Review: Rosewood San Miguel de Allende

Why did this hotel catch your attention? What's the vibe? The Rosewood San Miguel de Allende captures an idea about faded colonial grandeur but presents it in a way that is bright, fresh, vibrant. I remember the generous amounts of space all around me, including above me, in all the passageways of the hotel, and accompanying that a kind of comfortable tranquility (also, the lovely smell of lavender).

What's the backstory? Opened in 2011, Rosewood's first city hotel in Mexico embodies the ultra-luxury brand's strategy of going deep into the character and culture of a place. Though it is a new build, the hotel feels deeply ingrained in the fabric of San Miguel, and you'd be excused for thinking it had stood since the 19th century. This is San Miguel, so naturally the hotel has an extraordinary collection of artwork by Mexican artists.

Tell us all about the accommodations. Any tips on what to book? My room, the Tower Suite, was a two-room penthouse suite with stairs leading to an enormous private terrace with its own splash pool overlooking the hotel pool below. The appointments, in keeping with everything else about the hotel, reflected the best kind of artisanal Mexican luxury, from the wood-beamed ceiling to exquisite hand-carved four-poster bed. Yes, I would most certainly want this room again.

Is there a charge for Wi-Fi? No. The quality is excellent.

Drinking and dining—what are we looking at? Luna Tapas Bar has become one of the most popular rooftop destinations in a city full of popular rooftop destinations. You won't find a better place to take in the sunset, and the views of the iconic Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel are first-rate. The menu offers a classic selection of tapas (aguachile, octopus, and patatas bravas) and tacos, and, naturally, a long list of tequilas. The ground-floor fine-dining restaurant 1826 is home to successful twists on traditional Mexican cuisine. This is where you'll have breakfast, too—a nourishing bowl of chilaquiles, perhaps, that will keep you going through lunch no matter how active your morning. When you spread the butter on toast, you'll notice the scent of lavender again.

And the service? The service throughout was smooth, gracious, friendly, and unfailingly helpful. My spa experience—both the arrival and departure as well as the massage itself—was especially good. In addition to all the great art around the property, the Rosewood SMA has an art concierge, who can arrange painting classes and art experiences throughout the city. Cooking classes, at an outdoor kitchen if you'd like, are another key part of the Rosewood SMA experience, and can be paired with a visit to the local farm where the hotel sources much of its produce. The hotel can also set up bike rides, horseback riding adventures, you name it. Anything you can think to do in San Miguel the hotel can make happen.

What type of travelers will you find here? The guests are affluent but not ostentatious; their demeanor and dress is relaxed. It's primarily a mix of families (who make full use of the hotel's world-class pool) and older couples. Most are passionate about food and/or art, probably the two leading draws for anyone visiting San Miguel.

What about the neighborhood? Does the hotel fit in, make itself part of the scene? The Rosewood San Miguel is remarkably successful at being a small sanctuary set apart from the city. It feels like its own private campus. And yet, the bustle of San Miguel is steps away from the front door. The church and the Jardin Allende are just a 10-minute walk, and all of the cities great restaurants and galleries are immediately accessible. There are many great hotels in San Miguel, but none that is so good at being both in the city and set apart from it, which makes it an especially good option for families.

Is there anything you'd change? There is nothing I would change, but it bears mentioning that this really does feel like a resort experience, and as with any great resort, it's only natural to want to spend all your time on the grounds. That may not be what every visitor to San Miguel is seeking.

Any other hotel features worth noting? The spa amenities are first rate. And beyond just the concierges, this hotel is really extraordinarily well-equipped to facilitate your overall experience of San Miguel. It's easy to imagine staying a week here.

Bottom line: Worth it? Why? Yes. This hotel delivers on its promise and then some.