JW Marriott

In keeping with its genteel neighborhood, this high-rise hotel has personalized service and small, clubby public areas; nothing overwhelms here. Newly renovated rooms feature marble bathrooms, floor-to-ceiling windows, and down comforters. The hotel has a well-equipped 24-hour business center and 24-hour room service, plus a health club that offers a gym, sauna, steam room, outdoor heated pool, and assorted beauty treatments.

Executive-level rooms offer lounge access with complimentary breakfast, desserts, and some drinks.

room

Modern and nondescript, but for carpet whose ornate pattern evokes the ancient glyphs from the nearby Anthropology Museum. All feature views of some sort from floor-to-ceiling windows. Beds are plush and overstuffed. 49-inch TVs.

bathroom

Large marble bathrooms, but no tub.

lobby

Swank lobby with ample armchair seating and a Starbucks.

pool

Outdoor pool large enough to swim laps, with adjoining whirlpool.

spa

None, but there is a hair salon, pool, steam, and sauna.

gym

Large and spotlessly clean, with up-to-date equipment. There is also steam and sauna.

YOU SHOULD KNOW While it is a more extensive fitness center than most, no fitness classes or personal training are available.

dining

Xanat Bistro and Terrace serves better-than-expected Mexican dishes, with some Oaxacan specialties; try to get a terrace seat with a view.

drinking

With sofas and wingback chairs, the Lobby Bar is a cozy place for a drink. It gets populated with well-heeled local and visiting businessmen starting around 6pm.