← Back Published on

HOTEL REVIEW: City Centro by Marriott San Luis Potosí, Mexico

BY MARK CHESNUT

Staying at the City Centro by Marriott San Luis Potosí, an attractive hotel in the historic center of San Luis Potosí, Mexico, was like taking a pleasant step back in time — but with all the amenities of the 21st century.

Nestled in the heart of the city’s historic center, this San Luis Potosi hotel is a perfect blend of old-world charm and contemporary comfort. Considering the fact that the City Centro is set in a lovely building that dates to 1870 (it’s one of the longest-running hotel sites in all of Mexico, as a matter of fact), it’s no surprise that this hotel is something special. Hospitality is baked into the bones of this edifice.

The property also represents something new for one of the world’s largest hoteliers: Marriott International. City Centro by Marriott is one of the newest hotel brands to join the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio, making it an even more attractive choice if you’re a member of that frequent guest program.

You can click to watch my Instagram Reel video of this beautiful hotel, and read on for my full hotel review. 

The City Centro by Marriott San Luis Potosí is in a historic building that dates to 1870. PHOTO: DepartureLevel.com

Is the City Centro by Marriott San Luis Potosi a Good Hotel?

If you're a fan of architecture, culture, great dining or just wandering the picturesque streets of San Luis Potosi’s historic downtown, the City Centro by Marriott San Luis Potosi is an excellent choice, as I discovered during my stay.

From the moment I walked through the doors of the City Centro by Marriott San Luis Potosí, I was struck by the building’s beautiful architectural details. Indeed, City Centro manages to maintain the soul of its storied past while embracing the needs of today’s travelers. The grand stone staircase, which sits under the permanent gaze of two statues, was my first clue that this stay would be anything but ordinary.

One of the best parts about staying at City Centro is the location. I loved having the city’s historic center just outside my doorstep. Whether you’re in the mood to explore the nearby attractions — an array of museums and historic sites are within a few blocks of the hotel — or simply want to get lost in the beauty of the surrounding streets, the hotel’s location makes it all incredibly convenient. Trust me, just strolling around and taking in the stunning architecture is a must-do — it's like walking through a living museum.

••••••••
ANOTHER GREAT HOTEL: City Express Plus San Luis Potosí (HOTEL REVIEW)
••••••••.

Historic architectural details at the City Centro by Marriott San Luis Potosí, one of the city's most historic hotels. PHOTO: DepartureLevel.com

Historic Details in a Historic Hotel

The hotel itself is a feast for the eyes. The beautiful tile floors, high ceilings and finely detailed wood doors caught my attention immediately, and I enjoyed viewing the large photos on the walls in the hallways, which provide a glimpse of the hotel’s long history, as well as its impressive renovation. Each photo has a story to tell, and I couldn't help but try to imagine the countless people who’ve passed through this hotel’s over the years; the hushed conversations that must have taken place within these walls during important moments in Mexican history. The photos also document the work that’s gone into preserving the building’s beauty while bringing it into the present day.

I found my guest room to be quite attractive; paired with modern amenities and thoughtful design, the rooms — which have high ceilings and some exposed brick — are an attractive blend of tradition and modernity. The bathrooms are especially well-designed, with excellent lighting (that’s an important thing, in my opinion). No harsh fluorescents here—just soft, flattering light that made me feel like I was in my own private spa.

The beautiful restaurant at the City Centro by Marriott San Luis Potosí hotel. PHOTO: DepartureLevel.com

Modern Features at the Hotel

I was especially drawn to one of the hotel’s more modern features: the stunning rooftop pool terrace. It’s wonderful to have the opportunity to float in the swimming pool while gazing at the soaring spire of a historic nearby church, just as the sun dips behind the historic skyline. The rooftop provides a peaceful retreat in the middle of a vibrant city; the pool is small but inviting, and the deck quickly became one of my favorite spots to unwind after a day of exploring.

The adjacent gym is another newer addition to the hotel; it’s a compact size but decently equipped, and I found it easy to keep up with my fitness routine.

Another selling point is City Centro’s on-site restaurant, a stylish venue on the lobby level where I enjoyed a delicious club sandwich one evening. It was the simple and satisfying kind of meal that hits the spot after a day of touring the city. Breakfast was equally delightful, with eggs and fresh bread that gave me energy for exploring more of the city.

In the end, staying at the City Centro by Marriott San Luis Potosí was like experiencing the best of both worlds. You get to immerse yourself in the rich history of San Luis Potosí and enjoy easy, walkable access to the city’s charms, all while enjoying the modern comforts that make a hotel stay truly enjoyable.

Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast or just someone who appreciates a well-curated blend of past and present, City Centro by Marriott San Luis Potosi is a noteworthy choice for both leisure and business travelers.

What is City Centro by Marriott?

  • City Centro by Marriott is a recent addition to the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio. Part of the City Express by Marriott, City Centro has hotels located in just a few Mexican cities. The brand is known for offering prime downtown locations and architecturally significant settings. These new additions are noteworthy options for both leisure and business travel in Mexico and elsewhere in Latin America. Read more about City Express by Marriott's other brands here.