Hotel Plaza Revolucion

The Hotel Plaza Revolucion makes a good first impression. Its attractive white exterior resembles a simple Parisian townhouse, with large windows and ornate Juliet balconies. Inside, the modern lobby tries hard to be chic, but it’s a little dark and bare. While there are some nice details here -- like door paneling and heritage striped wallpaper in the hallways -- other elements come across as slightly out of place, like the open bookshelf that divides the lobby from the bar, and the green turf wall. The overall feel is simple and straightforward and the hotel is quiet -- most guests are here for a short sightseeing stay and no-one really lingers on the property.  

The Hotel Plaza Revolucion is located down a narrow street of traditional buildings, just off the iconic Paseo de la Reforma that runs from Chapultepec to the historic center. There are a couple of restaurants nearby, and it’s a 10-minute walk to the Plaza de la Republica and Monument to the Revolution It’s also walkable to the Palacio de Bellas Artes and Museo de Arte Popular, in about 10 minutes across the Paseo de la Reforma. The city’s historic center is a 10-minute drive away, with attractions like the National Palace, Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral, and Museo Nacional de Arte. In the opposite direction -- away from the center -- it’s a 15-minute drive to the Museo Nacional de Antropologia, the vast parklands of the Bosque de Chapultepec, and Chapultepec Castle. South of the center, the Frida Kahlo Museum can be reached in a 20-minute drive. Business travelers will be able to reach many offices and embassies in a short taxi ride. It’s easy enough to catch a tourist bus or taxi, and the hotel has plenty of secure undercover parking for self-driving guests. Mexico City International Airport is a 30-minute drive away. Keep in mind that traffic is notoriously terrible in Mexico City, and that can make getting around less than efficient.

Modern rooms with wooden floors are done up in neutral colors, and previous guests comment on the excellent housekeeping. Amenities like air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and HD TVs come as standard, but the absence of coffee- and tea-making facilities is disappointing. Bathrooms are small, squeezing in walk-in showers or shower/tub combos and wall-mounted hairdryers. Basic toiletries are provided. Entry-level Double Rooms (which have twin beds) are a cozy 260 square feet (24 square meters). There are few differences between room categories, with the option of twin, queen, or king beds, and Junior Suites that have a seating area. Some rooms look out onto crumbling buildings or construction sites; many face a wall.

Given the hotel’s size, its lack of features is perhaps unsurprising -- although travelers taking into account the ‘fitness center’ should note that it’s limited to one treadmill and one cross trainer. A small bar beside the lobby faces the street and is a decent people-watching spot. A set menu breakfast -- included in most rates -- is also served here. Keep in mind that it's incredibly basic and repetitive. Wi-Fi is free throughout. Guests also have free use of the hotel’s bikes. The biggest facility here is the plentiful parking, which is underground and free for guests.