This Hotel Highlights Mexico City's Art Deco Past, Redesigned for Right Now

This Hotel Highlights Mexico City's Art Deco Past, Redesigned for Right Now

In the Condesa neighborhood of Mexico City, a 1947 apartment building has been transformed into a boutique hotel featuring 19 rooms, while the original green tile and stained glass remain central to its appeal.

My initial impressions of Mexico City were unexpected. As I strolled through La Condesa toward Parque México on my first morning, I grappled with a familiar feeling that eventually crystallized: this city embodies elements reminiscent of both Barcelona and Savannah. It exudes the lively, cosmopolitan atmosphere of a European capital, combined with green neighborhoods like Condesa and Roma Norte that evoke the charm of a Southern town. The synergy of these two cities, both of which I cherish, captivated me before I even polished off my first coffee.

Hotel San Fernando, my nightly refuge, perfectly encapsulated this unique blend. Here, the historical narrative is more than just a design element; it is embedded within the very structure of the hotel.

A 1947 apartment block, reborn

Hotel San Fernando, with rates starting at $199 per night, is located on Iztaccíhuatl Street within the Hipódromo area of Condesa, housed in the Edificio San Fernando, an Art Deco apartment building completed in 1947. The transformation into a 19-room hotel was orchestrated by Bunkhouse Hotels, in collaboration with Mexico City-based studio Reurbano. This renovation successfully retained the original character of the building while modernizing it.

The historical essence becomes palpable immediately upon arrival. The front doors feature the building's original curved metal panes, enhanced with new glass designed to mimic the historical stained glass. Once inside, the corridor is adorned with the original soft green encaustic tile, showcasing an abstract white pattern on both floor and walls. Entering felt less like a standard hotel check-in and more akin to visiting a friend’s charming prewar apartment, reminiscent of similar buildings in New York. The ambience was warm and inviting from the outset.

Wainscoting lines the corridors, and an elongated open spiral staircase spirals five floors to the rooftop, illuminated by tiered rattan pendants. Additionally, the hallway features exquisite stained glass in hues of deep turquoise, emerald, lavender, and ochre—a visual characteristic you seldom encounter in newly constructed hotels. This architectural gem stands out among other boutique houses in the area.

The hotel boasts a collection of art and decor sourced locally, including pieces by Mexico City artists Pedro Friedeberg and Ricardo Guevara, a work by Texas artist Cruz Ortiz, lounge chairs from CDMX showroom Originario, and a lobby shop offering an array of Mexican-made ceramics, straw totes, and blankets alongside exclusive Bunkhouse-branded items available solely on-site.

Rooms at Hotel San Fernando

I occupied Room 205 on the second floor. The accommodation preserves the original apartment layout while incorporating vibrant decor: walls painted in striking coral, handcrafted built-ins from Mexico City furniture studio La Metropolitana with teal and green accents, and deep-red ceramic bedside lamps meticulously shaped by artisans from Oaxaca studio Oaxifornia. The presence of plants adds a touch of liveliness to the space. Dishware and textiles reflect the aesthetic of the surrounding neighborhood.

My room included a kitchenette, which I minimally utilized, aside from a Chemex-style pour-over coffee maker I employed each morning. The kimono-style robes, designed by Bunkhouse, proved remarkably soft, leaving me contemplating packing space as I considered their comfort. Linens and towels were provided by Kassatex, while bath products featured Malin+Goetz.

Room sizes range from the Sencillas, approximately 220 to 250 square feet, to Ocio Suites, which can extend up to 595 square feet, accommodating small groups. For those seeking outdoor space, Vivienda or rooftop Terraza Suites are available, each offering private balconies.

The absence of an elevator may pose challenges for guests with mobility issues or heavy luggage, as stairs are required to access the rooms. Bathrooms tend to be compact. Lower-floor accommodations may experience street noise, particularly given the lively atmosphere of Condesa. While this did not affect my stay, light sleepers might prefer a higher floor. Notably, the hotel is dog-friendly.

Lounge Fernando and the rooftop

Lounge Fernando, the lobby bar, is situated behind arched doorways finished in rose pink, featuring soft green walls and a clay-tile bar topped with marble. A chandelier designed by Mexico City artist Rebeca Cors enhances the inviting space. The cocktail menu emphasizes rare Mexican spirits such as pox, sotol, bacanora, and raicilla, while the food offerings showcase shareable plates including empanadas, tostadas, and tacos. I opted for the mocktail Genjibrada, a refreshing blend of ginger ale, cucumber, chia, and lemon, which was as thoughtfully crafted as any item on the cocktail list. On Saturday evenings, the lounge radiated a delightful atmosphere, accompanied by a guitarist and vocalist performing Spanish-language lounge music amid low lighting and flickering candles. This cultural programming enriches the guest experience, eliminating the need for guests to venture out every evening.

Mornings are a treat on the roof, accessible exclusively to guests. The rooftop lounge, bordered by breeze blocks echoing the curves of the stained glass, offers a complimentary breakfast featuring fresh fruit and pan dulce, with the standout dish being the chilaquiles—my personal favorite among Mexican breakfasts. Enjoying them in the open air above Condesa is an excellent way to kick off the day.

The neighborhood

The hotel's location stands out as one of its prime advantages. Parque México is merely steps away, serving as the green heart of Condesa, where shaded paths, fountains, and locals walking their dogs create a vibrant atmosphere that strongly reinforces the Southern charm evoked earlier.

Within a short stroll, one can discover Tacos Atarantados, a TikTok sensation, as well as El Moro, renowned for its churros. Across the street is Plonk, a Michelin Bib Gourmand establishment recognized in both 2025 and 2026. I also explored Perfumérica for fragrances and stumbled upon an exceptional upcycled piece while browsing nearby vintage shops. The Condesa area encourages exploration, and Hotel San Fernando positions its guests in the midst of this captivating neighborhood.