Las Alcobas

The six-story Las Alcobas Mexico DF fits right into its exclusive neighborhood. A discrete silhouetted sign tops the double glass doors at the entrance. Inside, guests enter a quiet, soothing space that is elegant and hip, with dark tile floors, alcobas (alcoves), and custom modern furniture including whimsical armchairs. Large floral displays add a bright, cheerful touch to the neutral color palette, while contemporary art pieces are dotted throughout the space. A stunning wooden spiral staircase makes a dramatic statement on one side of the lobby, and a water feature and soft music enhance the relaxing ambience. Sofas and chairs provide places for guests to pause in the lobby. Children younger than seven are not allowed, which helps keep the noise level low, and the hotel sees plenty of couples and business guests.

Las Alcobas is centrally located on Presidente Masaryk Avenue in the up-market Polanco neighborhood. The area is packed with designer boutiques, restaurants, nightclubs, and green spaces. The location provides easy access to the surrounding areas of Reforma, Condesa, and Roma, which range from quaint and charming to vibrant and lively. Attractions within walking distance include the huge park Bosque de Chapultepec and zoo (10 minutes). The world-renowned Anthropology Museum is a 23-minute walk or an 18-minute drive, and the Modern Art Museum is a 16-minute drive. It will take about 20 minutes by taxi to reach the Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo in Coyoacan. Mexico City International Airport is a 40- to 55-minute drive away, depending on traffic, and Toluca International Airport, used for most private aviation, is about 50 minutes away.

Designed by famed New York and Toronto designer Yabu Pushelberg, Las Alcobas' rooms embody a sleek modern style with earthy neutral color schemes. All rooms feature custom-made rosewood furnishings, fine Italian bed linens, down comforters and pillows, Stearns and Foster mattresses, custom dressing rooms and closets, free Wi-Fi, and stocked minibars. High-tech amenities include 42-inch flat-screen TVs, Bose CD and DVD surround-sound home theaters, and an electronic system to control the lights, air-conditioning, curtains, and room service. The spacious marble bathrooms, with jetted tubs and multiple showerheads, feature a Japanese system that warms the toilet seats. Suites and the Penthouse have private steam rooms. Top picks for rooms are the corner rooms, which offer the best views of the surrounding cityscape, aside from the Penthouse. Housekeeping visits twice a day, and there's nightly shoeshine service.

To match its swish interiors and posh location, the hotel offers plenty of thoughtful, high-end features on site. Its restaurants are beloved by both guests and locals -- they're foodie destinations in their own right. Anatol restaurant offers Italian-influenced small plates using fresh seasonal ingredients in a casual, yet sophisticated and modern, setting. Dulce Patria serves traditional Mexican fare with a modern twist in a lively urban dining room with two terraces for alfresco dining. A free breakfast is served every morning. The small, elegant Aurora Spa offers a variety of massage and body treatments, and hand mixes its fresh local ingredients with organic essential oils. Guests can opt to have massage treatments in their rooms, and bath butlers will assist with the selection of oils, lotions, and scents. A free wake-up service delivers coffee, tea, or a smoothie to guest rooms. The tiny fitness center has a handful of cardio and weight machines, as well as free weights. A meeting room can accommodate up to 10 people, and audiovisual equipment is provided. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout.