Mexico City's Coolest Neighborhood Has a New Boutique Hotel With 5 Restaurants and Gallery-worthy Art

Travel + Leisure

2 days ago

The hotel's Belle Époque building has retained many of its historic features, while the modern interiors showcase a neutral palette and contemporary artwork by Mexican artists.
While it is boutique in size, Casona Roma Norte boasts TK dining concepts ranging from elevated Mexican cuisine to a fusion of Japanese and Sinaloan flavors.
Tastings at Akamba take guests on a journey through Mexico's diverse mezcal distillates.
The hotel's location is hard to beat—at the heart of Mexico City's trendiest neighborhood, with everything from restaurants to hip galleries and cool coffee shops within walking distance.
The eclectic blend of architectural styles that fill up Mexico City's Roma Norte neighborhood, along with its buzzy nightlife, art galleries, and bohemian coffee shops, has transformed it into one of the city's most beloved hangout areas, outside of the Centro Histórico. So when I learned that a new boutique hotel had opened inside one of its iconic pink buildings, I jumped at the chance to stay.
Casona Roma Norte made its debut on October 1, 2024, housed in a 1920s Belle Époque building featuring art deco and Porfirian motifs, a hallmark of the neighborhood. Following a meticulous renovation, the hotel has retained many of its original features, including the marble floors, brick walls, and wooden entrance doors.
The historic facade is contrasted by chic modern interiors, consisting of neutral tones punctuated by pops of color, dreamed up by Mexico City-based Simple Arquitectura. Casona also serves as a mini art gallery, showcasing almost exclusively the works of Mexican artists (the only exception is a giant mural by Berlin-based artist James Bullough). The lobby features art by María Rec, while, in the hallways, Carolina Barrios painted directly on the walls.
'Casona Roma Norte is more than just a hotel; it's an immersive experience that reflects the soul of Roma Norte in Mexico City. What sets us apart is our blend of authentic Mexican heritage with contemporary luxury. Every detail, from the architecture and curated art to the bespoke service, is designed to create a personal connection to the culture and history of this vibrant neighborhood," the hotel's general manager, Valeriano Marocco, explained.
Envisioned by Mexican hospitality brand Hamak Hotels, Casona is deeply rooted in the history of the Roma Norte neighborhood, honoring its traditions while embracing innovation to create a guest experience that is both intimate and cosmopolitan.
Below, my full review of Casona Roma Norte in Mexico City. One of the guest rooms in Casona Roma Norte.
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Casona transformed previously private residences into 32 guest rooms, ranging from 220 to 270 square feet. While the layout of each is slightly different—some have balconies and private terraces—all provide the same level of luxury and comfort with views of bustling Roma (windows are equipped with impressive soundproofing panels).
The modern interiors embrace minimalism, featuring vaulted ceilings and hardwood floors adorned with Oaxacan rugs. On the walls, guests will find photographs by Santiago Arau, known for his aerial landscapes and scenes from Mexico City. The marble bathrooms have rainfall showers and toiletries, exclusively made for Casona Roma Norte. Included in the room rate is a nightly turndown service (that comes with a delicious pastry) and one day of complimentary access to the minibar.
Dishes from Aquiles in Casona Roma Norte.
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Currently, Casona offers five culinary concepts. Two of the restaurants are helmed by renowned Mexican chef Aquiles Chávez, with one even bearing his name. Aquiles (the restaurant) has a 'field-to-table' approach to sourcing local ingredients and serves elevated Mexican comfort fare.
Suchi combines flavors from Japan and Sinaloa to create delicious fusion dishes, such as sushi rolls featuring ingredients like carne asada, carnitas, and guacamole. The truly outrageous (in a good way) Dorito roll is prepared with shrimp and queso.
For daytime drinks, La Macaria Matcha & Tea Room is a coffee shop that mixes Japanese, French, and Mexican influences. The menu features matcha, coffee, a wide selection of teas, and a variety of pastries. For a more tailored—and adult-friendly—experience, guests can book tastings in Casona's mezcal "gallery," Akamba, where the head bartender takes guests on a journey through Mexico's distillates. I enjoyed Lechuguill a, an agave spirit produced in Sonora, and also sampled a delicious mushroom rum.
The rooftop bar, restaurant, and social space, Salino, specializes in Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, along with a selection of classic cocktails. A sixth option, The Mirror Speakeasy, is currently in the works. Akamba Mezcal Gallery in Casona Roma Norte.
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Casona has a rooftop gym with TechnoGym equipment. I took a private yoga class, during which the instructor helped me with some shoulder stiffness and taught me poses to help alleviate the effects of high altitude.
Casona Roma Norte has a small spa with a single treatment room adjacent to the gym, where guests can book therapies, such as massages, facials, scrubs, and more. Aquiles restaurant in Casona Roma Norte.
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Currently, Casona Roma Norte does not have ADA-compliant rooms.
The hotel prioritizes disposable products that are fully biodegradable. Guest rooms also feature energy-efficient lighting, refillable glass amenities, and limited single-use plastics. The hotel also focuses on locally sourced ingredients and sustainably sourced seafood through initiatives like 'Fishing with a Future.'
Rooftop seating at Casona Roma Norte.
Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure
While Casona is located approximately 40 minutes from Mexico City's international airport, the hotel puts guests at the heart of the city's coolest neighborhood, with restaurants, bars, and shopping just steps away. Other attractions around the city are easily accessible by car services.
Casona Roma Norte is not a part of any loyalty program. Book directly with the hotel to access special pricing options, including flexible dates, complimentary breakfasts, and other perks.
Nightly rates at Casona Roma Norte start from $309.
Every T+L hotel review is written by an editor or reporter who has stayed at the property, and each hotel selected aligns with our core values.