UMA Casa

$$ | Mexico City, Mexico

OVERALL RATING | ★★★☆☆

Highlights | Great location that offers privacy and quiet while remaining close to the action.

Lowlights | Slightly disingenuous service. Amenities.

DESIGN

I have never done a spiritual or wellness retreat. Yet, UMA Casa immediately evoked that kind of experience. Maybe it was the rooftop yoga nook complete with a Buddha statue. Perhaps it was the general hotel design, clean and simple with minimal adornment. It might’ve been the multiple nooks where

one could hide out undisturbed. I’m not sure what it was, but UMA Casa’s design made me want to sit quietly, relax and reflect. It was the perfect last stop in my hotel tour of Mexico City.

This property was once a family home, but has been converted into a hotel featuring nine uniquely decorated rooms and several common spaces. The design is a mix of modern and traditional. Lots of glass, open spaces and natural light coupled with stucco, cotton, woven grasses, brick, and leather. The property is the complete opposite of a hotspot - it’s a retreat in the center of the city.

LOCATION

UMA Casa is located in CDMX’s Lomas De Chapultepec neighborhood, a high end residential area dotted with restaurants, cafes and boutiques that are reachable by foot in less than 5min. It’s ~10min by car from Polanco, the global luxury capital of Mexico. Think Champs-Elysses in Paris, Park Avenue in New York, or Rodeo Drive in LA. It is also close to the Museo Soumaya, Meseo Nacional de Anthropologia and Castillo de Chapultepec – all popular sightseeing location in CDMX. I wouldn’t say this is the most prime location in CDMX - the city has so many great neighborhoods that no one location can be considered perfect - but it’s a great base for first time visitors to the city. It’s close to several tourist hotspots, and many tour companies pickup and drop off clients in the Polanco area.

ACCOMODATIONS

UMA Casa has nine rooms, each of which is uniquely designed and decorated. I opted for Muri, a second-floor room with a king bed and mini sunroom overlooking a courtyard. The room was lovely. It remained true to the hotels traditional but contemporary vibe, offering all that was needed for a comfortable stay. The hotel was not luxurious - I would place it in the 3 star category - but it had all of the necessary creature comforts. A large bed with comfortable, clean linens. Adequate storage space. A desk and fridge.

A cozy but comfortable bathroom. In addition to their room, guests have access to several seating/working/gathering areas on the property. Just outside my door was a moody little nook with low light and comfy chairs. The rooftop offered a variety of relaxation options – everything from tables to couches to hammocks.

AMENITIES

Included daily hot breakfast

Rooftop

In-room massage service

Steamers available upon request

Bikes

Refrigerator

Bathrobes

CLEANLINESS

This hotel was clean – no complaints.

STAFF & SERVICE

I did not enjoy my interactions with staff here. I felt tolerated rather than welcomed. There was a clipped politeness to all our interactions – not offensive, but lacking in any warmth and underpinned with a desire to be done with me as soon as possible. It was a shame - the property evoked peace, but the unwelcoming atmosphere prevented me from relaxing into my stay and enjoying it fully.

CHEAT SHEET