J. Towers Hotel Boutique

We reserved the two-story room with two bathrooms, but were given a standard room and no explanation. Renovation work on the third floor went on until 8 or 9 p.m., then a prom or wedding on the roof made noise until 10. We work during the day and couldn’t concentrate, and since we don’t party, we couldn’t sleep. The bathroom window faces inward, so you can hear EVERYTHING.

The staff were some of the most helpful and polite people we met. Reception, cleaners, and cafe staff all did what they could and gave us tips about things to do around CDMX and typical prices for services and items. The only struggle was explaining the hot water problem. The location was excellent too, close enough to the city center but far enough for quieter evenings, and near the WTC, shops, food, a bus stop, and Sunday street markets. Uber was relatively cheap, and some great taco places were nearby. The rooms look spacious and lovely at first glance, but the facilities didn’t match what we paid. There was almost no hot water for our first two days, and the shower was barely lukewarm. We had to use the public shower on level 6 by the sauna to get decent pressure and heat. When we asked to change rooms, we were told it wasn’t a serious issue and all rooms were the same. Instead, we were told to adjust a heater mounted outside the building and fiddle with the red water flower valve each time we wanted a shower. When we got hot water, the pressure was nearly just a trickle, so we had to choose between heat and pressure. Some areas needed a proper clean. The shower head was battered, the bathroom mirror edges were dirty, and the ironing board had visible stains and smelled of urine. We swapped it, but the smell stayed in the closet. The kitchen had no bowls or knives, and the utensils available were worn out or dirty. The spa, hot tub, and sauna require a one-hour reservation at reception. The sauna barely got hot enough to make steam, and the hot tub was oddly placed in an open area in front of the level 6 lifts and gym. If I could do it over, I’d skip this place because the rooms and facilities weren’t up to scratch for the price.

The front desk staff were very helpful and nice, and the breakfast cafe team deserve a special mention. The location is a little far from downtown, but there’s plenty to do nearby. I was on the Sydney floor. The room was lovely and spacious, with a beautiful kitchen and wonderful city views. The bed was very firm and uncomfortable.

It was a nice, quiet stay, with big rooms that feel a bit like bachelor pads. They have full kitchens but no oven, and the underground parking is tight, so it’s better for small cars. The hotel is right beside the world trade center, making it a handy base for a convention. A few things need maintenance, like paint touch-ups, a slow shower drain, and a shower head that needs cleaning.