Where to Stay in Mexico City: Complete Guide to the Best Areas to Stay

Looking for a guide on where to stay in Mexico City? You’ve come to the right place! Whether you’re looking for a posh boutique B&B in Polanco, the best boutique hotels in La Condesa, or a budget Coyoacán hotel, I’ve got you covered.

Mexico City is one of my favorite cities in the world. We celebrated my fiancees 30th birthday there in 2018 for four days. I fell in love. Hard. So much so that I just got back from a 9 day trip to Mexico City. I spent part of the time in Roma Norte, and the other part in Coyoacán.

It might move there permanently sometime in the future. Or at least for a few months. We’ll see.

Looking for the absolute perfect way for foodies to spend 4 days in Mexico City? Here’s my 4 day Mexico City Itinerary that distills hours and hours of planning into a guide to planning your trip. And if you need to eat gluten free, like I do, read my guide to gluten free Mexico City.

Want to stay in an Airbnb in Mexico City? Great choice. Click here to see my handpicked, curated list of the best Airbnb options in Mexico City for your stay.

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.

Where to Stay in Mexico City: Complete Guide to the 3 Best Areas to Stay

There were three neighborhoods that I fell in love with on my two separate trips to Mexico City. All three are walkable, charming, and full of the vibrant energy that makes CDMX special.

Part of the reason I loved Mexico City so much is how affordable it is for travelers from the US. Coming from San Francisco, one of the most expensive cities in the US, it was a breath of fresh air to see that even the best places to stay in Mexico City can come in at under $150 a night.

Here are the best places to stay in Mexico City in my view.

Click here to see a curated list of the best Airbnb stays in Mexico City to find the perfect home base for exploring this amazing city.

La Condesa / Roma Norte: The Absolute Best Area to Stay in Mexico City

When we went to Mexico City in 2018, we stayed in an Airbnb in Roma Norte.

In 2019, when we made it back for a return trip, we spent part of our 9 days in Roma Norte.

In my head, I lump together Roma Norte and La Condesa because of the similar vibe and close proximity. Technically, though, they are different neighborhoods.

It is young, energetic, and hip, which places it among the best places to stay in Mexico City. The sheer density of amazing restaurants, cute cafes, and boutiques is staggering. There’s so much to do and see. And, more importantly, eat and drink.

Tree-lined streets make it an extremely walkable neighborhood. You’ll find coffee shops lining the streets in the morning and lively bars at night.

The center of La Condesa is the Parque Mexico, which is a public park where you’ll find dog walkers (seriously, SO MANY DOG WALKERS), young couples with kids, and people wandering all through the day.

Trendy and walkable, La Condesa and Roma Norte top the list of my favorite areas in Mexico City. My top recommendation would be to find an Airbnb in the area to use as a home base for exploring the rest of CDMX. This one caught my eye, but it wasn’t available for either of our trips.

Click here to find the perfect place to stay in Roma Norte / La Condesa

What to Do and See in Roma Norte and La Condesa

(More in my guide to 4 perfect days in Mexico City)

• Sip amazing Darwin-themed cocktails with house-made ingredients at Baltra Bar
  
  
• Drink some of the best coffee in Mexico City at Chiquitito Cafe, the Blend Station, or Quentin Cafe
  
  
• Explore the street food in Roma Norte – from street quesadillas (get the squash blossom + cheese!) at Jenni’s or outside Mercado Medellin, to tamales dulces
  
  
• Spend an afternoon relaxing in one of the park (España and Mexico are the biggest)
  
  
• Nómada Heladeria – because we all scream for ice cream!

The Best Places to Stay in Roma Norte / La Condesa

Tree-lined streets, some of the best food in the city, and a vibrant nightlife scene make the area around Roma Norte and La Condesa a pretty special place.

Here are some of my top picks in the area.

3 Great Airbnb Options in La Condesa / Roma Norte

I’m a huge fan of Airbnb, especially in Mexico City where you’ll find plenty of affordable, stylish stays where you can spread out, cook for yourself, and enjoy plenty of privacy.

Here is the apartment we stayed in on our first trip. It was a steal in terms of price for the location alone. It’s comfortable, quiet, a bit cold, but is in a perfect location and has everything you need for your amazing trip to Mexico City.

On our second trip, we stayed at this top-floor apartment with a nice terrace for over a week, and it was perfect. Walking distance to all sorts of coffee shops, restaurants, and more.

This is the coolest apartment I came across in my research. Book early, it was booked up when I went to go grab it for our second trip.

The Best Budget Stay: The Red Tree House

I REALLY wanted to stay at the Red Treehouse on our trip, but they were sold out several months in advance.

If you’re looking for a small place with a bed & breakfast feel, a caring and helpful staff, and a perfect location, you’ve found the answer to where to stay in Mexico City.

You’ll find a variety of rooms, from the Queen garden rooms, to the Suites, all with a unique look and feel and private bathrooms. Prices range from $125 a night for 2 people in a Queen Garden Room, to $240+ a night for the Penthouse, which has two bedrooms.

Check out the treehouse if you’re traveling solo and wondering where to stay in Mexico City. Be warned, that particular room is small, but looks worth it. $95 a night, including breakfast. For a roomier stay, look at the Terrace Suite, which has a kitchen, or the Junior Suite, which doesn’t.

You’ll have to submit a reservation inquiry to see prices and availability.

Best Boutique Hotels in La Condesa & Roma Norte

This part of the city is full of charming boutique hotels that are going to be a fraction of the cost that you’d pay in the US.

La Valise

La Valise looks like such a cool place. It is easily one of the best places to stay in Mexico City, with beautifully styled rooms, helpful and friendly staff, and everything you need to make you feel at home in Mexico City.

Seriously. Stay here. I know I will next time I’m in CDMX. Make sure to book early – they only have a couple of rooms. Plus, Almanegra Cafe, one of my favorite coffee shops in Mexico City, is just downstairs. Perfect.

Every room has its own kitchenette, so if you’re traveling gluten free in Mexico City, this place is for you. You’ll also enjoy free Wifi, a Nespresso machine and tea-making tools, and a TV with Apple TV and Netflix. No restaurant or bar on site, but you’re in the middle of one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Mexico City for foodies. You can get room service from the critically acclaimed restaurant nearby – Rosetta.

The rooms are all uniquely designed and furnished. The most intriguing options is La Terraza. If you stay in La Terraza, the bed can be moved outside so that you can sleep underneath the stars if you so desire!

Condesa DF

Modern. Hip. Trendy. But classy. Condesa DF looks amazing, and it’s no wonder it’s among the best places to stay in Mexico City. We grabbed a drink at the rooftop bar, which is well worth a visit even if you’re not staying in the hotel. Great cocktails and a pleasant atmosphere.

Our visit took us through the interior courtyard, which is flooded with natural light and seems like a fantastic place to grab a morning coffee. Condesa DF is the perfect home base for exploring La Condesa and Roma Norte, as well as Chapultepec Park and the rest of Mexico City.

Nima Local House

In lovely Roma Norte, you’ll find Nima Local House. It is one of the best boutique hotels in Mexico City, it is located in a beautiful historic building. Free Wifi and drinks on arrival are just the beginning of the spectacular service you’ll get at Nima Local House.

Don’t miss the rooftop terrace. They have an on-site spa too, but I’d choose to spend my time exploring the best neighborhood in Mexico City just outside the hotel’s front door. Nima Local House, with its elegance, charm, and helpful staff, is one of the best places to stay in Mexico City.

Coyoacán: Where to Stay in Mexico City on a Budget

The most famous thing in Coyoacán, and potentially all of Mexico City, is the Frida Kahlo Museum.

From some of the best coffee in the city, to thriving markets and vibrant public squares, Coyoacán is truly one of the best places to stay in Mexico City.

If you stick around and do some exploring, you’ll find a treasure trove of riches. We spent 4 of our 9 days here on our last 9 day stint in Mexico City, and loved every second of it. If you’re on a budget, Coyoacán should at the top of the list.

But I didn’t even get to the best part yet.

It will be easier on your wallet than the other two Mexico City neighborhoods that I listed.

Instead of $100+ a night, you can find amazing places to stay in the $50-$75 range per night.

Click here to find the perfect place to stay in Coyoacán

Here are some things to do while you’re in this charming, vibrant neighborhood.

• The world-reknowned Frida Kahlo Museum.
  
  
• Coffee at Cafe Negro or Cafe Avellaneda (my favorite coffee shop in the city).
  
  
• Browse the seemingless endless stalls at Mercado de Coyoacán for fresh fruit and vegetables, tostadas, and crafts to bring home with you.
  
  
• Soak up the energy around Plaza Hidalgo and the Coyote fountain.

The Best Coyoacán Hotels and B&B’s

Coyoacán was my second favorite neighborhood to explore after La Condesa / Roma Norte.

Most people probably come to the bustling and energetic neighborhood for the Frida Kahlo museum and turn right back around without exploring.

Coyoacán is by far the cheapest neighborhood on this list, making it one of the best places to stay in Mexico City for travelers on a budget.

4 Great Airbnb Options in Coyoacán

When I travel, I usually opt for an Airbnb in the best neighborhood in a city over a hotel. I like having my own space, and the option to cook for myself with access to a kitchen.

Here is the cozy Airbnb we spent our time in when we stayed in Coyoacán. It’s a tiny space with a loft bed, a kitchen, and a lovely rooftop terrace, all for ~$30 USD a night. Steal. I repeat: IT’S SMALL, but you shouldn’t be spending too much time in your room when there’s endless things to do and see in Mexico City, right?

Here are 3 more Airbnbs to consider that I came across and liked, but they were already booked.

• Mini Loft in Coyoacán – 1Bedroom / 1 Bathroom
• Lovely Terrace in Coyoacán – 1Bedroom / 1 Bathroom
• Cozy Coyoacán Apartment – 2 Bedrooms / 1 Bathroom

Pug Seal – Coyoacán

Pug Seal operates some of the best boutique hotels in Mexico City. Two of their four properties are located in Polanco, one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Mexico City, but they have another location in Coyoacán that is equally nice.

Here is an excerpt from their website describing what Pug Seal offers its visitors:

“All our rooms have an exclusive design, no room is the same as the other. The spaces of our place are inspired to create feelings through memories. When you enter your room, breathe and make yourself comfortable, you will have an unforgettable stay in Mexico City.”

Pug Seal – via website

The Pug Seal property in Coyoacan is just as beautiful and unique as their other properties.

Some suites have kitchenettes, lounge areas, and balconies.

Overall, a lovely place to stay in one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Mexico City.

Casa Aldama

Literally two blocks away from the Frida Kahlo museum so you can get there early and beat the crowds. Tree-lined streets will greet you as you walk up to Casa Aldama, and you’ll enter into a nicely decorated entryway with exposed wood and friendly staff. No kitchens in their rooms, but you’ll find the basics: free Wifi, private bathrooms, and coffee makers.

The best part? You can easily find a room for under $100 USD per night. It’s the best place to stay in Mexico City for travelers on a budget who still want to stay in a hotel or B&B.

Polanco: Where to Stay for a Touch of Luxury

Posh. That’s the first word that comes to mind when I think about Polanco.

We spent an afternoon exploring Polanco. If you’re looking for high end boutique shopping and some of the best food and drink spots, it might be the best neighborhood in Mexico City for you.

Polanco sits on the north end of Chapultepec Park. People who like luxury will find a home among the rich and famous (or those who want to be) galavanting around. It’s not my style, but it could be yours.

With some of the best restaurants in the world like Enrique Olvera’s Pujol and the world-renowned Quintonil, and bars like Limantour, it earns a spot on the list of the best neighborhoods to stay in Mexico City.

If you’re looking for where to stay in Mexico City for an upscale experience, you should look into staying in Polanco.

Click here to find the perfect place to stay in Polanco

Here are some things to check out in Polanco:

• World-famous restaurants like Pujol and Quintonil (Pujol is the best food experience I’ve ever had. Period.)
  
  
• Swanky bars like Limantour
  
  
• Chapultepec Park and the Anthropology Museum are just a stone’s throw away
  
  
• Chiquitito Cafe for coffee
  
  
• All of the shopping you could possibly want: Lago DF (fashion), Onora (home goods), Pendulo (books), and so much more

Best Airbnbs in Polanco

Like I mentioned above, I prefer Airbnb when I’m traveling.

While we didn’t stay in Polanco on either of our trips, we did spend time exploring this upscale, hip area.

Here are four top-rated, stylish Airbnbs in Polanco to stay in on your trip.

Luxury 1br Condo with Balcony in Polanco – 1 Bedroom / 1Bathroom

Apartment+ Parking + Pool + Gym in Polanco – 2 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms

Beautiful sunny apartment in the heart of Polanco – 2 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms

Modern Apartment in Central Polanco – 2 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms

Best Hotels in Polanco

If you’re looking for a more traditional hotel experience, you’ll find it in Polanco.

You can stay at the W Mexico City. Or the Hyatt Regency. Maybe the Intercontinental or the JW Marriott. Last but certainly not least, the Four Seasons. You’ll find all of those lining the streets of Polanco.

However, if you want a more unique experience in Mexico City, you’re going to love the two options listed below.

Pug Seal – Tennyson & Allan Poe

Pug Seal operates some of the best boutique hotels in Mexico City. Two of their four properties are located in Polanco, one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Mexico City.

Both properties feel more like staying in someone’s home than your run of the mill hotel. I don’t know about you, but that’s definitely more my travel style.

The design of both boutique hotels do a good job of merging traditional and contemporary designs.

They offer free Wifi, TV’s in the rooms, private (and NICE) bathrooms, safes and mini fridges. Perfect for gluten free travelers in Mexico City. The smaller rooms are very nice, and the more expensive rooms include a kitchenette and lounge area.

Whichever property you choose, Pug Seal definitely qualifies as one of the best places to stay in Mexico City.

Lombardo Suites

Lombardo Suites, on the northeast corner of Chapultepec Park, is a bit out of the way of the hustle and bustle of Polanco. That being said, it’s not like it’s in the boonies. It’s a few blocks from Paseo de la Reforma.

It’s not TECHNICALLY a hotel, I guess. Their 14 rooms are basically apartments, complete with free Wifi and a kitchen to cook for yourself.

The highlights are the light-drenched rooms, some of which have floor-to-ceiling windows and a balcony. There’s also a rooftop terrace with some nice views.

Best of all, you’ll pay ~$80-90 per night for an apartment with a kitchen, great service, and a perfect location for exploring Mexico City.

Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Stay in Mexico City

That’s the end of my guide on where to stay in Mexico City. It’s truly a magical place, full of energy, friendly people, and of course, delicious tacos. I’ve been there twice now, and both times I left for the airport, I found myself wondering when I’d be back.

Don’t miss my 4 Day Mexico City Itinerary – perfect for you if you’re a foodie and like to explore on foot.

But I’d be happy to chat and help you figure out the ideal spot to stay. Shoot me a note at Matt@wheatlesswanderlust.com to get the conversation started.

Happy travels!