BEST PLACES TO STAY IN MEXICO CITY
Are you planning a trip to Mexico City and are wondering about where to stay in Mexico City? Then this post is for you – here are tips for the best places to stay.
Mexico City is an amazing destination set in the mountains of central Mexico. This city is a thriving metropolis with a lively art scene, some of the world’s best food, and stunning Spanish colonial architecture – a clash of the old world and the new.
Several parts of the city are worth visiting- I picked my top favorites here, starting with La Reforma: Paseo de La Reforma is lined with a multitude of both monuments and street vendors and has a great nightlife scene to boot! It’s one of the most popular areas to visit and is a pedestrian-friendly area of the city. Centro Historico – just as it sounds – is filled with history.
Beautiful old pedestrian streets lined with antique buildings, and many of the museums are located in this district. On the other hand, Condesa is the trendy urban hot spot for days spent browsing vintage shops and nights spent at rooftop lounges. Polanco is the high-end, posh, and luxury district of Mexico City. Filled with designer boutiques, art galleries, and a flourishing upscale dining scene.
TIPS FOR VISITING MEXICO CITY
- Never drink tap water, only bottled water, to avoid stomach problems.
- Always be aware of your surroundings and exercise common sense. Do not be careless about your money or passport while out on the town to avoid pick-pocketing. Don’t leave belonging or drinks at the bar unattended or provide your hotel information to anyone you don’t trust, and I do not recommend walking around alone at night.
- Do not hail taxis off the street. There have been cases of false taxis taking advantage of travelers and people unfamiliar with the city. It is best to have your hotel arrange any taxi services for you. If you need to hail a taxi, check that they have taxi license plates that incorporate numbers preceded by A or B, the numbers would also match the numbers painted on the body of the taxi. There should also be an identification card displayed inside the cab with a photo of the driver. Currently, Mexico City also has Uber.
Where to Stay in Mexico City – Best Areas and Hotels for all Budgets
Below I have some of my favorite spots to stay in each district!
Stay in La Reforma
Luxury – Four Seasons Mexico City
Right on Paseo de la Reforma, this gorgeous 5-star property is only steps from Chapultepec Park.
- They have a pool, fitness center, spa, and barbershop on site.
- With 2 restaurants and 2 lounges on the property, you can always opt for a night in as well.
- They also have a concierge who can assist with getting day trips and excursions set up for you during your stay and “Taste of Mexico City,” an experience including visits to some of the best cocktail bars in the city.
Moderate – Mexico City Marriott Reforma
A great central location and relatively close to the historic downtown for easy exploring as well.
- They have 2 restaurants on-site plus 24-hour room service and a fitness center and spa with steam rooms.
- With a 4 ½ star rating and a rooftop lounge for executive members, you really can’t go wrong.
Budget – Fiesta Americana Reforma
Another great location right on Reforma, the Fiesta Americana, is a more budget-friendly option. It offers parking, airport transportation services, free wifi, and a breakfast buffet.
- They have 2 restaurants, 2 bars and a fitness center available. The Zocalo is only about a 15-20-minute walk or a short taxi ride if you prefer.
- This hotel is an older property but still a popular 4-star with its perfect location.
Boutique – Hotel Carlota
This boutique property is a refuge in the city. It is a unique and lovely 4-star property with only 36 rooms with an eccentric and artsy design.
- Placed slightly off Reforma but only a few steps away, it is another perfectly located option, walking distance to plenty of attractions and a short taxi ride to historic downtown.
- If you want to be in the La Reforma area but want to skip the high-rise chain hotels- this is the best option for you.
Stay in Condesa
Luxury – Hippodrome Hotel
This hotel is both luxury and boutique with exclusivity at only 16 rooms.
- They are tucked on a quieter side street in Condesa with many nearby restaurants and art galleries.
- They have 1 restaurant on site, which is farm-to-table, as well as room service and the option to book in-room spa treatments.
- The design is very chic and offers a glamourous nod to the 1930s while still maintaining a modern appeal.
Moderate – Maria Condesa Hotel
This option is also centrally located, although not as “tucked away” as Hippodrome. They have 2 restaurants on-site, both a French and Spanish option, and the neighborhood is easily walkable. Much like everything else in the Condesa area, it has an artsy, chic, and boutique-type vibe. Maria Condesa is most known for their service and personal touches like their greeting with sparkling wine and assistance with arranging taxi services or activities if needed.
Budget – Casa Comtesse
Casa Comtesse is a lovely little 4 star B&B. Known to have a great host and, of course, breakfast included, this option is a quaint property furnished in an old mansion. There are plenty of restaurants within a 5-10 minute walk providing a nice convenient location. This charming B&B also has a great courtyard for outdoor relaxing and provides a bit of an oasis in the city, making it a great budget-friendly option without sacrificing service or location.
Boutique – Condesa DF
Condesa DF is right near City Park, offering a nice walkable location. On the street lined with historic buildings, Condesa DF itself is from 1928 and a beautiful building with a lovely restaurant on-site as well as a rooftop bar for lounging on summer nights. Also a great spot for shopping and visiting local galleries easily by foot. If you are looking for a large chain resort-style hotel, this is not it, but if you’d like a quaint boutique property with a great location for exploring Mexico City – this is it.
Stay in Centro Historico
Luxury – Grand Hotel Ciudad de Mexico
This hotel is oozing with luxury and opulence. From the moment you step into the lobby with its stained glass ceiling, you’re transported back in time to an era of elegance. It’s absolutely stunning and right in the center of the historical quarter of the city. They have a terrace restaurant overlooking the plaza – a great spot to catch lunch or dinner and what the bustle below and the location is ideal, making it easy to walk around and sightsee, shop or grab local eats.
Moderate – Hotel Cathedral
The view of the cathedral from several of this hotel’s rooms is how it got its name. A solid 4 star, it is centrally located with tons to do and see within walking distance. They have a buffet on-site- great for some breakfast before heading out for the day, as well as a concierge service that can help set up day trips and tours to explore the surrounding areas. Even if your room doesn’t have a cathedral view, they have a great terrace for taking in the views and getting some great photos.
Budget -Hotel Zocalo Central
Another option with a great location right near Zocalo square. The hotel has nice simple décor with Mexican touches such as wrought iron headboards and natural wood pieces like the desk, floor, and exposed beams. They have a terrace restaurant on site where you can enjoy their breakfast buffet with a view of the square below- a beautiful way to start the day. They also offer a great dinner, including a 9-course tasting menu for some authentic Mexican foods. If you want the historic district’s central location and great views without spending big bucks, this is a great option.
Boutique – Downtown Mexico
This is my favorite boutique property in Mexico City. It has such an interesting modern artsy design that sets it apart from the other historic buildings, and unlike most hotels in the historic district- they have a pool! Also, they have a rooftop bar and a lovely courtyard to relax with greenery and seating. There are 2 restaurants on-site- in particular, the restaurant Azul is noted to be great. If you want a unique hip spot to stay in the historic district- this would be the best option for you.
Stay in Polanco
Luxury – Los Alcoves
Los Alcobas is a 5-star luxury hotel back by Starwood Hotels and in one of the most luxurious neighborhoods of Mexico City to boot! They have a spa on-site for the days you want to spend relaxing as well as 2 restaurants on the property. Within a 10 minute walk from this hotel, you can experience dozens of options for cafes, dining, bars, and boutique shops, as well as a few parks. This area is also much quieter than the bustling Paseo de Reforma if you want a more relaxed feel to the environment.
Moderate – W Mexico City
About a 15 minute walk from Chapultepec and surrounded by plenty of dining options. This is another great spot to enjoy Polanco. They have a posh spa, a bar with a live DJ, and a Spanish/Mexican restaurant right on the property too. The W is still high-end and offers the luxury vibes of Polanco without breaking the bank. It’s the perfect moderate option for this upscale side of the city.
Budget- Camino Real Polanco
Camino Real is a reliable and extremely affordable chain of Mexican hotels. Across from the park and near several museums, it’s a great home base for exploring. Unlike many of the city’s hotels, this option has a great pool for the hot summer days Mexico has. The property is a nice low rise filled with artwork and plenty of greenery, providing a nice oasis from the city. The hotel also houses restaurants and bars, including their popular bar, The Blue Lounge, convenient for nights you’d rather stay in.
Boutique – Busue Hotel
In the heart of Polanco, this property was originally an old mansion estate that was redone in a modern and artistic way as it was transformed into a hotel. Busue is within walking distance to Mexico City’s famous Anthropology museum and about 5 miles from the equally famous Frida Kahlo museum, where her artwork is displayed in her blue house. On site, they have a great restaurant and bar Dixon. The restaurant’s interior design is equally impressive to that of the hotel and has a mixture of modern and 70’s style décor. For a fun, unique, and gorgeous option in the center of the Polanco district – this would be it.
Safe travels. We hope this post help you to find the perfect hotel for your Mexico City trip!
About the Author
Cassandra is a US-female travel addict who loves traveling the world and works as a tour operator. She is a freelance writer for Arzo Travels, where she shares her expertise and has a special love affair with Mexico – so she knows pretty well what she is recommending to you 🙂
