Sitting just astride a gorgeous-people-filled coffee shop playing very nice music is one of Mexico City’s most understated boltholes. In the leafy, cinematic hood of Roma — all humming, dark mezcal bars, vegan cafes, and hip restaurants, you can somehow find tranquility with ease.
At La Valise, labyrinthine suites with towering ceilings, marble bathrooms, and art sculptures render this practically receptionless, super quiet residence as intriguing as they come. There’s a renaissance, fairytale vibe: opulence, gilt frames, fresh flowers, heavy wood floors, and ott bathrooms, but somehow it feels just Goldilocks right.
Request either a terrace room with a roll-out bed so you can bliss out under the starts, or book La Luna with its giant spinning installation separating the living room (complete with white roses) and bedroom (with king bed and top thread count sheets).
A mirrored, marbled bathroom in La Luna can be located down a long corridor off the dressing area, evoking a Mariah Carey cribs feel. A roll-top bathtub with all amenities and fluffy towels galore makes for an optimum photo shoot backdrop. Despite all this comfort, the vibe is unassuming, low-key, unshowy, and private when you check in, bolstered by the continental breakfeast served on a silver platter in your suite (turbo coffee and spectacular fresh fruits are a must).
Nearby you can find Roma’s many hip delights. Set on the Southwesterly edge of the historic center, the area has seen huge change and affluent arrival, bu there’s a great sense of community and care. The gardens are sprawling and well-kept, one known for its volunteer-led dog adoption center. People practice Tai Chi and play basketball next to the fountains. Lovers kiss on benches. Families enjoy juice and tacos from street trucks.
Then there’s Roma’s most famous market, Mercado Roma. It’s a little less boisterous and affronting that the city’s other markets, but you’ll still find excellent seafood, carnitas, gadgets and candles, grasshopper snacks, and powerful mescal to haul home.
Do a street tour of Roma Norte as made famous by the Oscar-winning movie by Alfonso Cuaron; just expect your real-life tour to be more kaleidoscopic and colordul than the black-and-white movie.
Back at your site, kick back, and enjoy the gigantic projector as the moon glints. Someone is on call should you need them, but there’s no turn-down or pestering here; you’re made to feel like you’re really at thome in your Mexicano neo-classical mansion, just recharging in luxury before you slip into one of those dark bars to hang with the cool locals when nightfalls.
Top Takeaways
Location: Mexico City, MX (Roma Norte)
Rating: Four-Star
The Vibe: Private celebrite checking into a chic stay without the fanfare of a grand dame.
Our favorite thing about the hotel: The art: From the ceiling high roving sculptures to the oversized pineapple carvings, set off by artisanal Mexican furnishings and wood finishes that soften the contemporary aesthetic.
Food + Drink: Breakfast is continental and French meets Mexican style — simple yet abundant.
Amenities: Organic, natural, parabens free Loredana toiletries made in Mexico; Nespresso machine; Bluetooth, Apple TV; Air conditioning; Concierge service for walking tours and local reservations
Nearby attractions: Mercado Roma; Leonora Carrington’s House; Gallery OMR; Museo del Objeto del Objeto; La Nuclear; Hugo; Rosetta; Maximo Bistrot; Contramar
Rooms: Each 95 SQM suite comes with a private terrace or balcony and its own personality, but La Luna stole our hearts.
Pricing: Seasonal fluctuation, but between $350 – $500. End of Jan. – early Feb. is a lively, but peaceful time to visit CDMX with perfect temperatures.
Closest airport: Mexico City International Airport
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