The St. Regis Mexico City
Photo Courtesy of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc.
About 13.1 million tourists visit Mexico City each year to get immersed in its deep history, rich culture and amazing food and drinks scene. And with 612 hotels (and more than 50,000 hotel rooms) to choose from in the capital city — also dubbed Distrito Federal (Federal District) — there shouldn’t be any excuse not to find a property that will make your trip unforgettable. During our recent visit to the hot spot, we fell in love with Forbes Travel Guide Four-Stars The St. Regis Mexico City and Four Seasons Hotel Mexico, D.F., as well as InterContinental Presidente Mexico City. Each hotel provides you with memorable experiences, whether it’s running with a professional marathoner or brunching on a 2,583-square-foot picturesque terrace surrounded by hand-trimmed shrubs. Read here to find out why you should book a room at one of these three happening addresses.
Get Unique Itineraries
Situated in a prime location, The St. Regis Mexico City can be found on the bustling Paseo de la Reforma. And with so much to do outside of the 189-room, Cesar Pelli-designed luxury property, you’ll want to explore. That’s where the hotel’s Cultural Curator concierge service comes into play. Working to create the ultimate itinerary for guests, the hotel has teamed with fashion stylist Marco Corral and professional marathoner Rogelio Jiménez to offer both shopping and running experiences unlike any other. If your morning routine usually begins with a workout, go for a jog with Jiménez. The sports enthusiast will take you on a run, which includes sightseeing and a visit to the historic Chapultepec Castle. (A brief history lesson is in store.) When you get back to the hotel, you’ll want to hit the spa (we recommend having Remède’s hot stone treatment) and relax before meeting up with Corral over a cup of Earl Grey during The St. Regis Tea Ritual. The fashion guru will tell you about new boutiques and up-and-coming Mexican designers all before taking you on a private tour through the city’s trendy neighborhoods, including Polanco and Roma.
The hotel also offers bike tours courtesy of Bentley Mexico. (Yes, that Bentley.) Ride along cobblestone streets in Condesa and other popular communities while surveying the city’s beautiful architecture and spirited people. For more on what this Four-Star hotel can curate for you, check out its 48 Hours in Mexico City package, where a two-night stay comes with airport transfers, breakfast, a city tour and much more.
Four Seasons Hotel Mexico, D.F.’s Lobby, Photo Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotels Limited
Savor An Alfresco Brunch
The garden at Four Seasons Hotel Mexico, D.F. stuns with its verdant surroundings and carefully crafted statues created by Mexican sculpturist Rafael Coronel. But just imagine how much more breathtaking things will be when the area completes a month-long renovation this August. (The entire property is in the middle of a $14 million makeover expected to be completed by 2016.) Until that project finishes, take to the terrace for the hotel’s signature champagne brunch service. Offering everything from seafood (Peruvian-style snook ceviche) to Mexican griddle stations (quesadillas with chipotle chicken), the brunch includes a bevy of tasty delights from Reforma 500 chef Edgar Kano. On Sundays, you will be in for another treat when a talented singing duo — look for the pair just past the garden’s fountain — serenades folks with Agustín Lara-type songs. And if you’re not in the mood for a full-on meal but still want to enjoy the outdoors, just stop by Pan Dulce on your way to the terrace for a raspberry tart or pear danish accompanied by a cup of soothing chamomile tea.
If you want more of what this Four-Star treasure can offer, book the property’s Stay Longer – Third Night Free package. It will allow you to relish everything previously mentioned while basking in all that world-renowned designers Gilles & Boissier have masterminded (small enclaves, natural woods, bookshelves, large mirrors, pops of red, white, brown and orange) as well.
Work And Play
You know a hotel is a big deal when U.S. President Barack Obama stays there. But its fine roster of past guests is only one of the reasons we adore InterContinental Presidente Mexico City. Known as a mainstay for business travelers, the Polanco hotel, which will be remodeled by October, offers 700 rooms, 10 private meeting spaces, six restaurants and access to shopping along nearby Presidente Masaryk avenue, gorgeous greenery at Chapultepec Park and Mexican culture at the Ballet Folklórico de México and other attractions.
InterContinental Presidente Mexico City, Photo Courtesy of InterContinental Hotels Group
Impress your fellow colleagues by arranging a private wine tasting or dinner inside the hotel’s cellar, which is filled with roughly 30,000 bottles of vino. Master sommelier Pedro Poncelis (whose own label can be found inside the brick-layered facility) will provide the lowdown on the sophisticated storage room’s standout pours and much more. Or organize a working lunch at the contemporary Mexican restaurant Chapulin. The rib-eye tostada with chicatana ants (a local favorite), and shrimp ceviche with diced watermelon are must-order dishes.
When all the meals are finished and meetings are adjourned, head to Hela Spa for its 50-minute antioxidant agave body wrap. The body treatment, which is designed to exfoliate and hydrate the skin, finishes with a calming hot stone massage.
When you’re ready to show the town your new glow, check out places like Mercado Roma — we had fun writing on its chalkboard walls and eating at communal tables near a gorgeous vertical garden. The market’s handmade soaps from El Huacal and fried desserts from El Churro Moro will have you excited about Mexico City’s chic and authentic offerings.
