notable of which were the Independence Day celebration, the Days of the Dead and the run up to Christmas which we normally dislike in Europe. The Casa provided constant stimulation through Jane—the owner—and Amado's suggestions, the other guests and the well-appointed library with books on all aspects of Mexico as well as having literature in general. We left having read a great deal but with a long book list of things we didn't have time for. Amado is full of 'how to get there' information which is important for exploring the various towns and villages within reach of a day trip, each of which is an experience on its own whether one is interested in archeology, culture in general, handcrafts, politics or whatever. Great place.

It was a very spontaneous decision to visit Oaxaca and was based on some internet photos of the city. Casa Colonial is listed on a B&B website and after researching reviews on Trip Adviser, I booked it without hesitation. What a great place to stay! Many of the guests over the New Year weekend were repeat customers, some of whom have been coming for years. The owner Jane was also saying at the Casa to spend time with some friends that were staying. Special arrangements were made to bring in the New Year and both staff and guests joined in the party! The staff at the Casa are wonderful, so attentive, so hard working, the food was amazing, the rooms beautiful and clean, taxi services organised at a whim...the list is endless. Did I mention the beautiful courtyard with hammocks and the wonderfully relaxing reading room with a book for every interest? For a single female traveller, I felt like part of the family. The Casa is about a 10 minute walk from the zocalo and I recommend the location as it's far enough removed from the noise of the main traffic. Oaxaca itself is safe to walk around and the longer you stay the more you find to do and the less you want to leave. It's an excellent base for trips to the neighbouring Mayan ruins and arts and crafts villages. It has a wonderful market, restaurants to die for, music in every bar, opportunities to salsa dance and do yoga. Oaxaca specializes in coffee and chocolate products including the infamous mole sauce. It also has wonderful Spanish language schools and I can recommend Becari, a 10 minute walk from the Casa and Amigos del Sol somewhat further away. I am definitely going back!

Casa Colonial is a beautiful old hacienda with 15 rooms and a patio surrounding a lush tropical garden. The food is great. The service is likewise. We found the Casa gracious and relaxing. Each of the guests is more interesting than the next, whether young or older. There is a comfortable living room (sala) filled with interesting books and local artwork. As for the grounds, you can sit on the patio, watch the flowers and trees flutter in the breeze, and listen to the parrot and parakeets chatter in their cages. Because of the greenery, it stays cooler in the Casa even when the sun gets hot beyond the door. It may be tempting some days to remain in the Casa, but you have to go out because of the villages, craft markets, churches, and archaeological sites that you will want to see. The Casa manager, Amado, speaks excellent English and is enormously helpful; he will be glad to assist you in arranging your sight-seeing. He also makes a superb margarita. The rest of the small staff are warm and friendly. Although they don’t speak English, they can still communicate effectively with non-Spanish speakers. Breakfast (included) is delicious. Each day some item is offered. You can also order huevos rancheros or mexicanos if that is what you’d prefer The rooms are clean, simple and comfortable, all decorated with local crafts. Purified water is supplied for drinking and for brushing your teeth. It takes maybe 15 minutes to walk downtown, or you can hail a cab (very inexpensive). And, if in the evening you don’t feel ambitious, there are two small eateries around the corner with delicious tacos, etc. The spirit of the Casa will stay with you. We know, because like many of those who stay at the Casa, we are repeat visitors. Oaxaca, the Casa, the warm, kindly people of Oaxaca and the surrounding area – these are among the reasons we return.

I stayed at Casa Colonial for 5 nights over Christmas and New Year. We had 2 large bedrooms with a double and single in each, interconnected by a private bathroom. Very spacious. Oaxaca can be a noisy city, but Casa Colonial, with the rooms all surrounding a lovely interior courtyard garden, is a quiet oasis. The staff are wonderful, headed by Amado, the manager, who was charming, helpful and thoughtful. His recommendations for where to go and what to see were spot on. The taxi driver he hired for us to go to the rug village took us to just the right places. But if you miss doing that, the Casa has a rug making family in once or week or so with some of the best quality rugs at the best prices we saw anywhere.
The other guests were friendly without being intrusive.You can sit on your own at breakfast or there is a communal table for those who want to chat. The whole place reminded me of the pensione in Room with A View. You could write a very good novel just with the material inside the walls of Casa Colonial.
The Casa is well situated, and with taxis only $3 for each trip, getting back at the end of a long walk in the city is easy and cheap. The food is good, local fare, and I appreciated the 24 access to fruit and tea or coffee. Sitting in the cool morning air, drinking Oaxacan mountain coffee and reading a novel was rather special at Casa Colonial. But don't think it was at all quiet - no, a New Year's Day party was filled with excellent guitar playing from a local trio of musicians, lots of mescal and dancing by one and all. Again, participation optional.
This place is a fantastic value, and I will be back I am sure. My daughters in their 20s loved it too.