Anytime I have a chance to pass through Mexico City, I’m thrilled. I've been lucky enough to spent many months here over the years, staying in tons of airbnbs and hotels from Roma, Condesa, Coyoacan, Anzures, to San Rafael. They all have their own personalities and charms, but El Patio 77 boutique hotel in Mexico City has become one of my favorite places to base myself and all eat the delicious food that the city is famous for.
Update: This blog was originally written after my first stay in 2016. I have since stayed two more times, in 2021 and in 2024, and can confirm the hotel is still a beautiful, architecturally brilliant oasis in the city. I've updated the review below plus lots of new photos and neighborhood insights about this historic hotel in Mexico City.
Disclosure: I received a free stay at El Patio 77 in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own!
Below you’ll find everything you need to know about this beautiful boutique hotel in Mexico City, lots of photos of their beautiful historic building, and a video tour.
Beautiful Historic Building: Boutique Hotel in Mexico City
El Patio 77 is located in a 19th Century mansion in a historic neighborhood of Mexico City. The mansion has been divided into 8 rooms, and still retains its historic feel. The dark wooden staircases are both original and the rest of the house has been tastefully restored with tiles and furniture that accent its history.
The vaulted ceilings, stained glass skylights, and the second wing all add to the ambience of the antique building. Since this hotel is situated in one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city, filled with incredible architecture, this beautiful boutique hotel in Mexico City fits right in.
Perfectly Designed Spaces & Corners: Historic Hotel in Mexico City
In addition to the building being a beautiful historic hotel in Mexico City, the spaces have been very carefully and beautifully decorated. I felt like every corner was a perfect photo.
The front entrance is a giant and intricate metal gate.
Lush green plants fill the entryway, leading to a fountain in the back of this historic hotel in Mexico City. This leafy entrance is one of my favorite parts of the hotel, the lively green plants greet you and the light is beautiful. It's a great place to sit and enjoy breakfast as well.
Much of the furniture are restored vintage pieces, including the stunning couches in the reception.
The dining room has the most beautiful light of all that filters through the covered patio ceiling. The space is filled with wooden tables and brightly colored chairs.
The rooms and suites are each decorated for a particular state of Mexico. I've stayed in the Oaxaca room, the Veracruz room, and the Chiapas room. Each room/suite is completely different with its own architecture, layout, and decoration. All the art and artisan pieces in each room are sourced directly from state it represents. The beds have all been large and comfortable with luxurious sheets and pillows.
Oaxaca Room
Chiapas Room
Veracruz Room
Michoacan Room
DF Room
Hidalgo Room
The hotel also does a fantastic job of making use of natural light. Many rooms feature a wall of full size windows and french doors that open onto the terrace. They also have full shutters that you can close for sleeping in. In the common areas, huge skylights over the staircases let daylight stream in.
Every detail and corner was thoughtfully planned. Nothing felt cluttered or misplaced. I was very impressed with the care and well curated design throughout this boutique hotel in Mexico City.
Eco-friendly Practices
One of the most notable things about El Patio 77 is their dedication to Eco-Friendly practices. Many hotels choose to save water by not changing sheets or towels daily, or provide eco-friendly toiletries. El Patio 77 goes way above and beyond that.
The most interesting and exciting innovation is their use of rainwater for showers and faucets. They then use a system in the basement to clean the used shower and tap water, and then recycle it as water to flush the toilets. I found this system so ingenious and inspiring. Why use perfectly good fresh water to flush waste down the toilet? The whole system is sustainable and something all hotels should aspire to.
They also use solar panels and have motion sensored lights to conserve electricity. Finally, they don't use plastic water bottles to provide drinking water for guests. Instead they fill a pitcher with clean drinking water that is left in the room with glasses for the guests use. Refills are available at any time.
Free and Delicious Breakfast: Boutique Hotel in Mexico City
El Patio 77 is a B&B, so a 2-course breakfast is provided each morning in the beautiful dining room.
All the food is made fresh when you arrive to the table. The juice is freshly squeezed and served alongside your coffee. We then enjoyed fresh fruit with yogurt to start. The main course changes each day - I've had quesadillas with freshly made pico de gallo, chilaquiles verdes with egg, omelettes, and huevos rancheros.
They are also offering an option to switch your included daily breakfast for a dinner. We tried out that option one night and had some tasty Argentinian style empanadas, filled with spinach and cheese, plus house salad. Another delicious option at this historic hotel in Mexico City, depending on what works best for your schedule.
I always love a hotel that allows me to prepare for my day with a provided breakfast. Even better if the food is delicious and fresh!
Exceptional Staff: Historic Hotel in Mexico City
The lovely staff at El Patio 77 really went above and beyond. My first visit, I arrived while it was pouring rain, and was so happy to see an open umbrella and a smiling face at the taxi door, almost as soon as I pulled up. I was then received warmly with an offer of mezcal and water while I checked in on the vintage couch in the lobby.
My departure from the hotel was at the very early (and painful) hour of 3:30am. The staff was kind enough to leave some fruit in the kitchen and a prepped coffee maker. All I had to do was turn the coffee maker on, and sip my coffee as I struggled to get my eyes open for my early flight. Such a nice gesture.
On my second stay, we were treated like family. Always greeted, assisted with anything we needed.
Another great touch is their personalized and easy to use map of key areas in the city. I thought this was such a smart way to help guests find the best things to do during their stay. Mexico City is beyond big, so it makes sense to narrow the map and suggestions down to the most popular areas, as well as the staff’s specific recommendations in the area.
Strong Wifi: Boutique Hotel in Mexico City
The hotel has fast and reliable “Mexico City” internet speeds. I was able to have seamless video calls, and get work done during my stay.
An Architecture-Lover's Neighborhood With Local Charm: Historic Hotel in Mexico City
I've loved getting to know San Rafael, the neighborhood this historic hotel in Mexico City is situated in, every time I've stayed.
The most common neighborhoods for tourists to stay in are the Centro, Roma, and Condesa. While those are beautiful and interesting, it’s fascinating to stay in an area that is wholeheartedly local and lacking in tourists. There are a lot of great restaurants, galleries, and coffee shops popping up. Here are a few of my favorites in San Rafael:
Tacos: El Paisa street stand, Tacos El Betin, La Tonina
Restaurants: Cochinita Power, La Polar
Coffee: Camino a Comala, Maverick
The architecture in the San Rafael is another huge selling point. It is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city, beginning as a place for the wealthy to settle outside the Centro. This accounts for the large number of mansions, many with French influence. It continued to be a growing area over time, so the styles and periods of architecture are varied and interesting. Some of the first works of Luis Barragan - Mexico’s most famous architect - are in San Rafael, and 383 buildings in this relatively small neighborhood are classified as having historical value. I loved taking walks and stopping often to take photos!
The third great thing about San Rafael is its proximity to the best the city has to offer. Mexico City is a great city to walk, so I love when I’m in an area that is an easy and comfortable walking distance to where I want to explore. El Patio 77 is a nice walking distance from some of the biggest attractions: 30 minutes to the Centro, 45 minutes to Roma Norte, and 45 minutes to the Museo Antropologia and Chapultepec Park. The metro subway is also only 3 blocks away, so you can easily get to any of the further attractions as well, and Uber is always quick and easy.
As far as location goes, this boutique hotel in Mexico City is pretty perfectly situated!
Conclusion:
The value of what you get at Patio 77 boutique hotel in Mexico City for the price is great. It's a beautiful hotel in a gorgeous historic building with warm, caring staff. Their progressive eco-friendly practices are a huge plus, and the neighborhood is a great jumping off point for exploring the city. I can't wait for my next visit to this historic hotel in Mexico City!
Hotel: El Patio 77
Social Media: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram
Price: $100-200 USD based on double occupancy
Includes: Free breakfast (fresh fruit juice, coffee, fruit, and a main dish) or switch breakfast for a free dinner, wifi, purified drinking water.
Location: Icazbalceta 77, Colonia San Rafael, México DF
Contact: info@elpatio77.com
Reservations: http://elpatio77.com/Rooms.html
Video Tour:
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Ann Fisher
Susan, what a wonderful find! I love hotels like El Patio 77 — so much more personality than the big chains. I love all the details you’ve captured — the tile, the wonderfully restored sofa — and my favorite, the crooked bookcase. I would definitely stay here — and thank you for sharing.
Susan Ripley
Glad you appreciated all those great touches and details like I did! It’s a great place to stay. 🙂 Thanks for your comment!
Jenn and Ed Coleman
So awesome to stay at a hotel that needs no improvement. I love the dark wood extras and the upscale, urban touches. Two course breakfasts sounds pretty good too. But, what I liked the best is hope much the watermelon picture on the their wall looks like your head shot. That is a kismet sign that this is a hotel for you.
Susan Ripley
hahah! I hadn’t even noticed that. That’s so great – you’re right, must have been kismet! 🙂
Cat
This is such a charming place to stay at! The bedroom looks so spacious and comfortable. I love the big windows, letting in natural light into the room. Strong Wi-Fi is a big plus!
Susan Ripley
All that natural light might be my favorite part of that stay! Those huge windows were such a great touch to the room. 🙂
Allison Wong
This boutique hotel looks amazing! The idea of making it a art gallery is very creative too and I love their idea of providing a personalized map to their guests. Nice touch there!
Susan Ripley
Agreed! That personalized map was super handy in a giant and overwhelming city like Mexico City. 🙂
Ivy
What a charming little place! It reminds me of the other eco-friendly boutique hotel you stayed at- both such lovely finds. Love the uniqe decor and design, and of course who can say no to free breakfast!?
Susan Ripley
Exactly! That’s the number one thing I look for in a boutique hotel – unique and well-done decor. Free breakfast is always a great bonus though too!
Jen
What a great review! I love all the unique architectural features here, from the massive doors to the stained glass! Really charming 🙂
Susan Ripley
Thanks for the comment! Glad you like all those charming details as much as I do. 🙂
Juliann
This place looks so homey and inviting. It seemed liked someone’s home! I love finding boutique hotels like this. I’ll flag this for a future trip.
Susan Ripley
It actually used to be someone’s home (mansion) ages ago when it was first built. I think they’ve done a great job turning it into a hotel while still maintaining the antique charm and cozy spaces. 🙂
Emilie
What a beautiful hotel! I am going to Mexico for the first time in October and am so excited! First stop is Mexico City and I´m wondering where to stay. Roma sounds tempting to me after reading your blog, where all cool and hip is in one place, but now this area and hotel also looks like a winner! What would you recommend for someone going there the first time and wanting to get the most out of a few days stay? Btw I´m loving your blog – such a good read before my travels 🙂
Susan Ripley
Hi Emilie – Thanks so much for your kind words!!
So excited for your upcoming trip to Mexico – it’s such an amazing country.
Where to stay in Mexico City kind of depends on your travel style, how long your stay is, and what you’re looking to get out of your trip. I love El Patio 77 – it’s a really lovely boutique hotel in a gorgeous vintage building. The neighborhood of San Rafael is more “authentic Mexico.” You will find lots of locals walking the streets, local eateries, cafes, etc and lots of Art Deco architecture. You will feel immersed in true CDMX life here. On a side note, I wouldn’t say it’s an unsafe neighborhood, but it would be a good idea to use Uber at night to get around. That probably goes for almost anywhere in CDMX, though I have walked short distances with friends in Roma and felt ok.
Roma is another lovely neighborhood – but is more of a mix of locals, expats and tourists. It’s not uncommon to hear English here or there. You’ll also find lots of young creatives doing interesting things, street art, cute clothing boutiques, etc.
I wrote a guest post for the Hippie in Heels blog about this subject actually. Maybe that would help: https://hippie-inheels.com/mexico-city-neighborhood-guide-where-to-stay-for-your-travel-style/
Let me know if you have any other questions! I know you’ll enjoy your trip. CDMX is such a vibrant city with awesome people and incredible food. 🙂 I can’t wait to make it back there again.
Emilie
Hi Susan! Thank you for your reply:D We will probably only stay for 3-4 nights, I think Roma sounds like a neighborhood we would love! But will definitely visit San Rafael as well! I will for sure use your Mexico city neighborhood guide, thanks!:) So excited to explore this city!
Since you are so helpful, maybe I can ask you another question?:) After living the big city life in CDMX for some days we want to head to the coast for some surf and small town life. I read your post about Puerto Escondido, and it sounds like a lovely town, so maybe we will head straight south. But we are also considering to head straight west to Sayulita and maybe even San Blas to find surf. Have you been there? Do you know if it would be a good idé to travel the Nayarit and Jalisco coast, or if it would be better to just head straight south to the PE area?
Susan Ripley
Emilie, I’m so sorry for the slow reply! Been dealing with a family emergency over here.
Both Puerto Escondido and Sayulita are wonderful. Here are the main differences – Sayulita will take a tad longer to get to since you’ll need to fly into Puerto Vallarta and take a bus or taxi up the coast about an hour. Puerto Escondido has a small airport right in town so it’s a little bit of an easier journey. I haven’t been to San Blas, but have heard that it’s a bit tough with mosquitos/bugs. I have heard good things about San Pancho (it’s basically between Sayulita and San Blas), but haven’t been there myself.
Sayulita is a charming little town, but it’s a bit more developed and has more Americans. This can be good if you haven’t traveled in Mexico much. Puerto Escondido has much fewer Americans – mostly vacationing Mexicans and Europeans. This can give it an interesting vibe. I definitely like both, but would lean towards saying you should try Puerto Escondido because it might be a tad more interesting and immersive culturally. There are lots of places to surf there (including some giant waves that are amazing to watch the expert surfers ride), and some good cove beaches (def check out gorgeous Playa Carrizalillo). I recommend staying in the area of La Punta – it’s charming and feels like it’s own little village. You can also do a baby turtle release at Playa Bacocho which is really a fun experience.
If you’re flying domestically – you can find great deals on some of the domestic airlines like Interjet, Viva Aerobus, and Volaris.
Hope that’s helpful. Let me know if I can help with anything else!
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