Mexico City, a sprawling metropolis brimming with culture, history, and vibrant energy, is an exciting destination to explore. One of the first decisions you’ll make when planning your trip is choosing the best area to stay. With 16 distinct neighborhoods, each boasting its own unique character and charm, the options can feel overwhelming. Having explored several of these areas myself, I’m here to guide you through some of the Best Places To Stay In Mexico City, ensuring you find the perfect base for your adventure. From luxurious hotels to charming boutique stays, Mexico City offers a diverse range of accommodations to suit every traveler’s preference and budget.
Navigating Mexico City’s Neighborhoods
Mexico City is vast and diverse, and understanding its neighborhoods is key to a fulfilling visit. To help you pinpoint the ideal location for your stay, let’s delve into some of the most popular and recommended areas: Polanco, Condesa, and Reforma. Each of these neighborhoods offers a distinct vibe and access to different attractions, catering to various travel styles and interests. Exploring these areas individually will allow you to truly immerse yourself in the city’s unique atmosphere without spending excessive time navigating Mexico City’s infamous traffic.
Polanco: Luxury and Sophistication
Polanco is often compared to upscale districts like Chicago’s Gold Coast, and for good reason. This neighborhood exudes luxury and sophistication, boasting an impressive array of high-end hotels, designer boutiques, and fine-dining restaurants. Located adjacent to the expansive Bosque de Chapultepec park, Polanco offers a tranquil escape amidst the urban bustle. You’ll find a concentration of luxury hotels along Paseo de la Reforma in Polanco, including renowned names like the Hyatt Regency Mexico City.
A short stroll from these hotels brings you to Avenida Presidente Masaryk, Polanco’s answer to Rodeo Drive, lined with flagship stores of luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Tiffany, alongside dealerships for prestigious car marques. Beyond the high-end shopping, Polanco is also a culinary hotspot. It was in Polanco that I experienced a fantastic food tour with Mexican Food Tours, sampling the diverse and rich flavors of Mexican cuisine. My stay at the Hyatt Regency was exceptionally comfortable, offering a spacious room with a king-size bed and a park view.
Walking through Polanco, I felt incredibly safe and found it easy to navigate. The streets are beautifully maintained, lined with grand mansions, lush parks, and a plethora of dining options. Its central location places you within easy reach of numerous attractions, and the Auditorium, a major hub for bus tours, is conveniently located here. For dining in Polanco, I highly recommend Agua y Sal, known for its fresh seafood, and Guzina Oaxaca, where I had the pleasure of trying various moles and discovered sopes – a delicious and versatile antojito that has since become a favorite of mine.
Condesa: Bohemian Charm and Art Deco Elegance
Condesa, often likened to London’s Notting Hill or New York City’s East Village, offers a different but equally appealing atmosphere. For a Chicago comparison, it evokes the charm of Lincoln Park or Bucktown, but with a more unique, less chain-dominated character. The Red Tree House stands out as a truly exceptional boutique hotel in Mexico City, perfectly embodying Condesa’s bohemian spirit.
Upon arriving at The Red Tree House, I was warmly welcomed and upgraded to an upstairs suite from a garden room – a delightful surprise. Stepping into the hotel’s courtyard, I immediately felt a sense of tranquility and knew I would enjoy my stay. The hotel offers a cozy and intimate experience, a welcome contrast to the larger hotels in other areas. My suite was charming and spacious, featuring a comfortable sitting area, a dining space, and even a small kitchen, making it feel like a home away from home. The presence of a resident dog added to the hotel’s welcoming and homely ambiance.
While my exploration of Condesa was somewhat limited due to a day trip to Teotihuacan, I quickly realized the neighborhood’s vibrant energy and abundance of cafes, restaurants, and bars. The street layout in Condesa is less grid-like than in Polanco, which initially felt a bit less straightforward. However, even with the winding streets, I easily navigated my way to the renowned Maque bakery and back to the hotel after dark, a small but satisfying achievement.
Reforma: Lively Hub and Tourist Accessibility
During my second visit to Mexico City, I chose to stay near Avenue Reforma, opting for the Hilton Mexico City Reforma. Avenue Reforma has a more tourist-centric feel compared to Condesa and Polanco, with a noticeable presence of international hotel chains like Le Meridien, Sheraton, and Marriott. As a Hilton employee, the attractive rate I secured at the Hilton Mexico City Reforma was too good to pass up. The hotel’s location directly across from Alameda Central, Mexico City’s oldest park, is a major advantage. The Reforma area is incredibly lively, buzzing with street food vendors, musicians, and a vibrant night market.
This area caters well to travelers who appreciate familiar comforts while abroad, with a variety of chain restaurants and shopping malls nearby. However, its prime location also provides easy access to the historical heart of Mexico City. The Hilton Reforma is within comfortable walking distance of the Zocalo and the major tourist attractions of Centro Historico. During my stay in Reforma, I primarily explored on foot, only needing to use Uber once. For photography enthusiasts, like myself, the monuments lining Avenue Reforma are particularly stunning when illuminated at night.
No matter which neighborhood you choose for your stay in Mexico City, I wholeheartedly recommend this captivating destination. I’ve fallen in love with the city’s rich culture and vibrant atmosphere and eagerly anticipate my return. My plan is to continue exploring different neighborhoods on each visit, relishing the opportunity to discover each area’s unique character on foot.
