Hotel Royal Reforma

The Hotel Royal Reforma is a modern, 43-floor hotel located on a busy street filled with office buildings and nightclubs. Due to its close proximity to the business district, it's mostly geared towards business travelers, but tourists also stay here. From the outside, it has a corporate feel, with light stone pillars and high floor-to-ceiling windows marked by potted plants and cacti. Marble steps lead to the light, airy lobby, with marble tile floors, pretty floral displays, and gold pineapples perched on the front desk. Next to the lobby is Tezka, the hotel's fancy Basque restaurant. The restaurant adds an upmarket feel, with politicians often dining here. Other than that, the hotel is pretty straightforward and dull -- not quite as royal as its name suggests. A highlight is the rooftop pool and bar, which is a popular sunset spot, owing to the fantastic views over the city. Some guests have reported that staff speak limited English, which can be a problem.

Conveniently located in the Zona Rosa area of the city, Hotel Royal Reforma is within easy walking distance to numerous restaurants, bars, and nightclubs, as well as the corporations on Paseo de la Reforma. The area is known for being boisterous and gay-friendly. The monuments along Paseo de la Reforma are just around the corner, and Insurgentes Metro station is right next door, providing easy access to numerous attractions. Chapultepec Park and the Museo de Arte Moderno are roughly a 20-minute walk from the hotel, while the Angel of Independence is a five-minute stroll from the hotel. It's just a couple blocks to hyper-trendy Roma Norte, and the historic center of the city is a 20-minute metro journey. Mexico City International Airport is a 40-minute drive from the hotel, depending on traffic. 

The hotel's 162 guest rooms are similarly styled, with white walls and light carpeted floors. Neutral tones are accented by colorful contemporary artwork on the walls, while floor-to-ceiling windows let in plenty of natural light. It's not the freshest look and some of the furniture is a little tired. There are no balconies or terraces, but some high-level rooms offer wonderful views of the city. All rooms have seating areas with soft couches and coffee tables, plus light-wood work desks and small closets. Double or queen beds are dressed in simple white bedding, and flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, minibars, safes, phones, and alarm clocks come as standard. Most rooms have air-conditioning, but guests have reported issues with this. Tiled bathrooms feel outdated, with shower/tub combos, drab shower curtains, and old-fashioned tube hairdryers. Basic toiletries are provided. Guests should note that noise can sometimes be heard from surrounding nightclubs and bars at night -- it's the Zona Rosa, after all. 

One of the hotel's big selling points is the rooftop pool, providing breathtaking views over Mexico City, especially at sunset. The rooftop has a (tiny) heated swimming pool, with wooden outdoor seating and reclining sun loungers for tanning. There's also a poolside bar, serving fresh cocktails and ice-cold beers. Tezka Restaurant is another highlight, serving gourmet Basque cuisine in an elegant setting. It has a chic vibe and excellent reputation. The hotel's second restaurant, Primavera, has a more relaxed setting and serves Mexican and international fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A generous breakfast buffet with hot and cold options is served daily, but this costs extra. Room service is available during limited hours. The fitness center is small, but it has modern cardio equipment and free weights, plus great city views. There's a small beauty salon offering haircuts and beauty treatment. The business center caters to corporate travelers, and several event spaces and meeting rooms are on-site. Other services include a 24-hour front desk, concierge, and self-parking for a fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.