plumboy

Hi --

I'm considering staying at either Any's Hostel (on Puebla) or at Dos Fridas y Diego (on Rio Tigris) for four nights, for a short little first-time trip to DF. Since it is such a short trip, I'm trying to maximize on the location (proximity to metro stations, etc). Just wondering if there's really much of a difference in the locations for these two hostels? One is more in Cuauhtemoc and the other more in Zona Rosa, as I understand it.

If it matters, I'm a 46 yo gay man (who has no intentions of bringing anyone back to my room or really staying out too late); mostly plan on sightseeing and people watching during the day, probably dinner in the evening, possibly going to a bar or somewhere at night (but nothing too crazy). Some Spanish, but not too much. I'm physically fit and live in NYC so am used to walking a lot etc.

Thanks!

Christina

Both locations would be fine. I stayed in Condesa just a bit south or SW of that Any's hostal so was in that area as I recall, and it's fine and very convenient. I really liked the area. I think it's closer to metro stops than the Fridas one but you can tell that on a map. I'd probably choose the Zona Rosa one, I think the other area is more upscale and businessy and embassies in the area. I think a lot of cafes etc cater to the business crowd so it's rather dead at night. For a single person, I just think it would be more fun to stay in Zona Rosa or Condes. Some of those blocks can be a lot longer than you'd think in the center around the big boulevard (Reforma), so I'd also like closer to a metro stop.

This may give you some idea http://www.themijachronicles.com/200...-neighborhood/

plumboy

Thanks so much! I'm actually now considering splurging a bit more and staying in one of the cute B&Bs in Condesa. So, it's now pretty much down to Any's Hostal or a B&B for twice as much (but still decent). I hadn't thought about the busyness of the streets at night -- since I'll be alone, I would like to be able to go out at night and feel that there are people out and about.

ekscrunchy

I would choose Condesa over Zona Rosa anytime, although I am not familiar with the locations of the hostals you mention. The Dos Fridas English site says they are a block from Condesa, which is not true, by a long shot. There is nothing that interesting about staying near Reforma in that area, except proximity to the Anthropology museum. Much of the Zona Rosa is kind of seedy, in my opinion.

I spent a week in the DF last fall and it felt safe to walk around in the evening, in areas where tourists were likely to venture. (We stayed in Polanco, near Reforma, which is not the most interesting area for a tourist)

Leely2

Both locations look fine to me, though I am no expert. We stayed in Condesa near Parque Mexico--very green and charming. If you want more of a hipster vibe, Roma will fill the bill.

Because of a mix-up with my reservation, we stayed our first couple of nights at a hotel on Reforma quite near the park. Not very neighborhood-y but certainly convenient.

I LOVED DF! Have fun.

plumboy

Thanks for the responses -- much appreciated. I've more or less narrowed it down to Anys Hostal ($38/night) or Tao Bed & Breakfast (the small room for $50) -- but who knows! I'm still looking. I think with the ubiquitousness of the metro, taxis, and even Ecobici bikes -- it's not really going to matter so much. I'm less nervous now -- and more excited.

ekscrunchy

I'm a female and I walked around alone after dark on quite a few evenings during my visit last year. I'm just posting this to reassure you. I had not been back to the DF for many years and was initially a bit anxious after reading all these scare reports online. Day or night, we never felt unsafe.
Remember to read all the advice about which cabs to take; I think I put some in my report: Look at posts from morning of January 16th.

http://www.fodors.com/community/mexi...bla-oaxaca.cfm

Christina

I stayed in a B&B near Parque Espana, I believe, but it was more expensive than the ones you are considering (Villa Condesa). It was nice enough. The metro was a bit more crowded and hectic than in most cities I'm used to, but do-able. The metro station (Chyapultepec) closest to where I stayed was a bit farther than I would have liked actually, and the station was confusing (mainly difficult to figure out where to go once out of it, lots of big streets around it.

But in any case, if you read the state dept advisories about Mexico City, they do mention that the main problems are with gangs, I think, in neighborhoods to the east of the airport, not in the historical center. So I think there is definitely a crime problem in the DF, but when you hear about it or read news reports, you don't know exactly where it is or the neighborhoods. It's more in the surrounding suburbs, I think.

Tao B&B would be a very good location. There are tons of small restaurants not far from there, I think on ave Michoacan.

This is an excellent B&B in that area, not far from Tao http://theredtreehouse.com/

But I think its rooms are more like $95 for the cheapest, but it gets very good reviews and if you are in that area, you'll be fine.

ekscrunchy

You are correct, Cristina, that the crime is more in areas like Neza, (Ciudad Nezahualcoatl) which is 10 miles from the center, near the airport, and not an area that a tourist is likely to visit. You might take care wandering into Tepito as well, although some tourists venture there.

RedTree House books far in advance.

If you want some pre-trip reading, I'd recommend THE INTERIOR CIRCUIT by Francisco Goldman, a not always positive look at the city.

Even better is the David Lida book, FIRST STOP IN THE NEW WORLD, reviewed in the NYTimes, which I would rank as a must-read.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/06/tr...hair.html?_r=0

plumboy

Thanks for the book recommendations (I'll check them out) and the reassurances -- I've lived in NYC since the late 80s, so not too concerned, but it's nice to know it's more or less safe. I'm looking forward to giving the metro a try, but I'm also going to check out the Ecobici bike rental program (and will be bringing my helmet!).

Not that anyone cares, but for anyone who might be accessing this thread in the future, I've actually pretty much decided on a place on Airbnb in Condesa. It's a cute-looking B&B sort of place with several rooms to rent -- I figure it'll be a good way to meet other travelers (and it's way inexpensive). Here's a link to one of the rooms: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/4500755?s=n8naKfNI

Anyway, thanks for the pointers!