My wife and I are planning our first ever trip to Mexico from May 15 to May 21. We currently live in Bermuda so Cancun and Puerto Vallarta are definately out as I can lay in the sun on the pink beaches at home. Mexico city looks appealing. We enjoy a city vacation with sightseeing and shopping and fine restuarants. We plan on staying at the Camino Real for the weak. I have only just read about Casa Gonzalez. I would appreciate any comments about the 2 options e.g. location, safety of neighbourhood and quality of the option. Would this be a good base to do some day trips? Any recommendations please. What will the weather be like in May? Being South African's we know about taking necessary precautions in big city's to avoid crime. Are there any Mexico City specific issues that we need to take care of? I have read about taking only taxi's arranged by the hotel or restuarant. What about getting back to the hotel from a sightseeing excursion? Are there local guides we could use?

As for the hotels you mentioned, try www.tripadvisor.com. They have lots of info. I can't help you on Mexico City though. I have to say I haven't heard great things on the safety of tourists. Check out the US travel advisory on the subject. Just do a search on the web with those words and you'll find info.

I've been to Mexico City a few times and always enjoy it. My budget doesn't stretch to the Camino Real, and yes, you do have to watch yourself, but it's a wonderful destination. Lots of museums, markets, restaurants, etc. There is so much to see and do. One thing you should be aware of is the altitude - some people have problems with the altitude, so watch that.

Location-wise, I think that the Camino Real is a lot better. As hotels go, the Camino Real is a very good, upscale hotel. It has great restaurants and the hotel itself is architecturally stunning. The only area where I think you could do better would be on Campos Eliseos, where you can find the Nikko, the JW Marriott, the Intercontinental and the W.

Weather in May should be perfect for sightseeing. Slightly cold during the morning / evening and warm but not hot during the day.

Mexico city has tons to see and do, so I'd recommend that you get a good guidebook.

About safety, the most basic precaution in Mexico City is NEVER take a cab from the street. Take one at your hotel, or call a radio taxi. Your hotel should be able to give you the number for a reliable taxi service. Other than that, basic precautions (no flashy jewlery, no flashy camera, avoid lots of cash, etc) apply.

I also think the location of the Camino Real would be ideal, with many of the city's best restaurants located nearby in Polanco. Agree on getting taxis from the hotel. Once at a location, you can usually pick up a guide on-site--for example, the guides at the National Palace, on the Zocalo, make the Rivera murals far more enjoyable. Returning from an excursion, you can pick up a bab from a Sitio stand, or ask for one to be called from a restaurant, etc., or you can pre-arrange your pick-up with the first driver. Don't miss the Bazaar Sabado, or Saturday bazaar, and the surrounding art fair in the San Angel neighborhood. Easily combines with a meal at the old-fashioned San Angel Inn, and visits to several Diego and Frida museums, as well as the Trotsky museum.

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If budget is not a big issue, try staying at the W. It is a really cool hotel.

I'll be staying at Casa Gonzalez May 2-9, mainly because of a very strong recommendation from my parents, who stayed there a few years ago. They suggested it is an excellent place for those who are not looking for luxury so much as camaraderie. It is also quite reasonable at 500 pesos (about $45 US) for a double per night. I do have some photos that my parents took, if you'd like to see them. And I can provide you with the hotel's e-mail (there is no website) [email protected]