It was 17 days in the country, which included three internal flights and seven hotels, but one of the most complicated parts of planning was the time to define where to stay in Mexico City.
As were three passages through the capital of the country – in the beginning, in the middle and end of the trip – it was necessary to research this subject and decide which hotel to stay in all these occasions. From this, I concluded that many things that are said about lodging in Mexico City is nothing but a myth.
But don’t worry, we are here to help you undo many of them and have more security when choosing where to stay there!
How much does it cost to stay in Mexico City
The first myth involving accommodation in Mexico City is the price: hosting there is not as cheap as they say, no. And with each passing year, the average daily price tends to increase.
In fact, it was the most expensive hotels we found in the country – even in comparison with Playa del Carmen and Riviera Maya or even São Paulo. On the other hand, food, transportation and the like are much cheaper there.
One of the important things is to understand that in general the prices shown by the reserve sites do not include 19% of taxes charged by the Mexican government.
In my experience I noticed that, due to taxes and exchange rate variation, the hotels were, on average, 30% more expensive than I expected at the time of booking.
On average we pay R$ 250 per night, in the double room, in three hotels in the historic center of Mexico City. It is common for breakfast not included in the rate.
In general, the value of accommodation in Mexico City is:
- Economy hotels in Mexico City: up to $200
- Hotels with a Pool Pet Friendly Hotels in Mexico City from R$ 201 to R$ 499
- Mexico City Luxury Hotels: From $500
Now that this is already solved, let’s go to another important point: what is the best neighborhood to stay in Mexico City?
Best Hotels in Mexico City
Below, we list more options based on the locations of the best neighborhoods where to stay in Mexico City.
If you haven’t found your favorite option, take a look at all the hosting options there.
Where to stay in Mexico City: The 6 best neighborhoods
The best neighborhoods to stay in Mexico City are:
- Historic Center (Zócalo)
- Hotels along Avenida Paseo de la Reforma
- Polanco .
- The Countess and Rome
- Juarez and Zona Rosa
- Coyoacán
1. Historic Centre (Zocalo)
Historic Center of Mexico City, a great choice to stay in Mexico City
I read in several places that it would not be worth staying in the Historic Center of Mexico City, the Zócalo, but I disagree.
The three hotels I stayed in in Mexico City are in the Historic Center, near the Zocalo and the Palacio de Bellas Artes. And although I do not recommend the location of one of them, I really liked the other two.
There you are close to some of the most important attractions, good restaurants and you can go walking to several places. When the foot fails, there is no shortage of subway stations – the lines are wide and the ticket costs the equivalent of R $ 1!
In addition, the hotels in the historic center are cheaper than those located along Avenida de la Reforma, one of the main cities of the city.
During the day the place is very busy and has a large concentration of police. During the night it depends: some parts of the historic center become more empty, while others maintain the movement.
There is uber/cabify, (just use the app, the same way you would use it in Brazil), which makes it easy to return home to those who stay there.
That said, the important tip is: if you decide to stay in the Historic Center, check, in the reviews of the chosen hotel, if that region seemed quiet for guests or if the establishment is in a more decadent area.
Hotels in Zócalo, Mexico City
Budget hotels in Zócalo
An economic and well-located alternative, less than 5 minutes walk from the National Museum of Art and the Palacio de Bellas Artes Museum. It is highly praised for the cost-benefit.
The region is well policed and safe, full of nearby restaurants. The hotel operates in a beautiful renovated historic building and has modern and beautiful decor. Book it here.
A hostel simply loved by guests! Excellent location, attentive staff, the team organizes activities that help you to fit with other travelers.
The place has a bar on the ground floor that is very famous in the region and serves drinks and the best of Mexican food. It serves basic breakfast daily. Book it here.
Hotels with a Pool
Excellent location on Calle Madero, the main pedestrian street in Mexico City and has intense movement until the wee hours. I saw many policemen there, which reinforced the sense of security.
The cost/benefit is good, the rooms have been renovated recently, but keep in mind that it is not a Ritz Hotel, but a Mexican brand.
The breakfast is not included in the cheapest rates, but, frankly, this is even good, because there is no good places to start the day in the surroundings (the year the name of two: the famous El Cardenal and the Esperanza Bakery, both with units a few meters from Calle Madero).
Finally, the cheapest rooms do not have air conditioning, which is only a problem in the summer, and the renovation followed that crazy logic of putting semi-transparent bathroom doors, which can be a problem for some people. We paid R$ 243 in the daily rate, in the double room. Book it here.
Comfort hotels / high standard in Zócalo
This is one of the most traditional in Mexico City.
It has a spectacular view of the National Cathedral, breakfast included and excellent reviews from guests. The hotel restaurant, the Balcon del Zocalo, is a separate attraction and even attracts customers who are not staying there.
The Central Zocalo is set in an 1890s building, but all rooms and suites have been completely restored. Some have views of the Zocalo. Book it here.
5 stars located in a beautiful colonial mansion and also hosts the famous restaurant Azul Histórico.
The rooms are great and the location too, a few meters from Calle Madero and five minutes walk from several tourist attractions. It also has a nice rooftop bar. Book it here.
Find more accommodation options in the Historic Center
2. 2. Avenue de La Reforma
These are two different cities. The one of the Zócalo is full of historic buildings, but because it is the center, it is more chaotic. Already along the Paseo de La Reforma is the Mexico of the skyscrapers, mirrored buildings, and hip restaurants.
It is no coincidence that many people guarantee that the best accommodation options in Mexico City are in neighborhoods such as Countssa, Polanco, Juarez and Rome, all along La Reforma.
And they are even good choices, although in general more dear than the Historic Center and with some obvious differences.
Find accommodation options in Paseo de la Reforma
Created by order of Emperor Maximilian, raised to power on account of a French intervention in the 18th century, the Paseo de La Reforma resembles the great European boulevards, such as the Champs-Élysées.
It goes from Chapultepec Castle, residence of the monarch, to the city center. The stretch between the Chapultepec Woods, the most beautiful park in the city, and the Palace of Fine Arts, has a very high concentration of hotels.
And in general all are good options in the location.
But we will unravel all the neighborhoods that cut through the avenue, starting from the Chapultepec Forest.
The Forest of Chapultepec
Hotels on Avenida Paseo de la Reforma
Budget hotels on Avenida Paseo de la Reforma
Excellent hostel, with colorful and modern decoration inspired by Mexican culture. The place has super comfortable accommodations and room service every day, even in collective housing.
The hostel is very new, so you will find everything tinting for your stay. It has a nice collective kitchen on the roof. And for those who do not enjoy the party hostel style, the place is very quiet! Book now.
Hotels with a Pool Pet Friendly Hotels in Paseo de la Reforma
It is in a strategic point of the Avenue, halfway to the Chapultepec Forest and the Center, so you will have easy access to the entire city.
The hotel has executive standard and the rooms are large and comfortable, as well as the beds. It serves breakfast for an extra fee. Book it here.
Comfort hotels / high standard on Avenida Paseo de la Reforma
If you are looking for a differentiated treatment with an excellent location, this is your place. The hotel has a heated pool, spa and fitness centre, bar and restaurant on site.
Breakfast served daily is diverse and delicious. The rooms are large and bright. You will find numerous dining and leisure options around. Book it here.
3. Polanco .
At the back of the Museum of Anthropology and Paseo de La Reforma, Polanco is the chicest neighborhood in Mexico City. A beautiful, safe and, obvious, expensive – the address of luxury hotels.
The region is also known for its designer shops, high-end restaurants and art galleries. President Masaryk Avenue, the most famous street in Polanco, is where most of these establishments are located.
Polanco is also home to some of the city’s best educational and cultural institutions, such as the Museum of Anthropology and the Soumaya Museum. It is a very safe neighborhood frequented by people of upper and upper middle class.
There is only one metro station, which takes its name from the neighborhood.
Comfort hotels / top-notch range in Polanco
Highlight in the region, this 5-star hotel offers a rooftop terrace with an outdoor pool, as well as views of Mexico City, a fitness center and a wellness area. Book it here.
The hotel offers luxurious rooms and suites with stunning views of the city. It also features an outdoor pool, spa, gym, gardens and several restaurants and bars.
The hotel is known for its excellent customer service and its prime location. It is considered one of the best luxury hotels in Mexico City. Book it here.
Another luxurious option in Polanco, has a beautiful open-air circular swimming pool and 10 restaurants in the house for guests’ choice.
The hotel has won the Four Diamond award, recognizes excellence in quality, service and differentials for Tourism. Book it here.
Find more accommodation options in Polanco
4. 4. The Countess and Rome
Countess and La Roma are historic and bohemian neighborhoods in Mexico City. They are located near the city center and are known for their art deco architecture and for being the cradles of the city’s cultural and bohemian scene.
Condessa is an elegant and sophisticated neighborhood with wide, tree-lined streets, and is known for its lively nightlife and variety of restaurants, bars and shops. It is home to many artists and intellectuals, and is frequented by upper and upper middle class people.
La Roma is a bohemian and relaxed neighborhood with a more alternative lifestyle and hipster. It also has a lively nightlife, vibrant cultural scene and a huge variety of restaurants, bars and independent shops.
Both neighborhoods are accessible by metro line and it is also easy to move around the city from there. This is the favorite region of many travelers when deciding where to stay in Mexico City.
Hotels in Condesa and La Roma neighborhoods
Budget hotels in Condesa and La Roma
Anys Hostal is located in the district of North Rome, with an amazing terrace, complimentary breakfast and private rooms with free Wi-Fi.
Seville Metro Station is just 300 metres away. The hostel has a beautiful historic building with high ceilings and windows with windows. It has a shared kitchen and a café, as well as several bars and restaurants nearby. Book it here.
Hotels with a Pool
Charming and comfortable hotel with great value for money. It has a beautiful garden full of trees.
The location is great and the hosts serve an English/Irish breakfast daily. Book it here.
Comfort hotels Comfort / high standard in Condesa and La Roma
Hotel 4 stars considered the best choice in the region. It is close to Amsterdam Avenue, one of the most charming streets in the city, full of cafes, restaurants and bars.
The hotel is in an art deco style building and both common environments and rooms are bright, renovated, beautiful and bright. Book now.
Find more accommodation options in the Condessa and Roma neighborhoods
5. . 5. Juarez and Zona Rosa
Halfway between the historic center and Chapultepec Grove and along La Reforma, Juarez is a slightly more economical option than the previous two.
A middle ground for those who do not want to stay in the historic center, but also do not want to stay away from it and needs to save money.
Zona Rosa is a part of the Juarez neighborhood that has become known for its nightlife and for being an LGBT stronghold.
This is perhaps the region with the best value for money, hotel quality, location and, of course, price.
Hotels in Juarez and Zona Rosa
Hotels with a Pool
Galeria Plaza Reforma is located in Zona Rosa, near Paseo de la Reforma Avenue, and is perfect for those who come for work or vacation.
The hotel has 434 super comfortable rooms and is surrounded by the financial and commercial center of the city, with amazing restaurants, shops and boutiques in the vicinity. Book it here.
Comfort hotels / standard in Juarez and Zona Rosa
NH Mexico City Reforma is a hotel with an outdoor pool and an amazing restaurant in the center of the Zona Rosa district.
The hotel restaurant serves international food and breakfast. Book it here.
Find more accommodation options in Juarez and Zona Rosa
6. . 6. Coyoacan
Coyoacán is a charming and historic neighborhood in Mexico City. It is located in the south of the city and is known for its colonial architecture, its vibrant cultural life and its quiet and peaceful atmosphere.
The neighborhood is famous for its history, being the home of the house where the Mexican muralist Diego Rivera and his wife, the painter Frida Kahlo lived. The Blue House, which is now a museum, is one of the main tourist attractions of Coyoacán and offers a unique insight into the life and work of the two artists.
Coyoacán is also known for its vibrant cultural life, with many theatres, art galleries and bookstores. The neighborhood also has a variety of restaurants, bars and independent shops, and is a popular place to stroll and enjoy the quiet and peaceful surroundings.
It is a safe neighborhood with a friendly and welcoming community and is frequented by people from all walks of life. It is accessible by metro line and it is also easy to move around the city from this neighborhood.
Although unusual, this is certainly a great choice where to stay in Mexico City for those looking for a stay out of the obvious!
Apartment Hotels in Coyoacán
Budget hotels in Condesa and La Roma
Located in a house in the heart of Coyoacán, this stay offers the amenities of a house, with simple rooms, but renovated and comfortable.
It has a terrace on the roof that is a pleasant place to sunbathe and breakfast. Close and polite care. Book it here.
Hotels with a Pool
Located in a beautiful historic house, typical of the buildings of the neighborhood, offers comfortable and cozy accommodation.
It is close to the Frida Kahlo Museum and the owners are very kind people, who do everything so that guests have an excellent accommodation experience. Book it here.
Comfort hotels / up to standard in Coyoacán
Excellent modern boutique hotel, but very cozy, in the center of Coyoacán.
Highly recommended by all guests, it has impeccable service, all friendly and helpful staff and a unique and charming atmosphere. Book it here.
How to save on accommodation in Mexico City: apartments and hostels
If the place where you plan to stay in Mexico City is Paseo de la Reforma, but you are not enjoying the prices of hotels, look for an apartment: it can be much cheaper, especially for those traveling in a group. In this link here I squitd only by apartments with good price along Avenida de la Reforma.
If your search is for hostels, in addition to those already mentioned, take a look at Hostel Mundo Joven Catedral and the Mexico City Hostel, in which Naty, from 360, has already stayed.
She praises the location, just two blocks from Zócalo, in a beautiful historic building very well decorated. The rooms and collective bathrooms are simple but very clean. They serve breakfast included in the rate and have good internet on all floors.
The only one but is the need to climb a few flights of stairs to get to the rooms, which may not be convenient for people with disabilities or for those who carry many bags. Despite being a hostel, the place is very quiet at night.
Another good value-for-resourced hostel tested by her is the Amigo Hostel, also in the center of Mexico City, a few blocks from the Zócalo.
The collective rooms leave at $9 and private rooms at $25. The facilities are clean and the beds are quite comfortable.
The daily rate includes a simple breakfast. The caveat also goes to the stairs and the lack of accessibility of the place. These options are definitely great choices where to stay in Mexico City!
Find more options for hostels in Mexico City
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