Mexico City's Elegance Exemplified: The Umbral Hotel
On our last visit to Mexico City, we stayed a few days in the historic district and the remaining days at an Airbnb. Our first hotel, The Umbral, an eclectic and reasonably priced Hilton of the Curio Collection, is located around the corner from Zócalo.
Do you want a hotel with drama and elegance? This one's it.
You pull up to an unassuming historic facade, nearly invisible from the street, then you turn the corner into the entry and are enveloped in sumptuous drama. Terra-cotta pink walls and sparkling black tiles pave your walk into the universe. Floor-to-sky-high-ceiling glass with stately curtains on either side. The hotel's signature scent was quite nice, light, and warm.
So fabulous. The King Suite itself was a dream. Enter into a gorgeous, moody living space with the highest ceilings, rich black walls, and warm oak furniture. Inventive lighting sources cast additional warmth in unexpected ways into the night. A magnificent modern built-in lounging couch was pillowed to perfection and thoughtfully constructed with a dedicated area for drinks and a record player, fully wired for seamless sound in both the living room and the bedroom.
Crazy. Sexy. Cool. A simple space with so much soul. The room was cool in palette and vibe, warmed romantically by the lighting as the day turned to night. Massive wooden doors fully retract for access to Juliet balconies in the living area and the bedroom, with incredible views of the beautifully structural modern building across the road and life along the cobblestones below. The sleeping area was calm and inviting, with a bright contrast of white walls and the continuity of built-in accents, furniture type, and color temperature. A massive shower and gorgeous modern vanity area greet you in the bathroom with thoughtful modern detailings and fantastic lighting that makes it shine.
The historic lift is a rich shade of green, taking you to the rooftop public space with an open-air bar, two restaurants, and a hot tub.
From the surreal architecture to the bold, avant-garde details, this beautiful building is a very inspiring place to lay your head for a few days.
Pro-tips:
1. If you're along the streetside, it's wise to bring earplugs or put on an excellent white noise playlist because the street sounds can be a bit loud for a light sleeper.
2. Not all rooms have an outward-facing window, making rising with the sun a little tricky.
Where’s your favorite place to stay in Mexico City?