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Jennifer Fernández Solano
2023-05-22T09:03:00Z
- Mexico City is big. I always recommend visitors stay in the central neighborhoods for convenience.
- In neighborhoods like Condesa and Roma, accommodations range from upscale resorts to cozy hostels.
- Here are 7 hotels I'd recommend for visitors when staying in Mexico City.
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I've spent most of my life in Mexico City, and have visited many of the city's lively hostels, trendy guesthouses, and boutique hotels.
I grew up in Mexico City (also abbreviated as CDMX for Ciudad de México) and lived there for many years as an adult, so I've been able to experience different hotels in town by visiting for a meal, drinks, and the occasional staycation or spa day.
With hundreds of options, visitors have a range of accommodations with unique amenities for different preferences and budgets.
I usually recommend that tourists stay in central areas for ease of access to the city's main attractions, with some of my favorite neighborhoods being Roma, Condesa, Polanco, and around Reforma Avenue.
Ignacia Guest House is my pick for those looking for a home-away-from-home experience.
Ignacia Guest House is located in Roma, my favorite neighborhood in Mexico City for its many restaurants, bars, and unique shops.
The property was originally a Porfirian mansion built in 1913, according to the hotel's website, and was named after the housekeeper Ignacia who tended to the property for over 70 years.
The building looked imposing to me when I first visited because it's both beautiful and huge from the outside, but I thought the interior felt inviting, thanks to antique moldings, warm tones and pink walls, and chic art books and clay pots for decor.
The property has nine rooms at different price points, including two suites with private balconies and two that share a private terrace with a fire pit and jacuzzi. Breakfast is included and served in the dining room, and there's also a cocktail hour in the garden most evenings, which I think is a fun way for guests to get to know each other.
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The St. Regis Mexico City is my pick for a pampered stay, or you can stop by for the hotel's delicious brunch.
I've enjoyed a few staycations at The St. Regis Mexico City, which I find surprisingly calm despite its location on Reforma Avenue, one of the city's main thoroughfares.
I spent time working from a velvet sofa in the lobby during my last stay and ended the day with a cocktail at the King Cole bar, which had live jazz musicians when I was there in January 2023.
I think this hotel is ideal for visitors who don't mind a splurge and want to enjoy some serious pampering. A unique amenity is that each guest has access to a butler service who will tend to your every need — I had my butler suggest running a bath for me while I ate dinner so it'd be ready when I returned to my room. I also had a relaxing afternoon at the indoor jacuzzi and spa on the top floor, with great views of the city.
But even if you don't stay overnight at The St. Regis, I recommend visiting the hotel's Diana Restaurant. I've been eating there for years with family and friends, and it has my favorite brunch in town with a seafood station, meats, desserts, and an option for bottomless mimosas.
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For a hostel-style stay, Casa Pancha is a boutique, nature-inspired option with community events.
Located in the leafy Condesa neighborhood, Casa Pancha is my pick for those traveling on a budget. It's a boutique hostel with two private rooms and five shared dorms for between four and eight people.
At the hostel, you can choose between a private room for a more secluded stay or a shared room to connect with fellow travelers. The two private rooms have ensuite bathrooms and rustic decor like clay lamps and macrame wall hangings. The five shared dorms also each have a shared ensuite bathroom. The bed layout in the shared rooms also sets Casa Pancha apart from other hostels, in my experience, thanks to the beds' privacy walls.
The common areas at Casa Pancha are convenient for taking a break. There's a balcony lounge where guests can read and relax, and a larger patio next to the kitchen where you can meet other travelers cooking a meal. The hostel also plans events for guests to connect like yoga classes, food tours, and dance classes.
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W Mexico City is a trendy choice for modern rooms and city views, plus a champagne vending machine.
For me, one of the highlights of the W Mexico City hotelis its location next to Lincoln Park in the upscale Polanco neighborhood. It's a walkable distance from some of CDMX's main sites, like the Anthropology Museum and Chapultepec Castle, which I think is convenient for tourists.
The W is a sleek, modern hotel with over 230 rooms. When I visited, I noticed what I thought were quirky design features, like a vending machine with miniature champagne bottles in the lobby and loud art on the walls. My room had bright cushions and wall art of lavishly-dressed models and a dramatic black and white bathtub in the bathroom.
And for those interested in a spa session after a day of sightseeing, there's the on-site Away Spa. It has an outdoor jacuzzi overlooking Polanco, and also a temazcal, a version of the traditional Mayan sweat lodge, which I've only seen at a few other hotels in Mexico.
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I love the outdoor pool and plant-filled terrace at the JW Marriott Hotel Mexico City.
The JW Marriott Hotel Mexico City sits right next to the W, so it has the same location perks, but this property is my pick for visitors looking for more understated luxury.
The 314 rooms were recently renovated, according to Forbes, and during a tour of the property, a hotel employee told me that other renovations are also taking place in stages around the hotel to avoid disturbing guests.
Rooms are decorated in light, natural tones, and many have floor-to-ceiling windows with a view of the city. But to me, the outdoor pool was the best part of the hotel, as most of the luxury properties in Mexico City I've been to only have indoor pools. I also enjoyed reading a book while relaxing in a cocoon-shaped swing on the pool's terrace, which was filled with plants.
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The Ritz-Carlton Mexico City had some of my favorite views and I appreciated the attentive staff.
The Ritz-Carlton Mexico City has floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the property, so it's no surprise it has some of the best skyline views I've seen of CDMX. The hotel is located on floors 37 to 47 of one of the city's tallest skyscrapers and looks out over Reforma Avenue and Chapultepec Park.
When I visited, I was told at check-in that the hotel's aim is to make guests feel connected with the city. And looking out over the park and busy streets filled with cars, I got that feeling from every window.
My guestroom had a large balcony enclosed with glass and a dining table where I had chilaquiles for breakfast while enjoying the view. The property also has an on-site restaurant, Samos, and a swanky bar,Carlotta Reforma Sky Bar, which both serve signature cocktails and have what I think are some of the best views in the city.
Besides the views, another highlight for me was the attentive staff at the hotel's spa. I felt pampered by my attendant, who brought me tea and snacks while I relaxed in the indoor pool, and set rolled-up towels for me to use as pillows in the sauna.
Book The Ritz-Carlton Mexico City
For a welcoming bed and breakfast, I recommend El Patio 77, located away from CDMX's trendiest areas.
I think experienced travelers will appreciate staying in El Patio 77, particularly if you've been to CDMX before.
Located in the San Rafael neighborhood, this eight-room bed and breakfast is where I'd stay to experience an everyday Mexican neighborhood, rather than a tourist-centric hotel. The 19th-century mansion is located just outside the hustle and bustle of the city's trendiest areas, like Roma and Condesa, but close enough to reach them on foot.
To me, the highlight of the property is its small size and the personalized attention from the hotel's team. I saw the property manager interact with guests like she was hosting long-lost relatives and gave local recommendations while guests played with her dog. The property has a homey feel to it — I spent some leisure time drinking a cup of coffee in the mansion's living room, admiring the elegant chandeliers and antique sofas.
Being a bed and breakfast, El Patio 77 serves breakfast in a cozy courtyard that allows guests to mingle. When I visited, I had breakfast with the property manager, who told me about the hotel's eco-friendly practices like using solar panels and a system for reusing water. She also told me the Sunday brunch is open to non-guests, which I plan to go back for.
Book El Patio 77
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FAQs
What's the best area to stay in Mexico City? ›
The best places to stay in Mexico City are Condesa, Zona Rosa and Centro Historico. These areas in Mexico City are close to all the activities, have lots of great bars and restaurants, and are super safe.
What is the safest area to stay in Mexico City? ›The safest neighborhoods to stay in Mexico City are the Centro, Roma, and Condesa districts. On the other hand, avoid the more dangerous areas of Tepito, La Lagunilla, Doctores, and Mercado Merced.
Is it safe to go to Escandon Mexico City? ›Escandon is a safe area where most housing is in buildings, rather than the smaller and shorter homes you'd see in neighboring Condesa's quiet streets before making the jump across Av.
Is Santa Fe in Mexico City Safe? ›Other safe (but less central) areas include Lomas, Santa Fe, San Miguel Chapultepec, Napoles, Del Valle, Escandon and Narvarte. Any of these areas would be nice to stay in, although it depends if you're going to CDMX to visit a friend, or family, or if you'd prefer to be in the center of the city to do sightseeing.
What neighborhoods to stay away from in Mexico City? ›Avoid these neighborhoods in Mexico City: Tepito, Doctores, Ciudad Neza, Iztapalapa, Narvarte, Buena Vista, and Colonia del Valle. From my research, these areas have the highest amount of crime that includes theft, pickpocketing, and violent crimes.
What is the safest way to move around Mexico City? ›The best way to get around Mexico City is via Uber or a taxi. The metro is another option. Not only is it fairly clean and quick, but you can ride for approximately $0.25. Plus, most popular tourist attractions are easily accessible by train.
Where to stay and avoid in Mexico City? ›Where should you avoid in Mexico City? The areas you should avoid in Mexico City are Iztapalapa, Tepito, Ciudad Neza and Doctores. These neighborhoods tend to have the most crime, especially at night.
Is Mexico City safe for Americans? ›Lopez-Aranda lives in Mexico City, where petty crime is a persistent risk and precautions should be taken, he said, “but the most popular locations are relatively safe for all kinds of travelers.” Journey Mexico has more than 50 employees based in the country who are always monitoring for potential risk, Rabinor said.
How many days do you need for Mexico City? ›7 days to 14 days in Mexico City is enough to get a good feel for the area. When you're in Mexico City for at least a week, you have enough time to see all the city's big attractions.
Is it safe to travel to Mexico City 2023? ›Mexico City is a safe destination to visit now. It is a beautiful city with a rich culture, great food, and many historical sites. Mexico City, however, is the largest city in North America.
Is Mexico City safe for female travelers? ›
I did not feel unsafe as a Black solo female traveler in Mexico City. But it is a big city, and if you seek out dangerous spaces, that is always possible. Yet, I visited neighborhoods such as Condesa, Roma Norte, Coyoacan, Polanco, and Juarez and felt safe doing so.
Does Mexico City have Uber? ›Reserve a ride with Uber in advance in Mexico City
Complete your plans today by reserving a ride with Uber in Mexico City. Request a ride up to 30 days in advance, at any time and on any day of the year.
Most of Downtown is very safe with minimal concern walking around during the day. However, the area gets quiet at night and some of the streets are very dark or dimly lit. Stick to active areas — busy restaurants, hotels, and the central Plaza — after dark and you'll be okay.
What is the best month to visit Santa Fe NM? ›The best time to visit Santa Fe is between September and November. During this time, temperatures range from the high 20s to high 70s. One can argue that springtime has a similar climate with similar hotel rates, but the festivals make fall the clear winner.
Is Santa Fe a walking town? ›Very Walkable (most or all daily trips can be made on foot) – Santa Fe's “Very Walkable” areas include: Downtown & Surrounding Neighborhoods – This includes some of the Downtown & Eastside Historic District, as well as the entire Don Gaspar and Westside-Guadalupe Historic Neighborhoods.
Where not to go in Mexico right now? ›Citing crime and kidnapping, the U.S. State Department advises Americans not travel to 6 of Mexico's 32 states: Guerrero, Colima, Michoacán, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas. The northern state of Tamaulipas is home to Matamoros, which is just across the Rio Grande from Brownsville, Texas.
What is the coolest Neighbourhood in Mexico City? ›The Coyoacan neighborhood is named by a lot of travelers as the coolest neighborhood in all of Mexico City. While you'll have to decide that for yourself, Coyoacan is undeniably a great neighborhood. It's safe and perfect for families with children, but there are still plenty of activities to do throughout the area.
What is the cheapest way to get around Mexico City? ›Take the Public Transportation
However, the cheapest way to get around Mexico City is by taking advantage of public transportation. The Mexico City metro, buses, and trains are all super affordable and easy to use. The Mexico City metro can get you to any neighborhood within CDMX.
- avoid road travel, especially at night.
- avoid isolated locations.
- pay close attention to your personal security.
- stay alert to possible threats around you.
- follow the advice of local authorities.
- monitor the media for safety or security risks.
Although I recommend renting a car to explore a region I believe it's not necessary when you visit major cities such as Mexico City or Guadalajara or Queretaro, where traffic is too high and you are much better off using UBER or taxis. It's easier, cheaper.
Is Mexico City walkable? ›
Despite its size, Mexico City is relatively easy to navigate, particularly if you stay within the central neighborhoods. Comfortable year-round temperatures make it a great city for walking.
Is it worth staying in Mexico City? ›Mexico City is worth visiting if you enjoy a vibrant city vacation. Mexico City has it all: Aztec culture, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, fascinating museums and delicious food ranging from street tacos to MICHELIN star rated restaurants.
What is the safest neighborhood in Mexico City for Airbnb? ›Roma and Condesa are pretty much the safest mexican neighborhoods and sanitized version of Mexico City, you'll have no problem finding a nice Airbnb or Hotel there. Our Recommendations for Best Hotels: Luxury Hotel: Condesa Df Hotel.
Can you wear shorts in Mexico City? ›In Mexico City, people wear jeans year-round. It's never really so hot that you'd be uncomfortable in long pants. I personally wear jeans almost every single day of the year. With that being said, you can totally wear shorts, dresses, or skirts.
What is the best time of year to go to Mexico City? ›September to November is the best time to experience Mexican culture. Although the weather starts to chill around November, fall visits offer the opportunity to experience some of the city's most popular events and cultural activities, like the Day of the Dead.
Can you drink the tap water in Mexico City? ›The Mexico City tap water, like the tap water in the rest of Mexico, isn't considered safe for human consumption. Whether you're in a huge city like Mexico City, big city like Guadalajara or Monterrey, or even a small pueblo magico (magic town) like Valladolid or Valle de Bravo — just don't drink the water in Mexico!.
How much money should I take to Mexico for 7 days? ›A good rule of thumb is to bring 25% of your overall budget in cash to avoid carrying around huge wads of money. What is this? For example, if your daily budget is $50 and you'll be in Mexico for six days, you should plan to bring $60-70 in cash.
How much money do you need for 7 days in Mexico? ›The average price of a 7-day trip to Mexico is $997 for a solo traveler, $1,571 for a couple, and $2,050 for a family of 4. Mexico hotels range from $38 to $201 per night with an average of $71, while most vacation rentals will cost $80 to $490 per night for the entire home.
How much money do you need for a week in Mexico City? ›The average price of a 7-day trip to Mexico City is $988 for a solo traveler, $1,774 for a couple, and $3,327 for a family of 4. Mexico City hotels range from $17 to $162 per night with an average of $46, while most vacation rentals will cost $130 to $360 per night for the entire home.
What is the safest entry to Mexico? ›What is the safest place in Mexico to go? Merida is widely regarded as the safest city to visit in Mexico. However, there are lots of safe areas in Mexico with little to no violent crime. Mexico City, San Miguel de Allende, and Queretaro are also generally safe destinations.
Do I need a negative Covid test to travel to Mexico City? ›
To this day, there are no entry restrictions in Mexico and no obligation to carry a COVID test or to do quarantine.
What is the safest place in Mexico? ›The city in Mexico considered the safest with the lowest crime rate is Merida, located in Yucatan. It's also one of the most affordable cities in Mexico, making it a popular destination for retirees and expats. Merida's low crime rate makes it an excellent choice for visiting or living.
Is it safe to go out at night in Mexico City? ›Is it safe to walk at night in Mexico City? No, walking around at night is not safe in Mexico City. If possible, only travel by taxi after dark. If you go out, make sure to stick with a group of friends instead of walking around alone.
Is Mexico City safe from the cartel? ›The Sinaloa cartel is one of the most notorious cartels in Mexico and has a stronghold in Mexico City, though other gangs frequently battle each other to claim new territory. Never buy drugs in Mexico City—or anywhere in Mexico, for that matter.
What is the crime rate in Mexico City? ›Mexico City does have a relatively high crime rate, but it is still lower than other parts of the country, and even lower than the crime rates in some states in the USA. In 2021, Mexico City had a crime rate of about 46% which means that there were 45,336 crimes per 100,000 people living in Mexico City.
How much do you tip Uber in Mexico? ›Tipping Taxis/Ubers in Mexico
Once your ride is complete, go back onto the app and you can leave 10, 15 or 20 Pesos for the driver. It's not required, but it's always a nice way to encourage really great Uber drivers.
Have cash ready: Although some taxis are beginning to accept credit and debit cards, most don't and those that do will usually add 10% to the fare to cover bank charges they pay to offer the card payment facility. Uber users pay through the app and there is no need for cash.
Is it better to take taxi or Uber in Mexico City? ›An Uber ride is usually cheaper than a taxi, especially if you're going long distances. What is this? During peak times, or whenever there aren't as many drivers on the road, the cost will rise, however. Taxis will have a consistent fare, but they are more expensive overall and require pesos.
Is the Riverwalk safe at night? ›The Riverwalk
Each year, over 500 people fall in the river. You should also avoid this area after dark because it is a very common place for muggings.
Santa Fe vs Albuquerque Crime Rates
When comparing the total crime rate between the two cities, Santa Fe is a safer place to live than Albuquerque. While the violent crime rate is higher than the national average in Santa Fe, it's still a safer city overall due to the lower crime stats.
How dressy is Santa Fe? ›
Santa Fe is a casual town. Most people wear business clothes or slightly dressy casual clothes, but you'll see everything from cowboy boots to cocktail dresses. Please be mindful of jewelry and accessories that make noise as this can be distracting to other patrons during the performance.
Is Santa Fe worth seeing? ›Santa Fe is one of America's most historic, artistic, and fascinating cities. Known as “The City Different,” the nation's oldest state capital city is a place unlike in other in the world.
What is Santa Fe known for? ›Its cultural highlights include Santa Fe Plaza, the Palace of the Governors, the Fiesta de Santa Fe, numerous restaurants featuring distinctive New Mexican cuisine, and performances of New Mexico music.
What is the coldest month in Albuquerque? ›Albuquerque's coldest month is January when the average temperature overnight is 23.8°F. In July, the warmest month, the average day time temperature rises to 92.3°F.
Is there a free shuttle in Santa Fe? ›Public Transport
The Santa Fe Pick-Up is a free shuttle that runs throughout town and stops near many of the city's most popular attractions, including Canyon Road and the Museum of International Folk Art.
Money website MoneyTalksNews recently came out with a list highlighting the 12 best places to retire in the mountains and our very own state capital made the list. At 6,765 feet in elevation and located at the south end of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Santa Fe makes for a beautiful mountain spot to retire.
How long should you stay in Santa Fe? ›Spending three days in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is the prime amount of time to experience this fantastic city's history, culture, and cuisine. This world-class getaway destination offers many attractions, from museums and spas to art and architecture.
What is the coolest neighborhood in Mexico City? ›The Coyoacan neighborhood is named by a lot of travelers as the coolest neighborhood in all of Mexico City. While you'll have to decide that for yourself, Coyoacan is undeniably a great neighborhood. It's safe and perfect for families with children, but there are still plenty of activities to do throughout the area.
How many days do you need in Mexico City? ›7 days to 14 days in Mexico City is enough to get a good feel for the area. When you're in Mexico City for at least a week, you have enough time to see all the city's big attractions.
Is 3 nights in Mexico City enough? ›As mentioned above, Mexico City is huge and it's impossible to do the city justice in just a few days. There's so much to do in this vast city that you might think just three days isn't enough. And you'd probably be right – ideally we'd recommend a week to get a better feel for the city.
What is the safest neighborhood for tourists in Mexico City? ›
Some of the neighborhoods in Mexico City that are generally safe to explore are Roma Norte/Sur, Condesa, Centro Historico, and Zona Rosa. These are the more touristy spots of the city that travelers tend to feel the most comfortable in.
What is the most beautiful street in Mexico City? ›Reforma is one of the longest and most beautiful avenues in Mexico City, The part near downtown is the one with more French-style architecture and views to the Chapultepec Castle and Park. You can visit the Angel de la Independencia, Museo de Antropologia, the Park, Nartional Auditorium and Zona Rosa.
Where do rich people hang out in Mexico City? ›Polanco is often called the "Beverly Hills of Mexico", having one of the country's densest concentrations of luxury shopping, with the most upscale restaurants, high-net-worth individuals, upscale hotels, and diplomatic missions and embassies. It is one of the most expensive real estate markets in Latin America.
Do you walk a lot in Mexico City? ›Mexico City is actually very walkable, and has nice weather for much of the year, so the easiest to get around by walking. You also have the option for Uber or taxis, if you're going somewhere too far to walk.
Is it safe to travel to Mexico City as an American? ›Both violent and non-violent crime occur throughout Mexico City. Use additional caution, particularly at night, outside of the frequented tourist areas where police and security patrol more routinely. Petty crime occurs frequently in both tourist and non-tourist areas.
What is the best month to visit Mexico City? ›Best Times to Go to Mexico City
To experience Mexico City's weather at its best, time your trip in March, April, or May, right between the chilly winter and rainy summer. Temperatures linger in the 70s on average, with cooler evenings dipping as low as the mid-50s.
The Cheapest Time to Visit Mexico
The months between July and October generally tend to be when you can score cheap accommodation prices, as low season means rates can drop as much as 40 percent.
Drivers are polite and often overly helpful. Not many speak English, but the great thing about Uber in Mexico City is that you don't really need to speak that much to get where you're going. For more safety tips, check out our guide to safe travel in Mexico City here.