L'Ôtel - Casa Arca

San Miguel de Allende: this once-sleepy colonial masterpiece has become a mecca for foodies and the Instagram set alike (just take one look at the colorful facades and cobblestone streets — we defy you to leave your smartphone or camera at home). Just about 150 miles outside Mexico City, a healthy expat contingent has turned San Miguel de Allende into one of Mexico’s most cosmopolitan cities. And in the very heart of town — a UNESCO World Heritage site, no less — sits the L'Ôtel at Dôce18 Concept House.

They call it a concept house because it’s not strictly a hotel. Yes, there’s a hotel, known as L’Ôtel, on the top floor. But the rest of the space in the architecturally significant Casa Cohen is taken up by shops, restaurants, bars, and galleries. There are only 10 guestrooms in L’Ôtel, but the well-apportioned common spaces within the hotel take up major real estate. They’re worth spending time in. The grand room, where you’ll enter the hotel, is just the right mix of art gallery and bar. The living room, facing onto two courtyards, is awash in natural light and seemingly begs you to curl up with a book and a beverage. The drawing room, which takes reservations, could host a movie night or small gathering. The morning room is the perfect spot for breakfast — with hyperlocal produce from the rooftop orchard. And as for the open-air pool deck, well, let’s just say you might forget there’s an entire town to explore.

The rooms here are bright and airy, with modern minimalist decor. One one end of the spectrum, a traditional king has a fireplace, an indoor and an outdoor shower, and a balcony — pretty luxe digs for a basic room. At the other end, the owner’s suite has exclusive access to the orchard and a courtyard with an outdoor bathtub. Either way — or at all points in between — you’re guaranteed a sophisticated stay.