HOTEL REVIEW: City Express Plus by Marriott San Luis Potosi, Mexico

BY MARK CHESNUT

The Marriott Bonvoy program has more than 30 affiliated hotel brands, and you may not be familiar with one of the newest: City Express. During my recent visit to San Luis Potosi, Mexico, I had the chance to experience one of the newest additions to the portfolio. Here's my take on City Express Plus by Marriott. 

Nestled in the heart of a bustling, upscale commercial district in San Luis Potosí, the City Express Plus by Marriott San Luis Potosí proved to be an attractive blend of modern comfort and design with business-friendly amenities. Sure, it’s not smack dab in the middle of the city, but that’s part of its charm. This location is ideal for those who appreciate proximity to upscale dining, shopping and a little suburban serenity — just a few minutes by car from the historic city center.

The architecture of the City Express Plus by Marriott San Luis Potosi immediately caught my eye. The gentle curves of the building hint at the sleek, modern vibe you’ll find inside. Considering the brand’s reasonable room rates, I hadn’t expected much, but I was pleasantly surprised as I discovered the sophisticated vibe and generous amenities of the City Express Plus by Marriott hotel brand.

(You can check out my Instagram reel about the hotel by clicking here.)

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As soon as I stepped into the lobby, I was impressed by the expansive, handsomely designed space graced with contemporary decor, plenty of comfy seating areas, and thoughtfully placed work areas complete with outlets. Whether you’re there to seal a business deal or just relax while on a Mexico vacation, the lobby’s ambiance is spot on. There's even a pool table (although I didn’t use it).

The bar area is another highlight; my friend Meagan and I found it perfect for winding down and chatting. We also appreciated the free continental breakfast included with every room rate —think fresh fruit, a selection of bread and fresh baked goods to kickstart your morning.

Guest Rooms at City Express Plus by Marriott San Luis Potosi
I stayed in a superior guest room, and let me tell you, “superior” is no exaggeration when it comes to size. The room was spacious and furnished with a comfy king-sized bed, a cozy couch and a desk for my late-night email catch-up sessions. The amenities were thoughtful, with a safe deposit box, microwave and mini fridge, which makes it easy to keep food and drinks from outside. I also appreciated the large window and the blackout blinds. The lighting in the room was well-designed, too, with various settings to match my mood — whether I was trying to get some work done or relax.

Amenities at City Express Plus San Luis Potosi
This San Luis Potosi hotel offers a variety of attractive features — including a compact but nicely equipped gym (with cardio machines and loose dumbbells) and free parking. The neighborhood is ideal if you’re looking for a clean and pleasant suburban setting; the hotel is a testament to the city’s rapid growth with a variety of upscale dining options within walking distance.

For dinner, we ventured out to Casa Altero, an attractive eatery where I indulged in enchiladas potosinas — a local dish that’s delicious and worth every calorie. It’s just one of the nearby restaurants that make the area a foodie’s delight.

All in all, the City Express Plus San Luis Potosí offers a well-rounded experience that’s ideal for business travelers and those who want a comfortable, modern base from which to explore the city and the surrounding region. It’s got a professional vibe without being stuffy, making it a solid choice whether you’re there for work or on a Mexico vacation in the state of San Luis Potosí. 

The hotel providfes an exciting glimpse into one of Marriott Bonvoy’s newest brand additions, as well as this destination's modern, upscale expansion. The experience made me eager to experience more City Express Plus hotels in other cities.

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WHERE TO GO IN SAN LUIS POTOSI: Cool Vintage Trains at the Excellent Railway Museum in San Luis Potosi
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City Express by Marriott is a midscale hotel chain founded in Mexico that has more than 150 locations in Latin America — including Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia, Chile and Brazil. It represents one of the newest brand additions (#31, to be exact) to the Marriott Bonvoy program, so it’s a freshoption for travelers who are Bonvoy members.

While the City Express by Marriott brand has been not as well known to travelers from outside of Latin America, it’s likely to enjoy a higher profile now that it’s joined Marriott International.

City Express by Marriott includes several sub-brands, each designed for travelers with different needs and budget levels.

• City Express by Marriott: The core brand offers essential amenities like free Wi-Fi, free breakfast, and comfortable rooms. It’s a good choice for budget-conscious travelers who prioritize location and convenience, as well as modern design.
• City Express Plus by Marriott: Step up a notch with City Express Plus by Marriott, a brand with upgraded amenities including fitness centers and stylish hotel lobbies and areas to relaxes. It’s ideal for those seeking a bit more comfort and space.
• City Express Suites by Marriott: For extended stays or families, City Express Suites by Marriott provides spacious accommodations with living and sleeping areas. The City Express Suites by Marriott in Los Cabos, for example, offers suites with studio, one- and two-bedroom layouts, with full kitchens.
• City Express Junior by Marriott: This more compact option is perfect for solo travelers or those on a short trip in Mexico’s major cities.
• City Centro by Marriott: Located in just a few Mexican cities, City Centro by Marriott hotels offer prime downtown locations and architecturally significant settings. I experienced one of these hotels in San Luis Potosi and will share my full review soon.