Mexico City’s colorful neighborhoods and parks sprawl across 570 square miles – after all, it’s one of the biggest cities in the world – tempting travelers to focus on bits at a time, instead of tackling the entire metropolis in one go. On a recent visit I collected Insta posts of architectural wonders such as the Palacio Postal, sipped mezcal cocktails, and said hola to Frida at the Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera Y Frida Kahlo. Between long walks along CDMX’s tree-lined streets, I retreated to my perch in the new skyscraper-based Sofitel Mexico City Reforma. Here’s what I loved about my stay.
Culture Combination
After a soft open last November, the 275-room hotel recently hosted a bass-thumping debut party in its 40th-floor event space to celebrate officially marrying the city’s Mexican culture with the French brand’s joie de vivre. The first Sofitel in Mexico – and the newest luxury hotel in Mexico City in about a decade – it exhibits a balanced combo of the French and Mexican cultures with lobby flower arrangements made of blooms native to both countries, French staples such as macarons and Mexican classics like tacos al pastor, and elegant design with indigenous-inspired patterns. To top it off, almost all of the hotel employees speak Spanish and French (and English too).
The Location
This is a prime spot: Right next to the Angel of Independence monument on the Paseo de la Reforma and very close to the beautiful Condesa and Roma neighborhoods. (Before visiting, I recommend watching Alfonso Cuarón’s 2018 film, Roma, for a look at these charming neighborhoods through a 1970s lens.) The Bosque de Chapultepec – a 1,700-acre park that contains the must-visit National Museum of Anthropology – and the historic Chapultepec Castle are also within walking distance.
Please Pass the Conchas
There’s no risk of food FOMO if you play the lazy traveler card and decide to eat in. The hotel’s two restaurants and three bars offered tons of options, and I loved going from grabbing fresh conchas (a traditional sweet roll) on the 12th floor at restaurant Balta in the morning to evening mezcal margaritas at the sky-high 38th-floor bar, Cityzen – also the tallest place to get a drink in the city. The hotel’s room service menu included locally inspired chilaquiles and a de rigueur avocado toast, all served with a fresh baguette and butter (a nod to Sofitel’s heritage).
Mind, Body, and Soul
The wellness itinerary for a stay here should be: pool, spa, gym, in that order, though I may or may not have skipped the gym entirely. The property’s saltwater pool sits on the 38th floor and comes with plentiful lounge areas surrounded by plants and floor-to-ceiling windows. The Sofitel Spa with L’Occitane features a mix of elegant French design, L’Occitane oil blends, pillow mists, and other products, and pre-Hispanic massage techniques. Pre- or post-treatment, relax in the steam room or hot tub. In the spa reception area, guests can shop for finds such as pouches woven by Mexican artisans from CDMX-based brand Kitzin. The gym is open 24 hours and it’s very nice. That is all.
A Tub with a View
I checked into a Junior Suite on the 33rd floor that came tricked out with floor-to-ceiling windows and a gorgeous standalone tub (located right next to one of those huge aforementioned windows). If you find yourself in a similar situation, I highly recommend grabbing the room’s complimentary L’Occitane bath bomb (a fresh combo of mint, pine, and rosemary) and Hermès toiletries and taking a sunrise soak while watching the city slowly come to life. You’ll Also Love: The sleep amenities and pillow menu offer a selection of books on loan and a reading pillow to help get the job done.
TIP: If you’re heading from the hotel to the south side of the city, plan your departure strategically – the drive could take over an hour, especially during rush hour.
Virtuoso travelers who stay at the Sofitel Mexico City Reforma receive an upgrade on arrival (if available), breakfast daily and a $100 dining credit.
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