459. Local Culture, Design, and Wow Moments at the Mondrian Mexico City, with Claudia Di Gino

On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Claudia Di Gino, General Manager at the Mondrian Mexico City Condesa. Claudia tells the story of building a lifestyle brand in the hotel industry, how partnerships play an important role, and what it means to be part of the community. She shares how her hotel delivers an authentic experience that never fails to surprise and delight its guests. We also discuss what's happening for the brand in 2026 and the opportunities for growth, including the FIFA World Cup coming to Mexico City.

What You Will Learn in This Episode:

• How Claudia's career in hospitality began with an unexpected Disney internship and led to her current role in her hometown of Mexico City
• Why building a lifestyle brand is central to the Mondrian's approach and how the hotel delivers an immersive experience for guests and the local community
• What makes collaboration and strategic partnerships essential for creating unique guest experiences
• How Mondrian Mexico City differentiates itself through creative amenities, like their Flower Shop concept featuring Mexican producers and local artisanal goods
• Delivering a personalized service and curated guest itineraries that drive brand loyalty
• How the upcoming FIFA World Cup presents new opportunities for growth
• Mondrian's commitment to showcasing local culture, history, art, and gastronomy through every aspect of the guest experience

Building a Lifestyle Brand Rooted in Community

Mondrian Mexico City Condesa is committed to being more than just a hotel, they see themselves as a lifestyle brand deeply tied to their local community. Mondrian's eleven hotels worldwide are strategically placed in each city's cultural and design hotspots, and the Mexico City location is no exception, nestled between the historic Condesa and Roma neighborhoods. The property itself is a protected building with rich architectural history, and every aspect of the design pays homage to local artistry and Mexican culture, including beautiful murals inspired by ancient aqueducts in each guest room.

The brand is known for being disruptive, fun, and willing to think outside of classic hospitality norms. They're focused on creating immersive, surprising experiences for both visitors and locals. The community is invited to be part of the property, whether that's through artist showcases, pop-up culinary events, or simply by visiting the lobby for a locally sourced coffee or wine.

Creativity and Unique Local Partnerships

A recurring theme in Claudia's approach is the creative use of partnerships. One standout example is the hotel's dual-purpose flower and coffee shop, which becomes a wine bar in the evenings, serving only Mexican products. This kind of authentic, locally driven experience is a key reason why guests keep coming back and why the growing community of remote workers living in Condesa/Roma love to pop by.

The hotel's carefully chosen collaborations make sharing local celebrations even more fun for guests. For Dia de los Muertos, Mondrian partnered with Xolo Café to provide their famous "pan de muerto" alongside specialty coffee, drawing hundreds of locals and visitors alike. Similarly, partnerships with Mezcal Union and high-profile pop-up events ensure every cultural touchpoint is genuine and memorable.

Preparing for the FIFA World Cup

Claudia and her team are gearing up for the FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by Mexico, Canada, and the United States for the first time. Mondrian has just opened a brand-new event space designed to host upscale gatherings against the background of breathtaking skyline views. The team is focusing on safety, personalized concierge service, and handpicked local experiences to ensure guests of the World Cup have a flawless, authentically Mexican visit.

Resources:

• Website: https://mondrianhotels.com/mexico-city-condesa/
• LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudia-di-gino-7282855/
• LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mondrian-hotels/

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