La Purificadora

La Purificadora: A Comprehensive Review of Puebla's Michelin Key Selected Property

La Purificadora, a distinguished Michelin Key Selected property in Puebla, Mexico, offers a striking blend of historical preservation and contemporary design, housed within a 19th-century water processing plant. This Grupo Habita hotel, redesigned by the acclaimed Mexican modernist architect Ricardo Legorreta, consistently garners high praise for its unique aesthetic, attentive service, and prime location in the heart of Puebla's historic center.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

La Purificadora generally enjoys a "Very Good" guest rating, with a score of 8.4 out of 10 based on numerous reviews. The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently highlighting its exceptional design and dedicated staff, affirming its status as a first-class hotel capable of competing with global standards. Its selection by the Michelin Guide further underscores its quality and unique appeal.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud La Purificadora for several standout features:

• Design: The hotel's conversion from an old factory into an industrial-chic marvel by Ricardo Legorreta is a major draw, integrating original elements like exposed stone walls with modern touches such as glass panels and sleek furniture.
• Rooftop Pool: The 30-meter elevated swimming pool with a glass wall and an accompanying Jacuzzi on the rooftop terrace is a significant highlight, offering stunning views and a unique ambiance. Food and cocktails can be served poolside.
• Service & Staff: The hotel's staff receives exceptional feedback for being caring, friendly, and consistently helpful.
• Location: Its central position in Puebla's historic district is ideal for exploring nearby attractions.
• Amenities: Valet parking, a fitness center, a spa with steam rooms and massage services, a library, and free Wi-Fi are all appreciated amenities.

3. Room Quality

La Purificadora features 26 rooms, identified by letter rather than number, designed with a minimalist yet welcoming aesthetic. The color scheme is typically austere, utilizing blacks, whites, natural wood, and stone, with judicious accents of royal purple or blue. Rooms are described as spacious and comfortable, often featuring king-sized beds, flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, cable channels, air conditioning, and organic honey bath products. Some rooms boast private balconies, while the Top Suite offers a room-length terrace and a private heated pool.

A notable design characteristic, however, is the clear glass cube serving as a closet and the open bathroom area. The shower and toilet stalls have frosted glass doors that do not extend to the ceiling, which some guests perceive as a lack of privacy.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel's restaurant offers a contemporary approach to authentic Mexican cuisine, characterized by its use of fresh, local ingredients and artistic presentation by Chef Nanyely Pastrana. The dining area, with its blend of industrial and minimalist elements, provides an intimate and sophisticated atmosphere. A pool bar on the rooftop also serves delicious food and cocktails. While some guests have lauded the "large" and "absolutely excellent breakfast," others have found the continental breakfast buffet to be of poor quality and lacking variety. Room service offering Mexican meals and snacks is available 24 hours a day.

5. Service & Staff

The service at La Purificadora consistently receives high marks. Guests frequently commend the staff for being "caring and friendly," "super atento," and "extremely amable." They are often noted for their attentiveness and willingness to help, providing solutions and making guests feel special.

6. Location & Accessibility

La Purificadora is ideally situated in Puebla's historic center, providing easy access to many local attractions. It's adjacent to a sculpture garden and within a short walk of sights such as the Puebla Cathedral, El Parián Shopping Mall, Museo de la Talavera Poblana Armando, and the Church of San Francisco. The neighborhood is described as lively yet tranquil, with numerous nearby dining options. The hotel is approximately a 20-minute drive from Puebla-Hermanos Serdán International Airport and about an hour and a half from Mexico City's Bénito Juárez International Airport, with transfers available.

7. Value & Pricing

La Purificadora offers an "exceptional experience" in Puebla, though its pricing is generally higher than the city's average. While the average price for a room is around $187, compared to the city average of $74, guests often consider the unparalleled design, amenities, and service to justify the cost. Nightly rates for two adults can start from approximately $120.

8. Common Complaints

Despite its many strengths, some recurring criticisms have been noted:

• Bathroom Privacy: The transparent glass closets and frosted glass doors in the bathroom, which do not extend to the ceiling for the shower and toilet, are a frequent point of contention regarding a lack of privacy.
• Noise Issues: The proximity to the adjacent convention center can lead to significant noise, particularly during musical events (e.g., June 25 to July 1), which can disrupt guest rest. Similarly, a nearby bar playing loud music until midnight can impact relaxation by the pool and sleep quality.
• Breakfast Quality: Some guests have expressed disappointment with the continental breakfast buffet, citing poor quality and limited variety.
• Inaccessible Amenities: On occasion, the pool or panoramic terrace have been reported as closed or inaccessible.
• Ambience Perception: While many praise the design, a few guests have found the aesthetic to be "cold and not very friendly."
• Walk to Center: The path from the hotel to the absolute city center is not always considered pleasant by all guests.

Sources

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