Fodor's Expert Review Gran Hotel

Cozily situated on Parque Hidalgo, this legendary 1901 hotel has extremely high ceilings, wrought-iron balcony and stair rails, and ornately patterned tile floors. The period decor is so classic that you expect a mantilla-wearing Spanish señorita to appear, fluttering her fan, at any moment. The old-fashioned sitting room features antiques and plants; wide interior verandas on the second and third floors provide pretty outside seating. Porfirio Díaz, a former Mexican president, stayed in one of the corner suites, which have small living and dining areas. A downstairs boutique (Mexicanísimo) sells high-quality clothing made from natural fibers.