A boutique hotel with diverse cultural and historical connotations, the Downtown, Mexico, a member of Design Hotels, is housed in an impressive palatial structure in a UNESCO Heritage site in Mexico City.

Once a grand family residence with walls of red volcanic rock and bespoke cement tiles, all of which have been renovated to their former glory by local craftsmen. In the public areas, the striking stone-forge staircase  leads to the upper floors where 17 rooms and suites are available to suit a variety of tastes. The multi-layered society of Mexico is represented in the rooms, some of which are free of decoration and with simple white walls and tiled floors, some are more ornate while others contain a  contemporary boho chic.

The huge roof terrace with pool and bar bring the 21st century into the hotel, a laid-back space  where patrons can relax and enjoy the sun while admiring the rooftops of this fascinating area.