A large tree provides shade in the middle of the courtyard, where chairs and glass-topped tables are comfortable for midday reading or evening drinks. Walking around Oaxaca, you'll see many buildings in this style - peer through the doorway of an unassuming building and you'll be taken aback by the colorful tiles, plants, fountains or statues in the central courtyard. It's an extra living room rather than a garden, shady in the heat and often a favorite place for stringing a hammock during an afternoon siesta.

Although there are no hammocks at the Parador del Dominico there is a bar - serving between 1:00pm and 10:30pm. We've seldom seen it very busy or noisy (most people head to the zocalo in the evenings), though it's ideal for an afternoon beer and makes a comfortable gathering point before a stroll into town.