Considering that Marriott International is one of the world’s largest hoteliers, it’s no surprise that the company maintains a robust and diverse presence in Mexico City, one of the world’s largest metropolitan hubs.
During a recent visit, I experienced five Mexico City hotels that are part of the Marriott International portfolio and learned that each has its own unique selling points that appeal to specific types of travelers.
Here are highlights from each property.
JW Marriott Hotel Mexico City
Recent renovations have imbued the luxurious JW Marriott Hotel Mexico City with a tasteful and attractive ambiance, enhanced by original art exhibits in the lobby-level public areas. Located in the chic Polanco neighborhood and across the street from the National Auditorium and Chapultepec Park, JW Marriott Hotel Mexico City offers an ideal location for exploring the park, as well as for chic shopping and dining.
I found the renovated rooms to be handsomely designed, and the park views from some of the suites are simply spectacular. I savored a delicious, custom-made pizza at Xanat, the hotel restaurant, which serves Mexican and international dishes. And I also enjoyed the well-equipped fitness center and the large outdoor pool, which is located on a peaceful 7th-floor terrace that provides lots of space for relaxing.
Best for: Upscale travelers who appreciate subdued-yet-modern elegance, inspired views of Chapultepec Park, proximity to activities in Polanco and one of the best outdoor pools in the city.
W Mexico City
With bright, modern and colorful decor informed by creative cultural references, W Mexico City exudes the cool vibe you expect from any W property. Located just steps from the above-mentioned JW Marriott in the ritzy Polanco neighborhood, this hotel offers a variety of memorable experiences, from drag dinners and private tastings to fashion shows and live DJ appearances.
Guestrooms here are a visual treat, and top choices include the Marvelous Suite — a one-bedroom, bilevel suite with a balcony — and the appropriately named 1,302-square-foot Extreme Wow Suite, which comes complete with a full kitchen, two balconies and a circular bed that just might make you feel like a celebrity. The hotel also has a sizable spa and multiple dining venues; I enjoyed a tasty dinner at Trivvu, a casually stylish restaurant on a terrace.
Best for: Fans of hip, happening hotels with colorful accommodations and lively events.
The Westin Santa Fe, Mexico City
The glistening, modern neighborhood of Santa Fe may be a bit removed from Mexico City’s hustle and bustle, but it’s an especially popular area for business travelers, thanks to the many corporate offices and meeting spaces in the area.
The Westin Santa Fe, Mexico City provides an indulgent home-away-from-home for visiting this area, with 259 attractive rooms, all of which feature floor-to-ceiling windows. Impressive views are a calling card of this hotel, as a matter of fact: The top floor is home to a large spa with its own terrace, and the adjacent Eleven Bar & Lounge offers yet another eye-catching vista. Every weekend, the hotel attracts guests and locals alike with its extensive, decidedly international brunch at Market Kitchen, a restaurant created by French chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten.
Best for: Upscale business travelers, couples planning destination weddings and those looking to be in the heart of the Santa Fe neighborhood.
The St. Regis Mexico City
Set in a shimmering, 31-story tower designed by Cesar Pelli — the architect behind the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia — The St. Regis Mexico City is an iconic luxury landmark on Paseo de la Reforma.
Its attentive service, outstanding cuisine and lovely decor attract politicians and celebrities, as well as other luxury-seeking travelers. The main eatery, Diana Restaurant, is an attractive all-day venue with a large wine selection and both indoor and outdoor terrace seating. In King Cole Bar, patrons sip exquisite cocktails beneath a giant original painting by famed artist Pablo Weisz Carrington, while just a few steps away, La Table Krug provides a sumptuous private dining experience for up to 12 guests.
Even the spacious fitness center offers an unforgettable city view, as does Remede Spa and the small indoor swimming pool. The St. Regis offers family-friendly services including in-room “glamping” for kids and a children’s club equipped with toddler-size Teslas and Bentleys. Grown-ups, meanwhile, can partake in varied activities including tequila tastings, sound therapy and meditation classes.
Best for: Luxury clients seeking modern comforts, excellent cuisine, beautiful decor and attentive service.
Sheraton Mexico City Maria Isabel Hotel
As one of the longest-running luxury hotels on the grand Paseo de la Reforma boulevard, Sheraton Mexico City Maria Isabel Hotel offers a convenient, central location and lots of on-site features and amenities — all at a price that’s generally more accessible than most big hotels on the boulevard.
I’ve been especially impressed with the quality of the cuisine at this property, including at Ristorante Amici, which specializes in Italian cuisine but is also worth visiting for its fabulous and impressively diverse Sunday brunch.
The two-story, three-bedroom Marco Polo Penthouse suite, where I dined one evening, offers the best view of the iconic Angel de la Independencia statue that I’ve ever witnessed. But even when I’ve stayed in a standard room facing the boulevard, the angel statue views are still better than any other hotel I’ve visited.
Club-level guests receive access to the spacious Sheraton Club, and anyone interested in traditional music should reserve a table at Jorongo Bar, which hosts live mariachi performances. The rooftop pool and fitness center round out the hotel’s offerings, and its location just across the street from the Zona Rosa neighborhood means that there are always lots of options for dining and nightlife just a short walk away.
Best for: Budget-conscious travelers looking for value-price luxury in a central location, with lots of amenities and great cuisine.