15 Best Hotels In Downtown Mexico City

Need recommendations for the best hotels in downtown Mexico City?

If you’re only in the Mexican capital for a few days, you’ll want to be based in a downtown Mexico City hotel. 

In addition to containing the iconic Catedral Metropolitana (Metropolitan Cathedral) and Palacio Nacional (National Palace), the historic centre (Centro Historico) has excellent public transportation links to other parts of town. Attractions like the Bosque de Chapultepec and the Frida Kahlo Museum are just a metro ride away.

We always find the joyful chaos of the city centre exhilarating, whether you’re shopping along the extensive pedestrianised Madero Street or darting down an alleyway to discover a hidden gem selling some of the best street tacos in town. 

By staying in one of the hotels near Centro Historico Mexico City, all this bubbling mass of life is right on your doorstep.

If it’s your first time visiting CDMX, we’ve put together a list of some of the top hotels in Mexico City where you can fully immerse yourself in all that the capital has to offer.

TOP PICK Of Hotels In Downtown Mexico City

Best Luxury Hotels Downtown Mexico City

While the luxury hotels in downtown Mexico City may not be quite as chic as those in upmarket Polanco or as excessively decadent as ones around the financial district, they do have the benefit of being situated near (and sometimes even inside) some of the oldest, most storied buildings in the capital.

#1 Hilton Mexico City Reforma – Double The Pools For Double The Fun.

If you’re looking for 5 star hotels in downtown Mexico City that have it all, the Hilton Mexico City Reforma supplies a wide range of facilities, from a well-equipped spa to a trio of restaurants.

LOCATION | A couple blocks back from Mexico City’s principal thoroughfare, Paseo de la Reforma, the Hilton is right next to Alameda Central municipal park, which is bordered on one side by the art deco masterpiece that is the Palacio de Bellas Artes performance venue.

FACILITIES | The Hilton is easily one of the best-equipped 5 star hotels in Mexico City centre. The hotel has not one but two pools, both with great views of the neighbourhood. One is located on the rooftop, adjoining a casual eatery, while the other is found indoors as part of the well-equipped spa. 

Elsewhere, El Cardenal cooks up traditional dishes in a consciously old-fashioned space, while the Sonora Grill Prime is a glitzy modern steakhouse.

ROOMS | A muted colour palette of dark brown dominates the rooms, giving them a quiet, reposeful feel. All rooms have large windows, most of which supply inspiring views of the surrounding cityscape.

#2 Zocalo Central – A Hideaway In The Heart Of Town.

As its name suggests, Zocalo Central is just off Mexico City’s main square, in the midst of the action.

LOCATION | Boutique hotels in downtown Mexico City don’t come closer to the heart of CDMX than this, with the Catedral Metropolitana and the Palacio Nacional just on the doorstep.

FACILITIES | We’re particularly enamoured of the Balcon del Zocalo, a modern Mexican eatery with unbeatable views of the Centro Historico. That’s not all the hotel has to offer, however: there’s also a steam room, a fitness centre, and a café that provides free drinks and snacks for guests. Breakfast is included, as is private parking.

ROOMS | The building that houses Zocalo Central dates back to the 1890s, which is evident from the relatively high ceilings in the rooms. Yes, the accommodation is smaller than what you’ll find elsewhere, but it’s all very cosy and comfortable, featuring a sleek grey colour palette, wrought-iron bed frames, and hardwood floors.

#3 Mumedi Design Hotel – One Of The Most Unique Hotels In Mexico City Historic District.

If you’re looking for somewhere unusual to stay, the Mumedi Design Hotel’s rooms are located within the Mexican Museum of Design (aka MUMEDI).

LOCATION | This property is perched right beside the Zocalo, a short walk from such historically important religious structures as the Catedral Metropolitana and the Templo Mayor. 

For more worldly needs, there are tons of shops and restaurants nearby – we recommend checking out Los Especiales opposite for some cheap and cheerful street tacos.

FACILITIES | Amenities here are fairly limited – if you don’t count having your very own museum connected to the rooms as an amenity, we mean. There is, however, an excellent complimentary breakfast, as well as a restaurant on-site if you want to stay in the building for lunch or dinner.

ROOMS | In addition to being one of the most unique boutique hotels in Mexico City downtown, the Mumedi is also one of the most exclusive. There are only six suites on offer, ranging in size from 300 square feet to almost 600 square feet. Each one has plenty of quirky design features to discover – they are part of a design museum, after all.

#4 Casa de la Luz Hotel Boutique – A Light-Filled Former Home.

The Casa de la Luz is one of the older hotels in downtown Mexico City. Parts of the building that it occupies date back almost 500 years to when it was a family home, though fortunately for guests today, it has been renovated since those days.

LOCATION | On the south side of the Zocalo, the property is within walking distance of all the major sights of the Centro Historico. 

If you do choose to stay here, we suggest popping your head into the Museum of Mexico City, formerly an 18th-century palace of the Counts of Santiago de Calimaya. It’s not one of the must-see places in CDMX, but it is a beautiful building right on the same square as the Casa de la Luz.

FACILITIES | There are a couple of beautifully lit spaces to relax at the Casa de la Luz, including the rooftop restaurant, which serves up modern spins on Mexican classics. There is also a very, very small fitness area that contains a treadmill and an elliptical.

ROOMS | While the décor is not of the most modern calibre, the rooms still retain glimpses of their historical past, which makes for an atmospheric stay.

#5 Hotel Ritz Ciudad de México – Fantastically Located On Madero Street.

Kicking off our list of the best hotels in downtown Mexico City, the Hotel Ritz is not quite as luxurious as the international chain of the same name, though it is certainly among the most well-located hotels in Mexico City centre.

LOCATION | Situated between the Palacio de Bellas Artes and the Zocalo (main square), this property is right on the bustling, pedestrianised shopping avenue of Francisco I. Madero, more commonly called Madero Street.

FACILITIES | A little sun terrace offers a genial place to sit a spell, while indoors, the restaurant serves up the daily breakfast (for an additional fee), as well as Mexican specialities for lunch and dinner. Laundry and parking services are available but cost extra.

ROOMS | If you’re not a fan of flashy hotels, you’ll be right at home at the Hotel Ritz Ciudad de México, where the nicely sized rooms are sparingly decorated – though they do all come with a desk.

Best Mid-Range Hotels In Mexico City Downtown

Somewhere between the luxurious and the budget, these mid-range hotels provide a balance between price and prettiness. From international chains to independently run boutiques, there’s quite a variety to choose from, but the ones we’ve highlighted below offer a taste of the different styles present in the Centro Historico.

#6 City Centro by Marriott Ciudad de Mexico – A Faultlessly Middle Of The Road Hotel Downtown Mexico City.

Imperial purple is the signature colour of the City Centro by Marriott Ciudad de Mexico, which is one of the larger hotels in downtown Mexico City.

LOCATION | The hotel is less than a 10-minute walk from the Zocalo, with a metro station nearby for jaunts into other areas of the city. If you want to shop for foodstuffs like the locals do, head over to Mercado San Juan, which is also in the vicinity.

FACILITIES | The rooftop contains a pool, bar, and restaurant where you can chill out during sunny days, while in wet weather, you can work on your body at the compact but decently equipped gym. Pets are welcome – albeit for a steep $350 per night – and a laundry service is also provided if you run out of clean clothing.

ROOMS | All rooms here have bright purple tiled floors, in keeping with the overall colour theme. This is accented with light-wood furniture and a handful of decorative items to create a simple but smart experience.

#7 Fiesta Inn Centro Historico – An Homage To Utilitarianism.

A glance at the exterior of this branch of the Fiesta Inn tells you all you need to know about this hotel, which is supremely functional in design.

LOCATION | Alameda Central is right on the doorstep, as is the Museo Mural Diego Rivera, which hosts one of the most well-known artworks by Mexico’s most famous male artists. Juarez metro station is a short stroll away.

FACILITIES | Breakfast is available for an additional fee at the workmanlike Café La Fiesta, which also serves lunch and dinner. Other facilities include a gym and a business centre.

ROOMS | Rooms are a reasonably good size compared to other hotels in downtown Mexico, with a practical desk providing somewhere you can get a little work done. While there’s a pleasing view from some of the rooms, the price differential between these lodgings and the ones that look out on a wall is rather excessive, in our opinion.

#8 City Express by Marriott Ciudad de México Alameda – One Of The Best-Value Mid-Range Hotels In Centre Of Mexico City.

This branch of City Express by Marriott won’t wow the senses, but it does offer a satisfactory experience for those who desire cleanliness and a professional standard of service for a reasonable price point.

LOCATION | Just a street over from the Fiesta Inn, the hotel is a 20-minute walk from the Zocalo. If you want to get to grips with Mexico City’s centre, we suggest walking north to Alameda Central, then strolling east along the entire length of Madero Street, window shopping as you go, until you reach the Catedral Metropolitana.

FACILITIES | There’s a modest gym with all the basics, but we prefer spending our time up on the newly renovated terrace, which boasts views over the city. Breakfast is included with your stay, but the private parking facility costs an additional fee.

ROOMS | Accommodation is neat and just a bit plain, but it’s excellent value given the proximity to the city centre. Each room comes with a desk, and there’s a choice of either a single king or two doubles.

#9 Hotel Principal – Good For Large Families Or A Group Of Friends.

Of the many 3-star hotels in downtown Mexico City, this is one of the nicer ones, with a solid breakfast offering and cosy rooms.

LOCATION | Located on a section of Simon Bolivar Street that has some beautiful old houses, the Hotel Principal rather, unfortunately, faces the hideous eyesore that belongs to the Supreme Court of Justice. Still, it’s very well situated, just off Madero Street and a short walk to both the Zocalo and the Palacio de Bellas Artes. 

For something unusual to do, pop into the next-door Museum of Shoes (free entry).

FACILITIES | A restaurant with a small but pretty terrace provides somewhere to relax at the end of the day. It’s also where the hotel’s rather tasty breakfast is served.

ROOMS | While most of the accommodation here is on the small side – and much of it’s completely windowless – at least the rooms have a bit of personality, with exposed brick ceilings and wood-panelled walls. 

If you’re travelling as a family or friendship group, there’s the option to stay in a room with four double beds. Admittedly, it does make us think of a tin of sardines, but it is a savvy way to save money.

#10 Hotel Flamencos – Cheapest Mid-Range Downtown Hotel Mexico City.

Contrary to its name, the Hotel Flamencos is not a brightly coloured, eccentric place, but rather an understated modern affair that is in a quieter part of the city centre.

LOCATION | This mid-range option is 10 minutes south of the Zocalo, right next to the Pino Suarez metro station. In recent years, the surrounding area has become a wasteland, which explains why the rooms are so affordable.

FACILITIES | A minimalist restaurant and a very basically equipped gym constitute the facilities here. The complimentary buffet breakfast is our favourite thing about the facilities, though it’s handy to have the option of private parking and laundry services (both for an additional fee).

ROOMS | A colour palette consisting of steel blue and grey adorn the rooms at Hotel Flamencos, which, along with the abstract paintings along the walls, creates a quietly stylish contemporary feel.

Best Budget-Friendly Hotels In Historic Center Mexico City

If you’re looking for hotels in downtown Mexico City that are bursting with style and supply an array of nice facilities, the following section is not for you. If what you want is somewhere comfortable and centrally located for less than $70 a night, however, then these budget-friendly dwellings are right up your street!

#11 Hotel Roble – Spartan But Serviceable.

There are more than 60 rooms at Hotel Roble, a practical spot that’s fantastically close to the centre of town.

LOCATION | A hop, skip, and a jump from the Zocalo, this property is surrounded by shops of every description, from big malls to independent haberdashers and cobblers. For a mouthwatering selection of morning pastries, we recommend heading west along Republica de Uruguay to the popular bakery Pasteleria Ideal.

FACILITIES | Public parking can be reserved through the hotel for a fee, and the in-house restaurant serves Mexican meals throughout the day.

ROOMS | Hotel Roble is all about the bed. We say that because there’s almost no space to do anything else in the compact rooms, which range from a 108-square-foot double to a 140-square-foot triple. Each one features blond-wood floors, blond-wood furniture, and blond-wood wall panels.

#12 Hotel Boutique Parque Centro – Cheap And Cheerful Hotel In Mexico City Downtown.

A relatively new addition to Mexico City, the Hotel Boutique Parque Centro isn’t anything fancy, but if you want clean pillows on which to rest your head, this is it.

LOCATION | Hidden inside a shopping mall, a short walk south of the Zocalo, the hotel is just a minute from the Pino Suarez metro station.

FACILITIES | Like many hotels in downtown Mexico City, this spot has a 24-hour front desk through which you can arrange airport transfers, luggage storage, and tours. Public parking can be reserved for a fee.

ROOMS | Small but perfectly formed, these spick-and-span little rooms are largely windowless – but if all you’re using the room for is sleeping, that’s possibly a good thing. The largest option fits two double beds.

#13 Colmena Centro – A Hive-Like Hacienda.

Literally meaning ‘centre hive’, the Colmena Centro is decked out in a sandy yellow that lends it a warm, sunny feel, regardless of the weather.

LOCATION | While the Zocalo is less than 10 minutes away, we suggest visiting the nearby Plaza de Santo Domingo for a quieter square with its own selection of beautiful buildings.

FACILITIES | A communal lounge and a small terrace provide sociable locations to chat with fellow travellers. There’s also a fitness centre on-site where you can do a little workout. A complimentary breakfast is included in the room rate.

ROOMS | The bald rooms at the Colmena Centro feel like a design statement more than a cost-cutting measure, but whatever the case, the absence of furnishings makes the accommodation feel wonderfully spacious.

#14 Hotel Castropol – One Of The Best Hotels In Mexico City Centro Historico.

The Hotel Castropol is beige in both its colour palette and in the sense that it’s a fairly inoffensive (some say vanilla) place.

LOCATION | Right beside the Hotel Boutique Parque Centro, this property is a short walk from the Zocalo. If you fancy a bit of shopping away from the malls in the area, the various markets around the Merced metro station are a 10-minute stroll away.

FACILITIES | The Hotel Castropol is one of the few 3-star hotels in downtown Mexico City that offers free private parking. There’s also a rather good restaurant and bar on-site, open until 10 p.m. Breakfast is available for an additional fee.

ROOMS | There are 85 rooms in two different styles: a 160-square-foot space that can function either as a twin room or a single king and a 269-square-foot space into which you can squeeze four people in two doubles.

#15 Hotel San Diego – Basic Bed.

Advertising just over $50 a night for a 260-square foot double room with two beds, the Hotel San Diego might just be the best value 3-star in all of Mexico City.

LOCATION | On the very western edge of the Centro Historico, the Hotel San Diego is right beside the Mercado de San Juan. The Palacio de Bellas Artes is around 15 minutes’ walk, while the Zocalo is just over 20 minutes.

FACILITIES | The in-house restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, making it ideal for any last-minute dining plans. Airport transfers can be arranged for an additional fee.

ROOMS | The 86 rooms here are a decent size for the price range. While there’s little in the way of natural light or decoration in the accommodations, they manage to fit a bed, a desk, and a flat-screen TV.

Hotels In Downtown Mexico City: FAQs

What is considered downtown Mexico City?

Downtown Mexico City is typically centred around the historic area known as the “Centro Histórico.” This district includes the Zócalo (Main Square), the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the National Palace. 

It’s the heart of the city and encompasses many historic and cultural landmarks. The area is characterised by colonial-era architecture, bustling markets, government buildings, and museums. It’s also a hub for commerce, with numerous shops and restaurants. 

Does Mexico City have an old town?

Yes, Mexico City has an “old town,” which is often referred to as the “Centro Histórico” or Historic Centre. This area is the heart of the city and showcases its rich history and colonial heritage. 

It’s characterised by its well-preserved colonial-era architecture, including the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Palace, and numerous historic churches and buildings. 

The Zócalo (Main Square) is a focal point of the Historic Centre, and the entire area is filled with museums, markets, and cultural attractions that highlight Mexico City’s deep historical roots. 

What is the coolest neighbourhood in Mexico City?

Two of the coolest neighbourhoods in Mexico City are Condesa and Coyoacán.

Condesa is celebrated for its chic, upscale vibe, characterised by tree-lined streets, Art Deco architecture, and its residential, relaxed vibe. It’s known for its trendy cafes, restaurants, and fashionable boutiques, making it a go-to spot for dining and nightlife.

Coyoacán, on the other hand, exudes a charming traditional spirit with its cobblestone streets and artistic ambience. It’s famous for the Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul) and vibrant markets, offering a blend of history, culture, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Both neighbourhoods are brimming with character, making them among the coolest and most captivating areas in Mexico City to explore.

Where is the best place to stay in Mexico City for the first time?

For first-time visitors to Mexico City, the Historic Centre (Centro Histórico) is the best place to stay. It offers a central location, making it easy to explore the city’s iconic attractions like the Zócalo, Metropolitan Cathedral, and the National Palace. 

Staying here provides a convenient base to delve into the city’s rich history, culture, and cuisine. You’ll have easy access to public transportation, restaurants, and vibrant street life.

What is the best month to visit Mexico City?

Mexico City is known for being an eternal spring destination where temperatures always stay within the comfortable range of 22 – 27 degrees Celcius ( 72 – 81 Fahrenheit). Between June and October, the city experiences the rainy season, so anytime between November and May will be perfect to visit for the best weather. 

How many Days is enough for Mexico City?

An ideal stay in Mexico City typically ranges from 4 to 6 days. This duration allows you to explore the city’s most famous neighbourhoods, visit its major landmarks, and immerse yourself in its culture and cuisine. 

You can dedicate a day to the Historic Centre, explore neighbourhoods like Condesa and Roma Norte, visit museums such as the Frida Kahlo Museum and the National Museum of Anthropology, and even take day trips to places like Teotihuacan or Xochimilco. 

4 to 6 days will allow you to have a well-rounded experience of Mexico City’s vibrant offerings without feeling rushed.

Best Hotels In Downtown Mexico City: Final Words

The Mexican capital is a wonderfully vibrant place to visit, so much so that what you’ll need above all at the end of the day is a comfortable place to collapse. 

Hopefully, this post on hotels in downtown Mexico City has given you some insight into the many options available in CDMX.