L’Otel at Dôce 18 Concept House, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

L’Otel at Dôce 18 Concept House, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

The cobbled streets and cosmopolitan culture of
Mexico’s

San Miguel de Allende
have drawn creatives for almost a
century. Today, the artistic community flocks to the design-led
L’Otel at Dôce 18 Concept
House
.

Once a quiet colonial town, San Miguel de Allende is today quite
the creative haven. Artists and artisans first flocked here in the
30s, and three-quarters of a century later we’re, somewhat
sheepishly, following suit.

While we’re in town, “home” is L’Otel at Dôce 18 Concept House,
a colonial-era, pink-stone casa that packs a punch. It’s a hub for
the city’s artistic community, so if you arrive before check-in
(3pm onwards) take time to explore the ground-level shopping and
food arcadia. Post runaround – and once you’ve had your passport
scanned and credit card swiped at the front desk – head upstairs to
L’Otel’s guest-only, design-led den.

Rooms

Furnished with artistic flair, all 10 rooms (including five
suites) at L’Otel are distinctive in their design. Linen-swaddled
headboards, puttied surfaces and walls displaying delicate floral
etchings play to peace-seeking-but-pernickety types. While most
rooms – each kitted out with a flat screen TV and chic cut-out
fireplaces – sleep two, the Double Deluxe Suite sleeps four (five
at a push – the chaise lounge can also be converted into an extra
bed). In fact, the space here is so inviting you’ll likely want to
spend your evening in, so why not spring for the sprawling Owner’s
Suite, complete with private garden? Order room service from the
streamlined food court downstairs – tacos, pizza, rice pudding…

What’s for breakfast?

As experienced buffet navigators, we recommend starting with
to-good-to-resist conchas (a traditional sweet bread). Follow with
a selection of seasonal fruits – mango and papaya – and partner
with a festive smattering of yoghurt and granola. Turning your
attention to the à la carte menu (included in your room rate in
addition to the continental spread), have your eggs made to order
and served up on hand-thrown crockery. Wash down with freshly
squeezed grapefruit juice and pat any crumbs away with your swish
cornflower-blue linen napkin.

How about lunch and dinner?

Jacinto 1930 is the resident fine-dining restaurant (although,
strictly speaking it’s not part of the hotel). Also on the ground
level you’ll find the Kitchen and Pantry food court, which has
another 12 eating options. Opt for a casual lunch of tacos, gourmet
burgers or classic Italian comfort food.

Is there a bar?

Whether you’re after a midday spritz or a sunset cocktail, the
small, wood-and-marble-topped bar on the mezzanine level of the
hotel can cater to both your tastes and time schedule. For a wider
selection, consider downstairs as your roving drinks cabinet – for
fine tequila, stroll over to the Casa Dragones outlet; oenophiles
you’ll be best catered to at La Selección de la Casa.

Amenities

There’s a small pool ideal for cooling off before lounging on
the checkerboard tiled patio with cloud-filled frescos in plain
view. If you’re nearing a meditative state, why not book an in-room
spa treatment at the front desk. The hotel runs regular yoga and
pilates classes, or if shopping is your preferred sport, head
downstairs, for your fill of art, fashion and design boutiques.

Things I should know

Don’t over pack – San Miguel de Allende has great shopping
potential. Valet parking is available (which should prove helpful
when the time comes to pack up your purchases and head for
home).

Within a short walk I can find…

San Miguelle de Allende is a very walkable city. With the
historical centre as your starting point, peek inside the Parroquia
de San Miguel Arcángel before venturing to Fábrica la Aurora – a
refurbished textile mill populated by cafés, artist’s studios and
antiques shops. Pick up authentic Mexican crafts at the Mercado de
Artesanias, a covered market that opens daily.