Casa Filomeno

A clean, attractive room didn’t make up for what was one of our worst hotel stays. We stayed twice in January, seven nights total, and had serious problems with hot water, service and staff honesty. On the first visit, which lasted five nights, the shower pressure was so low it was almost impossible to shower. The bathroom sink had no hot water at all, so we had to brush our teeth and wash our hands in the shower. We asked to change rooms and were refused, with staff claiming every room had the same problems. After we complained several times, the pressure got better, but the water turned lukewarm or cold in winter. Other guests said they weren’t having hot water issues, so we felt misled. Getting clean towels was another ordeal. We asked multiple times and were refused, then told it might happen “tomorrow or the day after.” Cleaning staff said reception had to approve a towel change. It felt like begging. Reception was usually absent, and most staff came across as cold and indifferent. The doorman Francisco was kind. During the second stay, two nights, the hot water ran out completely after about 25 minutes, leaving us with a cold shower in winter. Nobody had told us there might be a limit. The hotel ignored our complaints and later pressured us to leave a positive review instead of fixing the problems. A nice room doesn’t make this a good hotel. It wasn’t worth the price, and we wouldn’t return.

There’s no AC, and most rooms face a busy street in centro. The windows don’t insulate well, so the noise is constant. The shower was another problem: the pressure is extremely weak, and when I turned it toward hot, the water was barely more than a drip. Washing my hair took ages, and I almost caught a cold during my winter stay. If a relaxing shower after a long day in Mexico City is what you want, this place isn’t for you.

Our suite was spacious and clean, and the location was perfect. We arrived late at night in November, and Francisco made check-in easy with his friendly, helpful welcome. We’d definitely stay at Casa Filomeno again.

The room looked nice and had a table, kitchen, fridge and sink. There was communal laundry, too. The only downside was the smell in the restroom.