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Mexico City has cultivated a reputation as a foodie’s paradise, with three of its restaurants — Quintonil, Rosetta, and Pujol — earning spots on this year’s World’s 50 Best list. And while a trip purely dedicated to fine dining makes a flight to CDMX more than worth it, we’d argue that the city’s passion for art and design is equally as motivating. This is obvious in its hotels.
At a Glance: The Best Hotels in Mexico City
Mexico City hotels are frequented in equal measure by visitors and residents alike, with the city’s most impressive properties erring on the boutique side. There are contemporary bed and breakfasts inspired by clothing brands, like Octavia Casa, to restored historic buildings that were once the residences of prolific Mexican artists.
Where to Stay in Mexico City
To simplify your planning, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite design-forward hotels in Mexico City to book ahead of your trip based on our own travels and top reviews alike.
Casa Polanco
With its white stucco walls and arched doorway disguised by greenery and a wrought-iron fence, Casa Polanco could understandably be mistaken for a historic private residence. It’s thankfully a boutique property open to the public, and is a haven for art and design lovers. Contemporary Mexican works, curated by Santiago Toca, are scattered throughout 19 suites and commonplaces, including the library; mid-20th century objects and furniture are sourced from antique shows and bazaars or purchased directly from makers like Raúl de la Cerda, an industrial designer, or Alfonso Marina, a local cabinetmaker.
Octavia Casa
Octavia Casa is the bed and breakfast arm of Octavia, a Mexican clothing brand with capsule wardrobe checkmarks full of solid colors and simple silhouettes. That contemporary aesthetic is mirrored throughout their sister hotel. Restored from a dilapidated building in the trendy Condesa area, guests can expect soothing neutral tones for the perfect post-sightseeing reprieve. While there’s no on-site restaurants, fresh pastries are brought in every morning from local bakeries and natural Mexican wines can be enjoyed on the rooftop at night.
Brick Hotel
The dark wood and moody lighting of the stylish Brick Hotel makes it feel like an exclusive club you’d have to pay an exorbitant annual fee to get into. There are 17 rooms total (10 guest rooms, seven suites) and select rooms have private balconies that overlook the trendy Colonial Roma neighborhood. This is an ideal location for quick weekend trips as it puts you walking distance to several must-sees like Panadería Rosetta, an iconic CDMX bakery known for their guava and ricotta danishes.
The Alest Hotel
The Alest Hotel is a nod to the city’s cultural diversity, and their British-inspired facade looks like it was transported from England and placed onto the tree-lined Eugenio Sue in CDMX’s Polanco neighborhood. The on-site 45 Restaurant offers contemporary Mexican dishes that should be followed by a cocktail at Limantour, the trendy ground floor bar.
The St. Regis Mexico City
When you close your eyes and dream up classic hotel luxury, it’s likely you’re envisioning the blueprint of St. Regis Mexico City. Guests can expect prompt service and modern amenities coupled with recently renovated Garden Terrace Suites, spacious rooms outfitted with oversized balconies — complete with patio seating, a fireplace, and hot tub — surrounded by an ever-growing skyline; one extra special suite is also the site of Mexico City’s only outdoor infinity pool. The on-site restaurants are lauded by guests and locals alike, and you’ll enjoy steak and sushi boats at Animal amidst suit-clad diners in lunchtime business meetings.
Downtown Mexico
For a boutique stay that doesn’t compromise budget, the Downtown averages $180 per night and houses 17 spacious rooms in a historic 17th-century manor. The old is balanced with the new; contemporary minimalist furniture against the backdrop of arched doorways and high ceilings capture the best of both worlds. The rooftop pool is home to some of the city’s best nightlife.
Círculo Mexicano
Círculo Mexicano is the former home of 20th-century photographer Manuel Álvarez Bravo, and his iconic black and white images are tactically placed throughout the property. People watching is prime at Círculo Mexicano, courtesy of the ground floor marketplace and buzzy rooftop pool sweetened further by the courtyard Itacate del Mar restaurant — here, you’ll find unfussy street-style Mexican food.
Nima Local House Hotel
Anyone who’s romanticized a Juliet balcony will fall head over heels for Nima Local House Hotel, and the hanging greenery surrounding every nook and cranny only add to its Shakespearean feel. Located in the quaint Roma neighborhood, this hotel is intimate with only four bedrooms that tend to book up quickly. We recommend planning as far in advance as possible.
Casa Pani
You may have noticed the artist-home-turned-hotel trend emerging on this list, and Casa Pani is no exception — it was built in the Sixites as the private residence of architect Mario Pani. There are six rooms total; four are in the main house and two are in the annex that’s accessible by a spiral metal staircase. Located in Cuauhtémoc, right in the middle of an emerging arts scene. Case in point: Exit La Librería.