In

In
June 2015 Hotel Carlota rose from the
ashes of Hotel Jardin Amazonas. A quick Google image search of the
latter pulls up photograph of the establishment in its 1970s
heyday. Sunseekers bronze themselves on an astroturf lawn and a
woman in a red one-piece swimsuit lowers herself into the pool. But
the budget hotel fell seriously out of favour in later years and
finally closed its doors earlier this decade. By that point the
once-turquoise waters of the swimming pool had turned an unsettling
shade of ghostbuster-green.

The transformation from motel to boutique Hotel Carlota was led
by the illustrious architect Javier Sánchez, who employed a group
of Mexico City’s up and coming creatives to assist him. The result
is a true sanctuary in the city that plays a delicate balancing act
between original features and innovative design.

Walk in through the mirrored glass facade of Carlota’s entrance
into the stripped-bare concrete courtyard and everything
immediately becomes cooler. The swimming pool, which looks like a
giant streamlined fish tank, doubles up as a watering hole for
creative types who come to the patio to sip kombucha tea by morning
and mezcal by night.

Carlota’s arrival in Colonia Cuauhtémoc is a sign of the times.
Mexico City, or DF (Distrito Federal) as the locals call it, has
been announced as the World Design Capital for 2018 and is home to
incredible strength in every creative discipline. And you can dive
straight into it here.

Rooms

There are 36 of them filled with recovered objects, artworks and
design pieces. Concrete floors are complimented by a neutral
palette and accented with funky rugs and art installations.
Bathrooms are nautical chic – that is, minimalist, bright white and
stashed with Malin & Goetz products. A complimentary selection
of traditional Mexican snacks made in the local area come in handy
for late-night munchies. From £150 per night.

What’s for breakfast?

A selection of pastries or huevos (eggs) pretty much any way you
can dream up. We love huevos rancheros for a hearty start to the
day. Breakfast is not included in the price of the room.

How about lunch and dinner?

The lunch and dinner menus change often in accordance with the
seasons and available produce and offer three course for £20. When
we stayed in December we feasted on sweet mole with vegetables and
macadamia nuts followed by cod with kale. The restaurant is decked
out with minimalist wooden furniture and overlooks the central
courtyard (read: great people watching).

Is there a bar?

Yes and it’s set atop the poolside patio. A great spot for
meeting with friends when the weather is warm.

Amenities

Swimming pool, rooftop terrace, library, free wifi and a
beautiful curated concept store called Taxonomía. The shop
highlights a variety of Mexican designers working in everything
from furniture and tabletop accessories to fashion design and
mezcal.

Things you should know

The courtyard was positively peaceful when we visited in
December, but in warmer weather it can get louder which means less
sleep if you’re having a night in. The roof decks, restaurant, and
public spaces all feature furniture designed by La Metropolitana, a
design collective that produces their furniture in a workshop in
nearby Obrera. If you want to take your pup to Mexico City then
good news – Hotel Carlota is (well-behaved) pet-friendly.

Within a short walk you can find…

The iconic Paseo de la Reforma avenue that cuts through the
heart of Mexico City. El Eco for modern art. The Tianguis Cultural
del Chopo, or El Chopo as it is more commonly known, which is a
Saturday flea market.

Address

Río Amazonas 73, Colonia Cuauhtémoc, C.P. 06500, México City
DF,

hotelcarlota.com