Hotel Carlota

One of the hippest hotel openings in recent years, Hotel Carlota is not a full-service luxury hotel but attracts an equally discerning crowd. The design bridges historic detail, mid-century Mexican modernism, and 21st century design elements by Mexican architect-designers Javier Sanchez and Ignacio Cadena, with custom furnishings from La Metropolitana. Raw concrete, tropical woods, and geometric lattice screening are both elegant and whimsical. There is a very good restaurant and bar.

room

36 rooms done in concrete and wood are chic and minimal, if a bit cold. King beds are only available in suites.

YOU SHOULD KNOW 1st floor rooms have very low ceilings and virtually no natural light.

bathroom

Designed a bit more for style than functionality, but with plush towels and luxury bath amenities.

lobby

On entering the hotel, you immediately enter the courtyard with the long glass-enclosed pool at its center. The bar and restaurant is a scene from lunch to late night.

pool

The glass-enclosed pool is gorgeous, but at the center of the very public courtyard, it feels more like a design element than a relaxing oasis.

spa

Hotel can arrange in-room massages.

dining

The on-site restaurant, by chef Joaquin Cardoso (who also has a terrific natural-wine bar in Roma called Loup Bar), is one of the city's best hotel restaurants.

There is another acclaimed restaurant in the city called Carlota, which is unrelated but also worth a visit.

drinking

The bar serves terrific cocktails, with a god mezcal selection as well. It's as popular with local workers and residents as with guests.