In the heart of Mexico City’s chicest district, Las Alcobas stands as a beacon of warm hospitality for any luxury destination traveler.
Tree-lined boulevards, Gucci storefronts, and an endless sprinkling of world-class dining are just a few of the details you should expect from Polanco, better known as Mexico City’s Rodeo Drive. And placed well within walking distance is Las Alcobas, one of the city’s most expensive, yet coziest hotels.
Las Alcobas
The city’s bustling streets seem to quickly disappear as soon as you step foot into Las Alcobas’ calming lobby. Complete with earthy hues and rotating floral displays, a striking spiral staircase lined with rosewood centers the entryway, running up to the top floor. Mirroring the aesthetics common to many of the neighborhood’s high-end shops, the staircase is designed to almost resemble a work of art.
Once a lavish private estate, the space was transformed into a collection of intimate alcoves, aptly named Las Alcobas. It’s an intriguing destination for travelers seeking an upscale boutique experience that’s still away from the touristy atmosphere fostered by nearby high-end hotel chains. Although Las Alcobas ranks among the priciest hotels in Mexico City, what sets it apart is the staff’s warm demeanor, sprinkling humor throughout their interactions to create a homey atmosphere that never feels too pretentious. And with only 35 rooms in the boutique hotel, each guest receives personalized, attentive treatment that’s not possible at bigger properties
The Rooms
Rooms are akin to feeling like a swanky apartment, rather than a conventional hotel room. . Thoughtfully designed spaces include bedside consoles with easy access to temperature, curtains, and lighting controls, all within reach from the comfort of your covers. With twice-daily housekeeping, rooms are refreshed to turn cozy just as night begins to fall.
High-end travelers seeking the crème de la crème of stays should snag the Pasaje Penthouse. The 1600-square-foot Presidential palace flaunts a sunny living room, an indoor/outdoor fireplace, and a wrap-around terrace with breathtaking city views.
All-marble bathrooms with Japanese Toto toilets and plush bathrobes are just the beginning of the spacious bathroom. Of course, the pièce de resistance is the 8-head shower that’s reminiscent of a human car wash, and topped with a rainfall shower. Bulgari amenities and a menu of Manos Que Curan artisan hand soaps to choose from, are a few of the elite customizations that set the spa-like bathroom apart.
The most memorable part of your stay will likely be the room’s soaking tub, equipped with a daily bath service that transforms the bathroom into your private jacuzzi whenever you choose. With a quick call, a staff member will run you a hot bath infused with herbal sachets, like Relaxation or Jet Lag, a blend of camphor and lemongrass. Of all the things you experience at Las Alcobas, you will want to revisit this one each night.
Details are thought out well in advance, right down to the complimentary shoe-shining service. Rooms come equipped with Nespresso machines and the fridge is always stocked with more conveniently sized water bottles than you can imagine.
The minibar is decorated with the same intricate motifs you’ll spot on Mexico City’s cathedral doors. Upon opening it, expect to find a treasure trove of complimentary Mexican snacks, including Banderillas (tamarind candy sticks), dried mango seasoned with chili, and freshly made potato chips. Stashed between the snacks are local tequila and whiskey vials for your choosing.
The Extras
Upon check-in, you might meet with the property’s travel concierge who helps understand what you want out of your trip and tailors an itinerary unique for just about anyone. If this is your first time visiting Mexico City, you’ll quickly realize how tough it can be to snag dinner reservations at hotspots. Fear not, Las Alcobas’ golden keys can unlock even the hard-to-get experiences—and plan to take advantage of it.
Las Alcobas teams up with local businesses to offer a variety of excursions as part of their “Best of Mexico City: Curated Experiences by Las Alcobas.” Among them is the private Taco Tour in the Navarte neighborhood, once known as the neighborhood with the most taquerias in the city. Led by a taco guide, wander through cantinas and street taquerias, shoulder to shoulder with neighborhood regulars, where you will try everything from suadero tacos to mezcal cocktails. Along the way, plan to learn the art of choosing the perfect al pastor and distinguishing between a stellar Mexican kitchen and a mediocre one. The best part: guests walk away with a repertoire of new dishes to try throughout the rest of their time in the city.
Dining at Anatol
The food at restaurant Anatol is the standout offering that ties the whole property together. This is like dining at one of Polanco’s high-end restaurants – but in a relaxed and surprisingly unfussy atmosphere. Expect to sample both international and Mexican farm-to-table style dishes, like their take on Black Bass topped with a caper-lemon brown butter, or their Lobster Esquites made with epazote and corn. The Bloody Oaxacan is a fan favorite that blends mezcal, jalapeño, and pineapple juice, and is a worthwhile cocktail for sipping bar side or along with your meal.
For breakfast, guests are treated to an entrée of their choosing, often a Mexican specialty, accompanied by coffee, juice, pastries, and fresh papaya adorned generously with dried coconut and granola. We highly recommend the Chilaquiles –a layer of tortilla chips, combined with chicken, roasted tomatillo sauce, cilantro, cream, and refried beans– which is crowned with a perfectly fried egg.
Sights and Bites in Polanco
If you are exploring the neighborhood, we recommend kicking things off at Gin Gin, a popular cocktail bar around the corner that serves up gin-infused cocktails like the Mexican Pimms, with rooibos and berry-infused gin. Stroll through Chapultepec Park and catch one of the many panoramic views from Chapultepec Castle. Shopping is at a premium in Polanco and if you want to tiptoe into stores you may not find at home, we recommend stopping by IKAL for a trendy smattering of some of Mexico’s best designers.
Pop into Museo Soumaya, an architectural spectacle of its own, known for its art spanning modern to ancient civilizations. Just around the corner, you will find the famous Roma and Condesa regions, ideal for spending your day eating. For a meal you will talk about for weeks to come, snag a reservation at Masala y Maiz, where the migration of political movements and food practices across South Asia, Mexico, and East Africa is celebrated through their clever dishes. End your night at the Polanco location of Licorería Limantour. Renowned as one of the Top 50 Best Bars in the World, Limantour is credited with kicking off the mixology craze in Mexico City, and you should not leave the city without trying their Margarita Al Pastor cocktail.
Las Alcobas
Masaryk 390, Polanco,
11560 Mexico City
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