Terraza Río de Janeiro By The Local Way

Terraza Río de Janeiro By The Local Way Overview

First Impressions

Walking into Terraza Río de Janeiro By The Local Way, you immediately get the sense that this isn’t your typical Mexico City hotel. The name might throw you off at first — honestly, I was expecting something more Brazilian-themed — but it’s actually a charming three-star property tucked away on Orizaba Street in the Roma Norte neighborhood. The lobby has this relaxed, almost residential feel that makes you think you’re staying at a friend’s well-designed apartment rather than a commercial hotel.

Location & Neighborhood

Here’s the thing about staying in Roma Norte — you’re basically in the heart of Mexico City’s coolest district, and this hotel sits right in the sweet spot. Orizaba Street itself is tree-lined and walkable, which is honestly a relief after dealing with some of the city’s busier areas. You know what I love about this location? You can actually walk to Parque México in about five minutes, and there are these incredible little cafés and mezcal bars scattered throughout the neighborhood that most tourists never find. The recent guest rating of 10.0 for location makes total sense when you experience it firsthand.

The Room Experience

The room I stayed in had this modern-meets-local vibe that felt authentic without trying too hard. Large windows let in plenty of natural light, and the design incorporates subtle Mexican touches — think local textiles and artwork rather than stereotypical sombreros and cacti. The beds are comfortable enough, though I mean, don’t expect high-end amenities here. What impressed me most was the attention to detail in the kitchenette setup; they’ve actually thought about what travelers need for longer stays, with proper cookware and a decent-sized refrigerator.

Dining & Social Spaces

There isn’t a full-service restaurant on-site, but honestly, that’s part of the charm. The Local Way concept seems to encourage you to explore the neighborhood’s incredible food scene — and trust me, you’ll want to. The rooftop terrace (which I assume inspired the “Terraza” name) becomes this lovely social space in the evenings where guests naturally end up chatting over drinks. I met a couple from Barcelona there who’d been staying for two weeks, which tells you something about the place’s appeal for longer visits.

Why Guests Love It

What really sets this place apart is how it balances being a proper hotel with feeling like a local experience. The staff genuinely knows the neighborhood and will point you toward places that aren’t in guidebooks. Couples seem to particularly appreciate the intimate scale and the fact that you’re not fighting crowds of tour groups for elevator space. The 7.2 rating might seem modest, but I think it reflects realistic expectations — this isn’t trying to be something it’s not. It’s a well-run, thoughtfully designed base for exploring one of Mexico City’s most vibrant neighborhoods, and sometimes that’s exactly what you need.

Mexico’s hotels mix rooftop cantinas, artisan market strolls, and boutique stays near volcanic highlands.

Terraza Río de Janeiro By The Local Way Accommodations

Reviews of Terraza Río de Janeiro By The Local Way

• Isabel from Germany – 20 January 2024 (8/10)

  Das Apartment punktet eindeutig mit der wirklich schönen, großen Terrasse und der super Lage am belebten Plaza Rio de Janeiro. Wir haben uns dort zu jeder Tages und Nachtzeit sehr sicher gefühlt. Die Panaderia Rosetta ist um die Ecke. Ja, Riesenschlange, ja, gehypter Hipsterladen. Aber das Gebäck ist wirklich göttlich. Auch zu empfehlen direkt am Plaza: das Marmota. Auch ein hipper Laden, der aber mit offener Küche, guter Atmosphäre und bester Qualität überzeugt. Unbedingt die Parmesan Pommes bestellen. Sprich, unser Aufenthalt in dieser Ecke hat uns rundum sehr gut gefallen.
  
  What could be improved: Das Apartment innen ist ziemlich angeschrummelt. Textilien könnten gerne mal erneuert werden. Armaturen wackeln. Die Küche ist nur spartanisch ausgestattet, was bei der tollen Gastronomie in Laufweite nicht weiter schlimm war. Der Kühlschrank für ein Terrassenbierchen hat gut funktioniert. Das Bett war uns viel zu weich. Kommunikation etwas chaotisch.

• Laure from France – 11 October 2023 (6/10)

  Très bon emplacement dans le quartier de Roma Norte, proche de cafés et restaurants. Apparemment spacieux avec une très belle terrasse.
  
  What could be improved: Logement pas assez sécurisé. Digicode pour accéder au bâtiment mais ensuite ascenseur qui entre directement dans l'appartement, avec une porte non verouillée. Par ailleurs, une autre porte au bout de l'appartement donnant sur une cour privative ne peut non plus être fermée à clé.

• Anonymous from United States – 24 August 2023 (9/10)

• Michelle from Switzerland – 27 July 2023 (6/10)

  La posizione perfetta!
  Bello il terrazzo e la comodità di avere lavatrice e asciugatrice.
  
  What could be improved: Non avevamo la chiave della porta dell’appartamento! L’accesso allo stabile è tramite codice sul portone in cui si entra e si deve prendere un ascensore che da accesso diretto sulle porte degli appartamenti (si apre la porta dell’ascensore in casa), nello stabile ci sono 3-4 appartamenti e questo è all’ultimo piano. Non ci hanno dato la chiave dicendoci che nessuno sale su all’ultimo piano con l’ascensore e che è sicuro. Personalmente sapere di alloggiare a Città del Messico senza la chiave per chiudermi in casa non mi fa sentire per niente sicura.
  
  Il bagno vecchio brutto con spifferi alle finestre (vetro rimosso e rimpiazzato con zanzariera).
  Il letto scomodissimo perché sono stati messi in orizzontale due materassi singoli di conseguenza avevamo un buco lungo il letto (orizzontale non verticale!).

Surroundings

Facilities