Kimpton El Castelar has opened in Mexico City’s Polanquito area, bringing a 34-room boutique hotel to the historic Roel Building at Emilio Castelar 107 Colonia Polanco. The property is part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury and lifestyle portfolio and sits near Masarik Avenue, Auditorio Nacional, Chapultepec Castle and the Archaeological Museum.
The hotel gives new life to a building that first opened in 1940 and was designed by architect Francisco J. Serrano during the Mexican Art Nouveau period. Kimpton El Castelar adds another luxury lifestyle option to Polanco, one of Mexico City’s best-known districts for culture, dining, shopping and green spaces.
The 34-room property combines historic architecture with contemporary Mexican design. Private outdoor terraces decorate the building’s exterior, while a rooftop pool adds a leisure element in the centre of the neighbourhood.
Inside, the hotel uses bespoke furniture and décor sourced in Mexico, alongside original works by local artists. The design approach focuses on spaces that feel elegant, comfortable and connected to the surrounding community.
Guest rooms use faded terracotta, warm metals, natural stone, wood floors and cement tiles inspired by traditional Mexican ceramics. The interiors are intended to feel open and airy while still offering warmth and a carefully collected residential style.
Most guest rooms also include a soaking tub, giving travellers a place to relax after exploring Mexico City. The hotel aims to serve both leisure guests and visitors looking for a more local boutique stay in Polanco.
Alejandro Gallegos, General Manager of Kimpton Castelar, said: “Kimpton Castelar is an authentic addition to the spirit of Mexico City. Our intention is for guests to use the hotel as their homebase as they discover the hidden treasures of the trendy Polanquito neighborhood.”
The hotel is close to several major cultural and visitor attractions, including pre-Columbian exhibitions, indigenous art galleries, Lincoln Park and Avenida Presidente Masaryk, which the company described as the Fifth Avenue of Mexico City.
Alejandro Gallegos added: “Our hope is that each guest discovers richness that excites both on property and in the neighborhood – from pre-Columbian civilization exhibits, to indigenous art galleries, to window shopping on the Fifth Avenue of Mexico City – Avenida Presidente Masaryk, to cherishing the lush nature of our parks. Our goal is to make a stay worth sharing for all. As a team, we are committed to providing impeccable, heartfelt service make every stay memorable.”
Guests will have access to several Kimpton brand features during their stay. These include Kimpton Kickstart, a daily perk offering complimentary coffee and premium teas, and Kimpton Social Hour, a nightly gathering with complimentary beer, wine and light chef-prepared bites.
The hotel lobby is designed as a social space where guests can unwind, recharge and meet other travellers. The brand’s broader approach places emphasis on local culture, informal gathering points and guest experiences that extend beyond the room.
Kimpton El Castelar also offers complimentary bikes for exploring the city, yoga mats in each guest room and pet-friendly accommodation. The hotel accepts pets of all sizes at no additional charge, including furry, scaly and feathery companions.
Leanne Harwood, SVP Managing Director of Luxury and Lifestyle at IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “As Kimpton hotels continue to grow in our Mexico and Latin American region, we carry a true sense of excitement with us; our goal with each of our hotel openings is to thoughtfully integrate into the community, and I’m confident Kimpton El Castelar will be locally loved and inspire enchantment for travelers across the world.”
The opening strengthens Kimpton’s presence in Mexico City. Kimpton El Castelar joins Kimpton Virgilio, which opened in 2024, with both properties occupying historically preserved apartment buildings in Polanco.
Kimpton now has 87 hotels open worldwide and 67 more in its development pipeline. The Mexico City opening reflects the brand’s continued expansion across Mexico and Latin America, where luxury lifestyle hotels are increasingly using local design, heritage buildings and neighbourhood-led experiences to attract travellers.
