ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: The hotel is clean, neat and orderly; and the lobby and main floors display the work of local artists. The reception area included a section to the side for Club member check-in. The desk staff greeted me right away; and though I do not speak Spanish fluently, I checked in just fine with the help of the front desk manager, who interpreted my questions.

Just beyond reception, a well-stocked bar with an open feel offers a variety of seating options, from comfy chairs and couches to long, high tables. An area toward the back is a little more private, but the whole bar works as a social environment.

GUEST QUARTERS: I used my room key to access the guest floors. My king-sized room was plenty big with a great view of Mexico City, particularly Palacio de Bellas Artes. The bed featured the Hilton king-sized pillows and standard white bedspread. The room included an oversized chair with a footstool and a desk and chair in front of the wall of windows overlooking the city. The spacious bathroom featured a standard soaking tub with shower; a marble ledge surrounded the tub and the sink. A half wall separated the toilet from the rest of the bathroom. Outside the bathroom, an ample closet held a small combo safe, and the dresser opposite the bed had a mini refrigerator inside.

Services/Amenities: The property offers three restaurants: El Cardenal and Sonora Grill Prime (a Mexican steakhouse) in the lobby and Los Dones on the first floor, offering a buffet and à la carte meals. One morning I ate at El Cardenal restaurant, which serves traditional, farm-to-plate Mexican and Colonial dishes. It was busy as it is popular with locals and guests. The fresh- baked goods, served before the meal, were the highlight. I was seated near the baking area, and everything came out fresh and looking good. I had a delicious mini baguette, crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. I ordered eggs scrambled with bacon, served with refried beans and fresh and hot corn tortillas — everything was excellent. I could not get enough, and I was definitely a member of the clean plate club.

On my last night I tried room service as I had been caught in the rain and had an early flight the next morning. I ordered tortilla soup and a cheeseburger. The service was fairly quick, less than 30 minutes, with impressive food presentation. The soup came in a separate teapot to keep it hot and make it easy to pour over the tortilla strips and fresh avocado. I am a huge fan of tortilla soup, and I knew I had to try it in Mexico. It did not disappoint! The cheeseburger was good, surrounded by shoestring French fries cooked to perfection.

The 27-floor hotel includes a convention center on the second and fourth floors with a capacity to host 5,000 guests. Spaces include ballrooms and 14 meeting rooms of varying sizes. Designated elevators in a separate area go between the convention floors only.

Amenities also include indoor and outdoor pools, separate fitness centers for men and women, a steam room, sauna, rooftop terrace, full spa services and a wellness center, executive lounges, sun terrace, garden areas and a tennis court.

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

• The location on the edge of the Historic Center and next to Alameda Central Park puts you within walking distance of Reforma Avenue, Palacio de Bellas Artes, Zócalo, Templo Mayor and the cathedral; and about a mile from the financial district.
• Guests can soak up the outdoors on the terrace, on the tennis courts or at the outdoor pool.

HILTON MEXICO CITY REFORMA
Av. Juárez 70
Colonia Centro
06010 Mexico City
CDMX, Mexico
tel 52 55 5130 5300
hilton.com