I escaped the pouring rain in Los Angeles and headed to 65 degrees and partly cloudy Mexico City — one of my favorite cities. This city has a vibrancy and energy to it that shows in the rush of commerce and business with its suited men and women and bustling traffic while encouraging you to take a break with amazing food and a glass of mezcal with friends.

This trip I am staying at Live Aqua, an Urban Resort, part of the Posadas brand and a Global Traveler reader favorite. The three words I can use to describe the hotel are modern, friendly and comfortable. It feels like a home away from home. The lobby is a grand, towering space with local art, unique water features and lots of natural light. The concierge desk is off to the right in a space surrounded by tall bookshelves and overstuffed couches, where chilled Champagne or water is served while you wait for check-in. One thing I loved is during check-in they ask if you would like an aromatherapy scent in your room (you can smell several options) and they will fill your machine throughout your stay with the scent. I loved this small gesture.

My deluxe king room does not have much in views, but the floor-to-ceiling windows allow natural light to spill in. The warm walnut entryway holds lots of closet space with cushioned hangers — a must for most of my work blouses. The bar consisted of snacks, sodas and my favorite Nespresso maker; however, Earl Grey pods are also available. The king-sized bed dominates the room and has soft pillows and a very firm mattress, with large, marble-topped bedside tables with lots of outlets. A 65-inch flat-screen TV sits directly opposite the bed.

I spent a lot of time at the marble table that also doubles as a desk, with its many electrical outlets and even a small sand Zen garden to rake away any tension after a long day of meetings.

The bathroom is glass-enclosed with dark wooden blinds you can shut if you need privacy. The cream marbled vanity is single with lots of room to hold my personal items, along with the Molton Brown amenities. The cocoa and sandalwood scent is divine and reminds me of Mexico. I am typically not one to soak in a tub, but the large spa bath with TV and even a rubber ducky invited me in. A stand-alone, large stone shower was divine.

However, the real reason I come to Mexico (don’t tell my boss) is for the food! Last night, I went to Live Aqua’s lobby bar and indulged in a glass of wine, pork taquitos with a cream sauce and, of course, my favorite tortilla soup. Only in Mexico have I seen the overall spectacle and amazing freshness of this soup: In the bowl is cream, tortilla strips, dried peppers and avocado; the waiter then gently pours the hotel soup onto the ingredients, giving it the freshness it deserves. Magnífico!

— Carly Allen, executive vice president