La Purificadora

WHY WE LIKE THIS HOTEL

Contemporary design and colonial history merge at La Purificadora, a stylish boutique hotel that occupies a former 19th century water purification factory close to the centre of Puebla. Reflecting a labour of love from one of Mexico’s foremost architects Ricardo Legorreta, La Purificadora showcases a modern industrial design with huge open spaces and materials stripped back to the original rugged form. On the ground floor, two large fire-pits take centre stage within the open lobby while following the epic Aztec-inspired staircase up to the rooms reveals panoramic views of the San Francisco Church and park. The rooms are all modern, minimalist and impeccable and feature all the latest technology. Balcony rooms open onto a small terrace via a huge slab of glass while for the height of style, opt for the suite with an outside living room and jacuzzi. The restaurant dominates the ground floor and delivers a contemporary take on Mexican cuisine, all served on hefty wooden benches recycled from the original factory. In the evening, guests retire to the library or better still to the wonderful roof-top terrace replete with a rather exposed lap pool to watch the sunset over the distant churches. La Purificadora is unique in Puebla, if not Mexico itself, and a ground-breaking base from which to head out and explore the UNESCO city. True it may not appeal to the purist but the epic sense of architecture makes this a firm Oasis favourite.