Cartesiano - Boutique & Wellness Hotel

"How did it strike you on arrival?This gorgeous property is located inside an old ceramics factory in the heart of Puebla's old town, set between brightly painted colonial homes and storefronts. Beautifully restored into a luxury hotel, the Cartesiano does a brilliant job of fusing old and new, knowing exactly where to preserve and where to introduce modern features—the annex, which has whole walls impressed with colorful, hand painted ceramic tiles that were produced from the century-old factory, visible from the roof top pool, is a great example. There's also an indoor/outdoor vibe throughout: The main building and 19th century annex are connected by an large outdoor walkway filled with plants and paved with old ceramic tiles. Nice. What’s the crowd like?Puebla isn't on any kind of hip circuit just yet (it will be soon, trust me), but it's easy to see the rooftop bar at the Cartesiano buzzing with linen clad, sun kissed well-to-do Mexicans and Americans wanting to tack on a city break to their beach flop holiday elsewhere in the country. It's perfect for those who want to do Mexico in a long weekend, too; unlike Mexico City, this town can be conquered easily in three days. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.My room had a neutral palette with lots of stone and fine linens. I would have preferred that all products were local and artisan, in keeping with the hotel's history as a ceramics factory (and who doesn't want their Mexican hotel room filled with local crafts?) but over all, they did a lovely job. The rooms are clean and modern with an emphasis on materials. Room service: Worth it?This town is home to mole poblano, and though you can order it from any place in town with a stove top, the chef's sampler here is pretty tasty. But don't eat in your room! Get up to the rooftop dining area! Staff: If you could award one a trophy, who gets it, and why?The gentleman who oversees their marketing was phenomenal. He is a local Poblano and you could just sense how immensely proud he was of his city. He insisted on walking me all over town and pointing out his favorite shops and vendors, and while I normally prefer to go explore on my own, he was welcome company and an excellent guide. A wonderful ambassador for the hotel—and for Puebla. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.The rooftop bar was lovely, and the bartender was one of the few in town who really grasped modern mixology (he could do mean things with mezcal and pretty much any fruit laying around). The restaurant was genuinely tasty, but you don't want to sacrifice the wonderful, rustic mole houses all over Puebla. That said, it's a solid choice for your first night if you have just arrived and don't want to go back out. The pool and gym, meanwhile, are on the roof and have excellent views. Bottom line: worth it, and why?The Cartesiano is one of those rare properties whose opening will make a destination hot, not the other way around. This place firmly understands its hometown's artisanal legacy and honors it through its smart and considered preservation of the old ceramics factory it occupies. Plus, it has the best address in town: right at the doorstep of the excellent Las Sapos Flea Market (yep, bring an empty suitcase with you)." - Erin Florio

"Cartesiano is an eight-month-old hotel inside an old tile factory with calming beige-and-white rooms."