InterContinental Presidente Mexico City

This 42-story skyscraper is a large and vibrant hotel that draws a decidedly high-brow set -- past guests include President Barack Obama, after all. Over the years, the hotel has also played host to authors, artists, and heads of state. VIPs aside, there's a lot to like about this InterContinental, which balances its corporate-friendly ethos with impeccably sharp decor. There’s a lot going on in the large marble lobby, with tourists coming and going, and various business meetings taking place. The overall look and feel here is modern elegance, with chic neutral hues, polished art, and luxe materials found throughout the property. Each of the seven restaurants is distinct in its decor; Chapulin is a wood-and-glass venue with a funky retro-monochrome space; Cafe Urbano is a great example in industrial-chic, while The Palm’s walls are adorned with comic-book-style cartoons. Most of the guests here are moneyed business travelers, though couples also like the quiet rooms and picturesque location. 

The InterContinental Presidente has an exclusive address in upscale Polanco. There’s plenty going on all around, and the hotel shares its safe surroundings with some great restaurants, bars, international companies, and other big-name, high-end properties like the W Mexico City. It’s a short walk to the designer shops of Avenida Presidente Masaryk and the sprawling Bosque de Chapultepec -- Mexico City’s version of Central Park, which is right beside the hotel. It’s a 15-minute walk through the park to the impressive Chapultepec Castle and Museo Nacional de Antropologia. The Auditorio Metro stop is a five-minute walk away and buses run frequently along nearby Paseo de la Reforma, which can be reached in a two-minute walk. A drive to the city's historic center -- home to sights like the Palacio de Bellas Artes, Metropolitan Cathedral, and Museo Nacional de Arte -- should take around 30 minutes by car or taxi. Mexico City International Airport is a 30-minute drive away, though you'd be wise to budget up to an hour, as traffic can be horrible in the city center.

Modern, light, and airy rooms sit high above the buzzing streets below, with views out through the picture-frame windows over the rooftops of Polanco or across Chapultepec Park for a glorious sense of space and calm. The decor is minimalist and neutral, with handsome fabrics complemented by subtle (but eye-catching) patterns in the soft furnishings, as well as contemporary wall art. Local touches are subtle, like silk bed runners and single pieces of Mexican art. The look, as a whole, is refined and classy. Amenities include all those expected of a luxury hotel; air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and Wi-Fi (though it's only free for IHG loyalty program members, which is free to join). For refreshments, there are coffeemakers (Nespresso machines in higher-category rooms) and minibars. Contemporary gray and white bathrooms have large vanities plus walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads. Hairdryers are provided, as are conveniences like robes and slippers. We weren’t able to photograph the entry-level Classic Rooms, but they share the same plush fabrics and soft color scheme as the higher room categories. Club Rooms come with access to the Club Lounge, where benefits include continental breakfast and happy hour drinks. Individually designed suites also have Club Lounge access as well, plus separate sitting areas and variable extras like white marble showers.

Even though the hotel lacks a proper pool -- an altogether uncommon addition in central Mexico City, in any case -- features are quite numerous and expected for both the brand and the hotel's luxury status. The drinking and dining options are among the best hotel offerings in Mexico City. There are seven venues in total, with signature Italian (Alfredo di Roma) and Mexican (Chapulin) restaurants alongside branches of established chains like The Palm steakhouse and 24-hour French bistro, Au Pied de Cochon. A top-quality buffet breakfast with local dishes like huevos rancheros is served at the ultra-modern Cafe Urbano, though it's not included with all rates. For drinks, there’s a chic Lobby Bar, Epicentro Gin & Tonic Mixology Bar, and even a traditional British tea room. A full-service spa has mini plunge pools, relaxation rooms, and treatment rooms, and there’s also a fully-equipped gym (that provides free clothes and trainers if you’ve forgotten your gear, so there’s no excuse for missing a workout). Business travelers can use the 24-hour business center or book out one of the large ballrooms or function rooms. There’s also a Club Lounge on the 39th floor with far-reaching views over the park to the city -- and sometimes even the mountains -- beyond. It's accessible to Club, Executive, and Suite guests and comes with snacks, free breakfast, and free cocktails (among other perks). Wi-Fi is free for IHG loyalty program members, which is free to join. Self-parking and valet parking are both available at a daily fee.