After a long flight to Mexico City, anticipation was high for my stay at The Ritz-Carlton Mexico City. Following a quick Uber ride from the airport, I was ready to experience what promised to be an exceptional hotel in the heart of the city. Beyond the desire to refresh after an overnight journey, the allure of the hotel itself, particularly its rumored panoramic views, was incredibly exciting. And the reality certainly lived up to the hype. The views from The Ritz-Carlton Mexico City are truly breathtaking, offering an unparalleled perspective of the sprawling cityscape both during the day and illuminated at night. They provide a profound sense of Mexico City’s vastness and its unique location within a valley urban landscape.
Exterior view of The Ritz-Carlton Mexico City showcasing its modern architecture.
View from a high floor at The Ritz-Carlton Mexico City, capturing the expansive urban landscape and distant mountains.
Location and First Impressions
The Ritz-Carlton Mexico City enjoys a prime location, perched atop a magnificent skyscraper and directly overlooking Chapultepec Park, one of Mexico City’s most expansive green spaces. This proximity places guests just a short walk from the park’s numerous attractions, including museums, an amusement park, artisan stalls, Chapultepec Castle, and a serene lake. The hotel’s location is also conveniently near sister hotel, The St Regis, and luxury competitor The Four Seasons, solidifying this area as a hub for high-end accommodations. While the anticipation builds as you ascend to the hotel’s main areas, the initial arrival experience at ground level is somewhat understated.
Panoramic view of Chapultepec Park from The Ritz-Carlton Mexico City, highlighting its lush greenery within the urban setting.
Daytime cityscape view from The Ritz-Carlton Mexico City, demonstrating the hotel's height advantage for city observation.
To reach the main reception, guests are first directed to a smaller concierge desk on the first floor, which then guides you to the formal reception located on the 38th floor. The welcome at the 38th-floor reception was warm and efficient. However, the reception area itself, tucked away beside the elevators and lacking windows, felt somewhat less impressive than expected for a Ritz-Carlton property. Despite a verbal acknowledgement of Gold status, a room upgrade was not available – a fairly common occurrence at Ritz-Carlton hotels based on past experiences.
The Ritz-Carlton Mexico City nestled within a modern high-rise, emphasizing its urban integrated design.
Entrance area of The Ritz-Carlton Mexico City, showing the initial arrival point at the base of the building.
Interior reception area of The Ritz-Carlton Mexico City, located on a high floor with elevator access.
Concierge desk at The Ritz-Carlton Mexico City, providing guest services in a sophisticated setting.
Rooms with a View
The true highlight of The Ritz-Carlton Mexico City reveals itself as you explore further – the spectacular views from the bar, restaurant, and, most importantly, the guest rooms. Opting for a park view room with a terrace proved to be an excellent choice, especially considering the value obtained through points redemption at 70,000 points per night, compared to cash rates of $700-800. For those seeking even greater luxury, the Ritz Residences, situated higher in the same tower, offer an even more indulgent experience, albeit at prices ranging from $2,000 to $3,000 per night.
Park View room at The Ritz-Carlton Mexico City with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing Chapultepec Park.
Upon entering the room, the panoramic views immediately command attention. The floor-to-ceiling windows frame the sprawling city and distant mountains, creating a truly memorable backdrop. Once you manage to draw your gaze away from the vista, the room itself is well-appointed and comfortable. While not overly spacious, it features a curved sofa, quality amenities, convenient electric curtains, and a well-designed bathroom.
Comfortable seating area in a room at The Ritz-Carlton Mexico City, designed for relaxation and city views.
The bathroom’s freestanding tub, high-end Axor fittings, and full-size Philosykos toiletries – accompanied by a humorous notice about their $45 replacement cost if taken – all aligned with the expected five-star standard. The terrace was equally impressive, furnished with a table, chairs, and a small sofa.
Freestanding bathtub and luxury bathroom amenities at The Ritz-Carlton Mexico City, emphasizing the hotel's upscale offerings.
Outdoor terrace with seating at The Ritz-Carlton Mexico City, providing a private open-air space with city views.
A high glass partition effectively shielded the terrace from wind and occasional rain, while a small gap at the top maintained the open-air ambiance.
Glass partition on the terrace at The Ritz-Carlton Mexico City, designed to protect from weather while preserving the outdoor feel.
Dining and Bar Experience
The hotel’s restaurant and bar, Samos, are also located on the 38th floor, sharing the same majestic views. Samos was vibrant in the evenings, attracting a stylish and affluent clientele. The space curves around the building’s exterior, maximizing the panoramic vistas from two sides.
Samos bar at The Ritz-Carlton Mexico City, showcasing the stylish interior and panoramic city views.
Interior of Samos restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton Mexico City, featuring elegant design and expansive windows for city viewing.
Breakfast at Samos was a standout experience during both mornings of my stay. The menu offered a delightful array of both local and international dishes, all prepared with exceptional flavor, generous portions, and beautiful presentation. The service was consistently warm and attentive. The assorted homemade pastries, particularly the uniquely shaped and colorful croissant, were a highlight worth indulging in.
Breakfast spread at Samos restaurant in The Ritz-Carlton Mexico City, featuring a variety of fresh and colorful options.
Spa and Wellness Facilities
The Ritz-Carlton Mexico City also features a small but well-appointed spa. The centerpiece is an indoor pool, designed more for relaxation and gentle floating than for swimming laps, given its size and layout. Comfortable seating surrounds the pool, complemented by pleasant views from the 12th-floor windows.
Indoor pool area at The Ritz-Carlton Mexico City spa, featuring a relaxing ambiance and city views.
Alongside standard massage treatments and well-equipped changing rooms, a steam room is available. Unfortunately, the steam room was not functioning correctly during one visit, lacking sufficient heat, but this appeared to be an isolated issue.
Exploring Mexico City and Guest Services
Overall, The Ritz-Carlton Mexico City provided a wonderful and luxurious sanctuary. Venturing out to explore Mexico City was easily managed, with visits to iconic sites like the Temple of the Sun and Moon pyramids, the colorful canals of Xochimilco, and the historic city center. Utilizing Uber for transportation, which is readily available and affordable, and exercising standard safety precautions, particularly avoiding late-night walks in unfamiliar areas, ensured a safe and enjoyable exploration of the city.
Xochimilco canals in Mexico City, a vibrant and cultural destination easily accessible from The Ritz-Carlton.
A notable aspect of the hotel was the exceptional concierge team, despite their somewhat hidden location on the 3rd floor. They were consistently helpful, kind, and attentive, efficiently resolving a dinner reservation issue, providing valuable tourist information, and offering a welcoming presence upon each return to the hotel. Similarly, a special mention goes to one of the hotel’s taxi drivers, an ex-architect whose engaging conversation and impromptu tour of local landmarks enriched a drive through the city center.
Hotel taxi at The Ritz-Carlton Mexico City, offering convenient and personalized transportation services for guests.
Final Thoughts
The Ritz-Carlton Mexico City is unequivocally defined by its views. However, the hotel excels in numerous other aspects, providing thoughtful touches and exceptional service. For anyone planning a visit, prioritizing time to fully appreciate the views from this exceptional vantage point is highly recommended, ensuring a stay that is as memorable for its panoramas as it is for its luxurious hospitality.
