Calle Isabel La Catolica 17, Mexico City, Mexico | (541) 362-3741
Walkable location in the Historic District two blocks from Zocalo Plaza
Pleasant rooms with flat-screen TVs and some furnished balconies
La Capilla restaurant serves breakfast buffet, lunch, and dinner
Elegant Spanish architecture and historical past as a church
Large Suite has a hot tub
Room service available
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Water and ice machines on every floor
Few features: no fitness or business centers
Spotty Wi-Fi
No safes in the rooms and card key locks don't always function properly
Some noise from the city
Hotel Gillow provides pleasant guest rooms, a solid restaurant, and historical ambience at budget prices in the heart of Mexico City's walkable and beautiful Historic District. Originally built as part of a church in the 1800s, Hotel Gillow looks like something out of a telenovela, with parrots in birdcages and high skylights in the public areas. The 103 guest rooms were renovated to include laminate hardwood floors and flat-screen TVs; the best rooms have furnished balconies. Downsides include spotty Wi-Fi, a charge for breakfast, and noise from the city. The vast majority of guests here are tourists who want a comfortable room and a decent breakfast before exploring the neighborhood.
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Scene
Dramatic architecture and a historical past
Hotel Gillow was originally built as part of the church that still stands next door. The dramatic six-story stone facade is decorated with arched doorways and wrought iron balconettes over the rectangular windows. Inside, the lobby is low-lit and a bit somber. A statue of a soldier holstering his sword stands at the foot of the stairs. Wood ceiling beans and tiered gold chandeliers add overhead interest to the space. Sofas and armchairs upholstered in purple velvet are clustered near the reception desk. Silver elevators lead up the guest rooms, which are built around a central atrium that includes an intricate skylight. Cages of parrots and a water fountain are found in the interior courtyard. Business travelers and couples (both local and international) make up the majority of guests here. Kids are welcome, but not especially catered to at the hotel.
Location
In the Historic District
For those that want to be in the heart of the Historical District, it's hard to beat Hotel Gillow's location on Isabel la Católica. The neighborhood is known for preserving its Bellas Artes architecture, and is loaded with restaurants, shops, banks, pharmacies, and government offices. It's two blocks from Zocalo Plaza and the Plaza de la Constitución. The National Museum of Art is a seven-minute walk and American chains like Forever 21, Starbucks, and a sushi restaurant are just down the street. It's about a 25-minute drive to Mexico City International Airport. Like most hotels in Mexico City, there's no garage or parking lot.
Rooms
Renovated and simple; some with pretty balconies
Each of the 103 rooms and suites at Hotel Gillow are accessed via a partially opened interior hallway that centers around an interior courtyard. Decor and amenities don't really vary, but the Suite has the most space and a hot tub in the bathroom. Junior Suites provide additional space and an extra bathroom. Each of the rooms was renovated to include laminate hardwood floors, white walls, and a framed painting of a village scene. Hardwood furniture is simple and sturdy and beds are made up with white linens and a striped red bed runner. Technology includes free, but spotty, Wi-Fi, a large flat-screen TV, and telephone. Rooms facing the back of the hotel have beautiful furnished balconies. Bathrooms are simple with a single sink, glassed-in shower, and hotel branded toiletries. Noise from the street can be an issue, especially on the lower floors. An ice machine and filtered water are set on each floor, for guest convenience. Though cleanliness isn't an issue, the key card locks don't work especially well and safes aren't provided in the rooms.
Features
La Capilla restaurant, free Wi-Fi, and room service
Features at Hotel Gillow are limited and the highlight of the property is La Capilla restaurant. The stone lined dining room is set with wooden chairs and granite-topped tables. A full bar is provided, as is a substantial breakfast buffet (for a fee) that includes hot and cold items. Lunch and dinner are served a la carte and open to the public. Room service is also available. Wi-Fi is free, but spotty. A safety deposit box system is set up at the front desk, for storing valuables.
