Anthea Gerrie reviews Condesa df Hotel in Mexico City.
Like all world-class cities, Mexico’s capital is a collection of neighbourhoods each worthy of a few days’ exploration. But with downtown and its ritzy extension Polanco so rich in cultural jewels, few visitors venture beyond, and thus miss out on the joys of Condesa, Roma, Coyoacan and San Angel, all unmissable for different reasons.
Given that all the above are to the south of downtown, Condesa df hotel makes the perfect boutique hotel base from which to explore Roma’s edgy renaissance as a drinking and dining destination, San Angel’s arty bazaars and galleries and the magnificent Frida Kahlo house in Coyoacan, not to mention Condesa itself. This residential neighbourhood is known for its art deco architecture, and Condesa DF allows you to live the pleasures of a revamped 1920’s building.
Built in French neoclassical style, Condesa DF hotel is a flatiron. with rooms arranged around a triangular patio which is one of its greatest attributes. From a sunny enclave in which to start the day with a sumptous breakfast buffet, it transforms into a buzzy bar for drinks and snacks come sundown, all the time with the pleasing geometric play of shutters which soundproof sleeping quarters against diners snapping open and shut as the day advances.
The rooms themselves have been updated with Mexican accoutrements like handwoven rugs and throws as well as smart, mid-century style furniture, and many have graceful floor to ceiling arched windows, some with balconies. Suites open up to decks, and there is a rooftop bar with far-reaching views.
In Condesa itself, the park is the big thing, especially on a Sunday morning, when residents are out with their dogs. But in the week the ‘hood enjoys a buzzy dining scene, with Merotoro in particular to be sampled for an innovative supper. And for those who feel they must spend at least one night in the old historical centre, there’s a sister hotel, Downtown Mexico.
Tell me more about Condesa df hotel
Condesa df Avenida Veracruz, 102 Mexico City 6700
Rooms from £179
