Avenida Cinco De Mayo 61, Mexico City, Mexico | (52 55) 5130 5130
Prime location overlooking the Zocalo, across from Catedral Metropolitana
Surrounded by restaurants, shops, and major attractions
Rooftop restaurant overlooking square serving all meals
Free breakfast plus free bottled water and fruit
Modern rooms with flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, and air-conditioning
Some rooms have nice views of the Zocalo
Small fitness and business centers
Six meeting rooms of various sizes
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Free on-site parking
No pool or spa
Scene may be too lively for some guests
Noise can be an issue
The 105-room Zocalo Central is an upper-middle-range boutique hotel with a prime location overlooking Mexico City's Zocalo and Catedral Metropolitana. It's literally surrounded by amazing historical attractions, and tons of museums are also within walking distance. Shopping and dining is all around as well. Rooms are modern and attractive, and come with flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and coffeemakers. Some have excellent views of the Zocalo. The rooftop restaurant also provides nice views of the square, and breakfast is free. Other freebies include parking, Wi-Fi, bottled water, and fruit. As an alternative, the nearby Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico is another elegant historic property, with more bells and whistles (but higher rates).
Scene
Charming historic property combining modern features with traditional touches
Situated on a cobblestone street, this hotel is housed in a seven-story 1890s building that's been restored to blend Old World details and modern trends. Charming interiors combine sharp, contemporary elements with historic features like stone archways and columns. Vases of flowers and potted plants are nice accents in the lobby, and multiple leather armchairs provide places where guests can hang out. There's also a rooftop terrace for taking in the city views -- this is, inarguably, the place to head for those really looking to mix and mingle. The atmosphere at the hotel is friendly and lively, with sounds of the Zocalo all around. It's not ideal for travelers looking for a quiet, relaxing place, but for those wanting to be in the center of the city's action, this is a great spot. It draws families, couples, groups, and businesspeople.
Location
On the Zocalo and within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and attractions
This hotel has a prime spot overlooking the Zocalo, which is the main square of Mexico City. The area is filled with beautiful historic buildings, lots of churches, museums, and government offices. The square is also the site for national celebrations and political protests, and is usually filled with all sorts of people. The Catedral Metropolitana, the largest cathedral in Latin America, is directly across the street from the hotel, and many other attractions also are within a short walk, including the Estanquillo Museum (three-minute walk), the National Palace (four-minute walk), Templo Mayor (six-minute walk), the Museo Nacional de Arte (nine-minute walk), and the Palacio de Bellas Artes (10-minute walk). The area also is filled with numerous shops and restaurants, particularly along pedestrianized Avenida Madero, around the corner. The famed National Museum of Anthropology is about 30 minutes away by car, or 45 minutes by public transportation. Expect about a 30-minute drive to Mexico City International Airport (though traffic can change this figure drastically during peak hours).
Rooms
Modern, attractive rooms with flat-screen TVs and air-conditioning, some with Zocalo views
Rooms and suites here are modern and attractive, with wood and metal headboards, wooden floors, and sharp hardwood furniture that's paired with soothing gray and white hues to create a sharp oasis in a busy part of town. Lovely Mexican ceramics store toiletries and tissues, adding a bit of welcome character. Amenities in all rooms include flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, coffeemakers, safes, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms feature travertine countertops, toiletries, hairdryers, and tiled walk-in showers. Bottled water is free. In addition to twin, double, and queen configurations, Triple Rooms with three twin beds are available for groups and families, as well as Family Rooms with two double beds. Superior Rooms have two queen-size beds, and King Suites have king-size beds and whirlpool tubs. Some rooms have views of the square. Given the central location, you should expect to hear noise from outside of the hotel throughout most of the day and even at night.
Features
Rooftop restaurant, meeting rooms, business center, fitness center, free parking and Wi-Fi
Although it lacks a pool or spa, this hotel offers the necessary features for a business or leisure trip in the city. Restaurant Balcon del Zocalo, on the sixth floor, serves contemporary Mexican fare for all meals, including a free breakfast. The space is open and airy, with floor-to-ceiling windows providing lots of natural light and nice views of the square and the cathedral. Guests also can dine alfresco on the covered terrace. Room service is offered 24/7. Six meeting rooms can accommodate groups of from 10 to 250 people.The terrace is also available for private events. A business center provides copying, printing, and faxing services, and an iPad is available in the lobby for guests to use. A small fitness center has a few machines, and there's a steam room, too. Free bottled water and fruit are placed in the lobby and on each floor. There's also a little coffee shop selling drinks and snacks to go. On-site parking is free, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.