Unbelievable Oaxaca Oasis: Hotel Fortin Plaza's Luxury Awaits!
Unbelievable Oaxaca Oasis: Hotel Fortin Plaza – My (Very) Opinionated Take (and Why You Should Probably Go)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from Hotel Fortin Plaza in Oaxaca, and let me tell you, my brain is still marinated in mole and sunshine. This isn't your dry, corporate travel review. This is the raw, unfiltered, and (hopefully) hilarious account of my experience. So grab a mezcal, and let’s dive in.
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The Good, The Gorgeous, and the "Oh, Honey, Not That" (My Organized Chaos):
1. Accessibility: Where They Actually Try (and Mostly Succeed):
This is HUGE for me. As someone who, well, moves a little differently sometimes, accessibility is a make-or-break deal. Fortin Plaza gets serious points. The elevators were a lifesaver, and the rooms, as far as I could see (and I did my fair share of room-peeking – shhh!), were thoughtfully designed. Wide doorways, grab bars, the works. Now, there was one glitch. I saw a ramp that led to…well, nowhere. Like, it went right into a decorative wall. Seriously? I’m guessing someone had a bad day that day. But overall, big thumbs up. They're genuinely trying!
2. Rooms: My Sanctuary (and the One Annoying Thing):
Okay, the rooms. Oaxacan sunshine floods in through the window. Blackout curtains? Essential. Air conditioning? Thank god. They have bathrobes and slippers, which immediately make you feel like a pampered queen (or king!). My room had an extra-long bed, ideal for sprawlers like myself. Free Wi-Fi (in all rooms!) and Internet - LAN? Score! A refrigerator was my best friend for storing all the deliciousness I bought from the markets. And the complimentary tea and coffee/tea maker was a nice touch. Seriously, the rooms are a little slice of heaven.
But… (there's always a but, right?). The TV remote. It was a beast. Like, a remote from the Jurassic period. I eventually just gave up and watched whatever was already on. First World problems, I know.
3. The Spa and Pools: Drowning in Delight (Literally and Figuratively):
Let me gush. The pool with a view is… well, it’s Instagram-worthy, but more importantly? It's soul-soothing. The views of the city are breathtaking, especially at sunset. They’ve got a sauna, a steam room, and a whole menu of treatments. I indulged in a body scrub and a massage, mainly because I deserved it after the long flight. The spa is a world of pure bliss. I spent hours by the pool, sipping cocktails, and pretending I had no responsibilities. Glorious!
4. Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: My Stomach's New Happy Place:
This is where it gets dangerous. The breakfast buffet was a carb-lover's dream. Western and Asian breakfast options. The coffee shop was my daily ritual. The poolside bar was, you guessed it, deadly for my wallet. They have restaurants serving international cuisine, and the restaurants also have vegetarian options. They also offer room service [24-hour] so I am never hungry.
There was the most amazing salads in restaurant. I have never had a salad so fresh, so vibrant, so… alive. I literally considered ordering four the second day. I'm talking a symphony of flavours!
- Anecdote Time: One evening, after a few too many margaritas, I tried to order a pizza from room service. They didn't technically have pizza on the menu, but the lovely waiter, with the patience of a saint, managed to create something resembling pizza with whatever ingredients they had. It was a glorious mess. (He totally deserved a bigger tip.)
5. Cleanliness and Safety (Thank God for This!):
Given the current world situation, this is supremely important. I was impressed. Hand sanitizer everywhere. Staff trained in safety protocol. Daily disinfection in common areas. Rooms sanitized between stays. Anti-viral cleaning products. They were serious about their hygiene. I almost felt safer there than at home! The doctor/nurse on call thing gave extra comfort.
6. Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter:
They had it all. Concierge, currency exchange, laundry service, luggage storage, daily housekeeping. They even have a shrine (yes, a shrine!). Everything felt easy and effortless.
7. Accessibility (Again, Because It's Important):
I didn’t mention enough about this, a shame. There were other facilities for the disabled guests as well.
8. Things to Do (Besides Spa-ing and Eating Everything in Sight):
Oaxaca is a city bursting with culture. They have meeting/banquet facilities, business facilities, they do meetings, and even have seminars.
9. For the Kids (If You Have Them):
While I don't travel with kids, the babysitting service and kids facilities suggest they're family-friendly.
The Verdict: Go. Just Go.
Hotel Fortin Plaza isn't perfect. But, it's pretty damn close. It’s a place of comfort, beauty, and ridiculously good food. Accessibility is a priority, and the staff is genuinely lovely. The imperfections? They add to the charm. The only real downside? Leaving. My recommendation? Book a longer stay than I did. You'll need it. And bring your stretchy pants. You'll thank me later.
Unbelievable Castro Hotel Views in Monemvasia, Greece! You HAVE to See This
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average travel itinerary. This is a living, breathing, slightly-off-kilter account of my Oaxaca adventure, specifically centered around the lovely (and slightly… eccentric?) Hotel Fortin Plaza. Consider this your digital travel diary, warts and all. Here we go:
Oaxaca: A Whirlwind of Color, Chaos, and Chocolate (and Maybe a Few Tears)
Day 1: Arrival – Oaxaca Has Me Already, Damn It!
- Morning (or what I think is morning): Landed in Oaxaca after a flight that felt longer than my relationship with my ex. Seriously, I swear I aged five years in that metal tube. Found the very charming Hotel Fortin Plaza. It’s… well, it’s got character. Imagine a slightly faded colonial elegance mixed with someone's grandmother's antique collection. You know, the kind of place where you half-expect a ghost to offer you a cup of chamomile tea. Immediately dropped my bags (after a near-disastrous tangle with the lock on the old wooden closet – more on that later) and collapsed onto the bed. The sheets were crisp and white, a balm to my travel-weary soul.
- Afternoon: The Market Massacre and a Quesillo Revelation: The Mercado 20 de Noviembre. Okay, listen, I’m a foodie, I love markets, but this… this was sensory overload in the best possible way. Aromas of grilling meat, spices, and something I can only describe as "magic" mingled in the air. Got lost trying to find the famed "pasillo de humo" (the smoky corridor of grilled meats). Ended up face-to-face with a giant vat of mole negro. My eyes watered, not just from the smoke, but from pure, unadulterated emotion. It was beautiful, damn it. Had to. Then I lost it. That's right. I bawled on camera.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Quesillo. Oh. My. God. Quesillo. That stringy, melty, heavenly cheese. I had it on a tlayuda (giant tortilla covered in everything delicious) and spent the next hour muttering "quesillo, quesillo" over and over. Found a tiny, unpretentious place selling the best tejate (a pre-Hispanic drink made from corn, cacao flower, and other secret ingredients). It tasted like the gods were giving me a hug. Had to buy the tlayuda and tejate from the same spot - I almost forgot I lost my keys and my phone in the market. I was a mess.
- Evening: Back to the hotel. The lock on that closet… well, it won. I've surrendered. It's a battle I'll probably never win. Decided to treat myself to a rooftop cocktail at the hotel. The lighting was dim, the stars were out, and I swear, I almost cried again because I was so content. The view of the city, a sea of terracotta rooftops, felt like a postcard come to life.
Day 2: Art, Altars, and a Near-Disaster Involving Mezcal
- Morning: Found a tour of the Santo Domingo Monastery. The inside was as breathtaking as the outside. The gold leaf, the intricate carvings, the sheer grandeur of it all… It's a lot to take in. I’m an atheist but I am not the devil and seeing the church with its splendor was an act of wonder.
- Afternoon: Mezcal Mayhem: Okay, the mezcal. This is where things get… interesting. Went on a mezcal tasting tour. Learned about the agave plant, the production process, all that jazz. Then came the tasting. Let's just say, I discovered a lot about myself that afternoon. Specifically, I discovered I'm a lightweight. Ended up giggling inappropriately, attempting to speak Spanish with a fluency I clearly didn't possess, and nearly falling into a fountain. Managed to buy a bottle that cost more than my rent.
- Late Afternoon: Found a craft market. Again, lost my mind. Oaxaca is a place of incredible artistry. The textiles, the ceramics, the wood carvings… It's just overwhelming. I bought so many things I'm going to need a second suitcase.
- Evening: Dia de los Muertos Prep (Sort Of): Wandered the streets and got a sneak peek at the preparations for Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). The air was thick with anticipation, the colors were vibrant and beautiful, and the smell of marigolds was intoxicating.
- Post Evening: Back at the hotel. Went to the rooftop bar again. Thought about the lock on the closet. The lock won again. My heart ache, in any case.
Day 3: Monte Alban, Mole Madness, and the Longing for a Quiet Nap
- Morning: Day trip to Monte Alban, the ancient Zapotec city. The ruins are incredible. Standing on top of those pyramids, looking out over the valley, you can't help but feel a connection to something ancient and profound. Also, the sun was brutal. Slathered myself in sunscreen, reapplied about a hundred times, and still managed to get a slightly embarrassing sunburn.
- Afternoon: The Mole Quest: I'm on a mission to eat every type of mole Oaxaca has to offer. Today: Mole Negro. Found a tiny, family-run restaurant and experienced pure, unadulterated mole bliss. Brown, dark, rich, and creamy. I had a moment. I definitely cried again. This time from joy. The entire meal, including my tears, cost less than a fancy coffee at home.
- Late Afternoon: Back to the hotel, needing a nap (needed it yesterday, actually). Finally, I found the lost keys.
- Evening: Explored some tiny side streets, and found a very small church. It was silent. I sat for an hour. It was beautiful and lovely.
Day 4: Leaving Oaxaca – Already Heartbroken:
- Morning: One last wander through the market. Bought more chocolate. More textiles. More… everything. Said a tearful goodbye to my new tlayuda place.
- Afternoon: Flight. Goodbye, Oaxaca. You beautiful, messy, chaotic, delicious, life-affirming city. I'm leaving a piece of my heart here.
- Evening: Already planning my return. And, yes, I might even try to conquer that damn closet lock next time. Wish me luck.
Hotel Fortin Plaza: The Verdict
- The Good: Charming, well-located, the rooftop bar is divine, and the staff is incredibly friendly (even when I was incoherent from mezcal). The courtyard is absolutely magical. The fact that it doesn't look generic, isn't pretentious, and feels like it has seen a hundred stories made it extra special.
- The Quirks: The closet lock. The slightly creaky floors. The feeling that you're staying in someone's (very stylish) grandma's house.
- The Overall Experience: Would I stay there again? Absolutely. It's part of the charm. It's part of the experience. And it's a damn good experience, even with the near-disasters, the tears, and the ever-present quest for more quesillo.
So, there you have it. My Oaxaca adventure. It wasn’t perfect. It was messy. It was emotional. It was absolutely unforgettable. Now, I need a nap to recover from writing it. And maybe a little more mezcal. (Just kidding… mostly.)
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Unbelievable Oaxaca Oasis: Hotel Fortin Plaza's Luxury Awaits! (But, Like...Is It *Really*?) - Your Totally Honest FAQ
Okay, so, Fortin Plaza...is it, you know, *actually* luxurious? Or is it just, like, the fanciest place in a town that's still kinda rough around the edges?
Alright, let's get real. Luxury? Yeah, *kinda*. It's definitely fancy compared to a lot of places I've crashed in. Think plush towels, shimmering chandeliers...the works. But Oaxaca City itself is a glorious mix of cobblestone streets and, let's just say, "rustic" charm. So, while Fortin Plaza *tries* for five-star, it’s more like a solid, well-earned four. I mean, I walked in expecting...well, I don't *know* what I expected, but maybe a personal cloud of aromatherapy? And I got... lovely. Lovely and clean and with a breakfast buffet that *does* include chilaquiles, so, win!
The view! They boast about the view! Does it ACTUALLY live up to the hype over the city?
Oh. My. God. The *view*. Okay, buckle up, because this is where I get all googly-eyed. Seriously, the view from the rooftop pool – yes, they have a rooftop pool – is… breathtaking. The city sprawls out below, terracotta rooftops blending into the mountains. Sunsets over Oaxaca are legendary, and watching them from that pool? Pure magic. I spent a solid hour just staring, completely forgetting I was supposed to be, you know, *relaxing*. I almost died of dehydration just admiring the scenery, but the view made up for it. Worth every single peso. Trust me.
Is the location convenient for exploring the city? I don’t want to spend all my time in a car.
Location, location, location, right? It’s pretty darn good. The hotel’s a short walk to the Zocalo, the heart of the city. That means easy access to restaurants, shops… you know, all the touristy stuff. BUT (and it's a big but!), the walk back up the hill can be a bit of a hike after a few too many mezcals. My advice? Pace yourselves. And maybe invest in a good pair of walking shoes, or better yet, snag a cab now and then, especially if you've been sampling the local drink. My legs cursed me the first night.
Let's talk food. The breakfast buffet: delicious disaster or culinary triumph?
Alright, breakfast. This is important. The buffet is… well, it's got your basics. Eggs, fruit, pastries, the aforementioned chilaquiles. And yes, you'll find the perfect cup of coffee. But it's not *amazing*, you know? It’s good, solid hotel breakfast fare. The real culinary triumph, though, is Oaxaca itself. DON'T spend all your time at the hotel! Get out there and eat! Explore those markets and small restaurants. You'll find *real* culinary treasures. And don’t be afraid to try the chapulines (grasshoppers)!… maybe.
The staff -- Are they friendly? Helpful? Do they speak English?
The staff? Generally lovely people. Smiling faces, always willing to help, even if my Spanish is about as good as a toddler’s. English proficiency varies, but there's always *someone* who can help you. Communication was never a real issue, even when I tried to explain, with wild hand gestures, why I needed an extra pillow (I snore, okay?). The maids were on top of things, too... I appreciated that, especially after a particularly… lively… evening. They're definitely a highlight.
Okay, the pool again. What's the vibe? Relaxed oasis or screaming kids?
Ah, the pool. Pure bliss… mostly. The vibe is generally pretty chill. You'll find couples gazing romantically at each other (barf… but hey, to each their own), solo travelers sipping cocktails (my people!), and the occasional small group. I didn’t encounter a horde of screaming kids. Though…there *was* a particularly loud group of teenagers one afternoon who made a valiant effort to disrupt the zen. Thankfully, a few stern glances from the other guests (myself included) did the trick. So, yeah, a little bit of everything, but mostly peaceful. Bring your book, bring your sunscreen… and maybe your earplugs, just in case.
Did you have any problems? Any *real* complaints?
Okay, honesty time. Yeah, there were a couple of minor things. The Wi-Fi… sometimes it was a bit spotty. Like, you’d be in the middle of a soul-crushing work email (yes, even on vacation, the emails follow) and *poof*! Internet blackout. Annoying, sure, but hey, it's a good excuse to disconnect, right? And the air conditioning in my room was a little, shall we say, *temperamental*. But honestly? These were minor hiccups. Nothing that ruined the trip. And hey, it's a lot more charming than being stuck in a concrete hotel wasteland, no?
Would you go back? Seriously, would you stay there again?
Without a doubt. Absolutely. One hundred percent YES. Despite the occasional hiccup, the view, the location, the generally pleasant atmosphere… yeah, I'd go back in a heartbeat. It's got that perfect mix of comfort, convenience, and, let's be honest, an experience I can't get anywhere else. Oaxaca itself is enchanting, and Hotel Fortin Plaza provides a lovely, reliable base for exploring it. I’m already dreaming of that rooftop pool and the chilaquiles… and maybe trying to remember more Spanish this time.
