Hotel Marlowe

Housed in a nine-story building dating back to 1960, this no-frills hotel is certainly not fancy. In fact, it offers little in the way of charm, though most guests are reasonably pleased with a stay here. That's likely due to its city-center location and reasonable rates, which combine to make it a decent bet for unfussy travelers. The lobby is open and offers some overstuffed sofas off to the side where guests can compose themselves while checking in. Stairs lead up to the restaurant on the second floor, which is a plus for a hotel in this category. Many budget-focused families and couples choose this hotel for its convenient location in the historic center and its low price tag. 

Hotel Marlowe is situated in Mexico City's Centro, which is its most historic neighborhood. It's one block from the landmark Torre Latinoamericana, as well as the stunning Palacio de Bellas Artes. There's almost limitless dining, shopping, and buzz in every direction, though some blocks may feel a little desolate at night. Guests can walk to the Zocalo in 12 minutes, which is next to Catedral Metropolitana and Palacio Nacional. There are countless museums large and small throughout the Centro, including the Museum of Memory and Tolerance, which is within a five-minute walk. The San Juan de Letran Metro station can be reached in four minutes on foot, and the renowned National Museum of Anthropology is about a 40-minute ride away (or 25 minutes by car). Expect about a 30-minute drive to reach Mexico City's airport (though it's safer to budget an hour because of traffic). 

The hotel calls its room classical, but it's more accurate to say that they are dated. Old-style bedspreads top beds, and both accent walls and headboards are done in a faded shade of mauve. In fact, this mauve hue reappears in several places and on many surfaces, like desks and end tables in many rooms. Artwork is also faded and reminiscent of the 1980s. Standard features include flat-screen TVs, safes, and free Wi-Fi, but there's no air-conditioning (fans are provided) and the internet coverage can be spotty. Bathrooms are equally dated, but clean, and include hairdryers and toiletries. Some have shower-tub combos while others only have showers. Family-friendly Standard Triple Bed Rooms are a little larger and provide three twin beds plus a sofa bed. Certain rooms overlook the city, but run-down adjacent buildings don't provide much in the way of a view. 

This simple hotel offers little in the way of features, but it does have a restaurant. La Bufa serves Mexican and international fare for lunch and dinner. A breakfast buffet includes breads, cereals, fruits, and some hot items, but isn't free. Room service is available. The small fitness center has several dated cardio machines and windows provide natural light. There's also a sauna and a small terrace with a couple of cushioned lounge chairs and an umbrella. Unfortunately, views of the city are less than pleasing in this section of town. A meeting room can accommodate up to 50 people, and a business center offers two computers for guests to use. Indoor parking and Wi-Fi are free.