Distrito Capital

Slick boutique hotel in Mexico City’s business district with 60s decor, fabulous views, a superb restaurant and oodles of modernist style

If James Bond were looking for a place to stay in Mexico City, he’d probably pick Distrito Capital. Thanks partly to Parisian interior designer Joseph Dirand, this Grupo Habita hotel oozes retro chic. Its cornerstone is contemporary art and urban architecture; indeed, books on these subjects line the library shelves and modern pieces are strategically placed around the lobby, including a striking light installation by Thomas Glassford. Outside, the infinity pool and terrace bar is one of the places in town to see and be seen, so it's no wonder the hotel attracts hip, designer-clad types.

Situated west of the city in Santa Fe - the capital’s business district - the skyscraper hotel is split in 2: reception is on floor 5 and the 30 rooms are between floors 25 and 28 (the rest of the building consists of apartments and restaurants). If you've just stepped off a long-haul flight, cross the road to Tru Kaloni Med Spa, where therapists will squeeze the tension out of aching muscles. Then return to Distrito for a long sleep in a comfy bed and a restorative meal before you set off to explore. A peaceful base in a hectic city.

Highs

• On arrival you're served a delicious complimentary concoction - a tangy passion fruit and guava mojito
• The huge floor-to-ceiling windows in the bedrooms have panoramic views of the city down below; impressive by day, stunning by night
• In the restaurant world-renowned chef Enrique Olvera cooks up Mexican fusion delicacies such as seared tuna with chilli cilantro cream
• We loved the vintage furniture - old school recording equipment in the lobby and retro telephones in the rooms (and toilet!)
• It's an easy bus ride from attractions, yet your base is away from the hectic and polluted centre

Lows

• Service is not as slick as you'd expect from a hotel of this calibre, though staff are very friendly
• You risk your life each time you cross the road to reach the hotel - there's no zebra crossing, making it a dangerous endeavour
• The WiFi didn’t work in our room; not great for a so-called business hotel