Downtown Mexico
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Hotel Details
Location
Mexico City
Mexico, North America
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Expert Review: Downtown Mexico
Downtown Mexico, a distinguished Michelin Key Selected property, offers a captivating blend of colonial grandeur and contemporary design in the vibrant heart of Mexico City. Housed within a beautifully restored 17th-century palace, it consistently earns high praise for its unique atmosphere, exceptional service, and prime location.
1. Overall Rating & Sentiment
The general consensus for Downtown Mexico is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing their stays as "exceptional," "fantastic," and "truly memorable." It boasts strong ratings, including an impressive 9.2 for staff and service, 9.0 for location, 9.6 for cleanliness, and a 7.6 for facilities. Many consider it a top choice for travelers seeking an unforgettable experience in the city.
2. Key Highlights
Guests consistently laud several aspects of Downtown Mexico:
- Design & Architecture: The hotel is celebrated for its "beautiful architecture and stylish decor," artfully combining the building's original 17th-century colonial elements with a "very clean, very contemporary modern boutique style." The high ceilings, ornate stonework, and striking mural by Manuel Rodríguez Lozano contribute to its unique character.
- Service & Staff: The staff receives nearly universal acclaim for being "incredibly welcoming and attentive," "exceptional," "exceedingly friendly," and going "above and beyond" to ensure a comfortable stay.
- Location: Its situation in the "heart of the historic center" (Centro Histórico) is a major draw, providing convenient access to numerous attractions.
- Amenities: The rooftop terrace with its concrete infinity pool, hot tub, and bar offers stunning views of the historic cityscape and is often highlighted as a favorite feature for relaxation. Free Wi-Fi and pet-friendly policies are also appreciated.
3. Room Quality
Downtown Mexico offers 17 rooms, including six suites, each featuring a "paired-down and raw industrial edge" complemented by original high-vaulted brick ceilings, light wooden detailing, and tiled floors. Rooms are "well appointed" and come with comforts such as premium bedding, air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, iPod docks/speakers, minibars, and organic bath products. The larger suites, particularly the 70sqm Revolution Suite, are highly recommended for their ample space, city views, and luxurious bathrooms.
However, many standard rooms, especially those facing interior courtyards, may lack windows, leading to dim lighting and potential ventilation issues. Some guests have reported a "funky smell" or "smell of sewage" in these windowless rooms due to plumbing, which can be challenging for sensitive noses. Bathrooms often follow a contemporary open-plan design, which might not suit those desiring complete privacy. Scarce storage space has also been mentioned as a minor issue.
4. Dining Experience
The hotel provides a delightful dining experience, particularly noted for its "tasty" and "delicious" breakfast. Guests often describe breakfast as a "three-course event" featuring a generous buffet with homemade bread, cured meats, fresh fruit, cereals, and juices, alongside hot à la carte traditional Mexican dishes prepared to order. The Lobby restaurant, located on the central balcony of the palace, serves international and modern Mexican cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The rooftop bar and restaurant also offer an all-day menu of classics like shrimp tacos, quesadillas, and ceviche, perfect for enjoying with sunset views.
5. Service & Staff
The staff at Downtown Mexico consistently receives glowing reviews. They are described as "incredibly welcoming and attentive," "exceedingly friendly and helpful," and are frequently praised for their "exceptional" level of service. Many guests note that the staff "went above and beyond" to ensure their needs were met, contributing significantly to a memorable stay. While one isolated review mentioned "spacey" staff and a "blatantly dishonest manager," this appears to be an outlier against a vast majority of positive feedback.
6. Location & Accessibility
Downtown Mexico boasts an "unbeatable" and "prime" location in the Centro Histórico, Mexico City's historic and cultural nucleus, a designated UNESCO site. It's a short walk from major landmarks such as the Zócalo, Catedral Metropolitana, Palacio de Bellas Artes, and Torre Latinoamericana. The hotel is also conveniently close to metro stations like Allende, Zocalo, and Isabel La Catolica, making exploration easy. Transfers to Benito Juárez International Airport typically take around 30 minutes, though traffic can extend this. Valet parking is available for guests.
7. Value & Pricing
Guests frequently highlight Downtown Mexico's "excellent value for money." While it offers a luxurious experience, its average price of approximately $295 per room is considered a "true steal" compared to other luxury accommodations in Mexico City, where the average room price is around $177. Prices can start from $200 per night, with rates varying seasonally; June tends to be the cheapest month, while December is typically the most expensive.
8. Common Complaints
Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, some recurring issues have been noted:
- Room Ventilation and Odor: A common criticism, especially for standard rooms, is the lack of windows, which can lead to poor ventilation and a dim ambiance. Some guests have experienced a persistent "funky smell" or "smell of sewage" in these rooms, attributed to plumbing issues.
- Pool Availability: The hotel's rooftop pool is currently closed for renovations, though guests are offered access to the pool, sauna, and jacuzzi at a sister property, Hotel Circulo Mexicano. One past instance noted the pool area being leased for an event, making it inaccessible to guests, which caused disappointment.
- Noise: While some guests find the noise from the bustling street or the courtyard restaurant manageable, others have identified it as a potential concern, even with some soundproofed rooms.
- Minor In-Room Amenities: A few guests have mentioned the absence of coffee facilities in the rooms and the lack of complimentary bottled water as minor inconveniences.
Sources
Points to Consider
- •Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, some recurring issues have been noted:
- •Noise:** While some guests find the noise from the bustling street or the courtyard restaurant manageable, others have identified it as a potential concern, even with some soundproofed rooms.
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