Forget Mexico’s bustling beaches for a minute and follow us to the amorous, glamorous and perfectly romantic central-highlands-city of San Miguel de Allende. Located nearly smack dab in the middle of Mexico, here you’ll find the nostalgia of cobblestoned streets and gorgeously bright and pastel-hued architecture—including a famously pink-towered church. Amongst these rose-toned buildings is a particular treasure where you can hide away on the rooftop of a former factory-turned-hotel: L’Otel at Dôce-18 Concept House. This charming 10-room top-story gem sits above a courtyard full of the best collection of art, design, fashion and food in the city, so you can alternately shop, snooze and sip in style.
Photography: Chris Lejarazu | L’Otel at Dôce-18 Concept House
Vibrant and Calm
Housed in what was once known as Casa Cohen (back when it was a metals factory), the hotel has a unique look and feel the moment you enter— it occupies the second level of an open air building, overlooking the busy shops and restaurants of local purveyors below. Aside from the unconventional layout, the L’Otel is distinct because it is at once playfully vibrant and soothingly calm. In the 10 available guest rooms, whitewashed walls and pure white bedding are accented by simple, line-drawn murals and poppy, graphic pillows. Linen-wrapped lanterns light the room while cashmere throws (knitted in the Yucatán, of course) drape across wooden armchairs, creating a setting that feels both entirely cozy and completely attainable—aside from the price tag on the throw, that is. With 8 varieties of rooms to choose from, ranging from what’s known as the Traditional King to the Owner’s Suite (most of them offering an outdoor tub!), you’ll be relaxing in luxury no matter your budget.
Photography: L’Otel at Dôce-18 Concept House
Communal Spaces
Apart from the guest rooms themselves, there are plenty of spaces throughout the hotel to relax, commune with fellow travelers and kick back. As you arrive, you’ll be greeted in the grand room, where we dig the combination of zigzag tiling, roughly exposed stone wall and completely contemporary and mod furniture. There’s also the patio-flanked living room, library-like drawing room and hip morning room (where a delicious Mexican-meets-American breakfast is served), not to mention the exceptional pool deck. Let’s linger here for a second because this alfresco pool is seriously where it’s at for the outdoor-inclined. Lined in checkered tiles, very chill patio furniture and exposed to the sunset sky, we won’t blame you if you spend most of your time here. Though currently offering in-room spa services, soon a dedicated sanctuary will open within the hotel for facial and body treatments… we’ll meet you there.
Photography: L’Otel at Dôce-18 Concept House
Exploring San Miguel
We do suggest popping out of the comforts of the hotel here and there as the city has much to offer. Beyond the delights to be found downstairs within the Concept House (where cocktails and cheese abound), this colonial-era city is rife with exciting arts, culture and cuisine. Stroll the streets to the nearby whimsical pedestrian plaza, El Jardín, and soak in the colorful sights and sounds—trust us, you won’t be disappointed.
Photography: Dave Lauridsen | wethejgs | Camille Elena
