Calle Bolivar 29, Centro Histórico, Mexico City, Mexico | (888) 399-9863
Convenient location in the city's historic center
Historic property with traditional Spanish architecture
Small, simple rooms with flat-screen TVs and safes
Parrilla Leonesa serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks
Computer station and tour desk in the lobby
Free Wi-Fi throughout the property
No air-conditioning or fans
Some rooms lack en-suite bathrooms
Breakfast not included
Wi-Fi can be slow
Noise can carry inside the hotel on occasion
This two-pearl hotel has a prime location in the heart of Mexico City's historic center. It's a cheap, convenient choice for anyone exploring the city by foot, and it's just two blocks from the Zocalo. The old colonial building houses 80 small rooms with simple decor, and all include flat-screen TVs, safes, and free bottled water -- though air-conditioning or fans are lacking. Larger Family Rooms are available, and some cheaper rooms have shared bathrooms. The hotel has a restaurant serving Mexican and international cuisine, and an affordable a la carte breakfast. Room service is also available, but hours are limited. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, though speeds are slow. Alternatively, travelers might also consider rates at the nearby Hotel Gillow, where some rooms have furnished balconies.
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Scene
Small budget hotel with a few touches of Spanish colonial style
Built in 1906, the Hotel Principal's Spanish colonial architecture is typical of the surrounding area, which is known for preserving its history. An old stone doorway with potted plants marks the entrance from the cobbled street, leading to the small, cozy lobby. Interiors are modern enough, decorated with marble tile floors and touches of gray. The hotel shares its building with a small chain restaurant, Parrilla Leonesa, which is located on the ground floor. It has a casual, family atmosphere, and many guests eat here. The restaurant is the only real communal area, so the rest of the hotel lacks atmosphere. Most guests are tourists looking for a cheap room for recharging while exploring the city, though some business travelers also stay here. Kids are welcome at the hotel, but it's not exactly a kid-oriented property.
Location
In the historic city center, a five-minute walk to the Zocalo or Palacio de Bellas Artes
Hotel Principal is located in Mexico City's historic district, on Calle de Bolivar. The location is ideal for anyone exploring the city on foot, as it's within easy walking distance of numerous monuments, museums, shops, bars, and restaurants. The property is a five-minute walk from the Zocalo, while the National Art Museum is just down the street. Five minutes on foot in the other direction leads to Palacio de Bellas Artes and amazing churros at El Moro. Torre Latinoamericano is just one block away, and Templo Mayor (an ancient Aztec ruin site) is around a 15-minute walk from the hotel. Mexico City International Airport is roughly 25 minutes away by car, though traffic means you should usually budget up to an hour. The immediate area is considered safe for tourists, with a strong police presence on street corners. It's busy during the day, but has a quiet atmosphere at night.
Rooms
Small, simple rooms with flat-screen TVs -- but no air-conditioning, and some share bathrooms
The hotel's 80 guest rooms have all been designed around an indoor glass-roofed atrium, resembling a bright conservatory. Unfortunately, they're small and stuffy, lacking both air-conditioning and fans. The decor is simple, with gray walls, laminated wood floors, and old-fashioned bedding on double or king beds. Furniture is kept simple, with small dark wood desks and open closets. Rooms have basic modern amenities, such as flat-screen TVs, phones, and safes. Free bottled water is a nice extra, and Wi-Fi is free, but slow. Tiled bathrooms are small and clean, with walk-in showers, hot water, and free basic toiletries. Some cheaper rooms have shared bathrooms. Larger Family Rooms are also available, which can sleep up to eight people. Noise can sometimes be heard from other guests in the corridors, so light sleepers might prefer to bring ear plugs.
Features
Parrilla Leonesa restaurant, room service, 24-hour front desk, and free Wi-Fi
The hotel shares its building with Parrilla Leonesa, which is located on the ground floor next to the entrance. This small chain restaurant serves Mexican and international fare in a modern setting, and the affordable breakfast menu is liked by past guests. The restaurant also has a bar, and the atmosphere. Other than the restaurant, there's not much in the way of facilities. There's a small computer station next to the lobby, plus a pay phone and elevator. The front desk is open around the clock, and room service is available during limited hours. Other services include tour assistance and free Wi-Fi, though the internet doesn't work very well.
