Ever wonder where the “in” place is when you're in a big foreign capital with 21 million people? In 2000, the Grupo Habita hotel company opened the “raw modernist” 36-room Hotel Habita (above) in Mexico City’s fashionable Polanco district, launching the boutique hotel craze in La Ciudad. Overnight, the rooftop pool and terrace became the place to gather for trendsetters sampling the 4-cheese risotto and shrimp tacos with tomatillo-cilantro salsa. Capacity is 220, and it’s within walking distance from the major museums.

Last year, the group opened the 30-room Distrito Capital in the tony commercial hub of Santa Fe, the highest region in the city. French interior designer Joseph Dirand was brought in for a fun Franco-Mex, mid-century modern look using 1950’s Val d’Isere ski chalet furniture.

Where do they come up with this stuff? Once we caught wind of Dirand, our Jonathan Adler obsession took a bit of a hit.

The sleek patio at Distrito Capital hosts 180 for buyouts, and London’s Wallpaper magazine called it the best business hotel in Mexico for 2009. We like the fact the owner was once a pineapple farmer. True story.

Both properties are members of Design Hotels.