"Why book? Polanco’s newest boutique offers a taste of British style in Mexico City. Set the scene: Bright red chairs around jet-black coffee tables are the perfect perch for posh international travelers to enjoy their morning coffee during a stay at The Alest, Polanco’s newest boutique hotel. Beyond a sleek British-inspired façade, guests are greeted by a contemporary lobby and bar, replete with a fireplace, where a white marble staircase leads to 19 sophisticated guest rooms and suites. The backstory: Inspired by a fictitious tale of a roving British family of adventurers, The Alest brings a distinct sense of British hospitality to Polanco, Mexico City’s posh, international borough. The rooms: Of the 19 contemporary guest rooms, nine offer an exclusive view of the leafy Eugenio Sue street and all feature a curated collection of Mexican art and Carrara marble-clad bathrooms. The three junior suites are located on the third floor and have their own large terrace on the upper part of the building, overlooking the treetops. Food and drink: The property’s restaurant, 45, is helmed by chef Fernando Martínez Zavala, who specializes in contemporary Mexican cuisine with a flair for international presentations. Adjacent to the restaurant is the ground-floor bar, which features a signature cocktail crafted by the mixologists at Limantour, often regarded as one of the best bars in Mexico City. The spa: The property has no on-site spa but can arrange in-room massages for guests. The neighborhood/area: The bed and breakfast is only a few blocks from Polanquito, an area with myriad cafes and shops. It’s also conveniently located near the leafy Lincoln Park, a delightful area to pass an afternoon or attend a cultural event at the open-air Angela Peralta theater. The service: A fleet of complimentary bikes with rattan baskets are available for guests who seek to explore the boutique shops and cafes of Polanco. The property also has butler-style services, as well as quirky amenities like a cache of remote-controlled model boats and yachts for guests to take to Lincoln Park and join the locals in an afternoon of pond racing. Anything left to mention? Don’t miss the property’s ground-floor shop, Casa Ku, which features traditional Mexican products, from ceramics and handwoven placemats to jewelry and dresses." - Michaela Trimble
