The world's most beautiful glass ceiling hotel
Gran Hotel Ciudad de México
Gran Hotel Ciudad de México is a unique luxury boutique hotel set in the heart of Mexico City, on the historic Zocalo square. This spectacular art-nouveau building features an immense stained-glass Tiffany ceiling, designed by the French artisan Jacques Gruber, a Louis XV style chandelier in the lobby, and beautiful wrought-iron railings on the first three floors. The present day hotel was originally built between 1895 and 1899, on the site of a 16th century palace. Originally a trade centre, in 1968 the building was converted into a hotel for the celebration of the Mexico City Olympic Games. After extensive renovation and restoration, the hotel reopened in 2005, maintaining all the features that have made this an emblematic building in Mexico City.
The location of Gran Hotel Ciudad de México could not be more central, and this makes it ideal for both business and pleasure in the city. The Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace are virtually on the doorstep of the hotel, while the Templo Mayor Museum and the Latin American Tower are just a short walk away. Other museums and sites are also within easy reach.
Gran Hotel Ciudad de México has 60 rooms and suites, all elegantly and luxuriously furnished in a style in keeping with the magnificent décor of this boutique hotel. The rooms are air-conditioned and feature amenities that include flat-screen TVs, mini-bars and safes. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms with bathrobes and complimentary toiletries.
The interior of the hotel maintains most of the original decor created for when it was a department store. It is a decorated lavishly in the Art Nouveau style. It had an undulating and enveloping stairway, which was a replica of the one from the Au Bon Marché store in Paris, but it was lost in 1966. However, the cage-like elevators and the stained-glass ceiling designed by French artisan Jacques Grüber are all originals. The pattern of the glass ceiling is meant to evoke the railroad, at that time the symbol of modernity. At the center of the domed glass are three medallions.
