Hidden Tips

Try to get the "Boutique" experience. Because it's a small place, you can ask the staff for personalized recommendations which other bigger places won't give you. For example, ask at the reception about a wind forecast if you're going to the beach; in Salina Cruz when it blows hard enough to sandblast your skin there's always some bay well protected-from-the-wind this is good local knowledge on which days what bay. Also ask them where is best place eating garnachas-a food specialty from Isthmus region (you should not leave without tasting).

When choosing a room, if you are a light sleeper, then request one not facing the main street. Morning traffic in Salina Cruz begins quite early; internal rooms have less natural light but offer a setting more akin to silence for sleeping-in. Also, the hotel happens to have powerful air conditioning but stepping out of the cool room into humidity is drastic—carry a light sweater for the room and breathable cottons for outdoors.

At the end, manage your expectations of the city. Salina Cruz is not a “walking city” for tourists in the sense that it has been set up to accommodate walking tourists. It is functional and spread out. Do not expect to walk out of your hotel and immediately find a charming colonial zocalo with cafes next door. You will need taxis or a car to get around. Consider Hotel Boutique Alebrijes as your stylish bubble of comfort—where you can relax in beautiful surroundings after confronting the harsh Oaxacan elements, whether at work or play.