My husband and I will be in Mexico City for 6 nights in October. It will be our first trip. For three of those nights my husband will be attending a conference and we are committed to staying at the W. I don’t usually like Hotel Ws - they are too “cool” and I don’t need the party scene. I will be on my own during these days.

for the remaining days ( which will be the first three days) I have been looking at the following vastly different hotel options:
1. Continuing at the W.
2. Red Tree House
3. Casa Goliana
4. Someplace in Centro Historico

i would love to get the advice of experienced Mexico City travelers about these hotel options and areas.

thanks in advance for sharing your views.

I do'nt know how experienced I am as I've only been there once for a few days. I stayed in Condesa neioghborhood which I really liked. That W hotel isn't in a bad location for the main museum park complex.

I can see moving so you experience a different area. the areas south of centro historico seem more residential/neighborhoody to me. One of your hotels is in Roma so getting a bit more towards the more hectic area, but should be ok. I liked Condesa a little better from the views I had going through both. I would no stay in the Central Historico. It's too much traffic, noise and some unpleasantness to me to want to be staying in a hotel there. Also, at night I wouldn't want to be walking around some of those areas for restaurants as much. I don't know where you want to stay. If you want to stay in the thick of things, there is some nice famous hotel right on the square where the cathedral is, I think-- Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico.

I know where Red Tree House is and I've considered it myself. I think where I stayed (near Parque Espana) is just a b it north of it.

Personally, I'd probably choose the Red Tree House, but I don't have interest in staying in the dead center, some people like that hubbub. It's closer to a metro stop and in a less commercial area than that hotel Casa Goliana which is not exactly in a scenic area. The Red Tree House is closer to some parks, also. I just think the local area is more pleasant around the Red Tree House and I think it's more convenient for travel also, at least if you intend to use metro. If you don't I guess that doesn't matter, there are bus lines all over.

The Red Tree House in Condesa was great (great breakfast, fun happy hour on the patio) as was Gran Hotel Ciudad de México in Centro Histórico. We stayed at both in April on our nine-day visit to this great city. Below is link to my ongoing trip report on that trip.

From post above: "It's too much traffic, noise and some unpleasantness to me to want to be staying in a hotel there. Also, at night I wouldn't want to be walking around some of those areas for restaurants as much."

I respectively disagree. We loved the vibe of Centro Histórico and never at one second did we feel unsafe. The people were extremely friendly, and we hit four excellent Centro Histórico restaurants for dinner. If I was forced to choose one, it would be Azul Histórico. Fantastic food in a magical setting. Also, get advance reservations for Palacio Nacional and Diego Rivera murals. Stupendous, but you must get tickets online before you go to be assured you will get tickets. Lots of cool stuff in Centro Histórico. Don't miss one of the rooftop bars that overlooks the Zócalo, Magnificent views as night falls.

https://travelswithmaitaitom.com/mexico-city-2023/

Ceiling at Gran Hotel

You won't go wrong staying at Hotel Gillow, in Centro. Unless, of course, you're part of the crowd that believes you'll get better care in the more affluent parts of the city, and priced accordingly. Hotel Gillow is in a very safe part of town, is very affordable, some rooms even having a small balcony. What I like in particular about this hotel, is the proximity to some excellent dining, such as Azul and Cafe Cardenal (on calle La Palma). For breakfast, the hotel also offers a small, but good, restaurant. This has been my hotel of choice, based on location and price, over several years and trips. Last, but not least, this is NOT a hotel frequented by the backpacker crowd, instead, you'll be in the company of many well dressed travelers, enjoying the affordable rates and central location. Buen viaje.

Pelón2, I remember you from Thorntree, I was the other 'El Pelon' back in the day.
We too just returned from a night at Gran Hotel. I would have posted about our equally enjoyable stay but if I'm reading correctly, the OP also posted on TA and decided on the RTH.

The OP hasn't responded yet on this forum, but it is interesting that the "plant" accus, err suggestion, has been deleted, along with my reply. I don't recall seeing trolls like that on TT, but that forum was monitored a bit more closely. I wonder what happened to all those former TT posters. So many well informed folks, scattered to the four winds. But those were independent travelers, unlike many here, who seek tours and fancy hotels. I learned a lot from them. Next time you're in CDMX, look into the Gillow, then walk half a block down the street to Azul, or only one block over to Cardenal, for some fine dining. By the way, what did you think of your hotel? Pelon2

Hotel Gillow looks like a terrific hotel. Loved our time in Mexico City this past April at Gran Ciudad. Might try Hotel Gillow on our next visit to CDMX. Loved Centro Histórico.

We of course were quite impressed with the Gran Hotel, although it was way out of our normal budget, but it was just for 1 night. It's such an iconic property, that I figured I had to stay there at least once and get a Zócalo view room. I had looked at the Gillow years ago on our first trip to the then DF years ago. Probably would have stayed there back then, but a younger couple was with us and they wanted something more budgety, so we stayed at Hotel Principal.
Chris Daniel, a poster from the TT days, posts here on occasion.

We have been to Mex City many times and used to stay in the Centro. We have stayed at the Gran Hotel and it was a nightmare -- something going on in the Zocalo and it kept us up all night -- we had a room overlooking it. Last trip we stayed in Condesa and loved it. Going back to winter and will also stay in Condesa. Have never stayed at the RTH but its very popular. Have fun--its a fabulous city.

My first night in Mexico City was a 4th of May in either 1999 or 2000. We stayed at the Hotel Majestic, which has the best views of the zocalo from the front rooms or the rooftop bar and restaurant. On that night we were kept awake by the clattering of horseshoes and the echoing of cannon shots, as well as constant construction noises. Yes, much to our surprise, the Battle of Puebla was being reenacted on the Zocalo, complete with cavalry charges, musket fire and and bombardments from the fortifications (and grandstands). Needless to say, we delayed sightseeing and ordered breakfast in to watch the spectacle. Afterwards, then President Zedillo gave an address from the National Palace -- which explained the presence of heavies at every landing in the hotel giving us the once over.

At that time the Gran Hotel was on the skids (though they kept live birds in the cages). It's gratifying to see how it's been restored to its former glory. The Hotel Majestic has been spruced up as well, but still has a ways to go. However, its view of the zocalo is stunning -- flag raising, marching bands, glue-sniffing kids, stray dogs, Aztec dancers, etc.

Fra Diavolo, what a memorable time in Zocala.

Other posters, thank you! You are really giving me a feel for the different parts of the city.

Fra Diavolo, what a memorable time in Zocala.

Other posters, thank you! You are really giving me a feel for the different parts of the city.