Brutalist craft retreat
Behind a discreet historic facade, concrete pavilions and quiet garden courtyards create a brutalist sanctuary centered around a shared cultural salon.
“A boutique stay by Grupo Habita, Otro combines the classic aspects of Brutalism—bare concrete, rugged facades, and simple, block-like forms…”
Where it shines
Remarkable
Raw concrete, local red brick, and green limestone frame an interlocking pavilion layout inspired by ancient Mitla.
Notable
A subterranean brick dome houses a circular heated plunge pool lit by an open skylight cenote.
Notable
Interiors feature custom timber furniture, handwoven Oaxacan linens, and leather drapes crafted by regional artisans.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and Wallpaper*.
... they’ve had help from the local architect João Boto Caeiro, who has masterfully mixed traditional Oaxacan textures and materials — and overt references to Zapotec archaeological sites — with modernist geometries and minimalist interiors.
In a lively part of town
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Stepping onto pedestrian Calle Macedonio Alcalá puts you directly opposite the Baroque facade of Santo Domingo Church and surrounding artisan workshops.
The rooms
Interiors feature ribbed vaults, raw concrete, and leather drapery, while select multi-level suites open to private courtyards with personal plunge pools.
The rooftop pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The limestone rooftop plunge pool sits beside green daybeds, looking directly out over the towers of Santo Domingo Church.
The spa
A subterranean brick dome encloses a circular pool lit by an oculus, beside a temazcal steam room and cold plunge.
Dogs stay too.
Ground-Floor Restaurant and Courtyard
Chef Saúl Carranza prepares modern Oaxacan dishes in the brick courtyard, which features sculptural concrete tables and an earthen cocktail bar.
the high red terracotta walls of the 16-room Otro Oaxaca give little hint of what lies beyond – which is an intriguing sequence of interlocking pavilions
At the table
A long timber communal table on the rooftop terrace hosts open-grill cooking facing the stone facade of Santo Domingo Church.
How it began
Local practice RootStudio designed the 2023 compound, opening a railroad-tie entry hall into cross-shaped pathways referencing the pre-Hispanic stonework of nearby Mitla.
Good to know
Stay here
Otro Oaxaca
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.