There were corporate executives. There were tons of journalists and photographers. And there were diplomats from the Germany Embassy in Mexico City. No, this wasn’t the announcement of some major international trade deal — it was just the inauguration of German cuisine month at Almara, the new restaurant at the Galeria Plaza hotel. This new dining venue, which opened a few months ago, is just one more reason why I call the Galeria Plaza one of the best values in Mexico City hotels — and the best full-service hotel in the Zona Rosa district. If you’re planning a visit to Mexico‘s capital, it’s certainly worth a visit.
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Last year was the first time I experienced the Galeria Plaza Reforma. I wrote a review about this centrally located Mexico City hotel, explaining why I found it to be one of the best deal for the dollar (or peso), thanks to its extensive amenities like a large rooftop pool and fitness center, multiple on-site dining options, attractive rooms and great location. The Galeria Plaza — which is part of Brisas Group and a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts — also made it into my listing of 8 Great Hotels in Mexico City, which highlights some of the best places to stay in Mexico’s capital, based on a variety of different tastes, budgets and categories.
A series of upgrades and changes at the Galeria Plaza hotel between my stay last year and my visit this year has only made it better. Here’s why:
• A more beautiful rooftop pool. Few hotels in this price range offer large, upscale rooftop pools in Mexico City, and the latest upgrades to the swimming pool area at Galeria Plaza has made it even better than when I stayed there last year. Dividing walls have come down, new decor and soaring new artistic architectural elements have gone up — and new bar service has made it easier than ever for hotel guests here to enjoy an afternoon by the pool, enjoying the city views while sipping a cocktail from Mood Bar (see below).
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• An inviting new lobby bar. The lower level of the hotel is now home to Mood Bar, a comfortable, attractive venue where I enjoyed a couple rounds of cocktails with my friends on my latest visit.
• A noteworthy new restaurant. On this visit, we enjoyed an amazingly tasty, multi course dinner at Almara, the new Mediterranean-Mexican restaurant. With elegantly casual decor, extremely attentive service and an extensive menu, this is surely the best new hotel restaurant in the neighborhood, and worth a trip even if you’re not staying at the hotel. Every dish is artfully presented. Among our favorite choices here: Mexican wine from Baja California (although they also have French and Italian wine), mouthwatering filet of sole and a soufflé that’s worth breaking your diet for. During the month of July, Almara has also added a special German menu to complement its permanent offerings, and there will likely be similarly creative options in the future.
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• An array of other services and features. As I mentioned, the Galeria Plaza Reforma hotel offers a combination of decent room rates with amenities and ambiance that few hotels in Mexico City offer. The guest rooms were attractively refurbished and redecorated last year, and there is a large club-level lounge for those looking for even more amenities. In addition, I’ve made good use of the hotel’s large business center, where well-equipped mini-offices provide lots of privacy, as well as everything from individual climate controls to computers, phones and coffee makers. And of course, the location — just steps away from the boulevard called Paseo de la Reforma, as well as nightlife and dining in the lively Zona Rosa district – makes this Mexico City hotel an excellent option.