Hampton Inn & Suites Mexico City - Centro Historico

Surprisingly, the Hampton Inn & Suites Mexico City was originally built over 200 years ago to cloister monks. Today, many of the original details such as the iron railings and mosaics on the building's facade have been maintained. There's a major wow factor on arrival that one doesn't usually associate with chain hotels. The entrance is a bit less grand, as the hotel shares part of its space with grab-and-go restaurants. The lobby is also fairly simple with white tile floors, white walls, and a wood reception desk. If you look up, you'll see a gorgeous stained-glass ceiling. The rooftop has been converted into a cozy and charming terrace set with contemporary living room furniture. Planted flowers and a Spanish-style water fountain add color. The vast majority of guests here are families and couples on vacation, though business travelers stay here too.  

It's hard to beat the location of the Hampton Inn & Suites Mexico City as it's plopped right in the heart of the historical center. Head in any direction from the front doors of the hotel and you'll find endless restaurants, taco stands, bars, shops, banks, and pharmacies. It's a three block walk to the Zocalo, main square, and National Palace that houses Diego Rivera's famous murals. It's about a 15-minute walk to Palacio de Bellas Artes, 11 minutes to Museo del Templo Mayor, and 20 minutes to the Mexican Folkloric Ballet. The hotel can arrange private taxi services for guests, which is safer than hailing a cab on the street. If you bring a car, expect to pay daily for required valet parking. 

Guest rooms at the hotel are probably the weakest spot, but they're clean and perfectly acceptable for a night's sleep. The decor is a bit bland with blue patterned wall-to-wall carpet, neutral wallpaper, and dark furniture. White duvets cover the bed, or beds, and a potted orchid on the desk adds a bit of much needed color. The rooms look a little dark and street noise can be heard from the units facing the street. Creature comforts include free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, and a coffeemaker. Some of the rooms have beautiful carved ironwork on the windows. Bathrooms feature single sinks and a door that separates the toilet and shower from the vanity area. Neutrogena toiletries and a hairdryer are provided. Suites provide much more natural light thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows and 12-foot ceilings. The decor is similar to what's found in the standard guest rooms, but the suites also include a mini-fridge, microwave, and sitting area. The bathrooms are upgraded from a walk-in shower to a shower/tub combo. One- and two-bedroom suites are available, as are smoking rooms. Past guests have occasionally complained about things like leaky air-conditioning units and sofas that need replacing.  

There isn't a full restaurant or bar at this property, but every room comes standard with access to the free breakfast buffet which includes items like waffles, scrambled eggs, pastries, cereal, fruit, and juice. Wi-Fi is another nice freebie. There's a narrow fitness center which holds a few pieces of Precor cardio equipment and a weight bench. Business guests will appreciate a small business center with a personal computer and printer. A meeting room holds up to 80 people and there are two ballrooms for events, which can also be held on the furnished rooftop terrace. Guests can access the free laundry facilities 24 hours a day.