Why book? This is a sleek, design-forward option in the heart of Mexico City’s Colonia Roma, where everything the coveted neighborhood has to offer—from its shady 19th-century boulevards to the fresh pastries at Panadería Rosetta—is just steps away. Staying at an Airbnb might be the way to feel like a local here, but trotting up the Brick Hotel’s sweeping, palm-shrouded steps at the end of an evening leaves you feeling just as relevant.
Set the scene Swing by the Brick’s sunny, street-side Terraza Orizaba on a lazy Sunday afternoon and you can expect to find a mix of laidback guests and stylish neighborhood residents knocking back mezcal cocktails until sunset. (The terrace is pet-friendly, meaning that while I was there, the seat next to me was occupied by a chic Pomeranian.) In contrast to the sun-drenched patio outside, the moody hotel lobby is softly lit regardless of the time of day, complete with dark-leather furniture and barely-there, ambient music. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all kind of place for families—rather, it’s a boutique hotel more suited to the business execs and affluent couples checking in to spend a long weekend in one of the world’s best cities. Remote workers may want to hang out here tapping away on a laptop, but the hotel’s central Roma location means that the desire to explore the myriad bars and restaurants just around the corner make it more of a luxurious basecamp rather than the mainstay of your trip—a quality the property seems perfectly content possessing.
The backstory Reopened in 2019 (after an initial 2010 opening), the Brick is far more modern than the Belle Epoque architecture surrounding it suggests. But the building is steeped in its own history: The original house, or Gran Casona, that predated the hotel was built in the early 20th century from bricks shipped over from England to create a private estate for the original manager of the Bank of London and Mexico. Many of those bricks still remain as part of the listed original structure (hence the hotel name), but the place is now also decked out with subtly contemporary fixings, like floor-to-ceiling glass windows, industrial-style pendant light fixtures, and a discreet glass elevator hidden behind the trees. A nod to the over a century-old building’s chameleon-like nature—in previous lives it also took the form as a bordello and a locksmith shop—the restaurant, Cerrajeria Restaurant, is named after the latter.
The rooms Mine was one of four Rooftop Suites (Brick is home to 10 rooms and seven suites, total) and exactly where I wanted to be at the end of a day spent scarfing down tacos at various mercados. The queen-sized bed was layered with crisp white sheets and accented with textiles; pillows and a blanket throw in case things got chilly, a nice detail given the breezy balcony overlooking Orizaba that the lower level opens out to. Hidden among the treetops, it felt like an oasis above the throng of Mexico City, made even better by the springtime jacaranda flowers that had just bloomed. Back inside, the suite’s design was all muted tones of charcoal, cream, and light gray; the bathrooms were simple, with rain showers and plush towels. The surprise bonus? A claw-foot tub on the upper level of the suite, set against a marble backdrop and accompanied by an array of bath products from Mexico-based Persea Apothecary, as well as candles to help you decompress. Other room perks included well-stocked mini bars on both floors, as well as a bottle of mezcal awaiting me upon check in.
The spa The Brick’s Hela Spa is small, tucked-away out of sight from the rest of the property—but offers up all the options one would expect from a high-end property. Services include massages, facials, and body wraps, and there is also a sauna and steam room should you need to sweat out some of that mezcal.
The neighborhood/area Mexico City has no shortage of boutique and design hotels at this point, but few sit on quite as perfect a block as the Brick’s Calle Orizaba, one of the neighborhood’s main arteries. Roma, of course, has spent the better part of the past decade emerging as the city’s hottest neighborhood—and you’ll be hard pressed to walk more than a few feet without stumbling upon a coctelería, ceviche spot, or vintage store worthy of whiling away a few hours. Moreover, it’s walking distance from destination restaurants: there's Rosetta and its sister bakery, Panadería Rosetta (don’t sleep on the house-made guava jam as a souvenir); Condesa, home to yet more beautiful architecture and palm-lined public parks; and Contramar, the Mexico City staple known for its unrivaled tuna tostadas and famous (and overly-Instagrammed) red-and-green grilled snapper. You’d be forgiven for forgetting to leave the neighborhood entirely, but design enclaves like Casa Luis Barragan and the Museo Frida Kahlo are both reasonable Uber rides away, depending on how jammed the capital’s notorious traffic is.
The service Low-key and nearly invisible, but never missed. The front desk is available to make restaurant reservations, set up airport transfers, and arrange local tours.
Accessibility There is an elevator to make all rooms accessible, and an outdoor ramp near the terrace to circumvent the stairs at the entrance to the hotel. However, some suites, like the one I stayed in, are split across two floors and feature steep stairs.
Anything left to mention? Not all rooms have private balconies, but try to prioritize booking one if you can—one of my fondest memories of my stay was dozing off in the sunshine while listening to the soundtrack of the city.
Orizaba 95, Roma Nte., Mexico City 06700
Mexico
https://www.brickhotel.com.mx/
+52 55 9155 7610