An Authentic Bed and Breakfast in Mexico City

As the fall cultural and social calendar heats up, La Palomilla Bed & Breakfast offers an authentic headquarters in the heart of one of CDMX’s most vibrant neighborhoods: La Roma.

The 100-year old building—reimagined by senior marketing executive turned hotelier Alessandra Perez-Cirera—combines modern amenities and historic character a few blocks away from the historic and thriving area’s bars, restaurants and shops.

Back in March 2018, Perez-Cirera traded in her career in marketing to open up a bed and breakfast in her favorite Mexico City neighborhood.

La Palomilla is a word without a clear English translation; it’s closer than the British “chum”, Russian “comrade” or the awful American “cohort” or “bestie.” Perhaps closest to “best mates,” it refers to a group of one’s closest friends. “This is a great place to come with your own palomilla—both staying with friends and making new ones. This neighborhood welcomes community, and folds everyone who visits here into it.”

 With a lifelong passion for people in general, for her adopted home country of Mexico and for her neighborhood in particular—combined with a desire for a more fulfilling work-life—Perez-Cirera bought a century-old home and carefully restored it. Since opening, the property has earned numerous customer accolades including the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence two years in a row as well being ranked by the site as one of the top Bed and Breakfasts in Mexico City.          

Perez-Cirera thoughtfully renovated the former home to comprise seven guestrooms each with a private bathroom, a rooftop outdoor city terrace, inside patio, dining room, and welcome area. Decorative ironworks have been replicated to honor the herreria (forge) that was once original to the building. The property boasts colorful rooms, art by local artisans, organic toiletries, upcycled materials, and a low carbon footprint by sourcing breakfast ingredients within 50 kilometers (32 miles). 

“It was important to me that we offer an authentic experience and also contribute to this vibrant community,” said Perez-Cirera, who oversees all daily aspects of the business first-hand.

Aside from ensuring guests are comfortable and breakfasts are homemade, Alessandra also curates activities for guests seeking to experience the local flavor – from Mezcal tastings at a local art gallery to more elaborate look food and art tours, climbing pyramids, or listening to a Mariachi band pull up alongside your gondola on a day trip to Xochimilco.