The ritzy Polanco neighborhood of Mexico City has plenty to offer—stunning parks, world-class shopping, buzzy nightlife, delectable food and drink, and perhaps most importantly, one of the coziest luxury hotels found anywhere in the city. The understated and elegant Las Alcobas Hotel is a 35-room property that offers a sophisticated respite from the activity of the surrounding streets.
The unassuming facade of Las Alcobas belies the luxury within. While other hotels may rely on large, ornate entrances to welcome their guests, Las Alcobas abides by the concept that less is more—and it really is. Upon entering the hotel, travelers are immediately greeted by a welcoming staff of bellmen, concierges, and receptionists. The centerpiece of the hotel, visible immediately, is a stately wooden spiral staircase that starts at the ground floor and runs to the sixth floor. Thanks to a fountain at the base of the staircase, there’s something inherently soothing about the lines of the spiral coupled with the sounds of running water that may just make you want to take the stairs (but don’t worry, there’s an elevator immediately to your right).
Previously a private residence, Las Alcobas maintains a sense of hominess and intimacy even as a reimagined boutique hotel. Each of the floors boasts just a few rooms (you’ll find a spa and gym on the second and third floor, respectively), and rooms are set up the way you wish your bedroom might be, complete with custom rosewood furniture. Made for relaxing after a long day exploring the many museums and mezcalerias Mexico City has to offer, you’ll be able to kick back on a comfortable chaise lounge before planning your next move.
Bathrooms are outfitted with deep soaking tubs—don’t forget to call down to the front desk or spa for a bag of bath herbs and salts (options include Relax, Sensual, and Jet Lag) for the ultimate in-room R&R experience. Showers come complete with at least six water jets, which can be activated simultaneously for a seriously invigorating way to wash off the day (or start your morning). Bvlgari bath products certainly don’t hurt, and the scent is so heavenly that you may be tempted to take home one of the full-size shampoos, conditioners, or lotions.
An incredibly attentive staff pays mind to the most minute of details, from ensuring that your slippers are placed bedside during turndown service or offering little boxes of cinnamon-spiced chocolates, nothing is left to chance.
While there are a plethora of delightful dining options mere steps from the hotel, it’s worth staying in Las Alcobas for at least one dinner experience (and every breakfast) at hotel restaurant Anatol. Start your morning with a selection of freshly baked pastries, coffee, and tea, and then indulge in both traditional Mexican and more American-inspired dishes. Personal favorites include the Manchamanteles, an Oaxacan mole dish featuring a chicken and Oaxaca cheese stuffed tortilla with sesame seeds, cream, Cotija cheese, and red onion, and a decadent stuffed french toast with candied bacon on top. For dinner, be sure to order from the Specials menu, which rotates on a seasonal basis. But if you’re sticking to classics, the black bean soup, poured over a base of smoked foie gras, tomato seeds, cilantro gremolata, and tomato seeds, is an absolute must-try.
Aside from the delight that is the hotel itself, Las Alcobas is conveniently located in the very heart of Polanco, which makes visiting museums, including the Museo Nacional de Antropología and Soumaya museum, accessible both via foot or a very short car ride.
So whether you’re headed to CDMX for food, culture, or just an escape from the mundane, calling Las Alcobas your home away from home is the right idea.
Top Takeaways
Location: Mexico City, Mexico
Rating: Five-Star
The Vibe: Intimate sophistication—think what you would want your house to look like.
Food + Drink: Anatol serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. All are excellent
Amenities: spa; fitness center; restaurant; concierge
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: Aside from the beautiful spiral staircase, our favorite in-room amenity is doubtless the jacuzzi bathtub with bath herbs
5 Nearby Attractions: Parque Lincoln, Bosque de Chapultepec, Museo Nacional de Antropología, Chapultepec Castle, Soumaya museum
Any Personal Neighborhood Recs?: Polanco is such a beautiful, walkable neighborhood that it’s worth carving out an afternoon to explore the area by foot
Rooms: 36 rooms and suites
Pricing: Rooms start at $400/night
Closest Airport: Mexico City International Airport
