Located in the vibrant La Condesa neighborhood, the Hotel San Fernando in Mexico City has been revamped to match the surrounding cultural hub. The energy of the area is intoxicating. Enhanced by historic architecture and a buzzing culinary scene, La Condesa demands equally creative hospitality. Positioned steps away from the Parque México, the location reflects Mexico City’s commitment to community.
Image credit: Chad Wadsworth
Featuring 19 guestrooms spread across five floors, the Hotel San Fernando is a boutique hotel meant for the modern adventurer. Its name comes from the title of the building, Edificio San Fernando. The name pays homage to the patron saint of the Spanish Army Corps of Engineers. The focus on preserving the hotel’s history extends to the architectural restoration. Great care was taken in protecting the original architectural details such as casement windows, encaustic tile floors, wainscoting in the corridors and lobby, and stained-glass windows.
Image credit: Chad Wadsworth
The Bunkhouse group saw this character-filled building as the perfect opportunity for their newest hospitality endeavor. Although the hotel was built in 1947, Bunkhouse and Mexico City-based designer Reurbano chose to add an Art Deco touch to the interior. They highlighted the rich color palette of Mexico City and used the irreverent glamour of the Art Deco period to elevate the design.
Image credit: Chad Wadsworth
Guests are immediately greeted by playful, curved metal panes and imitation stained-glass. The lobby includes pieces from many local collaborators, including lounge chairs from CDMX furniture showroom Originario. The current art display features work from local CDMX-based artists such as Pedro Friedeberg and Ricardo Guevara, as well as a piece from Texas-based contemporary artist Cruz Ortiz. The lobby’s retail shop sells a curated selection of local Mexican wares from skilled artisans. These one-of-a-kind pieces are intended to inspire guests and give them a taste of the brimming artistry in the CDMX neighborhood.
Image credit: Chad Wadsworth
The lounge is accessible through a rose-colored lacquer archway. It features a cozy outdoor seating area for guests to unwind. The soft green walls and clay tile bar create an organic setting, intentionally juxtaposed by the stained-glass in vibrant jewel tones. This blend of vivid and natural details is a recurring theme throughout the property.
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The lush rooftop offers complimentary breakfast every morning. The spread includes classic pan dulces, fresh fruit, and rolling specialties like huevos rancheros and chilaquiles. Although the property is compact, the designers maximized the indoor-outdoor experience with a thoughtful layout.
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The guestrooms are furnished with minimalist furnishings that pack a punch in design. Color-blocked walls create a lighthearted atmosphere, encouraging a carefree retreat. The dishware and textiles have been hand-selected from various markets around the city. Customized bedside table lamps by Oaxaca-based studio Oaxifornia add to the culturally rich atmosphere. Bunkhouse added warm-toned wood with a pop of teal to complete the balance of classic and contemporary.
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There are three new guestrooms on the roof level, featuring new furniture designed by Bunkhouse and fabricated by CDMX-based B Collective Studio. Colorful tiles in pale blue, coral and green create geometric patterns for additional visual interest. All the rooms include lush greenery as a nod to Mexico City’s connection with nature. Every detail down to the custom linens from Kassatex pay respect to the rich textile heritage of the city.
Image credit: Chad Wadsworth
The Hotel San Fernando is a perfect symbol of the ever-growing hospitality landscape in CDMX. Ideal for the contemporary traveler in search of something with authentic artistry, this hotel is poised to be the next boutique hotspot. Guests can unwind and simultaneously soak in the metropolitan energy. The Hotel San Fernando embraces the combination of modern design and Mexican traditionalism.
