We loved the Judith and the staff at Casa Ollin. So friendly and personable. Judith was very helpful with advice and recommendations, from safety to good places to eat. The B&B is just far enough from the Zocalo and Alcala to be a respite, while close enough to easily walk to the museums, galleries, shops, and restaurants. It was unseasonably warm during part of our visit, but each afternoon we took a dip in the pool and then took a siesta before going out in the evening. The breakfasts were delicious local cuisine, and the high-speed internet access was handy. Also we liked the proximity to the plaza down the street and the park a couple of blocks away, where we went just to relax and enjoy being among Oaxaquenos. It is difficult to imagine staying anyplace else in Oaxaca now that we have stayed at Casa Ollin.

This spring break we traveled with our ten-year old son to Oaxaca and stayed at Casa Ollin. This was his first time out of the country and we were anxious to have a rich cultural experience and get a real taste of Oaxacan life. We could NOT have chosen a better place to stay. The owners and staff at Casa Ollin made us feel so at home and were very available to answer all of our questions (which ranged from how to tell a restaurant whose food is safe and the best ways to travel to visit the artisans in the valley to daily help with our fledgling Spanish.). Once they realized our interests, Judith and her staff were so helpful, not only giving us tips for safe and interesting travel, but also helping us find good restaurants, guides and transportation to our various destinations.

We arrived on Good Friday and JUdith mentioned that there would be a procession that evening just around the corner at Santo Domingo, so we went. It was an incredible experience to watch the Procession de Silencia along with locals. That was the beginning of our ten-days in Oaxaca and it set the stage and mood for many incredible discoveries.

The Casa Ollin itself is charming and offered a restful retreat from the hot, busy streets nearer the Zocolo. The rooms are spotless and kept very clean. Our king sized bed was extremely comfortable. The pool is great for hot days. We had unseasonably warm weather and went swimming everyday before siesta. And even thought there were other guests staying at Ollin, we felt we had plenty of privacy. The house is set back from the street and is very quiet. We came to love the fact that it was located off the beaten path, but just blocks away from Santo Domingo.

Every morning Sophie the cook made Oaxacan breakfasts which always included a variety of fresh fruit and then a main entree. The food was muy rico y delicioso. Although we tried many outstanding restaurants the food at the Casa Ollin was among the best we had during our stay in Mexico.

When we left, it was sad to say good-bye to Judith and the people who had looked after us so well.

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!