Mexico’s pulsating capital, Distrito Federal (known in English as Mexico City), is one of the world’s largest metropolitan areas. With a unique mix of tradition, modernity, and over a dozen distinct neighborhoods each with their own charisma and attractions, travelers are sure to encounter a memorable experience. Fitting in to that equation are the array of boutique hotels in Mexico City which have popped up in last several years, each providing a strong sense of place in the different neighborhoods of which they reside. Here are our picks for Mexico City’s best boutique hotels:
Las Alcobas
Boutique Luxury, Polanco
Custom designed by Canadian designers Yabu Pushelberg, this 35 room hotel offers comfort and beauty in equal measures. Located in the heart of one of Mexico City’s most exclusive neighborhoods, the hotel is high-class while also being highly welcoming.
The rooms offer comfort with goose down bedding and bathrooms with hydro-massage of chromo-massage baths plus a selection of natural hand-made soaps to bathe with. The minibar is stocked with Mexican sweets, and body oils and touches of Mexican color subtly adorn the room.
Located right next to one of Mexico’s most highly regarded restaurants, Dulce Patria, and with a top-class restaurant of its own, foodies will be in heaven. Step outside of the hotel and there are multiple bars, restaurants and shops and the city’s best museums just a short walk away.
JM Insider Tip: Take time for a spa treatment with natural products made with Mexican ingredients.
Busué
Urban Cottage Chic, Polanco
With just 11 rooms Busué has the feel of a chic cottage. Its low ceilings and original floor tiles and floral murals give it a cozy, almost medieval feel. The rooms have a modern design scattered with beautiful pieces of original furniture, never straying entirely from its original local identity as the Casa Vieja, or Old House.
On the rooftop you will find Sue 45, the hotel’s country-chic style restaurant. Pink flower arrangements in old white milk urns set off the grey upholstery while lounge music plays. The bar on the mezzanine level, for laid-back daytime drinks, or head out into the local area of Polanco, awash with bars, restaurants and just a short walk from some of the city’s finest museums.
JM Insider Tip: For the most natural light, ask for a street facing room on the 2nd floor.
Hippodrome
Boutique Design, Condesa
Nestled in a quiet corner of Parque Mexico in the hip Condesa neighborhood, Hippodrome has a private almost secret atmosphere about it. Its dark mauve walls and low lighting add to this and give the hotel a feel of a New York speak easy or an underground blues joint. The rooms boast clean lines and wooden floors, combined with the plush luxury of beds you can sink into with soft headboards and velour couches.
The entire hotel has the soft scent of vanilla running through it, adding an almost edible luxury, like cracking into a freshly-baked Crème Brule. If the scent whets your appetite, the hotel’s intimate restaurant Aida, which offers a contemporary Mexican fine-dining menu awaits.
JM Insider Tip: For a view over the top of the trees, take a top floor room.
La Valise
Unique Boutique, Roma Norte
For fans of unique, one-of-a-kind hotels, Valise fits the bill. The amount of urban-chic style and design packed into their three rooms in one of Mexico City’s trendiest neighborhoods will make even design junkies breathless.
Each suite boasts something special but the crown jewel is the terrace suite with its bed on tracks that can be pushed out onto the terrace to enjoy the stars from under the covers. All the furniture was hunted down in antique markets and design fairs across Mexico and tuches of Mexican color shout out from the varied artwork.
When it comes to room service, Valise is even more unique. Service directly to your suite comes from Rosetta, on of Pellegrino’s top 50 Restaurants in Latin America. And this is room service in style, with a whole table set for you by the Rosetta waiters.
JM Insider Tip: Let the staff know your favorite drinks and they will stock your free mini bar with them before you arrive.
Hotel Downtown
Trendy Industrial, Centro
Hotel Downtown seemed to know that the downtown area of Mexico would be trendy before even downtown itself knew. The only design hotel of its kind right now in the center, it is the perfect option for trendsetters. The hotel effortlessly combines 17th century architecture with cutting-edge industrial design.
The rooms with their tall ceilings and exposed brickwork contrasted against the minimalist light wood furniture acts like a homage to Mexico old and new. The hotel’s rooftop terrace with an urban, concrete swimming pool is also home to a roof top bar, packed with beautiful young things listening to loungey, electronic music and sipping on mezcals.
JM Insider Tip: If you like a good soak in a hot bath on your travels, take the Revolution Suite that has an original feature, freestanding bathtub just for you.
