Price range
$120 - $180/night
High-ceilinged 19th-century mansion Boutique Hotel in Roma Norte with a rooftop terrace, stylish rooms, and walking distance to the best Mexico City restaurants and bars.
Casa Goliana: The “Secret Key” to Roma Norte Luxury
If you’re looking at Mexico City (CDMX), you already know Roma Norte is the place to be. But here’s the problem: the “trendy” hotels in this neighborhood often charge New York City prices for rooms the size of a walk-in closet. Casa Goliana is a high-ceilinged, 19th-century mansion that lets you live like a Porfirian-era aristocrat without the trust fund.
It’s an upscale B&B, not a massive resort, which means the “hacks” here are all about maximizing the neighborhood and the house’s quirks.
1. The “Superior” Room Arbitrage
Casa Goliana has only eight rooms. While the “Master Suite” is stunning, it carries a heavy premium for space you probably won’t use because you’ll be out eating tacos.
- The Hack: Book the Superior Room. It’s the mid-tier option, but it often shares the same high ceilings and original floor-to-ceiling windows as the suites.
- The Noise Strategy: Roma Norte is loud. To get the “Palace” feel without the “Traffic” soundtrack, request a room facing the interior courtyard rather than the street. You lose the balcony, but you gain eight hours of uninterrupted sleep—a rare commodity in CDMX.
2. The “Breakfast is Your Biggest Asset” Rule
Unlike big hotels where the “included breakfast” is a sad tray of soggy eggs, Casa Goliana’s breakfast is a gourmet, sit-down affair included in your stay.
- The Strategy: Treat this as your main meal. The chefs here make incredible chilaquiles and huevos a la mexicana.
- The Savings: A similar brunch at the famous Lalo! or Panadería Rosetta nearby will cost you $25–$35 USD and a two-hour wait. Eat at the hotel, save $150 over a five-day trip, and walk past the 50-person line at the cafes with a smug smile.
3. The “Free Mini-Bar” Perception
One of the best perks of Goliana is the curated, complimentary snack and water station in the common area.
- The Hack: CDMX altitude and smog will dehydrate you faster than a desert. Instead of buying $5 bottles of “artisan” water at a local tienda, refill your reusable bottle at the hotel’s filtered station before every outing.
- Pro Tip: They often have local Mexican sweets or pastries in the lounge. It’s the perfect “pre-dinner” fuel before you head out to a 9:00 PM reservation at Contramar.
4. Master the “Colonia” Logistics
Casa Goliana is perfectly positioned, but Uber in CDMX can be a nightmare due to “surprise” protests and traffic.
| Destination | Method | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Paseo de la Reforma | 10-min Walk | Faster than a car. The hotel is just blocks away from the Angel of Independence. |
| Polanco/Museums | EcoBici | There is a bike-share station right near the house. It’s $10 for a week-long pass. |
| Airport (MEX) | Uber Black | It’s only about $15–$20 USD from this area. Don’t bother with hotel private cars ($50+). |
5. The “Rooftop” Workaround
Casa Goliana doesn’t have a massive rooftop bar—which is actually why it stays quiet and exclusive. But you probably still want that “sunset over the city” drink.
- The Alternative: Walk three blocks to Supra Roma Rooftop or Cityzen. You get the 360-degree views and the cocktails, then you walk back to the peace and quiet of your mansion. You’re paying for the drink, not the “rooftop hotel” room premium (which usually adds $100+ per night to your bill).
Bottom Line
Casa Goliana is for the traveler who wants to feel like they own a home in Roma Norte, not just visit it. Skip the overpriced “design hotels” on the main drags, eat the hotel’s world-class breakfast, and use the money you saved to order the extra-large tasting menu at Pujol.