Círculo Mexicano Review: A Boutique Hotel in the Big City

August 15, 2022 by jordangassner

Círculo Mexicano Review: A Boutique Hotel in the Big City

Mexico City, or CDMX, is a destination with a long history, a large foodie scene, a monumental list of museums, numerous neighborhoods and a huge local population. In a city this big, I knew I wanted to enjoy a small, but no less grand boutique hotel: Círculo Mexicano.

I ended up spending a total of five days and four nights in one of Círculo Mexicano’s Junior Suites and had the most magical stay! Find my full review of the hotel below:

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The Property and Amenities

When researching properties in CDMX, I knew I wanted a hotel stay with both vibrant history and modern amenities. I found that Círculo Mexicano was exactly that place.

The El Centro-based hotel sits in a renovated 19th century building directly behind El Zócalo and Templo Mayor. And what’s more – its building is the former home of 20th century Mexican photographer, Manuel Álvarez Bravo who is known for works such as El Ensueño (1931). Today, Círculo Mexicano honors him by featuring a selection of his works throughout the property for guests and visitors to enjoy.

I arrived at the Círculo Mexicano building just after 3PM local time, following a quick flight from LAX. Stepping inside, I passed a few interior shops and restaurants on my way to reception, mentally clocking a few to come back to later.

Although tucked away toward the back of the building, reception was both quite easy to find and incredibly welcoming. And during check-in, I was offered a tequila shot with salt and a fresh lime! It was the perfect way to begin my first CDMX adventure!

Daniel Espinosa, one of the shops in the same building as Círculo Mexicano boutique hotel in Mexico City

Caracol de Mar, one of the restaurants in the same building as Círculo Mexicano boutique hotel in Mexico City

Rocio Chocolates, one of the shops in the same building as Círculo Mexicano boutique hotel in Mexico City

I remembered reading that local architecture firm, Ambrosi | Etchegaray, renovated and designed the property in a minimalist Shaker style. And so I took in my surroundings with the cream paints, ash wood and Oaxacan textiles in great detail over the course of my stay. The hotel exuded this clean, contemporary and cool attitude that felt very in place for its location in the heart of the city.

A wooden chair in front of a balcony and old brick wall inside the Círculo Mexicano boutique hotel in Mexico City

Travel Blogger Jordan Gassner leaning against the interior balcony railing inside the Círculo Mexicano boutique hotel in Mexico City

Although a boutique hotel in a historic building, Círculo Mexicano had multiple luxury modern amenities that I definitely enjoyed during my stay. A gold-plated elevator, bicycle rentals, and of course, the stunning rooftop terrace were among my favorites.

The terrace in particular housed a number of its own surprises – a small pool, hot tub, dining area and view. While I was a bit too timid to try either the pool or hot tub because of CDMX’s rainy July evenings, I frequently visited its dining areas for the hotel’s included breakfast, afternoon appetizers & refreshing drinks.

Travel Blogger Jordan Gassner looking down and touching her hair while lounging on Círculo Mexicano's rooftop terrace in Mexico City

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The Rooms

The hotel offers six types of rooms:

Top Suite
Balcony Suite
Junior Suite
Deluxe Room
Courtyard Room
Superior Room

I was lucky enough that the staff upgraded me to a Junior Suite with a balcony overlooking Templo Mayor at the start of my stay.

Anytime I’m staying somewhere with a balcony, I take full advantage of the fresh air, sights and sounds of the city. Here was no different. From day one, I could hear and feel the distinct pulse of the Zócalo from my room, making me feel like I was right in the heart of the action. I loved it! It was the perfect ambient soundtrack for my stay and it pumped me up each morning before I ventured out to explore. Those who prefer more quiet accommodations, however, will be pleased to know that the city noise and area around the hotel quiets down rapidly after 8PM local time. I was still able to get in some much needed rest and relaxation without problems.

A bed inside a Junior Suite at the Círculo Mexicano Boutique hotel in Mexico City

The bathroom sink and shower inside a Junior Suite at the Círculo Mexicano Boutique hotel in Mexico City

As far as in-room amenities, walking in, I was immediately greeted with the room’s large bathroom. Here I had access to a rain shower, organic bath products and a matchbox to light the room’s tapered and votive candles, if desired. The bathroom also had an interior shuttered window that I mostly kept open to peer down onto the hotel’s ground level and Caracol de Mar restaurant below.

The bedroom was even more spacious, offering the comfiest hotel bed that I have ever slept in! Honestly, if it wasn’t for the murmur of music from the nearby Zócalo each morning, I probably wouldn’t have left the bed!

In the afternoons, housekeeping would refill a glass jar of drinking water for me, leaving it right next to my bed so that I wouldn’t have to use any plastic bottles. It’s thought-out details and care like this that are the reason I love staying at small boutiques and higher-end spots.

My favorite part of the room by far though was the ceiling. The small bricked arches gave way to the historic charm that I had originally sought out when booking a hotel. It was a welcoming reminder throughout my stay that I was really (finally) vacationing in Mexico City!

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An in-room gold shower head at Círculo Mexicano Boutique hotel overlooking el Zocalo in Mexico City

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The Food and Drinks

Travel Blogger Jordan Gassner enjoying a glass of red wine on the the Círculo Mexicano Boutique hotel Rooftop in El Centro, CDMX, Mexico

A food menu and purple flowers sit on a black table near the rooftop pool at Círculo Mexicano in El Centro, CDMX, Mexico

After I first arrived at the hotel, I placed a room service order for Tacos Baja (fried fish with carrots and other veggies) and Aguachile Vegano (vegan aguachile). While the Aguachile was spicy, colorful and fresh, the Tacos Baja were hearty, flakey, and creamy. Both were fantastic – especially after my welcome tequila shot from reception!

After refreshing for a bit, I made my way up to the hotel’s rooftop terrace for a quick drink before dinner. I found that the hotel featured a multi-page wine list and cocktail menu that rivaled many of the city’s top restaurants! I opted for a glass of red, casually sipping while taking in the sights of El Centro as it was bathed in the glow of the approaching sunset.

The rooftop at Círculo Mexicano Boutique hotel overlooking el Zocalo in Mexico City

Tacos Baja and Aguachile Vegano from the Círculo Mexicano Boutique hotel in El Centro, CDMX, Mexico

Tuna Tostada, Fried Tortillas with dip and a glass of red wine near a bottle of Mr. No Sulfite Beaujolais-Villages on a table at Caracol de Mar in CDMX

Since the hotel mainly served appetizers and small bites during that time, I went back down to the ground level to eat a larger meal at Caracol de Mar.

I enjoyed an easy Tostada del Atún and an amazing bottle of organic wine: the Mr. No Sulfite Beaujolais-Villages, which had notes of cherry, strawberry and strangely enough, balsamic!

The next morning and each morning after, I ended up sneaking back up to the rooftop for the hotel’s breakfast. Most of the menu items here are complimentary for guests, though, there are a few additional cost offerings like Avocado Toast. I loved their Huevos Rancheros and Chilequiles con Huevos. Both were accompanied with tea and coffee, freshly squeezed juice, granola and seasonal fruit. A full spread!

My mornings on the terrace were amazing not just for the delicious food, but also for the incredible waitstaff. The servers here were both friendly and accommodating, not only of my dietary restrictions, but also of my poor Spanish grammar! I’d dine here again in a heartbeat, even if I wasn’t already staying at the hotel.

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The Verdict

I was completely mesmerized by Círculo Mexicano’s gorgeous design, rich history and homey amenities.

Grupo Habita, the boutique hotel developer-operator behind the hotel, definitely knows what they’re doing – and in the best way. So much so that I already know I’ll be looking into their sister properties on my future visits to Mexico.