MEXICO CITY

Welcome to Mexico City — a fascinating and chaotic sprawl of 25 million people where lively weekend craft markets are held in leafy parks, mariachis serenade in neighbourhood plazas and the air carries the aroma of roasted corn from roaming street sellers. Once just seen as the region's gateway city, Mexico's capital has grown in popularity in recent years, and there are an increasing number of hotels in the city's trendiest locales. The historic centre has experienced a resurgence, with beautiful hotel conversions of heritage buildings. Beyond it, buzzing neighbourhoods such as Roma, Condesa and Coyoacán are where to head for stylish guesthouses.

- KATE ARMSTRONG

Best for wow factor

ANDAZ CONDESA

Neon-lit cacti and magenta-mirrored escalators form a striking entry to this stylish luxury hotel. It opened in January 2023 in Condesa, one of Mexico City's trendiest locales, which is known for its art deco buildings. The aesthetic flows through to the first floor where guests are greeted. Beyond this, blonde timbers form deco-esque curves, and pastel velvet-covered seating fills the inhouse matcha bar. Meanwhile the 213 fresh, light-filled rooms are a complete contrast, washed in soothing whites and greys, with vinyl record players and papier-mâché figurines as novel additions to the otherwise minimalist setting. Fashionable Condesa locals like to hang out on the hotel's top-floor terrace. It offers expansive views, a swimming pool and the Cabuya Rooftop restaurant - a relaxing spot serving seafood and dishes inspired by the food of Tulum on the Yucatán Peninsula.

ROOMS: From £280 per night, room only. andazmexicocitycondesa.com

Best for design lovers

DURANGO 219 

The exterior of this hotel is unique, built out of pink Cantera local stone. Interiors showcase a great eye for design, which is reflected in the 12 contemporary rooms, each of which has a hero feature, such as a refurbished vintage chair or unfussy sculpture. Opened in December 2022, Durango 219 is excellent value - even the smallest suites feel expansive, thanks to the neutral white, beige and grey colour palette, married with natural woods, large windows and, in some cases, a balcony. The plant-lined roof terrace bar is the ideal place to relax over a cocktail, and the hotel is located at the sweet spot between Mexico City's lively Roma and Condesa neighbourhoods, meaning guests are also close to Contramar, the ultra-popular Mexican seafood restaurant, and Rosetta, a sublime bakery-cafe.