Brick Hotel

A laidback, design-forward boutique hotel that feels hip and in-the-know, Brick Hotel is surrounded by greenery and set in the heart of Colonia Roma—one of Mexico City's hottest neighborhoods.

• The hotel's Cerrajería Restaurant, where Chef Armando Acosta serves innovative dishes combining Mexican techniques with international flavors
• The rooftop suites that have a unique two-level space, with a sun bed, roll-top bathtub and entertainment area
• The prime location to explore Colonia Roma’s many vintage stores, galleries and delicious restaurants

Situated on one of Colonia Roma’s shaded 19th-century boulevards, alive with buzzing restaurants and shops, Brick Hotel’s steps leading to its front door and cozy, dimly-lit interior evoke the feeling of returning to your own private residence in the heart of Mexico City.

The hotel’s cream-colored exterior appears modern, particularly next to its Belle Epoque neighbors. But behind its freshly-painted façade is a historic early 20th century home, the Gran Casona. It belonged to original manager of the (now defunct) Bank of London & Mexico, and was constructed using bricks shipped from England. These bricks are ostensibly all that remain from the building’s former life as a private residence, and today’s guests will enjoy 21st century upgrades including floor-to-ceiling windows, contemporary lighting fixtures, and a discreet elevator towards the back.

There are two entrances to the hotel: a grand front door where guests and travelers alike can enter and access the restaurant and bar, and—tucked away to the side of the outdoor terrace—the main entrance to the lobby, where Brick’s welcoming staff is on hand to take your bags and offer you a seat on one of the plush couches by the check-in desk. This is also where you may find the concierge, available to help with reservations, activities, excursions and more.

The glass elevator hidden amongst the trees takes guests up to their room or suite. There are various categories to choose from, but all are well designed, with wooden floors and understated rugs, muted tones of charcoal, white and light grey and decorated with pieces by contemporary Mexican artists. Our favorite categories are the Junior Suites and Rooftop Suites. The unique Rooftop Suite is comprised of a two-level space with a small balcony surrounded by bright green shrubs and trees. On level one, the extremely comfortable queen-sized beds are presented with crisp white sheets and a throw blanket; there are good-sized desks for anyone in town for a work trip; and the bathrooms are simple, offering a bathrobe, plush towels and rain showers. The best part is the upper level, a private oasis where you can soak in the claw-foot tub while watching your favorite movie, accompanied by a wide variety of bath products from Mexico-based Persea Apothecary, or help yourself to the mini bar and an afternoon nap in the lounge chaise. The Junior Suites are one level, with similar décor to the Rooftop Suites but with king-sized beds and large bathrooms featuring claw-foot tubs and quiet balconies. There are slight differences between the Ouest and Nord Junior suites, so we recommend discussing with the front desk and your trip designer to decide which is right for you.

Service at Brick is inconspicuous—which adds to the feeling of being in your own home—but is there when you need it and present in the details, like addressing you by name when you enter the restaurant and remembering how you take your coffee. The hotel offers a few different dining options: 24-hour in-room dining, Rooftop 95, Orizaba Terrace and Cerrajeria Restaurant. The latter is run by Chef Armando Acosta, who serves innovative dishes combining Mexican techniques with international flavors. The dining area itself has a spectacular ambience: relaxed but refined, and so full of greenery it could pass for a high-end version of the Rainforest Café. The hotel is very laptop-friendly, with both Cerrajeria Restaurant and Orizaba Terrace great spots to sit and work while enjoying a delicious meal.

While there's no gym on the premises, the hotel’s Hela Spa provides a long list of services, including massages and facials.

Couples and business executives looking for a sleek boutique hotel as their luxurious basecamp for a long weekend in Mexico City. This is not an ideal option for families.