Planning a trip to Mexico City and looking for the best places to stay? Then, you’re in the right place! Instead of sifting through countless lists, guides, and websites, you’ll find in this post a curated list of the best hotels and vacation rentals to book for your next trip to Mexico City.
And since Mexico City is a big city, naturally the best things to do and top attractions are spread across the city. Also, each of the neighborhoods has different vibes and offers diverse touristic opportunities.
So, this guide will provide you with an overview of what you can find in each neighborhood/area of Mexico City to help you choose the best place to stay, depending on what you are looking for.
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Where to stay in Mexico City – Polanco
Why Stay in Polanco
Polanco is the upscale neighborhood of Mexico City and where you find the city’s wealthiest residents. This cosmopolitan area is full of shops, boutiques, art galleries, and some of the top museums in the city.
Do you need any reasons to stay in Polanco? How about these – the neighborhood is home to award-winning restaurants, such as renowned Pujol and Quintonil, and has an active nightlife with many bars, including Limantour Polanco.
When wanting to shop, Polanco has the open-air Antara Fashion Mall, which boasts an array of international stores.
Also, several of Mexico City’s main attractions are near Polanco, including Chapultepec Park, Museo Soumaya, and Museo Jumex.
But when wanting some peace and quiet, away from it all, Polanco also has parks for an afternoon stroll or outdoor activity in Mexico City.
And to top it all, some of the best hotels in Mexico City can also be found in Polanco, like luxurious boutique hotels Las Alcobas and Hotel Habita.
Top Things to Do in Polanco
- Museo Soumaya
- Antara Fashion Mall
- Museo Nacional de Antropología
- Dinner at Pujol and/or Quintonil
- Museo Jumex
The Best Hotels in Polanco, Mexico City
- Las Alcobas: one of the best boutique hotels in Mexico City. Las Alcobas is part of Marriot’s Luxury Collection, so it has all the luxury hotel amenities but without being pretentious. The hotel’s location is also on point – close to Lincoln Park and within a short distance to many restaurants, and close enough for a short drive to Museo Nacional de Antropología and Chapultepec Castle. (Rates start at US$ 475. Book Here).
- Hotel Habita: one of the OG boutique hotels in Mexico City. Located in Polanco and within a few steps from Quintonil, one of the best restaurants in the city, and other attractions of the area. Habita is a minimalist hotel with a glass façade and features a rooftop pool for hot days. (Rates start at US$ 140. Book Here).
- W Mexico City: If you’re looking for a luxury hotel in Mexico City, you can’t go wrong with W. The hotel offers deluxe amenities and modern installations. Also, you’ll have access to many restaurants and art galleries in the area, and Museo Nacional de Antropología is reached on a 15-minute walk through the neighborhood. (Rates start at US$ 230. Book Here).
- Camino Real Polanco Mexico: the architecture is one of the most impressive things about this Polanco hotel that was built and imagined as a hotel-museum. Here, you’ll be close to Chapultepec Park and have access to the many on-site restaurants. (Rates start at US$ 100. Book Here).
- The Wild Oscar: a boutique hotel in Polanco with contemporary style and perfect for city dwellers. The major point is that some rooms at The Wild Oscar have private terraces and personalized concierge service. (Rates start at US$ 290. Book Here).
- Hyatt Regency Mexico City: located very close to Museo Nacional de Antropología and Chapultepec Park, Hyatt offers modern and elegant rooms in one of the best neighborhoods in CMDX. (Rates start at US$ 200. Book Here).
- JW Marriot Mexico City: you can’t go wrong with a stay at JW Marriot, one of the top luxury hotels in Mexico City. The rooms offer every type of comfort you seek after being out-and-about sightseeing, and the rooftop pool provides stunning views of the city. (Rates start at US$ 340. Book Here).
- InterContinental Presidente Mexico City: another luxury hotel in Mexico City that offers city views from its comfortable rooms with traditional Mexican touches. And if you don’t want to go out to enjoy the restaurants in Polanco, InterContinental has many dining opportunities on-site (Rates start at US$ 200. Book Here).
Top Vacation Rentals in Polanco, Mexico City
- Polanco Luxury Condo: a 2-bedroom flat with kitchen amenities. The building has a pool for cooling down and a terrace for a birds-eye view of Mexico City. (Rates start at US$ 90. Book Here).
- Casai Polanco: a spacious 2-bedroom apartment with smart home tech and a fully equipped kitchen. You can also enjoy the private balcony with a seating area – perfect to see the life on the streets. (Rates start at US$ 150. Book Here).
- Casai Luxury Apartment: a modern 2-bedroom apartment with kitchen and dining area, close to many attractions nearby Polanco. (Rates start at US$ 200. Book Here).
Where to stay in Mexico City – La Condesa / Roma Norte
La Condesa and Roma Norte are some of the trendiest neighborhoods in Mexico City. They are the best area to stay if you want to dive into the dining and nightlife scene since the streets are filled with trendy cafés, stylish eateries, and popular cocktail bars.
Additionally, La Condesa and Roma Norte have many pretty parks, and their leafy streets boast many hipster stores, boutique hotels, and galleries.
Staying in either La Condesa or Roma Norte, you’ll be right in the middle of the best walkable parts of Mexico City. So, you’ll get to know the city on foot, just by exploring the happenings in these neighborhoods.
Top Things to Do in La Condesa / Roma Norte
- Parque México
- Mercado Roma
- Breakfast at Panadería Rosetta
- Licorería Limantour for drinks
- Lunch at Contramar
- Blend Station and Chiquitito Café to sip a coffee
- Drinks at Baltra Bar
- Dinner at Maximo Bistrot Local
- Brunch at Lardo
- Merotoro for dinner
- Restaurante Rosetta
The Best Hotels in La Condesa/ Roma Norte, Mexico City
- Nima Local House Hotel: a boutique hotel in Roma Norte, close to some of the best cafés and restaurants in Mexico City. This lovely 4-room hotel is inside an early 20th-century mansion and is the perfect place to unwind in your Mexico City itinerary. (Rates start at US$ 430. Book Here).
- Hotel Condesa DF: a charming boutique hotel in Mexico City and one of the best places to stay in the city. In this La Condesa hotel, rooms are comfortable and feature a mix of art deco style with modern touches. Also, the stylish rooftop bar has a Japanese menu and offers incredible views of Parque España and Chapultepec Castle. Even if you’re not staying here, plan on having one (or a few) cocktails at the bar. (Rates start at US$ 300. Book Here).
- La Valise: a boutique hotel in Roma Norte with three coveted suites that are beautifully styled. One of the benefits of La Valise is the La Terraza suite, where you can slide the bed to the terrace for an alfresco night. Also, for a coffee break in Mexico City, the Almanegra coffee shop is right below the hotel. (Rates start at US$ 315. Book Here).
- Casa Comtesse: a bed and breakfast located in La Condesa, Mexico City, set in an elegant mansion with 7 rooms that feel like a home away from home. From here, you’ll be within minutes of Parque Mexico and Parque España (Rates start at US$ 90. Book Here).
Top Vacation Rentals in La Condesa and Roma Norte, Mexico City
- La Condesa 3-bedroom apartment: this apartment has an excellent location and features 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms. The spacious apartment is in a beautiful area and is perfect if you want to complete your entire Mexico City itinerary on foot or with Uber. (Rates start at US$ 260. Book Here).
- La Condesa 2-bedroom apartment: this 2-bedroom rental is close to Chapultepec Park and has luxury amenities, including a gorgeous indoor pool with city views. (Rates start at US$ 120. Book Here).
- Casai Roma 2-bedroom apartment: Roma Norte is one of the best neighborhoods in Mexico City. So, this 2-bedroom modern apartment is one of the best rentals for your itinerary. It has great amenities, modern décor, city views, and an excellent setting if you are working from home. (Rates start at US$ 130. Book Here).
- Casai 1-bedroom Penthouse: if you’re looking for a unique experience, this penthouse with a private terrace might be the one for you. It’s also in Roma Norte, a great area to explore many cafés and restaurants in Mexico City. (Rates start at US$ 130. Book Here).
- Casai Roma Flat: another rental in Roma Norte, this flat offers a comfortable atmosphere. It’s excellent for those who want to be out and about in Mexico City. (Rates start at US$ 180. Book Here).
Where to stay in Mexico City – Centro Histórico
If this is your first visit to Mexico City and you want to be close to some of the city’s top attractions, staying at Centro Histórico might be the best choice.
Centro Histórico is Mexico City’s downtown and, like in many metropolises, it’s chaotic and full of urban energy. But on the other hand, it’s also filled with architectural wonders and cultural places, making it one of the best places to stay in Mexico City.
In choosing a hotel in Centro Histórico, you can walk to some of the best things to do in Mexico City, including Zócalo, Museo del Templo Mayor, Catedral Metropolitana, and Palacio de Bellas Artes.
However, it’s also important to note that this area requires some extra attention to your surroundings, especially when walking at night when the tourists are back at their hotels.
Top Things to Do in Centro Histórico
- Zócalo
- Museo del Templo Mayor
- Torre Latinoamericana
- Catedral Metropolitana
- Casa de los Azulejos
- Palacio Postal
- Palacio de Bellas Artes
- Lunch at Balcón del Zócalo
- Tacos at El Huequito
- Pastries at Pasteleria Ideal
- Dinner at Azul Histórico
- Drinks at La Opera
The Best Hotels in Centro Histórico, Mexico City
- Downtown Mexico: this design hotel sits next to many attractions of the Centro Histórico of Mexico City. The building combines colonial-era architecture and modernist design as it’s in a restored 17th-century palace with 17 modern rooms. Additionally, the hotel has a rooftop pool that offers perfect views of downtown. (Rates start at US$ 150. Book Here).
- Zócalo Central: a boutique hotel in the heart of Centro Histórico, right at Zócalo, next to the Catedral Metropolitana. Though in a historic building, they offer comfortable accommodations with contemporary design. Zócalo Centro is one of the best hotels in Mexico City and features a beloved rooftop restaurant, Balcón del Zócalo, with one of the best views of the city’s main square. (Rates start at US$ 115. Book Here).
- Círculo Mexicano: a lovely design hotel in Mexico City’s Historic Center. By staying here, you’ll be able to walk to Zócalo and Palacio de Bellas Artes and indulge in the hotel’s rooftop pool when wanting to cool down. Besides, when wanting to have direct views of the Catedral Metropolitana from your room, choose The Balcony Suite. (Rates start at US$ 200. Book Here).
Top Vacation Rentals in Centro Histórico, Mexico City
- Penthouse in Centro Histórico: a 2-bedroom penthouse apartment with a bright and modern ambiance. It has a private terrace with gorgeous views of the city, and it’s located within walking distance from the main attractions of Centro Histórico. (Rates start at US$ 150. Book Here).
- Casa Sauto: a 3-bedroom rental in a building that was once, among other things, the mansion of a 16th-century doctor theologian and the royal printing house of the Spanish crown. From here, you can not only explore the Historic Center on foot but also enjoy beautiful views of the Catedral Metropolitana from your balcony. (Rates start at US$ 150. Book Here).
- Casa Sauto: this 1-bedroom suite is also located in the historical building of the formerly royal printing house of the Spanish crown. Book the one above if you’re going with a group or this one for a more intimate stay. (Rates start at US$ 100. Book Here).
Where to stay in Mexico City – Paseo de La Reforma
Paseo de La Reforma is a large road that runs diagonally across the core of Mexico City. However, the heart of this big avenue is between Alameda Central and Chapultepec – and that’s where you’ll want to stay.
Today, Paseo de La Reforma is the business district of Mexico City, and there are many large office buildings, restaurants, and luxury hotels in the area.
By staying in a hotel at Paseo de La Reforma, you’ll be in one of the city’s busiest areas and in the hustle and bustle of Mexico City. Though the best things to do in Mexico City aren’t really in the area, they are easily reached by Uber. In this neighborhood, you’ll find the roundabout containing Mexico’s Monument of Independence – a beautifully carved column crowned by a gilded statue of the Greek goddess of Victory.
Top Things to Do in Paseo de La Reforma
- Angel de La Independencia (Monument of Independence)
- Statue of the Greek goddess Diana Cazadora
- Chapultepec Park
- Castillo de Chapultepec (Chapultepec Castle)
The Best Hotels in Paseo de La Reforma
- Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City: an award-winning 5-star hotel located near Chapultepec Park and one of the best luxury hotels in Mexico City. It features spacious and comfortable rooms, an Italian restaurant, a bakery offering Mexican and French pastries, and a cool cocktail bar. The calm courtyard provides an excellent retreat from the traffic outside, and, from here, you can walk along the charming streets towards the neighborhoods of La Condesa and Polanco. I stayed at The Four Seasons during my visit to Mexico City and I consider it one of the best places to stay in the city. (Rates start at US$ 590. Book Here).
- Hotel Carlota: a design hotel with 36 contemporary rooms for a memorable stay in Mexico City. It’s located near Paseo de La Reforma and has a gorgeous pool with a restaurant/bar for small bites and evening drinks. (Rates start at US$ 115. Book Here).
- The St. Regis Mexico City: one of the best luxury hotels in CDMX. Stay here if you want a papering vacation with the iconic St. Regis butler service. The main features of this incredible hotel include 3 on-site gourmet restaurants and an indoor swimming pool. (Rates start at US$ 600. Book Here).
- The Ritz-Carlton: yet another luxury hotel in Mexico City, but within walking distance from Chapultepec Park, one of the top attractions of the city. Here, the modern rooms offer impressive views of the city, and the indoor swimming pool is fascinating, making it one of the best places to stay in Mexico City. (Rates start at US$ 590. Book Here).
What to Know for Visiting Mexico City
Visa
Mexico offers visa exceptions to visitors from various countries, including the US and the European Union, for stays up to 180 days. Also, at the moment, there are no covid-19 restrictions for entering Mexico. Travelers don’t need to present proof of vaccination to enter the country, nor negative covid-19 test results. However, when planning your trip to Mexico, be sure to check the latest information and requirements for your specific country.
Electricity
The voltage in Mexico is 127 V, and the power plugs and sockets are type A and B (the same as the US).
Currency
The currency used in Mexico is the Mexican Peso (MXN). You can check the current exchange rate on Google.
Best time to visit Mexico City
The best time to visit Mexico City is during spring or fall (from September to November and from March to May). Summers are typically rainy, and winters are chilly.
Best Day Trips from Mexico City
Apart from choosing the best place to stay in Mexico City, going on a day trip is one of the best ways to explore the sights near the city. So, here is a curated selection of the best tours from Mexico City.
Travel Insurance
Ever since the pandemic, travel insurance has become almost essential for every type of travel. My recommended travel insurance platform is SquareMouth – the best tool for searching for the best option amongst travel insurance companies. SquareMouth allows travelers to instantly purchase a travel insurance policy from every major provider in the US, and it also makes clear each policy’s COVID-related coverage.
After choosing your hotel among the best places to stay in Mexico City, continue planning your trip by reading these posts:
- A complete 3-day itinerary to Mexico City
- Top things to see in Mexico City’s Historic Center
- The best restaurants and bars to visit in Mexico City
- Top things to do in Mexico City
