The overwhelming heat in the United States deterred us from our annual RV trip west, and instead, my husband and I opted for a trip to the largest city in North America, Mexico City, where temperatures don’t go over eighty degrees during the day, and low sixties at night. We divided our two-week stay into three phases to avoid long commutes to different parts of this metropolis.
The second phase of our Mexico City trip took us to Polanco, a refined community west of the city’s historic downtown.
Through the recommendation of friends, we booked The Wild Oscar. Hmmm…The Wild Oscar? The first thought that came to my mind was the golden figurine from the Academy Awards, and that’s the reference I used to remember the name of this boutique hotel. I thought there is nothing wild about Polanco, wondering what had inspired this original name.
We left the urban jungle of downtown with a sensory overload from the waves of pedestrians, music, taco whiffs, church bells, honks, whistles, and streets lined with dozens of gold jewelry shops. We desperately needed a break.
We arrived at the Wild Oscar in the early afternoon. From the time our UBER driver dropped us off, the hotel’s host welcomed us with a smile. Immediately after, a friendly bell boy came to help with our suitcases. We still don’t know how to travel light!
The five-story hotel is located amidst a quiet neighborhood. A few steps led us down to the cozy restaurant and lobby, where the front desk clerk, Carlos, seemed happy to see us. Surprisingly, we were not interrupting a smartphone scrolling session. Standing on the front desk counter was a copy of a book by the incomparable writer Oscar Wilde. “So, that’s why it’s called The Wild Oscar!” I said to Carlos. What a clever name to go with contemporary steampunk-ish décor.
The tall trees that line the street outside and the low-key building were the oasis we needed to spend a few nights relaxing. “Welcome Home,” said the letter signed by the manager I found sitting beside a blueberry and cream dessert on the room’s desk. It certainly felt like home. And yes, English is spoken at The Wild Oscar.
Our spacious room had a king-sized bed dressed in fine cotton bedding and a big-screen TV; not my thing, but my husband felt right at home— for me, what a treat to stay at a place that honors a legendary writer. The clean and spacious rooftop terrace is ideal for quiet time reading or meditating on the wonders of life. In addition to the usual toiletries, there are hot pink robes and black slippers. The spacious black and white marble bathroom has unlimited hot water and terrific pressure. It was a shower-only bathroom, but larger suites come with tubs.
A small fitness room on the fourth floor is good for workouts before breakfast, which is included with some room rates. Breakfast was much better than expected, especially because of the dining room’s small courtyard for breakfast al fresco. Menu offers include a variety of egg entrees and typical Mexican dishes like chilaquiles and enchiladas. Their poblano omelet and refried beans are delicious!  Staple items include fresh fruits, yogurt, granola, sweet bread, various coffees, teas, and freshly squeezed fruit juices. The wildest things here are blue corn tortillas and the no-handle coffee mugs!
One night, as we left the hotel, heavy rain came down and ruined our dinner plans. We asked if they served dinner, and immediately, the friendly waiters invited us to sit down and offered us a drink. We thought it was only a place for breakfast or afternoon coffee, but dinner was tasty. We ordered a sirloin steak with mashed potatoes and sirloin tacos with guacamole. The ambiance was romantic, with dimmed lights. The sound of rain and thunder and the chilly breeze was all we hoped for when we left our heat-stricken town in South Texas.
One of the features that made The Wild Oscar feel like home was the windows. Like decades ago, when I visited with my parents, I could open the windows to let the “tierra mojada” (wet soil) scented breeze whisper into our room. The lack of window screens still astounds me as it did then.
One of our favorite pastimes in Mexico City is strolling through its parks and avenues. We don’t have that opportunity at home. The hotel is within walking distance of Chapultepec Park, the Anthropology Museum, dozens of fine dining venues, casual “taquerias,” French pastry coffee shops, and bookstores. Museo Soumaya is a highly recommended place in this area. Polanco’s Presidente Mazarik Avenue, named after the first President of Czechoslovakia, with its expensive shopping districts, is the city’s Rodeo Drive version. Czechoslovakia? Yes, there is also a solemn monument to Gandhi nearby. Mexico City is as cosmopolitan as they come. We heard several languages in Polanco, but what can you expect from a top world destination?
There are 29 rooms and suites at The Wild Oscar and two uniquely decorated elevators boldly displaying two celebrated Wilde quotes. One is a happy, helpful reminder to be myself.
“Be yourself. Everybody Else is Taken.” It is as truthful as it is essential, especially when we want to be everything to everybody as I do. The other quote I’m not going to reveal in hopes readers book this hotel and read it for themselves.
Mexico City and Polanco are not the Mexican bargain destinations many expect. Cost wise staying in Polanco is like visiting Houston or Dallas.
But if a safe, quiet, comfortable, homey place that invites feeling like a local is what you seek, then The Wild Oscar is for you.
Note: This post is not a paid advertisement, nor did I receive any courtesies or discounted rates. It is my way of thanking Manager Miguel Angel, Mike, Sainz, Carlos, Chef Charly, and all the staff for taking good care of us.
If you want a writer to tell your business or organization’s story, I am ready to contribute to your success. contact@nydia.com
If you have a group of friends or family looking for a trip to Mexico, please contact me, and I can help you book hotels and private transportation at the best price for an experience you will never forget. I’ve worked in the travel industry since 1994 and have plenty of helpful insights to share with you. Contact@nydiao.com.
If you have ever visited the Polanco neighborhood in Mexico City, I’d love to hear about your experience.
Cactus in the Mirror by Nydia O. Studio 
A great comment and very good advice
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