Check-In

Andrew Cohen, Jeremy Levitt and Danu Kennedy

Having recently completed the interior scheme at Thompson Washington DC, Parts and Labor Design take a fantasy break to Mexico, where a Carlo Scarpadesigned hotel takes cues from the landscape.

Where are you?

Mexico City, in a Marcel Marongiu-style hotel and setting.

How did you get there?

We drove a vintage motor home from New York City to the Mexico border, then rode a Yamaha Road Star Warrior Midnight Edition to the hotel.

Who is there to greet you on arrival?

Vincent van Gogh in his afterlife; he now knows he’s become one of the most iconic artists in history and is able to have a good time.

And who’s at the concierge desk?

The concierge gentleman from Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve & Lodge just outside of Kruger National Park in South Africa, our best hotel experience to-date.

Who are you sharing your room with?

Our spouses… or Chevy Chase from 1983.

Is there anything you would like waiting for you in your room?

Plenty of snacks and a bottle of tequila.

NOTABLE HOTEL PROJECTS Thompson Washington DC; Eaton Hotel Washington DC; The Evelyn Hotel, New York; Thompson Nashville www.pldnyc.com

Describe the hotel, your room and the view...

The hotel is based around the stunning infinity swimming pool of Parisian fashion designer Marcel Marongiu, with breathtaking views of the Mexican landscape. The architecture and interior design is styled on the elements we love about Mexico City; calm, beautiful and the perfect juxtaposition of materials and colour.

Who designed it?

Italian architect Carlo Scarpa, using local materials and influences.

What’s the restaurant and bar like?

It’s lively, energetic and well-programmed, run by a friendly and capable team. The design and ambience don’t compete, but instead craft the perfect experience. The bar and restaurant aren’t architecturally separated from one another but offer different experiences and create a sense of discovery and exploration when venturing from one to the other.

And what’s on the menu?

Who are you dining with this evening?

Uncle Harvey; stand-up comedian Richard Pryor; automative designer Harley Earl; architect Walter Gropius; and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson.

Who’s manning the stoves?

René Redzepi – we’ve never been to Noma but would love to try his new Nordic cuisine. Alongside him is Mexican-born chef Daniela Soto-Innes to mix-up the flavours.

Dessert first and last! Tasting menus are a favourite, so we’ll start with veggies, then some surf and some turf – a balance is always good. We love a socially-focused dining experience, so whatever comes to the table should be delicious but also spark conversation.

Would you like something to drink with that?

With the understanding that there will be no hangover in the morning, a fine tequila – the purest Blanco – and a bottle of Madeira from 1969 would go down a treat.

What’s your essential travel companion?

Toiletries are a must unless you’re staying at Soho House! Most hotels are missing some key quality essentials. We like Fatboy hair products and Le Labo fragrance.

What’s on your nightstand at bedtime?

iPhones stocked with plenty of reading material.

Would you like a newspaper in the morning?

No, don’t waste the paper; we can read anything we want online.

What’s for breakfast?

Egg white and spinach omelette with a dash of feta and a touch of roasted garlic, fresh fruit and a latte.

Swimming pool, spa or gym?

This is a fantasy so all of the above, but the gym comes first.