Habita, with its stark white interiors and photogenic rooftop bar, set a trend for modern and stylish hotels in the capital.

It's a few years older now and some of the modish clientele may have moved on, but it's still a good choice for visitors to the city.

Guest rooms have state-of-the-art equipment including complementary high-speed internet access, in-house music channels and safe boxes that can accommodate laptop computers.

Public areas also have wireless internet access and guests can use a PC in the business center without charge.

The exterior of the building is sheathed in opaque glass, creating a private, tranquil world far removed from the bustle of the city streets.

Update: Regular visitors will be pleased to hear that construction on the building immediately adjacent to the hotel is now complete, and that this building now houses apartments and a furniture gallery.

The location in affluent Polanco is convenient for the museums as well as shopping in designer boutiques and dining in the city's best restaurants.

Excursions are available to the many historic and cultural sights in the city.

Habita has a small but well equipped gym, a spa and business center, though the focal point of the hotel in the day and the evening is often the spectacular rooftop swimming pool.

In a city of marked contrasts, Habita is a refreshingly modern choice with excellent amenities that will appeal to both business and leisure travelers.