Downtown México — Mexico City, Mexico

Winner of the ’best fixer-upper hotel’ in our 2012 Design Awards, Downtown, which has finally opened its doors, is located right in the heart of Mexico City’s old pre-Hispanic city, in one of few remaining 17th-century palaces, the Palacio de los Condes de Miravalle. The red volcanic-rock façade sets the tone for the interior, with its quarry doors, handmade tiles and magnificent stone-forged colonial staircase. Painstakingly restored by the Habita Hotel Group with architects Cherem-Serrano, Downtown responds to the lack of contemporary lodgings in the city centre. On top of the 17 suites, it encompasses a hostel with its own DIY laundry station and ping-pong tables for design-conscious budget travellers. On the massive roof terrace, a pool connects both areas, offering all guests the same incredible views.