Villa Condesa

Beautifully restored family-run Art Deco mansion, near leafy parks in one of Mexico City's classiest neighbourhoods

The Condesa neighbourhood is named after the Countess of Miravalle, an 18th-century noblewoman whose lands extended throughout this exclusive corner of Mexico City. Villa Condesa was one of many elegant mansions along the area's tree-lined boulevards that lay neglected as aristocratic families squabbled over inheritance - until the Nava family came to the rescue. Homero, a broadcast journalist, and his Nicaraguan wife Daisy (with a little help from their 2 teenage sons) spent 3 years renovating the building until its recent reincarnation as a chic, 13-room boutique hotel. Exterior structures like the wrought-iron entrance gate and creamy white portico with its stone columns and carvings were kept. Inside, bamboo plants now reach up to glass-and-steel skylights and modern art graces muted walls of mauve.

Despite its cool makeover, the hotel has a warm ambiance - on arrival you'll be greeted by at least one of the Nava family, who will help with your luggage then set down a frosty Corona for you in the stylish interior courtyard that doubles as a dining terrace. A perfect fit into this fashionable barrio of smart bars and upscale restaurants, Villa Condesa fits even more pleasantly around its guests.

Highs

• Tranquil atmosphere of a cultured home rather than a show hotel
• Thoughtful touches like bowls of fruit and umbrellas throughout the house; free bikes to borrow
• The cheery red kitchen is open to guests if you fancy a cup of tea or popping in a laundry load
• Small but professional staff of family and friends so service is always personal and smiley
• Safe, quiet and very attractive neighbourhood

Lows

• No restaurant per se, more an open-air dining terrace that offers breakfast, lunch and supper on a small scale
• Limited car parking on the street but you're just a 5-minute walk to the nearest Metro station
• No swimming pool or spa