Fodor's Expert Review Presidente InterContinental México

Name: Presidente InterContinental México
Address: Campos Elíseos 218, Mexico City, Quintana Roo, 11560, Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
Telephone: 55-5327–7700
Price range: $$$$

Campos Elíseos 218, Mexico City, Quintana Roo, 11560, Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico See on Map

Nils Bernstein

President Barack Obama stayed here on his visit in April 2009. Indeed, the InterContinental regularly hosts heads of state. Besides the views from almost every room in this 44-story tower, there are also breathtaking views near the elevator banks and from lounges on executive floors. A needed renovation, completed in late 2015, reestablished the hotel as one of Polanco's best.

room

The newly refreshed rooms have a midcentury modern touch, with clean lines and classic tones of blue and slate; ask for a view room on a higher floor, as there are plenty to go around.

All rooms feature accessories—pillows, throws, etc.—from Mexican luxury silk design brand Pineda Covalin.

bathroom

As in all Intercontinental hotels, bath products are from the San Francisco company Agraria.

lobby

The expansive atrium lobby has parquet floors, oversized furniture, and Talavera pottery showcased throughout.

spa

Hela Spa is a Nordic-style luxury spa on the 10th floor, unaffiliated with the hotel. Allow extra time before or after your treatment to enjoy the Jacuzzi and steam room.

YOU SHOULD KNOW There is no pool in the hotel or spa.

gym

Gym is open 24 hours, with a "Gym to Go" TRX system available for use in your room. Gym clothes are even available from the front desk on request.

dining

Mexican, Asian, and Italian fare are among the cuisines featured in the seven on-site restaurants, which include a branch of The Palm steakhouse and the city's famous, open-round-the-clock French restaurant, Au Pied de Cochon. The newest restaurant, Chapulín (named for the edible cricket), serves refined versions of less-known traditional dishes from across the country. All benefit from the hotel's amazing wine cellar, touted as the largest in Latin America.

Chapulín has one of the best selection of mezcal and Mexican craft beer in the city.

drinking

The Epicentro Gin & Tonic Bar has gintonics subtly flavored with various fruits, herbs, and spices and served in large goblets. They also have over 60 tequilas.

LOCATION

Getting Around

At the intersection of Chapultepec Park and Polanco, the hotel is a short drive from other popular areas like Condesa and San Miguel Chapultepec. If straying beyond walking distance, don't hail street cabs, which are likely to charge an unfairly high rate from this tony location.

Restaurants

Quintonil (10-minute walk) is, justifiably, one of the city's most exalted restaurants—reserve well in advance. The heyday of Estoril (7-minute walk) was more 70s than now, but it's a fun old-school choice for dishes both retro (trout meunière) and modern Mexican (octopus in mole coloradito).

Bars

Located behind a hidden door, Jules Basement (10-minute walk) is an evenings-only speakeasy; try the "Mamie Z.," made with mezcal, ginseng, and smoked agave syrup. Cantina La No. 20 (4-minute walk) is an upscale cantina with mexican takes on classic cocktails (try the mezcal mojito with guanábana).

WHY WE LIKE IT

With so many dining options, a top-notch spa, pampering service, and cozy rooms with epic views, this hotel is ideal for anyone who needs or wants to stay close to "home".