Fodor's Expert Review Quinta Real Oaxaca

This breathtaking 16th-century building—the former Convento de Santa Catalina de Siena—is one of the city's landmarks and is now a luxury full-service hotel. Around every corner is a discovery: a rear patio holds the covered pileta, a circle of stone basins where the nuns did laundry. The lavish breakfast buffet, which you can enjoy even if you're not a hotel guest, is served under the arches in what was the convent's kitchen. The grassy courtyard where mariachis play is a great spot for a margarita. Staffers are crisp and professional, and always ready with directions or advice—as you'd hope they would be, given the audacious prices. Guest or not, consider signing up for the free 40-minute tour of this historic building, which departs from the lobby on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 5 pm.