Review: Casa Polanco, Mexico City

Why book? 

Set in Mexico City's posh Polanco neighborhood, in an elegantly renovated Spanish Revival-style mansion, a stay at Casa Polanco feels like a peek inside the lives of well-to-do chilangos (Mexico City locals).

Set the scene 

This hotel sits in the heart of Polanco, one of the city's richest boroughs, known for well-heeled business travellers, international restaurants, and spendy shopping streets. It's a more polished side of Mexico City (don't expect street tacos or backpackers here), with a relative peace and quiet found among the stately mansions on side streets. Casa Polanco sits in one such home, since outfitted as a modern boutique hotel. On my short stay I didn't overlap with many other guests, but judging by the travellers you see in the neighbourhood, I was expecting to bump into polished couples – likely those who work hard, and travel first-class.

The backstory 

This is owner (and Polanco native) Octavio Aguilar's first hotel. In fact, the entire project began with the home itself, which Aguilar and his family purchased as a real estate investment a decade ago. As the story goes, according to his on-site team, Aguilar had originally planned to rent the home out as an embassy before taking one look around the neighbourhood and realising the mansion stood exactly where he, as an avid traveler, would want a hotel. He has since invested four years in renovations, and embedded himself in the project – the general manager says Aguilar is sometime pouring Spanish wines behind the lobby bar.

The rooms 

While many Mexico City hotels play to classic heritage motifs – like Frida Kahlo colour palettes or the of-the-moment Mexican modern design aesthetic that brings in art deco and mid-century elements – Casa Polanco shows off a different side of the city. Here, the lines are clean, neutrals take precedence, and there's a subtle prep-school flavour with houndstooth pillows and plaid napkins. The higher-level rooms have spacious balconies, and suites are great for families given they can accommodate an extra bed (not to mention they boast spacious tubs), but the solo traveler or couple should take note: room number eight has the most elaborate crown-moulding detail on its ceiling – one that feels unique from all the others.

Food and drink 

As is a common tendency throughout Polanco, the food here is not quintessentially Mexican – there's a quesadilla offered via room service, but beyond that you're working with what feels akin to a country club menu (think Caesar salads and sandwiches for in-room dining, and afternoon tea in the lobby bar). If you need a more local fix, tap the concierge to book you a table at one of the fantastic restaurants in the area, like Pujol or Quintonil – although you should consider setting those up as soon as you book your flights in order to nab a reservation. The hotel also offers on-site Mexican wine and mezcal tastings for a taste of the destination.

The neighborhood/area 

In addition to being a safe area to walk around (you'll see locals strolling the park out front at all hours), Polanco is walking distance from sites like Chapultepec Park, a popular hangout for local families on the weekends, and lovely for morning jogs; and a short drive from Museo Soumaya, known for its unique architecture and mirror-like façade; and Casa Luis Barragán. Just around the corner are the trendy Roma Norte and Condesa neighbourhoods for eating, drinking, and boutique shopping.

The service 

Service is low-key but always at the ready – the team will help you set up needed reservations throughout the city, and create a handful of intimate on-site experiences (like meditation sessions on Thursdays and Saturdays). The team also comes through if, say, you need to leave for the airport at 5:00 a.m. and would love a coffee outside your door at 4:45 sharp (speaking from experience).

Accessibility 

There are elevators to access every floor.

Anything left to mention? 

Given this is a home, soak up the spaces that so clearly remind you that you're in one. Order a glass of wine at the lobby bar and take it to one of the many shared terraces; after a long day, grab a nook in the well-curated library and flip through one of the many coffee table books on Mexican art, history, or culture.