Arrival/Check-In: I arrived on a direct flight from LAX and got to the new Posadas property in the late afternoon. The hotel is located off the end of one of the longest streets in Mexico City, Reforma. Although it has narrow lanes, the street shows off museums and mansions behind large and expensive gated/armed walls. The area, Bosques de las Lomas, sits between high-end shopping malls and corporate office buildings, giving you a great, safe atmosphere.

Stepping into the lobby, I realized the pictures I scoped out on the hotel website did not do it justice. The friendly valets opened the glass doors into an open-air lobby with soaring ceilings, local art pieces and a chic seating area. At the reception area off to the right, attendants invited me to sit down and sip a glass of chilled Moscato while I signed into my executive suite on the top floor, room 528.

Guest Quarters: The room also opened into high ceilings, giving an airy feel, and floor-to-ceiling windows provided the natural light I crave in hotel rooms. The wooden floors led to a guest bathroom immediately to the right, and further into the living room area with its gray walls, blue couches and two tables faced a 46-inch flat-screen TV.

The bedroom continued the floor-to-ceiling windows, spilling natural light onto the white marble desk/table and the luxurious king-sized bed. Over the bed, an oversized abstract painting kept the room feeling eclectic and modern. Each bedside table held multiple outlets perfect for plugging in my array of electronics. A large, flat-screen TV faced the bed, and a long, dark wood cabinet ran the length of the room, giving extra space for miscellaneous items.

My favorite part of the suite was the glass-walled bathroom. The oversized room showcased a green lounge chair and pillows to the right, facing the clothes closet. The standalone tub in the center dominated the room. It faced the glass wall into the bedroom, but wooden blinds could be closed for privacy. The double-sink marble vanity sat behind the tub, with a large mirror and bright lights. A stand-alone shower and toilet sat discreetly in the back separated by frosted glass.

Services/Amenities: The Live Aqua offers guests a main restaurant, La Cantina, that changes its menu and atmosphere throughout the day. The beautiful open space allows you to see the chefs at work. I found it quiet in the morning, with an efficient staff, and enjoyed an excellent New York bagel sandwich. In the evening, the crowds arrive and it becomes a lively hot spot with amazing tapas and ceviche paired with tequila and whiskey. The Lobby Bar offers a casual place to try the impressive liquor menu and small dishes. I suggest taking your drink out to the deck for some fresh air.

The newly opened spa, Feel Urban by Live Aqua, offers a small, tranquil oasis after a long day of meetings, especially the hydrotherapy system, sauna and steam room.

The Experience: I have been to Mexico City many times and am overjoyed this fresh new hotel is available in the bustling city. The modern technologies make it easy for the business traveler; and the spa, restaurants and lively atmosphere make you forget you’re there on business. The property is close to the finance centers; however, be prepared for longer drives into the city for business or visiting the museums.

GT CHECKLIST

[checklist]
[item check=yes]Doorman/valet[/item]
[item]Less than 10 minutes for check-in[/item]
[item check=yes]Separate tub and shower[/item]
[item check=yes]Large vanity[/item]
[item check=yes]High-quality towels[/item]
[item check=yes]Powerful, unattached hair dryer[/item]
[item check=yes]High-quality bed linens[/item]
[item check=yes]Large, flat-screen television[/item]
[item check=yes]Large desk with convenient outlets[/item]
[item check=yes]Large, complimentary laptop safe[/item]
[item check=yes]Complimentary in-room WiFi[/item]
[item check=yes]Complimentary bottled water[/item]
[item check=yes]Stocked minibar[/item]
[item check=yes]Ample lighting[/item]
[item check=yes]In-room coffeemaker[/item]
[item check=yes]Iron and ironing board[/item]
[item check=yes]On-site restaurant[/item]
[item check=yes]24-hour room service[/item]
[item check=yes]24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center[/item]
[item check=yes]Turn-down service[/item]
[/checklist]

Live Aqua Mexico City Hotel & Spa

Ave. Paseo de los Tamarindos 98
Cuajimalpa de Morelos
Mexico City, 05120, Mexico
tel 800 288 2983
liveaqua.com/mexico-city