Hello~<BR>i am planning a family trip at the end of december and am torn between the gran hotel and the majestic. i like the zocolo area, and prefer the more historical hotels. any input? i am open to other hotels too.<BR>any help would be appreciated.

I stayed at the Majestic for a few days at the end of August; the location is great (if you know what to expect from the Zocolo) and the interior is gorgeous. Generally everything was fine, and the hotel staff were very accomodating and helpful. <BR><BR>Be aware, though, that some of the rooms line the interior courtyard (not sure if that's the right word, but I mean they have no outside window, and open onto an interior space that looks down on the entryway and reception area/common areas). My room was one of these, and was a bit hot as it had no fan/airconditioner. Opening the huge window out into the hotel made it very noisy - OK most of the time but difficult to sleep as the phone at reception kept ringing all night! Heat won't be as much of an issue in Dec., but you might still find it stuffy to keept he room closed up. I'd recommend asking for a room that faces the outside - either the Zocolo or the side street - if the noise from the street won't bother you too much.<BR><BR>Whether you stay at the Majestic or not, do consider visiting the rooftop restaurant/bar - food is quite good, and the view is wonderful.

thanks for the advise! i will definately go for the zocolo side.<BR>great to see a reply.<BR>lisa

I actually had the opposite expereince at the Majestic--the room was too cold. We were there in February and had a room looking onto the side street, I think it's Madero. There didn't seem to be any source of heat in the room, and it was FREEZING. I'm not sure if the weather is as cold in December--you need a jacket in the evenings in February--but this could conceivably be a problem. We ended up moving down the block to a newer hotel, and using the heat. I personally didn't care for the zocalo area at night. It felt deserted and there didn't seem to be too many restaurants. We usually stay at the Maria Christina, a colonial style hotel across Reforma from the Zona Rosa, though this year we are going to try the Cortez, across from the Alameda.

I agree with the above advice. I have enjoyed staying at the majestic.

I recommend that you take foam earplugs as all the hotels we stayed at in Mexico and Oaxaca were noisy, with the exception of the four seasons mexico City. We also stayed at Hotel de Cortez near the Alameda in Mexico DF. Our rooms were clean, safe and reasonably priced, but certainly not luxury. The hotel itself is quite historic. It is convenient in that you are right on the subway and bus lines, and within walking distance to the Zocalo. The rooms were somewhat noisy due to the courtyard restaraunt.... We had lunch at the Majestic and it looked quite nice, plus is on the Zocalo. I'd consider staying there next time, with earplugs!

My wife and I stayed at the Marco Polo. It is not near the Zocolo area, but I think it is preferable. It is in the zona rosa, which I think is more centrally located.<BR><BR>Also, a friend of mine stayed there recently (like a month ago) and loved it too.<BR>

I an a US Lawyer living in Mexico City. FOur years ago I stayed in a little hotel (like a bed and breakfast) called Casa GOnzales. It was very cheap and very nice. It was like staying in a very nice mexican home. If it is still run by Sr. Gonzalez (near the Zona ROsa I believe on or near a road called Rio Sena) I think it would be a great experience for your family.

I agree that the Zocalo area is a great place to stay in Mexico City. One gets a much better &quot;Mexican&quot; experience than in the Polanco area and it American style hotels...and there are so many things to see there (let me know if you want suggestions)<BR><BR>We stayed at the Hotel Gillow just around the corner from the Zocalo. The rooms were quite large (there were four of us), very comfortable and with very nice bathrooms. I believe it was renovated 2-3 years ago. The rooms on higher floors have less street noise, but with closed windows the noise level was low anywhere.<BR><BR>The prices were considerably lower than the Majestic and Gran. Do not miss having drinks or a meal in the Majestic's top flor restaurant, looking out on the Zocalo, Cathedral,and mountains (on a clear day).<BR><BR>The Cortes across from the Alameda is very charming ( 6-7 blocks from the Zocalo) with a beautiful courtyard. Even if you do not stay there, it is worthwhile going to see the courtyard. The food ther is not bad.