Condesa DF

Mexico City

Mexico City, founded in the 16^th century by the Spanish conquistadores, is still a tremendously rich city culturally and historically. It’s no wonder that the center of Mexico City is a UNESCO world heritage. In addition to the ruins of magnificent Aztec temples, there are also monuments from the colonial era. One of the many examples is the Baroque style Metropolitan Cathedral which is on what is now the city’s main square, the Zocalo. Another site that attracts visitors for its charm and originality is the Xochimilco Ecology Park. Also declared a UNESCO world heritage, it is often compared to Venice because of its numerous canals, which tourists can discover aboard small, colorful boats known as trajineras. It’s a picturesque spot where time seems to have stood still since the Aztecs ruled supreme here. The city however, is much more than a series of historical and remarkable sites. It has grown considerably of course, and beyond its reputation as modern, polluted and overcrowded city, it has another much more contemporary side, thanks to the Condesa and Polanco quarters, with tree lined avenues, museums, shops selling luxury goods, international creators and of course, numerous restaurants serving modern cuisine which is very popular with the more contemporary minded Mexicans.

Chic and design in the heart of the capital

Ideally located in the quarter with the same name, the hotel Condesa DF is one of the jewels of the Habita hotel group. Born out of the imagination of Carlos Couturier and his eternal partner, Moises Micha, the hotel owes its originality to the joint efforts of Javier Sanchez, the architect, and India Mahdavi, the trendy designer.

Located in an early 20^th century Parisian type building, the Condesa is a shining example of contemporary design. Its patio, on the ground floor is a charming spot with flowers and trees where guests can try the original cuisine of the Chef, Keisuke Harada, who subtly blends Japanese and Mexican specialties.

The 40 rooms and suites are particularly spacious and provide an atmosphere which is both chic and zenlike, thanks to India Mahdavi’s remarkable work. She created refined interiors by combining classical wood furniture and more modern, decorative elements like oddly shaped low tables, chairs by Cherner and Patricia Urquiola and lamps from the Mooi company. Some suites have terraces or balconies with a very pleasant view of the neighborhood’s tree lined streets.

Guests can also discover a number of highly original spaces like a movie theatre and a space dedicated to well being. The true jewel of the Condesa however, is undoubtedly its superb triangular terrace located on the roof, where guests can enjoy have and original cocktails, while enjoying the cool breezes at day’s end, and admiring the panoramic view of the city that this exceptional site possesses.

“With the Condesa, I wanted to create a place which was more than just a hotel and a restaurant, but not exactly a house, or a place where it was simply nice to stay. I wanted to bring a bit of Europe to Mexicans and a bit of Mexico to visitors, in a discreet site which would be in harmony with the environment.” India Mahdavi, designer and decorator of the hotel