Mexico City is a vibrant metropolis full of great food, fun nightlife, amazing art, sprawling parks, and cool neighborhoods. I was late to visit (I first went a few years ago), and I can’t believe I didn’t make the trip sooner. It is a wonderful city.
Colloquially known as CDMX (Ciudad de Mexico), Mexico City is a world-class destination worth visiting. But it’s also a huge, sprawling city. There are many hotels here, and choosing the right one is essential to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable stay.
Having been to the city a handful of times (and even doing tours there), I know which hotels are worth your money. Here is my list of what I think are the best hotels in Mexico City:
1. Zócalo Central Mexico City
In a late 19th-century building on the Zócalo (the city’s main square), you can’t get more central than this four-star hotel. The rooftop bar has absolutely incredible views over the square, and I love that it serves free breakfast every morning (you can get both Mexican dishes and continental breakfasts like yogurt and granola). There are also complimentary bicycles, a fitness center and a steam room for guests. A really unique perk they offer is the 24/7 cafe in the lobby where everything is free for guests (it serves things like coffee, tea, pastries, fruit, sandwiches and other snacks). There are also complimentary water and fruit fridges on each floor. (If only all hotels had such facilities!)
The guest rooms have stormy gray walls, dark hardwood floors, wood-beamed ceilings, and even chandeliers for a historic, moody feel. Even though you’re right on the square, once you close the double-glazed windows, you can’t hear a single thing, making for a good night’s sleep. All rooms have desk, plus-size TV, AC, safe and coffee machine. Bathrooms are a bit small but feature showers with excellent water pressure as well as complimentary toiletries. This is an excellent choice if you want to be close to the main attractions of the city.
2. Hotel Villa Condesa
This boutique property in Condesa is as leafy and stylish as the surrounding neighborhood. It is housed in a 19th century mansion and has a really cool inner courtyard that is a quiet oasis in the big city. Complimentary breakfast is also served here every morning (definitely try the chilaquiles and huevos rancheros)!
Each of the fifteen spacious and comfortable suites is different. Some are brightly decorated with colorful walls and couches, while others have an elegant feel with antique furniture and hardwood floors. Some rooms also have a balcony, but all rooms come with a flatscreen TV and a desk. Bathrooms are a bit small but include complimentary toiletries and plush bathrobes. With only a few rooms, it really feels like home (the staff is really friendly and welcoming too), making it ideal for a quiet stay in one of Mexico City’s best neighborhoods.
3. Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico
This historic Art Nouveau hotel was built in 1899 as a department store and was converted into a hotel for the 1968 Olympics. Featured in several James Bond films, this five-star property has an impressive interior lobby with beautiful Tiffany stained-glass ceilings as well as wrought-iron elevators and balustrades. It’s right on the Zócalo, with two restaurants serving Mexican cuisine as well as a fitness center. I especially like that you can take in the view of the Zócalo while enjoying the huge breakfast buffet. The only downside to being right on the main square is that it can be a bit noisy if your room faces the square. (I personally prefer the quiet, so you can request an interior room if that’s for you too.)
Spacious rooms include classic wooden furniture that befits the hotel’s history (suites also have four-poster beds with curtains). Whether you choose a room or a suite, you’ll have a large TV, large work desk, sitting area, safe, coffee maker and mini bar. The marble bathrooms are also spacious, with bathrobes, slippers and complimentary toiletries. Some have both a bathtub and a walk-in shower. Overall, this is a great choice for history buffs who are going to focus on seeing the sites around the Zócalo.
4. Green Park Hotel
Housed in a gorgeous Art Deco building, The Green Park Hotel is directly across from Chapultepec Park (the city’s largest park), a sprawling green oasis. It’s also in the middle of Polanco, a posh district known as the “Beverly Hills of Mexico.” The rooftop bar is a fun place to hang out, and there’s even a complimentary breakfast (although I personally don’t think it’s anything to write home about).
All rooms are large suites decorated in an aristocratic English style, with elegant wooden furnishings, hardwood floors and paintings on the walls. I really like the arched floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the adjacent park or courtyard. The luxurious suites have nice desks, sitting areas and smart TVs. The large marble bathroom has a Jacuzzi and walk-in shower as well as complimentary toiletries and a plush bathrobe. It is a great choice for a refined stay in a great neighborhood.
5. Agata Hotel
If you’re looking for something in a completely different part of town, this super stylish hotel is in bohemian Coyoacan, an area made famous by Frida Kahlo (her home, now a museum, is less than ten minutes away). This boutique property has just four rooms, and the staff go out of their way to ensure a truly personalized stay. The complimentary healthy breakfast is cooked to order, and you can choose from a variety of options including chia seed pudding, freshly made eggs and fresh fruit piles. I love that it is served on the terrace too.
Spacious rooms are decorated in soft neutral tones, with wooden accents and interesting ceiling lights that look like cool upside-down woven baskets. All rooms have a seating area, Nespresso machine, safe, plus-size TV while selected rooms also have a balcony. Bathrooms are stunning with exposed brick walls, deep soaking tubs, walk-in showers, plush robes and luxurious toiletries. The hotel almost feels like a wellness retreat, making it a great place for a quiet and intimate stay.
I love Mexico City. There are countless museums to explore, great restaurants and excellent mezcal bars. I think it is one of the most fascinating cultural destinations in the world and one that more tourists to Mexico need to visit. Just make sure you choose a hotel from the list above to ensure you get the best stay in this vibrant destination!
Book Your Trip to Mexico City: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book your flight
to use Skyscanner To find cheap flights. They are my favorite search engine because they find websites and airlines worldwide so you always know no stone is left unturned!
Book your accommodation
You can also book your hostel Hostelworld Because they have the largest inventory and the best deals. Use if you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel Booking.com Because they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.
If you’re looking for a hostel, here are my favorite hostels in Mexico City.
And for the best neighborhoods in the city, this post can help you choose the best neighborhood in the city to live in.
Don’t forget travel insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft and cancellation. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I have had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer great service and value are:
Looking for the best companies to save money?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the things I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.
Want more information about Mexico City?
Be sure to visit our robust destination guide to Mexico City for more planning tips!