Where to stay in Mexico City for first-time visitors (2024)
Mexico City is an interesting city where deep, dark history meets modern art and cuisine.
Are you planning a trip there and thinking about where to stay in Mexico City when you arrive?
In this post, I’ll introduce you to the best hotels in Mexico City and all the top districts, from Roma Norte to San Angel.
We’ll look at what each area has to offer, as well as a variety of great accommodations for you to stay in.
Let’s dig in.
Read next: 30 BEST things to do in Mexico that you can’t miss
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How to find the best Mexico City hotel
Mexico City has something for every taste. You’ve got the bohemian and hipster Condesa, and nearby the more urbanized Roma district.
The historic center is where many of the main attractions are, such as the Plaza de la Constitucion (the largest in Latin America), the Aztec Templo Mayor, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the National Palace.
Chapultepec is an urban park area; a relaxed neighborhood with lakes, the Anthropology Museum, and a castle. It’s perfect for families. Nearby, you’ll find Polanco, a wealthier and more upscale area of Mexico City
Quick overview:
- If it’s your first time in Mexico City – Roma or Condesa
- Where to stay in Mexico City for luxury – Polanco
- Best area to stay in Mexico City for nightlife – Juarez
- Best area for families – Chapultepec
My top pick is Condesa DF – a lovely hotel with great service and an amazing rooftop terrace in Condesa.
Where to stay in Roma Norte
Capital of arts and cuisine
There is so much wonderful art and culture here. Some of the best art galleries are all clustered together in Roma Norte. As well as that, cafes feature the work of local artists and there’s a vibrant theatre scene, too.
Best hotels in Roma Norte
Luxury – Deco Housing Luxury Rentals
This bright, happy luxury apartment is spacious and has a lovely modern decor. Here you’re in the heart of the district and your apartment comes with a terrace or a balcony. Prices start at $140.
Check the latest prices at Booking.com
Mid-range – Casa Colima
This lovely private Roma Norte accommodation is ideal for couples. If you want a comfortable little apartment in the heart of the city, this is it! The décor is classy and you get a big TV! Prices start at $85.
Check the latest prices at Booking.com
Budget – Habitaciones Monterrey
With this budget hotel, you’re amongst all the best galleries and restaurants in the whole city. You get a private room, ideal if you’re a young solo traveler on a budget. Prices go up from $20.
Check the latest prices at Booking.com
Pros and cons of staying in Roma Norte
Pros:
- A vibrant art scene
- All the best museums and galleries
Cons:
- Food and accommodation is a little more pricey
- There’s less of a nightlife here
Where to stay in Condesa
Bohemian area with European architecture
This is the most Spain-like district of Mexico City. There’s a lot of calm beauty here. The architecture has its roots in Southern Europe and the wide open avenues feature great shops, bars, and cafes to peruse and enjoy.
Best hotels in Condesa
Luxury – Hotel Villa Condesa
Beautiful décor with a wood aesthetic and warm colors. A shared dining room and terrace area. A calm, welcoming environment. This hotel is one of the most tranquil places to stay in the city! Prices start at $180.
Check the latest prices at Booking.com
Mid-range – Casa Comtesse
These rooms have a real homey style to them. They’re decorated like any modern apartment, with a living space that doubles as a library. There’s plenty of light to make you feel at peace. Prices go from $100.
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Budget – Suites Condesa
For a budget price, here you get a shared terrace area and a restaurant with delicious local Mexican cuisine. The rooms are colorful and vibrant. Prices start at $55.
Check the latest prices at Booking.com
Pros and cons of staying in Condesa
Pros:
- Beautiful European architecture
- Great shopping and café culture
Cons:
- Not much nightlife
- Could be boring for families
Where to Stay in Centro Historico
Home to many of the historical landmarks
The most incredible history is all right here! From Aztec buildings to museums packed with ancient artifacts. Mexico has a rich, diverse, and dark history that can be experienced on the ground level in this amazing district!
Best hotels in Centro Historico
Luxury – Marconi Loft
This loft apartment space is just down the street from the Fine Arts Museum of Mexico. Here you get a full apartment with a bedroom, kitchen, living space, and bathroom. It’s a bright open space to make into a home. Prices start at $115.
Check the latest prices at Booking.com
Mid-range – 1BR: Plaza SantoDomingo
This lovely apartment offers a kitchen area so you can cook your food, as well as a terrace that overlooks so much of this stunning neighborhood. It’s ideal if you’re a couple or a small family. Prices start at $75.
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Budget – Hotel Roble
This hotel is close to many great shops and restaurants. The hotel itself also has a restaurant which offers traditional Mexican cooking. Amazing for a budget hotel that begins at $50!
Check the latest prices at Booking.com
Pros and cons of staying in Centro Historico
Pros:
- The historic hub of the city
- So much to learn and discover here, from ancient buildings and museums
Cons:
- No real nightlife
- If you don’t like history, there’s little else to love
Where to Stay in Juarez
Thriving and colorful young hipster scene
This area is great in both the day and night time. For every great café in the afternoon is a bar to visit at night. There’s a vibrant gay scene here, as well as a large Korean hub where you can get some great bibimbap!
Best hotels in Juarez
Luxury – MC Suites Mexico City
So many of Mexico City’s best buildings are within reach of this perfectly situated hotel. You’ll also find a vibrant nightlife nearby. The hotel itself has a modern décor with calm colors. Prices go from $97.
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Mid-range – Hotel PF
This hotel includes a traditional restaurant so you can sample the local food without straying too far. Great museums can also be found nearby. Prices start at $84.
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Budget – Suites Havre
There’s a great shopping district close to these apartments. The rooms themselves have a very modern décor with an emphasis on natural woods and lights. You’ll feel very at home here! And the prices start at a very reasonable $45.
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Pros and cons of staying in Juarez
Pros:
- A great Koreatown with fresh food
- A vibrant hipster day and night scene
Cons:
- Little history to discover here
- Might be too busy for some travelers
Where to Stay in Chapultepec Park
A massive and diverse city park
This is the calmest district of the city’s center and features one of the world’s largest inner-city parks. The park itself houses a gallery and a museum and can be explored for hours upon hours. It’s the best place to relax in Mexico City.
Best hotels in Chapultepec Park
Luxury – St. Isidro Corporate Housing
The downstairs restaurant offers fantastic international cuisine for you to enjoy! The suites themselves are spacious and roomy. You’re also just down the road from the beautiful park, and you get all of this for $200.
Check the latest prices at Booking.com
Mid-range – Arboleda 215
Classy, modern rooms with access to a very chill roof terrace. There’s little more you could need! You also get your own coffee machine and easy access to the park. Prices start at $170.
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Budget – Suites Teca Once
These lovely apartments feature the most comfortable beds. You’re in the center of a relaxed central district with plenty of museums and restaurants to discover. The park is a walk away, and your apartment has its own coffee facilities. Prices go from $85.
Check the latest prices at Booking.com
Pros and cons of staying in Chapultepec Park
Pros:
- A beautiful urban park
- The best place to unwind and relax in the city
Cons:
- There’s not much nightlife to see here
- Very little history
Where to Stay in Polanco
The upscale shopping and dining district
This district is reminiscent of the best parts of Paris and Rome. You’ve got fancy restaurants on every corner with food from all over the world. And avenues are lined with the best shops (at really good prices!).
Best hotels in Polanco
Luxury – Penthouse En Polanco
This gorgeous penthouse suite is full of light and decorated in a relaxed, minimalist style. It’s situated just down the road from the Museum of Anthropology. A room for two starts at $145.
Check the latest prices at Booking.com
Mid-range – Casa Anzures
This place is full of character. A rusting, country décor of bright colors and woods reminds you of where you are. It has a continental breakfast as well, and there’s a balcony to relax on. Prices start at $90.
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Budget – Golds 227
A junior suite here will get you your own balcony. There are also museums on every side for you to discover and explore. Prices for a balcony room start at $35.
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Pros and cons of staying in Polanco
Pros:
- Amazing cuisine; the best restaurants in the city
- A huge shopping district to get lost in
Cons:
- There aren’t many affordable bars and clubs
- There’s no local history here
Where to Stay in Coyoacan
Full of the best museums, galleries, and theatres
This is the theatre district of the city. It also has some great museums and galleries, but the best bit is the theatres. I’m sure you know how rich Mexico’s music and performance culture is, and you can see it all in Coyoacan.
Best hotels in Coyoacan
Luxury – Casa Jacinta Guest House
With a continental breakfast to start your morning off, and a garden to relax in throughout the day, this guest house certainly has luxury! Prices go from $145.
Check the latest prices at Booking.com
Mid-range – La Casita de Coyoacan
The breakfast at this hotel offers both continental and vegetarian options. You’ve also got a shared terrace where you can meet and get to know fellow travelers. The private rooms are bright and colorful. Prices start at $80.
Check the latest prices at Booking.com
Budget – Casa Tamayo
Garden views, an outdoor terrace, and rooms that come with comfortable sofas. This budget hotel has everything you need for a relaxing, comfortable stay in Mexico City. It’s bright, it’s colorful, and it starts at $60.
Check the latest prices at Booking.com
Pros and cons of staying in Coyoacan
Pros:
- A paradise for theatre lovers
- A lot of great museums and galleries
Cons:
- Not much to love if you don’t enjoy theatre and museums
- Could be boring for families with young children
Where to Stay in Zona Rosa
A nightlife hub
This area is all about fun. It’s a big nightlife hub with the city’s best clubs. The gay clubbing scene is particularly huge here, and welcomes party people from all walks of life!
Best hotels in Zona Rosa
Luxury – Hotel and Suites PF
With the atmosphere and decor of a hotel but the utilities of an apartment, this is the perfect place of comfort in Mexico City. Here you’re close to some great nightlife. Prices start at $110 for an executive suite.
Check the latest prices at Booking.com
Mid-range – Hotel PF
This hotel has a fantastic gym. There’s a huge International cuisine for every meal, and you’ve got your own coffee-making facilities in your private room. Prices start at $95.
Check the latest prices at Booking.com
Pros and cons of staying in Zona Rosa
Pros:
- It’s very lively
- A fantastic place to discover your new favorite club
Cons:
- If you’re not a fan of nightlife, there’s not much else here
- Not ideal for families with children
Where to Stay in San Angel
A quiet, cobblestoned market district
This suburban area is almost like a small town attached to the edge of the city. In that sense, it’s like a whole other world. You can enjoy the more traditional side of Mexico here, with cobblestone streets and amazing markets that sell traditional foods and goods.
Best hotels in San Angel
Luxury – Art Residence
This stunning San Angel accommodation is decorated with love and thoughtfulness. The garden is luscious and relaxing, and the traditional artwork used to decorate the rooms sets a wonderful tone for your visit. Prices start at $135.
Check the latest prices at Booking.com
Mid-range – Casa San Jacinto
This hotel features a restaurant, and the rooms themselves are decorated with a style that mixes modern with traditional Mexican décor. It’s an atmospheric and beautiful place to stay. Prices start at $100.
Check the latest prices at Booking.com
Budget – Casa Habitacion
These lovely rooms are all about that traditional Mexican décor. There’s a real homey, country inn kind of vibe here, but with all the comforts and amenities of a great hotel. Prices go from $45.
Check the latest prices at Booking.com
Pros and cons of staying in San Angel
Pros:
- The most traditional area of the city
- Great markets selling real Mexican foods and goods
Cons:
- Can be a little too quiet if you want more excitement
- There’s not much of a bar or café culture here
Things to do in Mexico City
Mexico City is all about diversity. Its history is some of the most fascinating and well-maintained in the world.
Here you can find museums filled with Aztec artifacts and art, as well as still-standing Aztec architecture. If the modern scene is more for you, there are thriving nightlife areas and great restaurants. There are so many fun things to do in Mexico City!
By the way, if you have an extra day to spend, I highly recommend taking a day trip to Teotihuacán Pyramids.
You can easily organize the trip yourself, and trust me – it’s worth it! I’ve seen pyramids before, but these are special, and they’re enormous!
FAQ – Where to stay in Mexico City
What area is best to stay in Mexico City?
The best area to stay in Mexico City for tourists is the Roma or Condesa neighborhood. They are central, safe, and full of cafes, restaurants, and parks. For a more historic atmosphere, the Centro Histórico is also a great choice.
Is Roma or Condesa better?
Both Roma and Condesa in Mexico City are great, but it depends on your preferences.
Roma is artsier and trendier with more galleries and hip spots, while Condesa is greener and more laid-back, with beautiful parks and a relaxed vibe. Choose Roma for a vibrant scene or Condesa for a more relaxed stay.
How many days should I stay in Mexico City?
You should stay in Mexico City for about 3 to 5 days. This gives you enough time to see the main sights, enjoy the local food, and really get a feel for the city’s culture.
Is Mexico City a walkable City?
Yes, Mexico City is quite walkable, especially in areas like Roma, Condesa, and the Centro Histórico. These neighborhoods are pedestrian-friendly with lots of attractions close by.
However, the city is also very large, so for longer distances, you might want to use public transport or taxis.
Read more posts about Mexico
- Where to stay in Mexico City for first-timers visitors
- 36 hours in Mexico City: A guide to Mexico’s misunderstood capital
- Swimming with whale sharks in Mexico
- Mexico’s best beaches by the Caribbean Sea
- San Cristobal de las Casas – the cultural capital of Chiapas
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Very helpful tips, thanks for sharing.