Mexico City, a vibrant metropolis rich in history and culture, had always been on my travel bucket list. This fall, I finally had the chance to visit and decided to focus my hotel search within the Marriott portfolio, aiming for top-tier status. While W Hotels sometimes feel geared towards leisure rather than business with their lively lobbies, I often find them enjoyable for personal trips. The W Mexico City, nestled in the upscale Polanco neighborhood, caught my attention with its attractive prepaid rate and prime location.
Booking My Stay at W Mexico City
Like many major cities, hotel prices in Mexico City tend to be more favorable on weekends. I considered the St. Regis, priced around $250, but the W Mexico City offered a compelling prepaid rate of just $130 plus taxes and fees. Considering its usual weekday rate of around $350, this seemed like excellent value. As a Category 5 hotel, it was also bookable for 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
Opting for the base-level Wonderful King room, I applied suite night upgrades for my two-night stay. To my delight, I received an email confirmation about four days prior to check-in, confirming my upgrade to a Fantastic Suite.
Another email from the hotel further detailed my reservation, confirming a 538-square-foot Fantastic Suite for my visit.
During my two-night stay at the W Mexico City, I accumulated 3,947 Marriott Bonvoy points, valued at approximately $35 by TPG, along with 930 Citi ThankYou points from my Citi Prestige® Card.
Prime Location in Polanco, Mexico City
The W Mexico City boasts an enviable location in Polanco, an affluent and sophisticated neighborhood. Polanco exudes wealth, characterized by high-end designer boutiques, international embassies, and a plethora of fine-dining establishments, including the renowned Pujol. Chapultepec Park, Mexico City’s answer to Central Park, is a short walk away, offering a beautiful lake and scenic running trails. I found Polanco to be a stunning, exceptionally safe area and a perfect introduction to the energy of Mexico City.
Check-in and the Art-Infused Lobby at W Mexico City
Having arrived on a red-eye flight, I had contacted the hotel beforehand to request early check-in. While not guaranteed, the hotel indicated it might be possible based on availability. Upon arrival around 7 am, I was pleased to find my room was indeed ready. The check-in agent explained that the hotel primarily caters to business travelers, making Friday early check-ins more manageable than during the week.
As a Platinum Elite member, I selected breakfast as my welcome amenity, which was served at the hotel’s restaurant, J by Jose Andres. The agent generously offered the flexibility to have breakfast immediately or on the following day, which I greatly appreciated.
The lobby of the W Mexico City is a visual treat, showcasing an art-house aesthetic. The check-in area is anchored by unique face mask-shaped seats, serving as a striking centerpiece. Within minutes of completing check-in, I was headed to my room on the 20th floor.
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The Fantastic Suite: A Modern and Light-Filled Retreat at W Mexico City
My Fantastic Suite, located at the end of the 20th-floor corridor at the W Mexico City, felt more like a spacious studio than a traditional suite. However, it provided ample workspace on one side and a comfortable seating area adjacent to the window, perfectly designed for both work and relaxation.
The views from the suite’s windows were simply breathtaking, offering panoramic cityscapes of Mexico City.
A small balcony was also part of the suite, though accessing it required a staff member to unlock the door temporarily. The seating area by the window became my favorite spot for enjoying morning coffee while watching the sunrise over the city.
Near the window, a compact closet with sliding doors housed plush bathrobes and an ironing board, catering to practical needs with style.
The king-size bed was exceptionally comfortable and adorned with a distinctive Frida Kahlo decorative pillow, subtly branded with the W logo on the reverse side, a nod to Mexican artistry and the hotel’s brand identity.
Each bedside offered convenient features including international outlets, USB ports, intuitive light controls for the entire room, and a stylish lamp providing excellent illumination. A Bose sound system on one side and a wireless phone on the other added to the room’s functionality and entertainment options.
A glass-enclosed closet served as the minibar, well-stocked with a variety of snacks and beverages. A Lavazza coffee machine, complete with daily replenished coffee pods, allowed for freshly brewed Americanos or espressos in the room.
The bathroom was thoughtfully designed with two separate smaller rooms, one for the toilet and another for the bath and shower, enhancing privacy and convenience. The sink area, featuring a chic checkered tile pattern, was open and connected these two spaces. The window in the shower room was a highlight, allowing for natural light and city views even while showering. Taking a bath with the glittering Mexico City skyline as a backdrop was a truly memorable experience.
Overall, the Fantastic Suite at W Mexico City was exceptionally comfortable, boasting modern furnishings, an abundance of natural light, and thoughtful design elements. It was the ideal haven to unwind after exploring the vibrant city each day.
Culinary Delights at W Mexico City: J by Jose Andres and The Living Room Bar
Breakfast was served in J by Jose Andres, situated on the second floor of the W Mexico City. The Platinum Elite breakfast benefit included a choice of cooked-to-order eggs, juice, coffee, and access to the extensive buffet. The buffet spread featured fresh fruit, yogurt, a selection of breads and pastries, and antipasti options like Iberico ham and salami, providing a diverse and high-quality breakfast experience.
On one occasion, I opted for à la carte and ordered vegetarian chilaquiles for around $10. They were exceptionally flavorful and a delicious taste of local cuisine within the hotel.
The service at J by Jose Andres was consistently outstanding. One morning, noticing my fiancée was unwell, the staff proactively brought over a blanket without being asked, showcasing their attentiveness and care. They also offered excellent recommendations for local attractions and activities around Mexico City. While the city offers countless dining options, the breakfast at J by Jose Andres, especially as a complimentary perk, was a delightful and generous offering.
The Living Room bar in the lobby of W Mexico City became a vibrant social hub in the evenings, with lively ambiance and even hosting an art show during my stay. Drink prices were in line with other upscale bars in the Polanco area, reflecting the neighborhood’s premium status.
Amenities for Wellness and Relaxation at W Mexico City
The gym at W Mexico City, located on the fourth floor past the spa, was well-equipped with cardio machines, weight machines, and even a bench press. During my morning workouts, it was never crowded, with no more than three people at any time, creating a pleasant and private workout environment.
While W Mexico City does not have a swimming pool, it does offer a large Jacuzzi available to both spa and hotel guests. Although I didn’t personally use it, it looked inviting and relaxing.
Adjacent to the Jacuzzi was a small bar providing infused water and a selection of fresh fruits for guests, a thoughtful touch for post-spa or workout refreshment.
Additionally, each morning, the hotel thoughtfully placed a small spread of cookies, coffee, tea, water, and soft drinks by the elevators, offering a convenient and welcoming treat for guests starting their day.
Overall Impression: W Mexico City – A Recommended Stay in Polanco
The W Mexico City is a stylish, contemporary hotel ideally located in the upscale Polanco district of CDMX. My upgraded Fantastic Suite exceeded expectations, particularly with its abundant natural light from windows on both sides, modern décor, and the luxurious bathtub with city views. The hotel’s facilities and room quality aligned with the high standards expected of the W brand, further enhanced by a level of attentive customer service that elevated the overall experience. Whether for business or leisure, I would enthusiastically recommend and choose to stay at the W Mexico City again on future visits.
