Review: Colima 71, Mexico City

Why book?

Ideal for travellers who desire the perks of a boutique hotel but the hands-off experience of a home rental, Colima71 in the desirable Roma Norte neighbourhood is a refined, minimalist respite that celebrates the city’s top contemporary artists.

Set the scene

Space is a luxury in Roma Norte, one of Mexico City’s top areas to dine and imbibe, which is exactly why the city-hopping creative set arrives at this boutique hotel – to be in the heart of it all while also enjoying a refined architectural property with plenty of spaces to relax. When guests first enter the hotel, they’re greeted by a floor-to-ceiling photography installation by the contemporary artist Iñaki Bonilla, set below a series of cosy cream and olive velvet chairs perfect for enjoying an afternoon coffee. To access the two studios and 14 minimalist suites, guests arrive at a glass and metal escalator and central staircase, where a suspended sculpture made of bicycle tires, stainless steel, and brass by the artist Darío Escobar waits. Just beyond, in the hotel’s courtyard, guests can also admire a latticework piece designed by artist Sofía Taboas: a hollow steel structure emulating the Art Deco style of the window grates found in the classic houses in Colonia Roma.

The backstory

Designed by Alberto Kalach – perhaps the most renowned Mexican architect for his use of sustainable, natural materials like steel, clay, and concrete – this former townhouse is now the neighbourhood’s latest boutique hotel, now replete with 16 residential-style rooms and works by Mexico’s top contemporary artists.

The rooms

Each of the 14 residential-style suites comes replete with fully-stocked kitchens and dining areas, as well as floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies overlooking bustling Colima Street or the hotel’s serene courtyard. The two studios offer kitchens and dining areas as well, but instead of balconies, they come with folding windows lined with hammocks. With interior design led by Nomah Studio and Karla Celerio, each space features a base of natural materials like marble and white oak bedframes draped in Portuguese linens and complimented by reading nooks made cozy with the shading of French tapestries.

Food and drink

A blend of a home rental and boutique hotel, Colima 71 doesn’t have a restaurant but does offer a morning treat: the property’s barista drops by each guest suite to deliver coffee sourced from Chiapas along with a basket of pastries like almond croissants and ricotta-and-guava-stuffed rolls sourced Panadería Rosetta, an acclaimed bakery by chef Elena Reygadads. For evenings, there’s an honesty bar for guests to explore Mexico’s top agave distillates, from tequilas to mezcals.

The neighbourhood/area

Roma Norte is one of the most energetic areas of Mexico City, alive with the city’s top shops, restaurants, and bars. Staying here is being in the heart of it all and having immediate access to some of the city’s top nightlife and even parks, as Plaza Rio de Janeiro is just around the corner.

The service

Available 24 hours a day, the hotel’s front desk team is on standby to guide travellers on where to explore, eat, and drink in the neighbourhood and beyond.

For families

Each room offers handcrafted wooden toys made by local Mexican artisans, as well as a sampling of Mexican candies for the entire family to try.

Eco effort

The hotel operates 70 per cent on solar panels and reuses 50% of its water with the goal of achieving 100 per cent water reuse by 2026.

Accessibility

The entire hotel is wheelchair accessible, including the entrance, rooms, bathrooms, showers, and more.

Anything left to mention?

Because the hotel has no restaurant, that means you’re dining out for almost every meal except breakfast. But guests can buy groceries and keep them in their rooms and cook on the nights they need a rest from the bustle of the city.