My husband and I took a gamble on booking a B&B, as our previous experiences at B&B's was not favorable. To our extreme delight, the Casa Ollin B&B was the perfect choice.

Owners Jon, Judith and their friendly staff provided a comfortable, friendly environmnent for our week's visit. The room was large, comfortable, clean, private and pleasingly decorated with local crafts. Breakfasts were very delicious, with plenty of coffee, juice, rolls, fruit and traditional main dishes. The conversations with the other guests were always fun and I looked forward to chatting with everyone to see where they'd been and what they had discovered.

The pool is a treat. It's well cared for and was a great respite from the heat of the afternoon. The Living Room is filled with books on the area, restaurant information and maps.

The location is perfect. Oaxaca city can be a noisy place what with all of the music and festivals. Ollin's location is just far enough out of the mainstream of activity, but still very short 10 minute walk to into the heart of things. The only "noise" in Ollin is the number of songbirds that I woke up to each morning.

Jon & Judith introduced us to her brother Cesar, who provided us 3 days of tours to markets, churches and folkart locations outside the city. He seems to know everyone and everyone knows him. His command of English made the tours especially significant. He is also a musician, and one afternoon, we sat in the Zocolo listening to his quartet play. It was a sunny day, there was a nice breeze, the music was lovely. A very pleasant moment indeed.

We really can't say enough about our time in Oaxaca and at the Ollin. We were planning our next trip here before we even left. My only regret is that I did not get a picture of Judith's newly acquired deer wood carving from Jacobo and Marie Angeles. Guess we'll just have to go back.

What wonderful and warm folks John and Judith are. Every day the place grows on you. They are full of great travel advice and will do anythign to make your stay enjoyable. On our first night, our luggage was lost, and by the next morning Judith had her son at the airport picking it up. I highly recommend getting Cesar (Judith's brother) for a tour guide for any of the local spots you want to visit -- he has a nice car, is as kind as could be, full of knowledge and shares all kinds of places you wouldn't find on your own. They are truly gems and show the heart and spirit of Oaxaca, Mexico. I'll be back!

When Jon asked for ways that Oaxaca Ollin could be improved, I came up with - nothing. This is the perfect hideaway to enjoy all that Oaxaca and the surrounding area have to offer. It is tucked away on a quiet street, but only a few blocks away from the action of the Zocalo. The layout allows visiting and comparing notes with fellow guests (we were fortunate to find kindered spirits) or quiet solitude. Jon, Judith and the staff were most helpful and friendly - we felt like transient family. After a day of touring and shopping til we dropped, the pool was a refreshing pick-me-up. We chose to rent a car and Judith offered tricks to get around the City. Jon made sure that we had parking right outside the front door. The breakfasts were scrumptious. Whatever we needed or wanted was there for the asking. There is no reason to search for other options - Oaxaca Ollin is where we will stay during our visits to Oaxaca.

Steve and Maureen - CA

In early-March, my wife and I spent a week at the Casa Ollin. Without question, it's the most relaxing time we've spent in Mexico. In fact, we had such a great time and enjoyed the owners and staff so much that we put together a short video that that you'll find in the the upper right-side of this page in the "Traveler Photos and Video" section.

Highlights of our stay included:
* Jon & Judith - the friendly owners of Casa Ollin who were a tremendous source of information both before and during our trip.
* Tour of the Eastern Oaxaca Valley with Cesar, Judith's brother. Ask for the special cello surprise.
* Sleeping very well on the comfortable king-sized bed with no footboard.
* Tasty Oaxacan breakfasts with amazing sauces.
* Hanging out poolside.
* Being able to access the Internet anywhere on the property with our laptop.
* Close walking proximity to all of Oaxaca City's main sights.
* Excellent restaurant guide compiled with recommendations from previous guests (our favorite was La Biznaga - amazing moles and great indoor patio).

We 'll be back to the Casa Ollin for sure someday. Have a great trip to Oaxaca!