The traffic from Mexico City airport to the historic colonial city of Puebla was mind numbing. A 90 minute commute turned into a nearly 4 hour stop and go disaster before we finally arrived at the Intercontinental Presidente Puebla Hotel, Mexico. This Mexican style 5-story contemporary hotel was a welcome sight especially with the amazing sunset bursting colors over the nearby Popocatepetl and Iztaccihautl volcanoes.
Arrival and Check in
Located 74 miles east of Mexico City, the 166-room Presidente Puebla Hotel is 2 miles west of Puebla, near busy industrial parks. The hotel is set back from the busy street amidst landscaped grounds. Enter through revolving glass doors, and the lobby is the typical marble of Intercontinental brand.Look up ato see a beautifully vaulted, stained glass ceiling. Step down the stairs to the rectangular reception desk. 
Although there were 3 employees checking our group in, my check-in took longer than usual as my middle name was listed as my last name. Two front desk employees resolved the issue as quickly as possible, and pointed me toward the left. I was not offered a valet, although I would have preferred some assistance. 
Accommodations
I pushed my suitcase toward the back of the lobby, past a sitting area toward a wall of windows and a double door opening up on the pool. I turned right toward the glass-backed, dated elevator overlooking the pool; hit the button for the 2nd floor. Another walk along the open-air corridor, again with the focal point of the pool and the landscaped area surrounding it, and I arrived at my room.
My deluxe double room was adequate and built for business travelers, with an oversized desk in the corner. The hotel offered the usual in-room amenities including modern bedding, flat screen TV, separate bathroom, large closet, and coffeemaker. When I powered on my computer, I discovered surprisingly strong and complimentary WiFi signal. Although at peak times, the connection was slower.
Worthy of noting is that the housekeeping staff was perhaps the most thorough of any hotel I have stayed at recently. The housekeeper(s) tidied up my clothes I had tossed on the second bed, neatly arranged my bathroom toiletries. It was obvious they were very thorough on cleaning, and that was a very nice surprise.
Amenities
As mentioned, the outdoor pool is the focal point of the hotel, with the open-air corridors to the rooms looking out on the pool and the surrounding landscaped ground. I didn’t have time to take advantage of the mild weather during the day, but I did notice a handful of hotel guests sitting by the pool.
The on-site spa, Sensatiionnel Clinique & Spa offers massages and other services. The Health and fitness center is open 24 hours.
Hotel guests included a flow of business travelers, and I was surprised at how many were American business folks. The Intercontinental Presidente Puebla features 11 meeting rooms, and plenty of relaxed seating throughout the lobby.
Complimentary shuttle service to Finsa and Chachapa industrial parks (again catering to business travelers) is also available, although I didn’t take advantage of this.
Dining
When returning the lobby, I passed the reception desk, walked up the stairs to the main entrance lobby. A bar/lounge is directly opposite the entrance. Relaxed seating at at the top, then down the stairs a full bar with more tables and chairs.
Mexican cuisine is served at the Cocina de los Angeles, and upon my arrival, I did enjoy an appetizer with the local specialty, mole. This is also where buffet breakfast is served each morning.
A fine dining restaurant option is Alfredo di Roma, serving Italian and an international wine selection. Room service is also available.
Summary
The Intercontinental President Puebla is a 4 star hotel experience in Mexico, located less than 20 miles from Puebla International Airport. When traveling to Mexico, here you can be assured a flawless brand experience. Business and leisure travelers will also appreciate the close proximity downtown, many business parks, National Park and volcanoes.
Make a reservation online through the IHG site or book through Booking.com or Hotels.com.
Sunset view of one of the active Puebla volcanoes
The Presidente Intercontinental Puebla provided accommodations; opinions express here are my own. Photos courtesy of the Presidente Intercontinental Puebla and Diana Rowe.
