Blending heritage, design, and contemporary hospitality, Círculo Mexicano is a design-led boutique hotel not to miss in the heart of Mexico City. With the hustle and bustle of the city outside, Círculo Mexicano offers a refined, immersive experience that reflects Mexico’s cultural richness whilst providing an oasis through its original, minimalist design.

Developed by hoteliers Moises Micha and Carlos Couturier of Grupo Habita, the hotel is housed in a restored 19th-century building in Centro Histórico, just steps away from iconic landmarks such as the Templo Mayor, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Palacio de Bellas Artes.

The architectural and interior design of Círculo Mexicano is a masterstroke by the local studio, Ambrosi Etchegaray (led by architects Jorge Ambrosi and Gabriela Etchegaray). Local design firm La Metropolitana supported on the room interiors, designing custom oak pieces inspired by the Shaker movement.

Minimalist, neutral walls are juxtaposed with the wooden detailing and natural textiles by Oaxacan artisans, creating a welcome respite to stay away within the city outside which is full of colour and energy. It’s these simple, warm tones and features that differentiate the hotel from anything else in the city. Rooms are a haven to return back to after a full day exploring the city.

Spacious and airy, 18 of the 25 rooms have a skylit patio, which bring in natural light to the enclosed rooms which feel comforting and cosy. Ideal for an afternoon self-made margarita, the patio is a genius design element of these rooms, our favourite indeed. Rooms and suites are designed slightly differently, with some including private patios and balconies with views of the historic cityscape.

Outside rooms, Ambrosi Etchegaray’s restoration reveals original features, including wooden beams, textured walls, and an open central courtyard, a serene communal space. At the base of the hotel, the ground floor hosts a thoughtfully curated marketplace featuring Mexican designers, artists, and independent brands. This space showcases fashion, homeware, and lifestyle products that highlight the country’s rich artistic traditions and modern creativity. 

One of the standout features of Círculo Mexicano is its rooftop terrace, which provides a breathtaking panoramic view of Mexico City’s skyline, including the towering spires of the Metropolitan Cathedral. It’s a social hub, where guests can mingle with others around the pool and lounge area or relax in the sauna and hot tub privately by the side. 

It’s here by the outdoor dining and bar, where guests sit between the lap or lounge pool next to Rosemary hedging, the scent of the herb fills the air as Sade plays on the speakers entertaining guests. A welcome drink is offered complimentary, and a margarita sets the tone perfectly. 

The “Hello Breakfast” on the upstairs patio is prepared fresh daily until noon. With a fresh fruit plate, a pastries selection including ‘concha’ (a classic Mexican pastry), coffee and fresh juice (carrot or orange), breakfast mains are ordered ala carte and include freshly-made crunchy corn tortillas (and guests can watch them being made!). Mexican guitar music plays in the background as staff serves guests with a smile and careful attention.

Downstairs on the ground floor, Comedor Mexicano, is headed up by chef Enid Vélez. Born in Tamaulipas, this is the land of jaibas and a fishing port, and it was here that Chef Vélez always surrounded by local products and home cooking that informs her work at Comedor. Their ethos? To experience “eating like at home”, with a menu of local and seasonal ingredients from the different states of the republic.

The aesthetics at Círculo Mexicano champion natural materials and an emphasis on light and shadow, creating an atmosphere that is both calming and deeply evocative of Mexico’s architectural heritage. It’s this approach that makes the hotel a standout destination for discerning travellers (with kids or without).

This is what Group Habita are especially good at, relating to context and championing it, authentically. Although it is far from trendy areas like Roma Norte, the hotel is smack-bang in the historic centre, walking distance to both seasonal food and culture markets. Opened in 2020, Círculo Mexicano is still one of the most exciting, well-designed boutique hotels in the city, and one we will certainly return back to. 

Círculo Mexicano
Calle Republica de Guatemala 20,
Mexico City 06000 Mexico

Images: Champ Creative
Text: Editorial Director Monique Kawecki