Designed by renowned Mexican architect Alberto Kalach, the new 16-room Colima 71 Art Design Hotel celebrates Mexico’s gastronomy, art , creativity and vibrant coffee culture in a bohemian-chic Mexico City neighbourhood.
It’s always a good time to head to Mexico. While many prefer its stunning beaches and wild jungles, the country’s densely-populated, high-altitude capital city has energy to burn, with enough to see, eat, drink and do to keep visitors entranced and intrigued 24 hours a day. In a bustling city like CDMX, choosing the right place to recharge every night is essential, and the new Colima 71, opened in May, is just the oasis you’re looking for.
Welcome to the Neighborhood
Located in Roma Norte with its leafy Avenida Álvaro Obregón, eclectic eateries and refurbished mansions, the design-forward Colima 71 Art Design Hotel is the next best thing to having your own flat in Mexico City.
Framed with contemporary architecture and Mexican aesthetics, the boutique hotel’s authentic and warm décor and hospitality are at forefront of any stay and match the inviting neighbourhood outside the front door. Roma Norte is home to some of the city’s best restaurants, art galleries, local stores, historic architecture, and neighbouring La Condesa, just blocks away, shares a similar charm.
“This is a very special project for Mexico City, and in particular, Colonia Roma Norte. At Colima 71, we wish to take our guests on an immersive journey through the neighborhood’s unique culture and lifestyle that begins as soon as they set foot in our hotel”, said Ana Ongay, managing director of Colima 71. “We’re just minutes from the best restaurants in the city, the most inspiring art galleries, and eccentric artisan shops, all nestled among the destination’s historical architecture and natural beauty”.
Contemporary Architecture Meets Artistic Good Looks
Celebrated architectural team T.A.X. by Alberto Kalach designed the hotel, which is emblematic of Kalach’s design aesthetic. Kalach has designed variety of projects, ranging from residential to cultural buildings, with a focus on marrying architecture and nature. Colima 71’s contemporary design effortlessly blends sharp lines and unyielding materials like metal and stone with Mexico City’s elegance and natural beauty. A sunken lounge embodies an exclusive, moody ambiance while high windows allow natural light to flit across the space steadily throughout the day.
Interior design led by Nomah Studio and Karla Celerio creates a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere spotlighting Mexico City’s plethora of thought-provoking artists. Natural materials like marble and wood are paired with sumptuously curved furniture in rich fabrics like velvet and French tapestries, creating luxurious home-away-from-home vibes.
Art-loving guests will swoon over the onsite photography collection from contemporary artist Iñaki Bonilla, as well as a sculptural installation by Darío Escobar made of bicycle tires, stainless steel and brass that cascade alongside the show-stopping glass and metal escalator and central staircase. In the courtyard, guests are welcomed by a latticework art installation 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.
Make Yourself at Home
Sixteen guest rooms, aka studios, offer bespoke design, while tons of natural streams in from floor-to-ceiling windows or a private balcony overlooking bustling Colima Street or the hotel’s serene interior courtyard. Relax amidst soothing neutral tones and furnishings that have clean, organic lines juxtaposed with striking Mexican materials such as marble, terrazzo and wood, putting texture, style and coziness into the residentially-inspired spaces.
All rooms also feature a full kitchen as well as a dining area, allowing travelers to lounge a little longer over coffee in the morning, or refuel with a snacks in the afternoon.
A king-sized bed outfitted with super-soft linens offer guests a tranquil night’s sleep. And in-room products were hand crafted with a Yucatan honey producer to create a nourishing artisan line of products that are also available for purchase.
Coffee Culture
Mexico City is known for its specialty-coffee scene, which is on full display at the hotel’s all-day coffee bar, featuring beans from La Concordia, Chiapas. One of Colima 71’s best perks is the “Morning Coffee” service. Here’s how to get your daily dose.
Each morning, the onsite barista hand delivers preferred coffee or tea orders directly to your guest rooms. But that’s not all. Along with the morning brew comes pastries from nearby Panaderia Rosetta, one of Roma Norte’s most beloved bakeries. The shop was started by Chef Elena Reygadas whose traditional European pastries, breads, and desserts at her restaurant Rosetta were such a hit, she decided to give them their own home. Gracias very much.
Savour Common Spaces
Colima 71 encourages guests to enjoy its various public spaces.
Grab a coffee, drinks and small bites and enjoy them in the courtyard; crack open a book in the library, reading nooks; or plug into a meeting in the comfortable working booths, an ideal hideaway for digital nomads.
An Honesty Bar is also available, offering a top-tier selection of tequilas, mezcals and more.
The front desk team is available 24/7 to guide travelers through the neighbourhood or beyond and discover the best of Mexico City.
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Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc,
06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX
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BeSeeingYou In: Mexico City
Good to know: The acronym CDMX refers to Mexico City (Ciudad de México).
WOW! Factor: Popocatépetl, called El Popo by locals, is one of Mexico’s most active volcanoes, just 70 kilometres (43 miles) away.
Tip: Taking a food tour of Mexico City is 100 percent worth it, and a great way to get to know different neighborhoods.
All photos courtesy of Colima 71
