Review: Circulo Mexicano

Why book? Circulo Mexicano is not only within walking distance of some of Centro Histórico’s most coveted sights, but the rooftop also has views of them: the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Palace, and the Templo Mayor.

Set the scene: On any given day at Circulo Mexicano, you can find chic couples or groups of friends—mostly the young and trendy set—who are enticed to enjoy the weekend in Centro Historico, an area that serves as a giant marketplace of sorts. Here, specialty craftspeople have storefronts for virtually every specialty, from expert jewelry makers to carpenters, and the hotel is at the center of all the action—and only a quick trip from locales like the Palacio de Bellas Artes, Plaza Alameda Park, and Plaza Garibaldi, where mariachi musicians are often found crooning classic ballads.

The backstory: Known for creating Mexico’s trendiest boutique properties, the hotel developer Grupo Habita commissioned the architecture firm Ambrosi Etchegaray to transform this 19th-century townhome in Centro Histórico into a Shaker-inspired boutique hotel. Housed in the former home of Manuel Álvarez Bravo, one of Mexico’s most celebrated 20th-century photographers, the building pays homage to its former resident, with his black-and-white images lining the exposed brick walls. Though the rooms are austere in style, the ground-floor marketplace, rooftop, and pool provide a bustling atmosphere for both guests and locals.

The rooms: Each of the 25 guest rooms is furnished in custom oak pieces by the Mexico City-based furniture design studio, La Metropolitana, and most come equipped with lofty design features like skylights, contemplative patios or balconies, and minimalist, cream-colored textiles and bedding crafted by Oaxacan artisans. The top suite has Catalan vault ceilings—the brick contrasts beautifully with the whitewashed interiors—and a balcony with unmatched views of the Metropolitan Cathedral.

Food and drink: Itacate del Mar, the ground-floor, courtyard eatery by the celebrated chef Gabriela Cámara of Contramar, is the star of Circulo Mexicano. The menu features Mexican street-style snacks but, by far, the tostadas are all the rage—guests can order from a variety of options, from tangy tuna tostadas that are simple and delicious, to more inventive fried calamari tostadas topped with shiitake mushrooms. The rooftop restaurant, a French eatery with Mexican flavors by chef Romain Tischenko, is also a must-visit.

The neighborhood/area: Centro Histórico should be part of any trip to Mexico City. At the center of the area is the Zócalo, the largest plaza in Latin America. An amalgam of both Aztec and colonial influence, it’s where the Spanish first built the modern city atop Tenochtitlan, the capital of the Aztec Empire. Remnants can be seen today at the Templo Mayor, an archeological site and museum, which rests near Spanish-colonial icons like the National Palace and the Metropolitan Cathedral. While Centro Historico may not have the coolest restaurants or trendiest cafes, it does have killer taco stands like Taco Cucuyos and pastry shops like Dulcería de Celaya. It’s also a crucial stop for history buffs, who will marvel at the architectural heritage buildings, as well as temples, museums, and antique theaters.

The service: The service is polished and the team is happy to secure coveted dinner reservations and experiences for guests to connect further with the downtown area.

Anything left to mention? Though the rooftop is host to a delicious French-Mexican eatery, it’s also a great spot for sunset cocktails. Go to enjoy a glass of natural wine or mezcal during a dip in the plunge pool, and stay for sunset as the golden light reflects off the area’s architectural wonders.