Wondering where to stay in Mexico City? Let us help! Mexico City is an amazing city to explore, and staying in one of the best Mexico City hotels can make a great trip even better Read on for our tips on where to stay in Mexico City, including top Mexico City neighborhoods and Mexico City airport hotels.
Where to stay in Mexico City
We’ve been visiting Mexico’s dynamic capital over a dozen times now, and every time I leave I can’t wait to go back. With so many parks, restaurants and museums to visit, we feel like we’ve only scratched the surface! This is a rich, complicated city. Dining and entertainment options run from streetside jubilance to black tie sophistication, and we suggest sampling them all. But where to stay in Mexico City? We hope our guide helps. Below we’ve listed up some of the best Mexico City hotels we’d like to recommend to you, as well as a short primer on Mexico City neighborhoods to look for. All of the Mexico City hotels listed here are good for families but may not necessarily be “family hotels.” They’re great hotels in Mexico City for everyone.
Related Links
- Things to Do in Mexico City
- Our San Miguel de Allende City Guide
- San Miguel de Allende Hotels
- Our Guide to Tulum
- All Mexico Posts
- You Need Travel Gear
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Table of Contents
- Where to stay in Mexico City
- Best Areas to Stay in Mexico City
- High-End: Best Mexico City Hotels
- Mid-Range: Hotels in Mexico City
- Budget: Best Mexico City Hotels
- Mexico City Hostels – Where to Stay in Mexico City on a Shoestring
- Flight Night: Mexico City Airport Hotels
- What to Expect in the Best Mexico City Hotels
- Do You Know Where to Stay in Mexico City?
Best Areas to Stay in Mexico City
Mexico City is divided up into dozens of neighborhoods and districts, and you’ll see these names when searching for a Mexico City hotel. Below we’ve listed up the ones we’ve spent the most time in. Are these the only good areas in Mexico City? No. But these are the ones we can recommend from experience.
Centro Historico
The oldest and most famous part of the capital, Centro Historico is where to stay in Mexico City for to feel the age and weight of the place. The biggest cathedral is here, as is the Palacio de Bellas Artes and the Templo Mayor. Then there is the Zocalo, the main square that was also the center of the Aztec kingdom here, as well. Consider this “downtown,” with buildings and thoroughfares for the public. Lots of big events happen in the Zocolo and it’s just a great area to walk around.
Paseo de la Reforma
This road is one of the main arteries through the city, full of monuments and major buildings. Many of the best Mexico City hotels moved to this road, and the financial district is here too. That means there’s great fine dining and incredible street food here, as many bankers opt for a bite on the sidewalk. This is where to stay in Mexico City for food and easily getting your bearings (the road is a great landmark when lost).
Roma & Roma Norte
Here is where the original bohemian side of the capital emerged. This is where to stay in Mexico City for galleries and brunch. It also has lovely tree-lined boulevards. Some of our favorite places to eat in Mexico City are in Roma. Just walk down Avenue Alvaro Obregon and see for yourself.
Condesa & Hippodromo
Similar to Roma but perhaps a bit more upscale, the Condesa neighborhood is where to stay in Mexico City for cafes, al fresco dining and people/dog watching. The Parque Espana on its eastern border is a great place for a wander to see the staggering variety of pampered purebreds being walked and trained. Next to Condesa is Hippodromo, with a similar setting of art deco house neighborhoods and a ridiculous amount of hip cafes, juice bars, and ice cream parlors.
Juarez
Apparently, Juarez has recently achieved it hipster cred and moved out of the shadows of Roma and Condesa, but since we just discovered Mexico City it because the area we’ve stayed in the most. We’ve found some great street food here, as well as cool artisanal bazaars and more. Part of Juarez is known as Zona Rosa and it the informal home of Mexico City’s LGBTQ community and loads of nightclubs.
Coyoacan
This is where to stay in Mexico City to experience Frida Khalo’s birthplace and Casa Azul, the home Khalo shared with Diego Rivera. Coyoaca is further south than the other places to stay in Mexico City mentioned here, and it has less of the big city vibe despite being very much part of the metropolis. Some of the best Mexico City hotels base themselves here to cater to Khalo enthusiasts and those planning to take the boat trip.
Mexico City Airport
No, I’m not recommending this as a place visit, but this is where to stay in Mexico City when you have an early flight overnight connection. Mexico City International Airport has two terminals, with loads of airlines out of each (find your airline’s terminal here). There are several Mexico City airport hotels connected to Terminal 1.
High-End: Best Mexico City Hotels
Hotel Zocalo Central
This is where to stay in Mexico City for those who want to be in the center of it all. As their name suggests, you are right at the corner of the Zocalo and a short walk to the Palacio Bellas Artes, Templo Mayor, Calle Regina and more. Being right on the Zocalo means some city noise may seep into your room. Especially if there’s some event or festival happening. But if you’re like me, that’s part of the fun. The breakfast buffet is huge and diverse and served on the roof, where you can see the flag-raising ceremony most mornings. One of the best hotels in Mexico City for the location, but also for service. The staff goes out of their way for you, even going to pick up tickets at Bellas Artes for you.
- Pool: No
- Wifi: Yes
- Location: Right on the Zocalo. Center of the historic district.
- Room Details: Kids 3 and under can use a cot upon request.
Book Now: Hotel Zocalo Central at Booking.com
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Suites Contempo
Another well-located option with a different feel than most Mexico City hotels. These are suites, each dedicated to different artists. Families and groups will appreciate the spacious rooms and kitchenette. Then there’s the park. For those who want to be near Chapultepec Park and the Anthropology Museum, this is where to stay in Mexico City. You’re only four minutes on foot from the park entrance, and another 10 to 15 to reach many of its major sites. The hotel is near a major intersection and some room may hear the whistle of police directing traffic on weekday mornings.
- Pool: No
- Wifi: Yes
- Location: Next to Chapultepec Park
- Room Details: Babies 2 and under can use a cot or sleep in existing bedding free. Kids 3-5 years old can sleep in existing bedding free.
Book Now: Suites Contempo at Booking.com
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Barceló Mexico Reforma
Located a short walk from Palacio Bellas Artes, the Barceló Mexico Reforma has a reputation for clean, spacious rooms and great service. This is where to stay in Mexico City if you want a pool, as well. The pool here is heated, which you need in a high-elevation city like CDMX. The tourist office here also gets high marks for arranging outings for guests.
- Pool: Yes (and heated!)
- Wifi: Yes
- Location: Short walk to Palacio de Bellas Artes
- Room Details: Up to two kids under 12 stay free in existing bedding
Book Now: Barceló Mexico Reforma at Booking.com
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Emporio Reforma
One of the old-school favorites. This is where to stay in Mexico City if you want to stay between the old historic district and the hipper areas of Juarez and Condesa. The Emporio Reforma is starting to show its wear (websites say it’s already been renovated?). Yet it is still a classic hotel setting with the service to match. Read the fine print on your booking to avoid confusion. Some kids breakfasts are not included and cost extra.
- Pool: Yes
- Wifi: Yes
- Location: Reforma, short taxi to Zocalo or Condesa
- Room Details: Kids 11 and under stay free in existing bedding. Kids between 12 and 17 cost MX 250 pesos/night.
Book Now: Emporio Reforma at Booking.com
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Mid-Range: Hotels in Mexico City
Hotel MX Roma
This Mexico City hotel is very spare and modern. Rooms are spartan and spotless, and hip. Just keep in mind that most don’t have windows, There’s a great rooftop space, as well. There is where to stay in Mexico City if you want to be in the center of one of its most dynamic neighborhoods. We love Roma and Hotel MX is right near some of our favorite places to eat. On the downside, noise from the hallway seeps into rooms easily.
- Pool: No
- Wifi: Yes
- Location: In the heart of Roma
- Room Details: One kid under 6 stays free in existing bedding
Book Now: Hotel MX Roma at Booking.com
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Room Mate Valentina
Rooms are large, bright and colorful at the Room Mate Valentina. From here you have easy access to Chapultepec Park and hip neighborhoods like Condesa and Juarez. In fact, Room Mate Valentino is in Zona Rosa, home to much of the capital’s LGBTQ community. This is where to stay in Mexico City if you want to be near the hear it.
- Pool: No
- Wifi: Yes
- Location: Just above Zona Rosa and within 2 blocks of US Embassy.
- Room Details: Kids 2 and under stay free in a cot or existing bedding. Kids 3 to 11 stay free in existing bedding.
Book Now: Room Mate Valentina at Booking.com
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Suites Havre
We’ve stayed here more than once. I wouldn’t consider it 4-star accommodation as indicated, but we returned to stay again. The wifi is spotty but the price is right. Rooms are large and more like a small apartment. There is a kitchen with a fridge and cooking utensils. Of course, we never used these because some of our favorite restaurants and street food are nearby. Seriously: this is where to stay in Mexico City if you want a great brunch place (Café Nin) and great street food (on Calle Liverpool). The beds are firm but comfortable. We really like this location in Juarez for food and walking around.
- Pool: No
- Wifi: Yes
- Location: In Juarez, close to good street food/restaurants
- Room Details: No cots or extra beds available.
Book Now: Suites Havre at Booking.com
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Hotel Marlowe
Another well-located Mexico City hotel. The Marlowe is a 5-minute walk north to the Palacio de Bellas Artes, and a 5-minute walk south to El Moro, the city’s famous 24-hour Churreria. Rooms are small and somewhat dated but also have a purified water treatment system which we found a plus. Besides, the price is competitive to be so close to downtown attractions. The breakfast buffet here is really good, but street food in the area is also great, so we mixed it up. Also a short walk to Museo de Arte Popular.
- Pool: No
- Wifi: Yes
- Location: 5min from Bellas Artes and Museo de Arte Popular
- Room Details: Kids 2 and under stay free in a cot or existing bedding. 3-year-olds can stay in existing bedding for free.
Book Now: Hotel Marlowe at Booking.com
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Sevilla Palace
Located on Reforma Avenue, Sevilla Palace is a classic Mexico City hotel with a rooftop pool and a decent gym. You could consider the style date here…or perhaps it’s vintage. This is where to stay in Mexico City if you want to feel like you’re in a Roger Moore-era Bond film. Nevertheless, the beds are nice and the view from the upper floors is even nicer. Breakfast is fresh and varied. Wifi works best in the lobby.
- Pool: Yes (small/rooftop)
- Wifi: Yes
- Location: 10-minute taxi ride to the Zocalo or the heart of Condesa
- Room Details: Kids under 11 stay free. Kids between 12 and 17 can sleep in existing bedding for free.
Book Now: Sevilla Palace at Booking.com
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Hotel Roosevelt
Located at the border of Roma Norte and Condesa, this is where to stay in Mexico City if you want to wander through Mexico’s coolest neighborhoods on foot. Throw a rock in every direction and I can tell you a place you must see or visit. Rooms facing the street get some traffic noise. The in-house restaurant is decent but with so many options a short walk away why bother?
- Pool: No
- Wifi: Yes (iffy)
- Location: Between Condesa and Roma Norte (great area)
Book Now: Hotel Roosevelt at Booking.com
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Hotel Real Salamanca
There are a variety of bedding arrangements in this accommodation oddity. It doesn’t look like a hotel, really, and I think all the rooms are a different design. It could be something special with a small makeover, but as it is, expect a budget price for staying in a great location. The courtyard is a nice touch and makes it feel peaceful and further away from the street than it actually is. We last stayed on the first floor I had to ask about adding a curtain for modesty as people walked by my window. It’s worth considering — especially since it has a cool food center across the street. But you have to be buzzed in before you get a key, and sometimes it takes a minute.
- Pool: No
- Wifi: Yes but not great
- Location: close to restaurants, less than 10-min to Chapultepec Park
- Room Details: Pets allowed. Up to two kids under 12 stay free in existing bedding.
Book Now: Hotel Real Salamanca at Booking.com
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Budget: Best Mexico City Hotels
Hotel Diligencias
Where to stay in Mexico City near the Historic District on a budget. The rooms are small and dated, but they were clean the two times we stayed there. There is no AC, but you don’t need it in Mexico City except for May and June. You’re only a 5-minute walk to Bellas Artes and another 10 min to the Zocalo. There decent tacos in the area and a restaurant on site. We used the bakery next door several times for breakfast.
- Pool: No
- Wifi: Yes
- Location: 10-minutes on foot from Bellas Artes, 15 from the Zocalo
- Room Details: Kids 3 and under stay free in existing bedding
Book Now: Hotel Diligencias at Booking.com
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Hotel Castropol
Nothing too fancy, but another well-located Mexico City hotel. The Castrolpol is less than a 10-minute walk to the Zocalo. And it’s right around the corner from Calle Regina, a cool street with lots of bars, cafes, and great graffiti. This is where to stay in Mexico for street art and the downtown experience. Bus and train stations close as well. Wish the water pressure was better.
- Pool: No
- Wifi: Yes
- Location: 8 minutes on foot to the Zocalo, just around the corner from Calle Regina
- Room Details: Kids under 2 can sleep in existing bedding for free
Book Now: Hotel Castropol at Booking.com
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Capital O Frida Costazul
Just a few blocks south of Hotel Castropol, the Capital O Frida Costazul puts you close to the Zocalo and Calle Regina. Beds and pillows are clean, large and firm. Like the best Mexico City hotels, the staff is welcoming and helpful. Close to metro access for longer trips across town.
- Pool: No
- Wifi: Yes
- Location: 4 blocks south of Calle Regina
- Room Details: Kids under 6 stay free in existing beds.
Book Now: Capital O Frida Costazul at Booking.com
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Mexico City Hostels – Where to Stay in Mexico City on a Shoestring
Hostal Be Condesa
Out of the best hostels in Mexico City, this one may have the best location. Step out the door and the Condesa and Hippodromo neighbors are yours. The staff is well trained and helpful. There are 4 to 6 bunks a room and they are spotless. Bathrooms too, and they provide soap and shampoo. There’s a breakfast included but it’s basically just cereal and peanut butter. Do yourself a favor and find something better on the street or in one of Condesa’s man many amazing cafes. This is where to stay in Mexico City on a budget when you want access to the coolest part of town.
- Pool: No
- Wifi: Yes
- Location: Just south of Condesa neighborhood
- Room Details: Kids can stay (book a 4-bunk rook) but no cots/cribs available
Book Now: Hostal Be Condesa at Booking.com
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Mexico City Hostel
Another of the best hostels in Mexico City, yet it contrasts with Hostal Be Condesa (mentioned above) in many ways. For one, it’s located near the Zocalo. If you want to stay in the historical district, then this is a better Mexico City hostel for you. You also have the option of private rooms and family rooms here, and the breakfast is more than a bowl of cereal. Some bunk beds don’t have good access to power outlets.
- Pool: No
- Wifi: Yes (Common areas only)
- Location: 2 blocks north of Zocalo
- Room Details: Kids under 4 are 50% if sleeping in existing beds
Book Now: Mexico City Hostel at Booking.com
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Flight Night: Mexico City Airport Hotels
Krystal Urban Aeropuerto Ciudad de México
Possibly the best Mexico City airport hotel, this is closer to a luxury stay than a box to sleep in the night before a flight. The beds and pillows here are quality, and the room is dark the way I like to sleep. There’s a complimentary drink bat in the lobby. Most importantly, there’s a free shuttle for both pick-up and drop off. Even late night (arrange first). Just keep in mind that the trip can take 20-30 minutes as they’re located a little south of the airport.
- Pool: No
- Wifi: Yes
- Location: 15-30 minutes by car to Terminal 1 of the Intl. Airport
- Room Details: One of two kids under 12 stay free in existing bedding
Book Now: Krystal Urban Aeropuerto Ciudad de México at Booking.com
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Courtyard by Marriott Mexico City Airport
My preferred Mexico City airport hotel. Here you’re connected to Terminal 1 by a raised walkway, making it easier to get to and from your arrivals/departures gate. Great service and smooth check-ins…they even offer you drinks if you have to wait. Rooms are large and spotless. Breakfast buffet large and varied, but on-site restaurant options limited. If looking for dinner, just walk into the airport for more options.
- Pool: No
- Wifi: Yes
- Location: Connected to Terminal one of Airport
- Room Details: One kid under 18 stays free in existing beds. One kid under 2 can use a cot/crib free of charge. One additional child/adult stays free in an extra bed. Max #of extra beds is 1.
Book Now: Courtyard by Marriott Mexico City Airport at Booking.com
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Camino Real Aeropuerto
This Mexico City airport hotel is also connected to Terminal 1 by its own walkway. It’s nice to be this close, but check in/check out isn’t as fast as it should be, so plan for that. Rooms may be due for renovation but are clean and spacious with quality linens.
- Pool: Yes
- Wifi: No
- Location: Connected to Terminal 1 of International Airport
- Room Details:
Book Now: Camino Real Aeropuerto at Booking.com
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City Express Ciudad de Mexico Aeropuerto
Another good option for hotels in Mexico City near the airport. This City Express is about 15 minutes away by car. Standard rooms include breakfast and shuttle back to the airport, but there have been reports of a shuttle not ready. If this happens to you a taxi or an Uber will get you there faster. Late check-out (1 pm) is also nice if your flight isn’t until the early evening.
- Pool: No
- Wifi: Yes
- Location: 5-10 minutes by taxi to Terminal 1
- Room Details: No cots or extra beds available
Book Now: City Express Ciudad de Mexico Aeropuerto at Booking.com
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What to Expect in the Best Mexico City Hotels
Before searching for where to stay in Mexico City, there are a few aspects of hotels in Mexico City that I thought I should mention. This is just a heads up. Not a complaint, just an observation. Some of the best Mexico City hotels have some of these traits, while others don’t. I’m just saying it’s common enough not to cause alarm.
Firm Beds
beds in Mexico City hotels tend to run hard, as do the pillows. You’ll also often find them with several layers of thick blankets. Remember: Mexico City elevation makes it cold at night here most of the year. Mornings too.
No AC
Some people think all of Mexico is some boiling hot desert, but that’s not true. Mexico City is a high-elevation metropolis, and it’s cool most evenings and mornings. That’s why you don’t find central air conditioning in many hotels. Some of the best Mexico City hotels don’t have AC because they simply don’t need it most of the year. That said, the hottest months in Mexico City are May and June, and if a room doesn’t have good airflow, then it can feel stuffy.
City Noise
This applies to any place really, but remember that big city hotels sometimes get big city noise. We’evonly had a problem once, and that’s because we were staying in Zona Rosa, an area known for nightclubs. Everywhere else we’ve been, no problem.
Slow Elevators
I don’t know why this is but even top hotels in Mexico City often don’t have enough elevators and they tend to be slow. We usually stay on lower floors and like taking stairs, so this hasn’t been an issue for us, really, but just sayin’.
Do You Know Where to Stay in Mexico City?
This list of hotels in Mexico City is far from complete. If some of the best Mexico City hotels aren’t on our list and you have experience with them, please let us know! We’ll be updating this post regularly.
Related Links
- Things to Do in Mexico City
- Our San Miguel de Allende City Guide
- San Miguel de Allende Hotels
- Our Guide to Tulum
- All Mexico Posts
- You Need Travel Gear
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Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links for hotels in Mexico City and other things to do in CDMX. This costs you nothing, but when you use our links to book a Mexico City hotel, we might receive a small commission. My opinions are my own and I only recommend hotels in Mexico City that I think will be good for our readers.
What a fantastic list Jason. We have been meaning to visit Mexico City but the stars have not aligned LOL; other trips popping up, pulling us away. We need to see it. Short flight from NJ, especially compared to our usual long hauls across the globe.
Ryan
As well-traveled as you are, I’m sure you’d appreciate it. Amazing city.