Former West Brom and Coventry star Hughes was simply too hot for the shaky visiting defence, but Oldham's whole performance was impressive as they kept up their 100 per cent start to the League One season.
The Latics made plenty of chances, with Hughes and Lewis Alessandra leading the way and Cheltenham being restricted to little of note at the other end.
Oldham have now won three out of three after missing out on the play-offs last term.
They could have led within five minutes of kick-off, but Alessandra bundled wide of the target from a Mark Allott pass.
The home side went even closer after 15 minutes when Danny Whitaker smashed a shot against the post from just outside the box.
Jennison Myrie-Williams went close for Cheltenham, but Oldham were soon back on top as Hughes squandered two more opportunities.
The woodwork intervened again as Cheltenham tried to clear the ball in a scramble but Oldham broke through just before half-time.
Alessandra sent Hughes into the area and he blasted home from ten yards, before doubling the lead after 50 minutes with a smart finish from six yards after being set up by Andy Liddell.
Cheltenham's only real chance saw Myrie-Williams thwarted by keeper Mark Crossley and Oldham soon made it three as full-back Neal Eardley produced a great cross for Hughes to head in from six yards.
Oldham stayed on top despite taking off their in-form striker and they completed the victory five minutes from time with a well-taken goal from Whitaker, who curled an effort into the bottom corner from 20 yards.