Casa Ollin Bed and Breakfast was founded in 2005 by the two of us, Judith Reyes and Jon McKinley, with the intent to develop a project in which we could combine the arts and the culture of Oaxaca with opportunities to learn, to have fun and to enjoy the social interaction with others. We are happy to say that we have achieved those goals. With the help of our wonderfully professional staff we have created a warm, friendly, and accommodating space where the guests can feel as comfortable as if they were in their own home.
Located only 2 blocks from the world famous Santo Domingo church, our guests are only a few steps from the principal museums and places of cultural interest in the Oaxaca Central Historic District. We can count at least 10 restaurants within a 10 minute walk. Our location is safe and guests have no problems walking to and from Ollin in the evenings or late at night.
learn more +In Nahuatl, the oldest language of Mesoamerica, Ollin means “movement”, alluding to the cosmic changes or movement of the universe, it is pronounced O-leen. It is also the name given to the innermost circle of the Aztec Calendar The names of our rooms are representative of the days of the month and are represented by glyphs and symbols—just as those located on the inner ring of the ancient Aztec Calendar. In this manner we wish to integrate our home with the ancient knowledge of our ancestors. In that same vain it is our goal that Casa Ollin is a welcoming space where our guests can know and enjoy the history, art, and culture of Southern Mexico—the heart and soul and the site of the majority of the indigenous groups whose presence we see and feel each day of our lives.
Walking the streets of Oaxaca our senses are filled with the beauty and colors of the creative artwork created by our native countrymen—the Mixtecos, Zapotecos, Amuzgos, Mixes, Triquis, etc. figures of carved copal wood, pottery, and fantastic textiles made by hand.
In our home the presence of Arte Popular Oaxaqueño is felt everywhere--in the rooms, the dining room, the kitchen and even in the patios and terraces, showing off the grace and beauty of the spaces.
Finally, the breakfasts that we serve are prepared with the care and affection that has our guests returning again and again to enjoy the enchantment of the house that we call Ollin.
The casa contains 4 lovely suites and 4 rooms with king size or single beds, each with its private bath. Six rooms have terraces with a view of the pool, two rooms have terraces with a view to the patio of the fountain. Each room is distinct and individually decorated. All rooms have access to the rooftop terrace with a view of Santo Domingo.
Note: The rates increase 10 USD per night during the high season (between October 25th and November 5th and between December 20th and January 7th), Special rates for May and September.
The breakfasts that we serve from the kitchen of Ollin are gourmet by anyone's standards. After coffee, tea or hot chocolate, a plate of fresh fruit, a glass of freshly squeezed juice and sweet rolls, we serve such Oaxaqueño favorites as chilaquiles, quesadillas, tamales, etc. Of course if you are on a restricted diet, or just wish a lighter fare we always have oatmeal or eggs. We fully believe in the local saying--la barriga llena y el corazón contento which is to say, with a fully belly the heart is content!