Av. Veracruz 102

"Mexico City’s first design boutique hotel was cool before the capital was hot. Before international chefs made pilgrimages to Pujol to eat grasshopper and self-proclaimed foodies posted photos of mouthwatering tacos al pastor. And the fact is, 20 years in, Condesa DF is still—if not the shiniest or most elegant hotel—the coolest. In large part, this comes down to excellent design. Grupo Habita (the homegrown hospitality brand behind low-key Oaxacan beach retreat Hotel Escondido and retro-hip The Robey in Chicago) took a neoclassic, 1920s apartment building with arched windows and French balconettes and tapped Mexican architect Javier Sanchez and Iranian-French designer India Mahdavi to transform it. The pair created a space so contemporary it still feels trailblazing. Sleek metal shades close off the guest rooms from the open-air atrium. Mod, Jetsons-like furniture (a white semicircle-shaped leather couch, lacquered tables that look like Bishop chess pieces) paired with bold but spare hits of color, like turquoise walls and lemon-yellow chairs. The hotel, encircled by palms and pines and just a few steps from Parque España, one of the city’s prettiest squares where creatives stroll with their dogs mid-day and teenage couples steal kisses, is itself a retreat from the constant whirl of the surrounding megalopolis while still being in the middle of one of its liveliest neighborhoods. Of the five different room types, the corner suites with wrap-around terraces stand out, especially in the spring when the jacaranda trees erupt in a riot of purple. The vintage 1950s Chevy, which is permanently parked in front, is the sign that you—along with stylish Capitalinas dressed in oversized Carla Fernandez tunics who come to nibble some of the city’s best sushi on the now iconic rooftop bar—have arrived" - Susannah Rigg, Michaela Trimble

"How did it strike you on arrival?The hotel is set in a French neoclassical building, adjacent to Parque España, one of the city's most delightful parks. A classic car art installation by the Mexican visual artist Betsabeé Romero is permanently parked outside, making the hotel easy to spot. Inside, modern interior design by India Mahdavi beautifully contrasts the building's Art Nouveau bones. Nice. What’s the crowd like?As one of the city's original lifestyle hotels, Hotel Condesa DF has a loyal following of (now older) trendsetters, who've been coming to the hotel since it opened in 2005. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.Standard rooms are quite small for two people. The suites, however, are extremely spacious. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?The beds are comfortable, with fluffy, white duvets. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?There are deliciously-scented Mexican bath amenities made from both honey and pollen. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.Bathrooms in the regular rooms are on the smaller side but each one has a rain shower with generally good water pressure. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?Wi-Fi is available free of charge throughout the hotel. Room service: Worth it?Room service is available 24 hours a day from both the Japanese rooftop restaurant and the lobby-level Mexican restaurant, which sources fresh ingredients from the Arca Tierra farm in Xochimilco. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.The rooftop Healthy Bar is perfect for fresh juice and park views in the morning. What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?The rooftop soaking tub, replete with a water-shower feature, is perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring the city. Bottom line: worth it, and why?Guests who prefer lots of space may find the rooms on the smaller side, but you'll want to spend most of your time hanging in the cozy, well-designed common areas anyway." - Susannah Rigg

"Mexico City’s first design boutique hotel was cool before the capital was hot. Before international chefs made pilgrimages to Pujol to eat grasshopper and self-proclaimed foodies posted photos of mouthwatering tacos al pastor . And the fact is, 20 years in, Condesa DF is still—if not the shiniest or most elegant hotel—the coolest. In large part, this comes down to excellent design. Grupo Habita (the homegrown hospitality brand behind low-key Oaxacan beach retreat Hotel Escondido and retro-hip The Robey in Chicago) took a neoclassic, 1920s apartment building with arched windows and French balconettes and tapped Mexican architect Javier Sanchez and Iranian-French designer India Mahdavi to transform it. The pair created a space so contemporary it still feels trailblazing. Sleek metal shades close off the guest rooms from the open-air atrium. Mod, Jetsons-like furniture (a white semicircle-shaped leather couch, lacquered tables that look like Bishop chess pieces) paired with bold but spare hits of color, like turquoise walls and lemon-yellow chairs. The hotel, encircled by palms and pines and just a few steps from Parque España, one of the city’s prettiest squares where creatives stroll with their dogs mid-day and teenage couples steal kisses, is itself a retreat from the constant whirl of the surrounding megalopolis while still being in the middle of one of its liveliest neighborhoods. Of the five different room types, the corner suites with wrap-around terraces stand out, especially in the spring when the jacaranda trees erupt in a riot of purple. The vintage 1950s Chevy, which is permanently parked in front, is the sign that you—along with stylish Capitalinas dressed in oversized Carla Fernandez tunics who come to nibble some of the city’s best sushi on the now iconic rooftop bar—have arrived" - Susannah Rigg