It symbolizes a modern, curated, contemporary CDMX. Casa Polanco is a well-traveled Mexico. Yet somehow, it also feels like home.
In less than a year since its grand opening, Casa Polanco has remarkably surged as the most exciting luxury boutique hotel in Mexico City. One can’t simply walk into its sleek marbled lobby, glamorously fluttered by hotel guests. First, ring the door bell like you’d enter a friend’s casa, or home. Then, step inside an incredibly different kind of CDMX: modern, curated, contemporary. It’s a well-traveled Mexico.
To experience Casa Polanco truly as your home in the prestigious neighborhood – as its name aptly indicates – you must first understand its foundation fostered by residential buildings, embassies and corporate headquarters. Polanco itself is a world within Mexico City, its posh main avenue adorned with concept stores and tree-hovered streets lined with gourmet restaurants.
Not that anyone should be worried about safety in Mexico City, if one were to exercise normal caution as they would in any other capital in the world; Polanco is often defined as one of the safest neighborhoods in CDMX. In fact, the only component deemed as “unsafe” would be its uneven sidewalks. Note to self: do not look at your phone as you stroll.
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THE IDEA OF HOME
Situated on the corner of Luis G. Urbina and Anatole France, the five-star hotel couldn’t possibly exist if it were located a block to the right or left. At its core, Casa Polanco was a passion project. When owner Octavio Aguilar first bought the house, his initial idea was renting it to an embassy which instantly earned him two clients from the very start.
Designed by mother-daughter team Monica Romo and Monica Novelo – or Casa M+M, known to decorate fabulous houses throughout Mexico – Casa Polanco feels like a chic home. Since this was the female duo’s first hotel project, there was an air of coziness that both women brought to the hotel’s interior design.
“We’d like for you to feel at home. Since the hotel itself is a family-business, you can feel the soul behind the hotel,” says Regina Cardenas, Executive Director at Casa Polanco.
Throughout the lobby, the library and the rooms; both Mexican artistic and artisanal cultures can be hallowed. From sculptures by local artists Raul de la Cerda and Rodrigo Garagarza, to Mexican textiles and ceramics discovered from shuffling through vintage shops. Furnishings in the library are made by renowned designer Hector Esrawe, as well as body lotion and wash produced by Xinú – a local brand which infuses complexity of botany and aromatic perfumery. Throughout the stylish premise, there are photographs by Garciela Iturbide – the most recognizable photographer in Mexico.
“These little details give you a sense of the place, they’re very curated,” Cardenas explains.
And intentional.
One can’t ignore the magnificent green marble floor that lustrously sprawls against satin white walls. Since Casa Polanco faces a leafy Parque Lincoln, the green marble is emblematic of nature expanding into the hotel. Offering a sense of extension and source of tranquility.
PRIVACY & SECURITY
Due to its exclusive clientele, one significant service that Casa Polanco also provides is the sense of privacy. It’s important to mention the hotel isn’t open to the public, while any additional guest who aren’t staying at the hotel requires additional charge.
“We’re only open for guests. If you’re not staying at Casa Polanco, then you cannot come. We want to give our guests a sense of privacy, so everyone feels at home,” Caredenas explains.
To amplify heightened security and privacy, there are numerous open terraces surrounding the hotel that guests can enjoy.
COMPLIMENTARY SERVICES
The 19-room hotel might have already placed itself as one of the most elite lodging options in the city, it remains true to its homelike philosophy with a long list of complimentary bonuses. Head to Casa Polanco’s The Library and take advantage of a complimentary bar with a nice collection of mezcal, or whiskey. Just like at home, you can have a chilled glass of whiskey or tequila at any time of the day.
In addition, the hotel offers two pieces of pressings per day. For those who are waiting for tour guides at one of Casa Polanco’s terraces, why not grab a drink while you wait? The staff can bring by a drink at free of charge. The same philosophy goes for a complimentary mini bar in every room to enhance the idea of “home away from home.”
“How can I feel like I’m at home if I have a bottle of water – charged. If I have a can of coke – charged? We want to make sure our guests feel pampered,” says Cardenas.
If a guests decides to bring a client for breakfast and the client orders a coffee, the hotel won’t charge for the coffee. Casa Polanco truly does its best, catering to the needs of every guest.
All The Extra Good Stuff
Every day, tea time at La Veranda restaurant is also complimentary. In addition to snacks and desserts; the hotel restaurant offers champagne, Mexican red wine, Chardonnay, rosé…etc. Feeling a little tired from sightseeing all day? The room service menu includes both international and Mexican dishes, like classic beef tacos. Pair them with an outstanding glass of homemade margarita on the house, there’s literally no place like home.
Head to the rooftop and indulge in a quiet gym as well as a massage cabin surrounded by a serene skyline of the neighborhood. Booking a massage or a facial can be done three hours prior to the desired time slot. The service is followed by a delightful repose with colorful macarons and high tea.
It’s no wonder Casa Polanco is on every luxe traveler’s list. For the world traveler in all of us, there’s something to be said about having a great night’s sleep on the road. That something might have to do with feeling just like home.
