Expert recommendations for the top accommodations in four price ranges: budget ($), moderate ($$), expensive ($$$), and luxury ($$$$).
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Casa González
Simple, centrally located guesthouse with a nice garden. Draws foreign budget travelers, university students, and groups of all ages. The 32 rooms are all unique and comfortable. Walking distance from the Zona Rosa, but tucked away from the hubbub. Rió Sena 69, Col. Cuauhtémoc, tel. +52 55 5514 3302.
Hostel Mundo Joven Catedral
The location right behind the towers of the Metropolitan Cathedral and within earshot of the thudding Conchero drums has backpackers and international guests clamoring for dorm rooms and suites with bath and small terrace. Single-sex and mixed floors, wireless Internet. República de Guatemala 4, Col. Centro; tel. +1 52 55 5518 1726. www.hostelcatedral.com.mx
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Holiday Inn Express Reforma
Fourteen-story hotel is within walking distance of the historic city center and Chapultepec Park; well suited both for financial district and tourist explorations. Rate includes breakfast and gym access. Weekend discounts; 120 rooms. Paseo de la Reforma 208, Col. Juárez; tel. +52 55 9150 5900. www.hiexpress.com/mexicopaseo
Hotel Majestic
Part of a group of grand historic buildings constructed in original form, possibly as early as the 16th century, on the ancient site of Tenochtitlan. Elegant stalwart boasts probably the most sought-after terrace for breakfast and cocktails on the Zócalo (main square); prized views of the National Palace and cathedral; 80 rooms and five suites. Madero Ave. 73, Col. Centro; tel. +52 55 5521 8600. www.hotelmajestic.com.mx
Hotel María Cristina
Welcoming retreat on a quiet street, everyone feels at home and safe here. Unpretentious with an old-fashioned lobby and 150 colonial-style rooms, most with free Wi-Fi. Located four blocks from the U.S. Embassy. Río Lerma 31, Col. Cuauhtémoc; tel. +52 55 5566 9688. www.hotelmariacristina.com.mx
Hotel Polanco
European style hotel with dark wood furnishings, recently refurbished to include a small gym and business center; 71 rooms. Close to Chapultepec Park, the Anthropology, and Tamayo Museums. English spoken. Edgar Allan Poe 8, Chapultepec Polanco; tel. +52 55 5280 8082. www.hotelpolanco.com
NH Mexico City
Efficient combination of business and tourist hotel in the central shopping zone, next to the Zona Rosa crafts market and a stone’s throw from the trademark statue of the Angel of Independence. Fresh, minimalist décor and outdoor swimming pool; 302 rooms. Good access by metro and metrobus to the Zócalo, historic center, Chapultepec Park, and Polanco. Liverpool 155, Zona Rosa; tel. +52 55 5228 9928 www.nh-hotels.com
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Hotel Sheraton María Isabel
This favorite with international business guests is staffed by polished professionals; 755 rooms. Includes two restaurants, two bars, car rental, tennis courts, outdoor pool, beauty salon, gym, sauna, ubiquitous Internet, and massages. Luxurious Towers section offers personalized butler service and a private lounge. Paseo de la Reforma 325, Col. Cuauhtémoc; tel. +52 55 5242 5555. www.sheraton.com/mariaisabel
Condesa DF
Forty-room, renovated 1928 boutique hotel with fun and funky interior by French architect and designer India Mahdavi. Free Wi-Fi and use of iPods; on-site cinema and nightclub. Models party Tuesdays in the basement, the Turkish steam bath beckons above, while outside the jacarandas blossom and leafy parks suggest vintage Paris. Avenida Veracruz 102, Col. Condesa; tel. +52 55 5241 2600. www.condesadf.com
La Casona
Intimate, blush-hued period house offers 29 cozy rooms and personal service in a listed artistic monument. Surrounded by the art deco mansions of La Roma neighborhood to one side, and the castle and lake of Chapultepec Park to the other. Durango 280, Col. Roma; tel. +52 55 5286 3001. www.hotellacasona.com.mx
Hotel Habita
With an exterior that looks like a glass box, this hotel is flush with style. Converted 1950s building is now a minimalist, modern design hotel; 32 rooms and four junior suites. Rooftop pool and bar, plus gym, spa, Jacuzzi, and solarium. Located in the heart of Polanco. Presidente Masaryk Ave. 201, Col. Polanco; tel. +52 55 5282 3100. www.hotelhabita.com
Hotel de Cortés
Finished in 1780, this 28-room hotel is an oasis of colonial calm and charm, walking distance from the Alameda Park, the Palace of Fine Arts, and the exquisite Franz Mayer Museum. Avenida Hidalgo 85, Col. Guerrero; tel. +52 55 5518 2181. www.hoteldecortes.com.mx/
$$$$
Four Seasons Hotel
Mexico City’s top hotel; refined, modern, and business oriented with 240 ample rooms. This is where you used to find Luciano Pavarotti and can still bump into the Rolling Stones. See and be seen at breakfast in the elegant garden courtyard. Paseo de la Reforma 500, Col. Juárez; tel. +52 55 5230 1818. www.fourseasons.com/mexico
W
The first of the brand in Latin America blends in regional touches, from hammocks in the bathrooms to temazcal (Aztec sweat lodge) with shaman in its successful spa that occupies the whole fourth floor. Unbeatable views from the tubs in the Fantastic Suites, while the Whiskey Bar is a hub of chic socializing; 237 rooms. Pets welcome. Campos Eliseos 252, Col. Polanco; tel. +52 55 9138 1800. www.whotels.com/mexicocity
JW Marriott
Grand, imposing lobby and sparkling city views. Free Wi-Fi in 299 spacious rooms, 13 suites, and elegant public areas. A stroll from the Anthropology Museum, Chapultepec Park, and the lure of Polanco shopping. Andrés Bello 29; tel. +52 55 5999 0000. www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/mexjw-jw-marriott-hotel
