This Boutique Hotel Brand Just Moved Into a 1940s Mexico City Landmark
A restored Art Nouveau building in Polanco is now a 34-room boutique hotel with a rooftop pool.
Kimpton has opened its newest boutique property in the heart of Mexico City, taking over one of Polanco's most storied buildings. Kimpton El Castelar debuted this week at Emilio Castelar 107, bringing 34 rooms to a neighborhood better known for its restaurants and galleries than its hotels.
The hotel occupies the Roel Building, which first opened in 1940. It was designed by Francisco J. Serrano, one of the architects who shaped the look of modern Mexico City, working in the Mexican Art Nouveau style of the era. The restoration keeps the historic exterior intact while adding several private outdoor terraces and a rooftop pool overlooking Lincoln Park.
The location puts guests in Polanquito, steps from Masarik Avenue, the Auditorio Nacional, Chapultepec Castle, and the National Museum of Anthropology. Inside, rooms feature bespoke furniture and decor sourced across Mexico, paired with original works from local artists.
The property leans on the perks that have defined the brand: a morning coffee-and-tea service, a nightly social hour with complimentary beer, wine, and chef-prepared bites, complimentary bikes, in-room yoga mats, and a no-fee pet policy that welcomes animals of any size.
The opening is another sign of how much attention international hotel groups are paying to Mexico beyond its beach resorts. City hotels in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey have become a priority for brands chasing business and design-minded leisure travelers, and Polanco sits at the center of that push.
