Located in a 17th-century mansion, the new boutique hotel combines colonial architecture, art, and contemporary design.
A peaceful haven drawing from minimalist inspiration –one that blends vernacular architecture with sophisticated craftsmanship- Hotel Sin Nombre recovers the storied splendor of a 17th-century colonial house, in one of the busiest sectors of the Historic Center of Oaxaca City, just a few meters from the zocalo, the cathedral, and the Alameda de León.
Hotel Sin Nombre’s pristine central courtyard –dominated by faultless white tones and flooded with natural light– reminds one of entering a special environment where time fades between columns, arches, and quarry stone floors; all while fostering an ambiance that invites rest and contemplation between plush cushions and handmade rugs. The state-of-the art atmosphere with Arabic nuances immediately captivates visitors with ample sensorial triggers, offering an authentic experience in one of Mexico’s most recognised destinations.
After a methodical and respectful restoration by architect João Boto Caeiro, tradition, design, and sustainability come together in a project that achieves unostentatious elegance.
The result fuses Oaxaca’s contemporary perspective with the property’s strong original architectural elements, such as its central staircase, which exhibits the sur mesure textile work of the artisan Rey David from Teotitlán del Valle; the vaulted ceilings and walls were treated like real canvases, and pay homage to local ancestral painting techniques, which use charcoal, limestone, earth and clay.
A play between light and shade –enhancing the buildings intrinsic luminosity and spaciousness– are found throughout distinct areas of the hotel, including the 22 rooms carefully decorated with tropical wood furniture, antique pieces, and snow-toned bed linen contrasting with colorful hand-embroidered bed-throws and local-crafted textiles.
Each corner of the building allows the discovery of unique details: the glass dome and ironwork from the early 20th century; the “BIBLIOTEKITA”, an intimate corner purposed for reading and writing; the rooftop swimming pool, where every sunset illuminates the church of Santo Domingo and Cathedral, offering stunning views of Monte Albán and San Felipe.
The cultural effervescence of Oaxaca plays a central role in Hotel Sin Nombre. For this reason, the work of local artists is present within the hotel. An example of this is the professional portrait and landscape photography of Alberto “El Negrito” Ibáñez, whose black and white images –primarily nudes– hang on the walls of every suite and the hotel’s common areas. Similarly, Sabino Guisu’s decorative neon Chimalli Yanhuitlán –one of the most important pieces of Mixtec goldsmith– illuminates the spectacular terrace.
The lodging experience is complemented by Restaurante Sin Nombre, the culinary proposal of Chef Israel Loyola that, in an avant-garde way, combines the traditional flavors of various Oaxacan regions with vegan recipes prepared with organically grown seasonal ingredients. Respecting local harvest cycles, the menu is renewed every three months, offering a delightful touch of originality and sophistication.
