North America • Mexico • Mexico City • Roma Norte • Hotel Review
Casona Roma Norte: A Design-Driven Stay in Mexico City’s Historic Pink Palace
Local art, inviting rooms, and a lively dining scene inside a restored 1920s mansion in Roma Norte.
By Britney Eschelman
Why it works
If there’s one word to capture Roma Norte, Mexico City’s bona fide gem, it’s charming. This neighborhood invites visitors to explore its stroll-worthy streets lined with cozy cafés, vintage shops, and a celebrated restaurant scene that solidifies the city’s reputation as a foodie haven.
Fittingly, its boutique hotel offerings are just as captivating, with design-forward stays at every turn. The latest to join this illustrious roster is Casona Roma Norte, a beautifully restored 1920s mansion destined to become a cultural hub in the heart of this vibrant enclave.
Design & Character
Upon entering the Porfirian-style building—painted in an elegant pale pink—guests are greeted by a grand Art Nouveau lobby that feels like an art collector’s living room. Plush tan velvet upholstery, recessed shelves adorned with chic coffee table books, framed artworks, and ceramics create a perfectly curated space. Beyond the modern lobby lies an inviting dining area that piques curiosity—but first, you’ll stop by the understated check-in desk to grab your room key (more on the eatery later).
Rooms
Next, take the elevator or ascend the glossy marble staircase to find 32 guestrooms. Designed by Simple Architecture, the hotel boasts a sophisticated color palette, with bespoke artwork adding character to each floor. A standout piece is the poster on the second floor that reads, “It feels like home”—a sentiment that wonderfully captures the hotel’s welcoming vibe.
Behind soft gray doors, refreshed rooms in earthy tones await: high ceilings with white-painted exposed brick, light wood flooring, and floor-to-ceiling window doors that open to Belle Époque-inspired balcony railings. Natural light pours into these fashionable spaces—including the luxurious marble-tiled ensuite bathrooms—creating an airy, inviting ambiance. In one of the Superior King suites, a striking photograph by Santiago Arrao—a renowned contemporary artist—hangs above the plush bed, offering yet another homage to Mexico City’s eclectic art scene.
The Art Collection
The hotel truly feels like an art museum, with every piece telling a story and showcasing the talent of Mexico City-based artists. Highlights include James Bullough’s striking succulent mural in Aquiles’ atrium, abstract works by Ana Valdes in the eatery, and Carolina Barrios’ modernist pieces in the guest hallways. At the Matcha Saloon, original sketches have been reimagined as a unique light fixture, while photographs of sumo wrestling and Mexico’s lucha libre matches add character to the walls of Suchi Nipona & Sinaloa Cuisine.
Dining & Nightlife
While Roma Norte tempts with an array of must-try eateries, guests will find plenty to satisfy their cravings right on-site. Mornings can begin at the Matcha Saloon by La Macaria, which blends the tranquil vibe of a Japanese tea room with the French pastry expertise of the renowned Mexican bakery, La Macaria. Alternatively, guests can enjoy an à la carte breakfast at Aquiles, an all-day eatery offering seasonal comfort food made with local ingredients, including favorites like chilaquiles.
Mexico City’s pleasant climate sets the stage for lunch and casual bites at the soon-to-open Holden rooftop, featuring panoramic views and flame-grilled dishes. As dusk falls, head downstairs to the cave-like Akamba cocktail bar for a mezcal and tequila tasting led by experts. For dinner, indulge in Suchi Nipona & Sinaloa Cuisine, a culinary fusion of Japanese and Sinaloan flavors with premium fish, sushi rolls, and local sake. Don’t miss their famed “Dorito Roll”—a breaded, deep-fried creation of cream cheese, rice, and seaweed, served with a Dorito chip. End the night at Mirror, the swanky rooftop speakeasy with live DJ sets and late-night delights.
Simply put, Casona Roma Norte has it all—and more—immersing guests in the energetic core of Mexico City’s trendsetting hamlet with its authentic décor, historic elegance, and innovative gastronomy offerings.
Fast Facts
Location: Roma Norte, Mexico City
Address: Calle de Durango 280, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
Rating: Four-Star
The vibe: A design-forward boutique hotel blending rich history with the ambiance of a modern art museum.
Food + Drink: Casona Roma Norte boasts six on-site restaurants, each offering something unique. Start your day at Matcha Saloon by La Macaria, where Japanese tea room vibes meet the French pastry expertise of La Macaria, followed by an à la carte breakfast at Aquiles. Then, head to Holden Rooftop, a soon-to-open hotspot serving flame-grilled dishes with panoramic city views. For cocktails, visit Akamba, a cave-like bar for mezcal and tequila tastings, or enjoy the fusion of Japanese and Sinaloan flavors at Suchi Nipona & Sinaloa Cuisine. Finish the night at The Mirror Speakeasy with live DJ sets and late-night bites in a sultry, Art Deco setting.
Our Favorite Part of the Hotel: The original pink-painted, Porfirian-style façade completely stole our hearts.
Amenities: Fitness center; Spa facilities; 6 Restaurants; Bar; Free WiFi; Room service; 24-hour front desk
What’s nearby? Calle Colima; Bosque de Chapultepec; Museo Casa de Carranza; Museo de Arte Popular; Parque México
Any personal neighborhood recs? There’s so much to do and see in Roma Norte, so here are a few must-visit spots during your stay: Mooni for a collection of local Mexican art; Hugo for natural wine and aperitivo hour; Rosetta Panaderia for their croissant soft serve ice cream cone; Minos Sound Room for craft cocktails and hi-fi music. For more recommendations, check out our official guide to Mexico City.
Rooms: 32
Pricing (at original publication): Rates start at $408/night.
Closest airport: Mexico City International Airport Benito Juárez (MEX)
Hotels Above Par
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