A beacon of strength that can be seen from almost any corner of the city, the Ritz-Carlton, Mexico City is in the centre of CDMX, on the Paseo de la Reforma, and overlooks the brilliant, expansive Chapultepec Park.
The Hotel
You’ll arrive at the base of the skyscraper-like building. Take the escalator to the main elevator, check in, and then head up to the 12th floor for the spa, the 38th floor for the restaurant and bar, or continue on to your room; the building goes up until the 58th floor. The views are jaw-droppingly fierce: you definitely know you have arrived in Mexico City.
The Vibe
The guests seem largely American, but the vibe is global and sophisticated. In the mornings, the restaurant is filled with business meetings, and by the afternoon and evening, you have everything from locals on dates to more deal brokering to hotel guests taking in the sky-high vistas. Prices are not inexpensive (a glass of Moët was $46), but you’re paying for the views. The music – Thievery Corporation and Concept Neuf – seemed like a good selection of old school greats (we Shazammed twice while we were there).
The Rooms
Do splurge for a room with a view. Deluxe King Terraces have a wall of glass, with a glass-enclosed terrace that literally hangs in the sky. Looking out is atmospheric any time day or night, but sunset is truly special. Bathrooms are marble, with standalone tubs and Diptyque products, and there’s in-room recycling, which is good to see, as well as in-room logo’d takeaway coffee cups, which is both useful and chic.
Food and Drink
Somos, their 38th floor restaurant, is open from 7AM-11PM daily. For breakfast, order off the à la carte menu for a healthy start or classic (elevated) Mexican dishes. For dinner, the menu is Mexican-Med; there’s a great wine list, and again, the views. Start at the Carlotta Reforma Sky Bar, then move on to dinner. If you book into their Club Level, they have drinks and bites available throughout the day. There’s also a Ling Ling by Hakkasan on the 56th floor.
Highlights
Those. Views. Being this close to Chapultepec Park is great too: it has everything from museums and totem poles to paddle boats and street vendors. Sundays on the Paseo de la Reforma are also special. They close the streets/stop the traffic so everyone hits them to bike/skate/run. Take advantage of it, and see the city differently – and bring cash, as there are street artists everywhere selling things.
Anything Else
The spa has talented therapists, as you’d expect, and treatments use locally sourced ingredients, with healing and spiritual Aztec traditions. There’s a small indoor pool and relaxation area, steam, sauna and gym, the décor is wood panelling, marble and jewel tones, and the views dress everything. There’s also a small selection of gym and swimwear available for purchase if you have forgotten something.
