For Gastón González, hospitality is about creating connections: between travelers, destinations, and the people who make a hotel much more than just a place to sleep. That idea also explains why he chose the industry: he is interested in transforming everyday moments into lasting memories. And few cities offer as many opportunities to do so as Mexico City, a place he says “never runs out of things to discover.” From Reforma and Polanco to the Historic Center, González shares his ideal itinerary for experiencing the city over 24 hours.

8:00 a.m. Waking up facing Chapultepec

The morning begins with one of the views that best captures the character of the city. González would choose to wake up facing Chapultepec Forest, with the city stretching beyond its trees. For him, returning to the capital always feels like a reunion. He is Mexican and a native of Mexico City, although he lives in the United States, and his visits to the city combine work and family. One of the reasons he enjoys coming back is precisely the ability to find something different on every visit. “It’s a city that never runs out of things to discover,” he says.

10:00 a.m. Walking along Reforma

If there is one street he would choose for a walk, it is Paseo de la Reforma. More than just an avenue, González sees it as a snapshot of the city: history, architecture, and urban life come together along this corridor, which connects different eras of the capital.

12:00 p.m. A pause with the flavors of Mexico

At noon, the route heads toward Polanco. For González, introducing visitors from abroad to Mexico also means taking them to experience its flavors. One of his favorite experiences is a mezcal tasting at Tahona, inside JW Marriott Mexico City Polanco. Here, mezcal serves as a gateway to one of the traditions that shape the country’s gastronomic identity.

2:00 p.m. Tasting the city

For lunch, he suggests two options. At The Ritz-Carlton Mexico City, Samos is one of his choices for contemporary Mexican cuisine centered on local and seasonal ingredients. The second is Sendero, at JW Marriott Mexico City Polanco, where Mexican and Latin American cuisine comes together with locally sourced products.

4:00 p.m. Polanco, between design and craftsmanship

For an afternoon of shopping, Masaryk is his choice. He recommends starting the walk from W Mexico City or JW Marriott Mexico City Polanco and exploring the boutiques, design offerings, restaurants, and cultural spaces along the way.

6:00 p.m. A rooftop to watch the city change

As evening approaches, González looks for a rooftop. His favorite is Trivvu, at W Mexico City, a space he describes as relaxed and social, open to the rhythm of the city. It is also the hour when the capital begins to transform. The light shifts, the streets fill up, and the buildings begin to illuminate.

8:00 p.m. The city from above

For the evening, his choice is high above the city. Carlotta Reforma, at The Ritz-Carlton Mexico City, occupies the 38th floor and combines cocktails, music, and panoramic views of the capital.

10:00 p.m. Three moments to remember

Gastón recommends ending the day with one of the rituals at The St. Regis Mexico City, such as afternoon tea or sabrage. For González, that is precisely where the appeal of hospitality lies. A hotel can be the starting point for discovering a destination, but it can also become part of the story a traveler takes home.