Best Hotels in Mexico City
There are a huge amount of hotels in Mexico City and Buenos Juarez International airport is pretty close to the city centre. Only about 8 miles out, this would normally take about 20 minutes in travel time. However Mexico City traffic is notoriously bad, so it’s probably best to leave at least twice that time!
The historic central area is around Zocolo square which is where most visitors want to be near when they visit. Many of the museums, historical buildings shops and restaurants are here. There is also a heavy police presence on the streets here so you feel pretty safe wandering around this area even as a solo traveller.
A public taxi to and from the airport costs about 200 pesos which is about 10 US dollars. Be careful about giving taxi drivers large notes, and try and have the right money with you as scams are common.
There is plenty of accommodation available here with prices to suit every budget. Here are some recommendations for different types of accommodation available in Mexico City.
Best hotels in Mexico City – more than 100 dollars a night
If you really want to push the boat out why not stay at the Zocolo Central Hotel. It is situated in a beautiful historic building located on the corner in front of the Metropolitan Cathedral. The view from the terrace out over the city is stunning. Many of the tourist sites in the Historic Centre are within easy walking distance from here.
The hotel has high ceilings, wooden floors, and sports a contemporary design. There are plenty of luxury amenities for guests to enjoy. These include free food and drinks at Cafe Central 24 hours a day. There is also free parking, baby sitting and you can even book a chauffeur service to take you around the city.
All rooms have bottled water, and there is free Wi-Fi throughout. You can try a bike loan if you fancy a cycle around the city centre, there is a laundry service and currency exchange. Check in and out times are flexible, and there is a gym and a steam room if you have the time to try them! There is even a free walking tour available from reception on enquiry.
The Zocolo Central Hotel represents a peaceful oasis in the bustling heart of Mexico City’s celebrated Plaza de la Constitucion (or the Zocalo, as it’s often called).
Dining at the Zocolo
The Zocalo Central Hotel expertly blends traditional splendour with modern comfort and unforgettable city views. The hotel dates back to the 1890’s-era and offers 105 lovingly refurbished rooms and suites, some of which have wonderful views of the plaza. The hotel staff are super helpful and will cater to your every need.
No visit to this hotel is complete without a trip to the roof top restaurant, Restaurante Balcon del Zocalo. This is a stylish eatery offering creative cocktails & regional dishes, plus the terrace that has the best city views.
The hotel Concierge is available any time, day or night, to answer your questions or to provide suggestions for things to do and see. Treat yourself to a hotel stay that you won’t soon forget, in a city that will capture your imagination.
Hotel Gillow – less than 100 dollars a night
Hotel Gillow is also in a very central place just a short stroll from the Zocolo. This hotel is actually the oldest hotel in Mexico City with 103 rooms and suites all with telephone cable TV and modern bathrooms, some with Jacuzzi baths. Some rooms have Juliette balconies and some have views over the famous 5 de Mayo Street and Isabel La Catolica Street.
There is a restaurant, bar and cafe and room service is also available. Free Wi-Fi as you might expect these days and there are also corporate rooms for meetings.
The rooms are really spacious and I enjoyed a huge queen bed which was super comfortable when I stayed there. This hotel has everything you could need for your stay without being over the top and the location is first class.
The hotel is within a 5-minute walk of shops, bars and restaurants in the colonial city centre. The museum of Bellas Artes Palace and the Alameda Central Park are very close by.
The Hotel Gillow has a very central location, but remains a very calm and noise-free hotel. Easy to cool the place by night with just a fan and a window open. It’s a real slice of old Mexico.
History of the Hotel Gillow
The history of Hotel Gillow is closely linked to the Temple of san Felipe Neri and part of the hotel is just below the right bell tower of the church. The name of the hotel comes from its founder Don Tomas Gillow who was originally from Liverpool! He came to Mexico in 1819 to open a branch of the Rosquel jewellery store. In 1869 the Gillow Hotel was founded and has had many owners and many renovations since then. In the 30’s three extra floors were added and so were elevators! The hotel was the height of Art Deco fashion. Today the hotel is owned by a group of business men who have retained the original style of the hotel while keeping all the services up to date.
Best hotels in Mexico City – less than $50
There is a lot of very reasonably priced accommodation available in Mexico City, for those on a limited budget. These places may not be in historic buildings or have high end restaurants, but they are great for those who will be spending most of their time site seeing anyway!
A super value place to stay is the Ayenda Costa Azul with its candy coloured bright rooms. It’s clean and modern and ideal for the cost conscious traveller. This hotel is in a pretty central location, but remains nice and quiet. There are plenty of facilities here to make your stay completely comfortable.
The Ayenda Frida Costa Azul Hotel
Ayenda Frida Costa Azul is located just 2 blocks from Isabel la Catolica Metro Station and only a 10-minute walk from the Zocalo Square, in Mexico City’s historic centre. Free Wi-Fi access is available. Rooms here will provide you with a desk and a flat-screen TV with cable channels. Fully equipped private bathrooms also come with free toiletries and towels.
Ayenda Frida Costa Azul has a shared lounge for guests, and a vending machine but no restaurant. The 24-hour front desk is always ready with information about the city though and. free parking is available on site.
The staff are friendly and flexible check out times are available. There’s a good cafe next door for breakfast too. It is close to all public transport options and super easy to get to the airport, the lucha libre (Mexican wrestling) and historic centre.
The hotel is within a 5-minute walk of shops, bars and restaurants in the colonial city centre. Bellas Artes Palace and the Alameda Central Park are a 20-minute walk away.
Boutique Option – The Red Tree House Coyocan
Do you prefer your accommodation more boutique style with lots of personal touches? If so, then you need to stay at the eclectic and luxurious Red Tree House in the Condesa neighbourhood.
The Condesa neighbourhood is one of the most trendy in Mexico City. It is full of cafes restaurants parks and galleries.
The owners, Craig and Jorge met on vacation in Puerto Vallarta over 20 years ago. They bought a home in Mexico in this vibrant area which would eventually become the beautiful Red Tree House Mexico City. Their mantra is that they don’t just rent rooms – they provide an unforgettable experience.
History of the Red Tree House
The house was built in the 1930’s and was previously owned by the famous Mexican actress Ofelia Medina. She is recognised mostly from the black and white Frida Khalo movie “Frida, Naturaleza Viva.” Back in 1983. She still lives here elsewhere in the neighbourhood!
The Red Tree House is filled with beautiful Mexican artwork and you are bound to meet other like minded guests here. The Red Tree House has many repeat visitors who have become friends over the years.
The Condesa neighbourhood was previously a huge estate owned by a Countess named ‘Las Condesa de Miravalle’ hence its name today.
There are individual rooms here and they also have some suites. Ideal if you want to stay for a more extended time and they have some have self catering facilities.
The house dog Booz will welcome you but not any other pets!
Renting your own space in Mexico City
Of course hotels aren’t the only option for accommodation and many houses and apartments are also available to rent in the most popular areas of the city.
One of areas of the city that people like to visit is Coyocan which is where many of artists live. It is where the former house of Mexico’s most famous artists Frida Khalo lived. This house is now a small but very popular museum. The name most likely means ‘place of coyotes’ and indeed there is a fountain in the centre square featuring two such animals.
In the past this would have been quite a rural area populated by the Aztecs which became absorbed into the sprawl of the city as the decades passed. Used by the Spanish as their headquarters during the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire, much of Coyocan’s colonial architecture reflects this. It remains a popular destination for city locals to frequent at the weekends.
Pepper My Love! Apart hotel in Coyocan
The area is very safe and in that area you will find a little gem – the apart hotel Pepper My Love! This is a cute place to stay with a great location in the Coyocan area and only 900 yards from the Casa Azul or Blue House.
Pepper My Love! offers lovely accommodation with free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TV, as well as rather a lovely balcony with a great view looking out onto the garden. There is a fully equipped private bathroom with bath or shower and free toiletries.
It also close to another major attraction the National Cinematheque which is within walking distance. This venue has the aim of preserving the cinematic archive of Mexican film and has ten cinema screens including an outdoor one. This accommodation is described as ‘cheap but elegant with exquisite food and personalised attention’ from one satisfied customer!
Best Hotels in Mexico City – big choice!
This is of course not an exhaustive list. There is a huge range of places to stay in this massive city but it is does give a flavour of what is on offer. Mexico City is one of the world’s alpha cities. Although these are some of the best hotels in Mexico city there are many more. The City has an incredible choice of different types of hotel and accommodation to suit every kind of visitor. Whether you are staying for a few days or you have more time to explore the delights of this vibrant colourful city.