Círculo Mexicano, a 25-key property from Grupo Habita in the heart of downtown Mexico City, is set to open its doors on 1 July.

Occupying a 19^th century residential building at República de Guatemala 20, the address where celebrated Mexican photographer Manuel Álvarez Bravo was born and shot a series of his most iconic work, the project features a number of his selected works throughout spaces including a ground-floor marketplace and a rooftop terrace.

Designed by architectural firm Ambrosi | Etchegaray working with La Metropolitana and Grupo Habita founder Carlos Couturier, the project’s interior scheme seeks to emphasise the historic building’s original character, with interventions highlighting privacy and materiality.

Guestrooms ranging from the 250ft² Superior to the 753ft² Top Suite – the latter with views over Mexico’s City’s Metropolitan Cathedral – have been designed with a sense of clean, minimal luxury, whilst 18 of the 25 keys incorporate a sky-lit patio.

Topping the project, the rooftop terrace space includes a swimming pool, bar and lounge with views over downtown, as well as ONA Le Toit – a French “bistronomie” concept operated by ONA and overseen by chef Romain Tischenko. Serving a seven-course tasting menu channelling French cuisine through Mexican ingredients, the restaurant’s menu is set to alter weekly as the team dives deeper into the country’s F&B legacy.

The news follows the announcement that Escondido Oaxaca – a similarly-styled Grupo Habita-lead conversion of an historic residence in the country’s south – was named Best Hotel Conversion at AHEAD Americas 2020, the awards for hospitality experience and design.

The group also has several hotels in the pipeline including locations in Puebla, Ensenada and La Paz, all slated to open in 2020 and 2021.

www.grupohabita.mx