I enjoyed my short, but excellent visit at the Volga in Mexico City. One thing to note up front, in many years of writing this blog, this is my first ever press trip, in the sense that my hotel stay was paid for. I paid for all of my travel expenses to get to Mexico, as well as all other incidentals. They didn’t ask me to say anything, and while I think they may appreciate the coverage my small blog provides, this by no means was required for me to visit. They did provide some marketing materials and professional photos. Given the delay in time since I visited, they probably wonder if I’m going to write at all. All opinions expressed here are my own and the hotel hasn’t reviewed my post at all prior to publishing.
I was offered a 2 night stay, but only was able to stay for one. My real job responsibilities meant I couldn’t plan ahead that much, and then flights would get pricey. Finally I found a time that would work, where I could fit this in between some work travels. I arrived in the late morning, and departed early afternoon the next day. One night, but parts of 2 days made for a short visit, but I got a good sense of what the property can offer.
Most of my hotel stays are in larger properties, usually chains, so this was definitely distinct in many ways. A small, modern and definitely boutique property. It is well located in CDMX, in the Cuauhtemoc neighborhood, on a quiet street a block or so away from the Reforma, and near Chapultepec park where I went for a run.
Volga Hotel, first impressions
I had anticipated this stay for some time, and was happy to finally be arriving. I took an uber from MEX airport, and arrived to nondescript and unique exterior. The valet welcomed me and directed me to the lobby. Went down stairs to the restaurant and reception area where I was warmly greeted and checked in in one of the lounge chairs. They knew who I was, and this was something I noticed throughout my stay, service was very personalized. At least in part due to the small size of the property, and low occupancy, but service is clearly a priority here. I was offered a welcome drink but I didn’t want to have a cocktail before noon, so I had this later at the bar.
The property is very industrial, dark, with lot of concrete and I beams in public areas. Rooms are brighter, and while the center atrium is dark, there is a clear room letting in a lot of natural light during the day. After checking in, I was escorted to my room, got a brief tour, and then once alone, I relaxed a bit after my travels. My room was slightly larger than the base room, definitely comfortable, but not large. Perfectly adequate as a solo traveler. I had a lot of work to do, unfortunately a common them during my time here. I enjoyed the quiet and cozy room to get through that. Eventually I ventured out to get a late lunch and explore the area a bit.
Volga King suite
While the property is small, there are several room types, and apparently I was provided with a King suite. This is described on their web site to be 409 square feet, with a king sized bed, a terrace and bath tub. A very nice room, plenty of space for me for a one night stay while traveling solo, but I wouldn’t really consider it a suite. Prices vary of course, but flexible rates for this room around US$490, and base rooms are around $315.
Had a fruit tart waiting in the room for me, and the minibar is included. Was nice to have snacks available without additional charge.
Nespresso machine, and several bottles of water are available
And also some soda, more water, a couple of small beers a lychee juice are complimentary.
A large TV is located across from the bed, behind the bathroom. The bed is located on a platform, with the bathroom and lounge area a step down. Glad I don’t sleepwalk, but I feel like someone is going to trip and possibly fall either going up or down from the platform.
The bathroom is large with dual sinks in a dark green marble, with a separate bathtub and large shower. I don’t take baths often, but when its as nice as this in some hotels, I occasionally do, but did not partake here.
The shower is excellent with good water pressure, and good bath products in large pump containers.
A terrace overlooks the atrium, and the wooden slat walls can slide to the sides move for a more clear view.
Public areas – stunning
The main lobby and restaurant are on the lower level, visible from anywhere in the atrium. I had breakfast here, as well as eventually having my welcome drink at the bar.
There were only a few other guests that I saw during my stay. Good for photos, and privacy, but it seemed strange, as most of my hotel stays are much busier. Certainly a nice change from the norm, and I think that is an accurate description of the property. Its unique in many ways, most of the are intentional.
On the roof is the pool, a bar, and views of the surrounding area. There is a white cover above the atrium, shown in the left of the photo below. Apparently this is temporary, as the original design has had many issues. it works to allow light into the hotel atrium, but isn’t exactly as originally designed.
Some loungers overlooking the pool. Presumably these could be closed off and reserved as cabanas. I wasn’t really ideal pool weather (sunny, but not that warm) when I was there, and there wasn’t need to reserve, as I had the pool deck to myself when I checked it out.
In the front of the hotel there is another atrium that faces out, spans a few floors, has unique architecture, some sculptures on upper levels and closer to the main floor, and a small shop.
The main atrium is stunning, with oval shape going towards the rear of the property.
Dining – Elora
The main restaurant is Elora. I only had breakfast there on the day of my departure. I also had a welcome drink in the evening of my arrival. Breakfast was included, and I could choose anything on the menu. I opted for chilaquiles.
I was offered the ‘chef’s special’ which was a donut. Tasty if indulgent
I’m not a huge coffee person, usually opting for tea, but when offered good quality barista-made coffee, I sometimes go for it. Latte and freshly squeezed orange juice.
Service was very good at breakfast as it was everwhere. As I was finishing my meal, a couple came to have their breakfast. This was the first time I saw them, and only the 3rd guest group I noticed besides myself.
The evening before when I was at the bar, I had some small talk with the bartender, mostly limited my my elementary Spanish skills. I wanted to practice, and she didn’t mind. There was another staffer near the bar, possibly a security type role, but he seemed genuinely curious, and we had a nice chat, started out in Spanish, but quickly switched to English, as he much preferred to talk about more than my limited Spanish vocabulary could handle. Just a friendly guy, and we had a nice chat. He used to live near Chicago.
Final thoughts on Volga
I’m happy to have been able to visit this hotel. It was a unique for me in many ways. I rarely stay at boutique hotels, and this really has the service culture nailed down even as it has only been open a few months. I don’t travel to Mexico City very often any more. I’ve been a few times for work, but it had been several years. My family takes trips to Mexico occasionally, but as the parent of a beach lover, we often are on the coasts.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to stay here, and really like the modern design, and lovely service. If you want a huge American hotel chain, these options are available not far away, and I’ve even stayed in a few of them. Volga is very different, much smaller, with a focus on high end touches and personalized service. If you are in CDMX as a tourist, and want to explore, this a good option and I’d encourage you to check this place out.
