Circulo Mexicano, Mexico, a Member of Design Hotels

Breakfast was fresh and really tasty, but the service took ages. Give yourself about an hour, and bring a book or get up earlier if you have plans. We kept hearing other guests worry they'd miss their tours, which is a stressful way to start a holiday. The hotel has gorgeous architecture and our room was amazing. The lighting is very dim, which might bother some people, though it didn't really bother us. The pool is tiny, too small for swimming.

The staff were so friendly, and Hicham, the manager, really made sure we had a great stay. He showed real care and attention, hospitality at its best. I'll be back. Circulo Mexicano is downtown in a lively part of the neighborhood, with a beautiful street and lovely views. Going up to the rooftop terrace for breakfast each morning was such a pleasure.

I came for the design, but after a couple of nights I realized I wouldn't want to spend a whole week here. The first few nights seemed fine, then I could hear the couple upstairs doing everything: talking, moving around, flushing the toilet, playing music. The patio room looked onto a courtyard, but the windows face the stairs, so people walk right by. You pretty much have to close the wooden blind for privacy, which leaves very little sunlight. Being in the heart of the historic center is nice, but outside gets chaotic fast. Roads around Zocalo are often blocked by events, so Uber can't reach the hotel. On arrival, mine dropped me about a 10-minute walk away, and I had to drag my luggage through crowds. There's a police officer out front and two security people by hotel check-in. The officer questioned me until I showed my room key. It all felt like a bit too much.

We only came for lunch at the rooftop restaurant, and it ended up being the highlight of our trip. Super fresh food, local flavors, and a relaxed setting.