The 17 rooms which make up the hotel's inventory are all extremely generously-proportioned with very high ceilings, original brick work and some original design features and amenities. Some of the rooms give onto the building's main courtyard (in which case the only light coming in is through the door's window panes) while others look onto the street. Whichever room position you get however, be prepared to use the complimentary ear plugs provided as it is pretty noisy all day long, especially when there is a concert on at the venue across the street. You should also know that at the time of our visit, rooms were only equipped with (very noisy) fans and were incredibly hot during the day.
All rooms have a queen or king bed wrapped in crisp white linens and with a light grey plaid draped over the end. Behind the bed is a long light wood headboard into which are integrated the light switches, reading lamps and speakers, while on top of it are to be found the ear plugs, plug sockets, an air freshener and an iPod docking station. Opposite the bed is a long writing desk complete with mini bar, snack tray, tea and coffee facilities, city information and a couple of lamps, one of which is touch operated. Other amenities in the room include a flatscreen television, safe, bathrobes and slippers and an open clothes hanging space. The other side of a pair of ceramic room dividers is the open plan washroom, which features a huge walk in shower, terracotta-tiled vanity, both a regular and make-up mirror, C.O. Bigelow toiletries, hairdryer and tea lights with matches at the ready. Spacious and functional, the bathrooms are a pleasure to use and a big pull for the hotel.
Other larger rooms have all the same amenities, but are laid out in different ways and have bathtubs in the washrooms. Many also have a living space with a seating area in front of the bed.

The entrance to the Downtown on Isabel la Católica is through a huge pair of wooden doors which must be at least three metres in height. One then comes into a lively courtyard much of which is taken up by the terrace of the excellent Azul Historico restaurant. Along the right-hand side of the space are several boutiques although more can be found on the first floor of the complex. At the back of the courtyard to the right is the reception area for the hotel which consists of just a check-in desk whose bell you may have to ring several times before someone eventually comes out from behind the curtain. Just next to the welcome desk is a fantastic old lever-operated elevator which will transport guests to the first floor (H) of the hotel where the guestrooms are found. Alternatively, you could take the grand staircase at the centre of the ground floor which splits into two and winds round to both a second floor of shopping and floor H of the hotel. You arrive at the latter at the open air breakfast patio (see 'Food and Drink') with its black and white checkered flooring, high ceilings, grand arches and lush greenery.
From the guestroom floor guests can take a second, more modern lift, up to the rooftop where there is both a bar (see 'Food and Drink') and swimming pool. The heated open air number is bordered by sun loungers and parasols as well as a jacuzzi and private cabanas which can be rented out. Accessible also at night, the space is lit with fairy lights and is a great context in which to sip on cocktails from the pool's own bar.
Given that the hotel shares the complex with other commercial outlets, it has no other public spaces in the building. But from what we saw, the parts the hotel does have are kept very well, being clean and tidy and well maintained. Access to the rooms is easy and rapid although not ideal for wheelchair users. Wifi access is complimentary and functions well throughout the property.

The hotel's breakfast patio is situated on the first floor of the building. Straddling both sides of the grand arches that form the interior walls of the building, the leather-backed chairs and red sofas provide around 20 or so covers for the morning meal. A continental breakfast is included in the room rate (although most people seem not to bother with it) and consists of a bowl of fresh fruit (melon and papaya), a basket of average quality sweet breads, fresh juice and either tea or coffee. Alternatively it is possible to order a hot dish from the à la carte menu.
Arguably the real pull of the hotel is to be found on the roof. The bar, adjacent to the swimming pool, is surrounded by the rooftops of the neighbouring buildings and churches as well as their water towers and TV masts. The buzz from the streets below can also be heard while sipping your cocktail at one of the tables close to the edge (heated and with parasols) or on one of the sofas over to the other side, covered by a canopy of foliage. At either end of the space are plants while the mini cacti on the tables serve as a nod to your location.

The Downtown is part of Grupo Habita, which has three other properties in Mexico City and 12 in total in Mexico. It also has one hotel in New York, Hotel Americano.