Centro

Established in the 1950's by the Quaker community in Mexico City, the Casa continues to be actively involved in local activities with a stated mission of promoting peace and international understanding. They run an affordable guest house with either private rooms or dorm beds with a two-night minimum, and is popular with international students or volunteers on extended stays, though there are still many who are "just tourists."

A clean and safe hotel in a perfect location. Some rooms have partial views of the rear of the cathedral, but these are noisy due to the church bells. While rooms are quite simple, everything looks and feels fresh. Discount with a Hosteling International card.

Hotel Principal

Clean, friendly, and well run hotel with a range of rooms. Most overlook a quiet inner courtyard. Doubles from a little over US$20.

The location is great, the rooms are clean and comfortable but the service is vaudevillian. The restaurant on the top floor has a superb view of the Cathedral and Presidential Palace but the food isn't worthy of the ambience. US$120 double.

Hostel Moneda

Cheap and lively hostel with a good bar on the top floor, free buffet breakfast and dinner and free internet access. It's a good place for backpackers looking to party and it has a small book exchange. Rooms are basic but clean with bathrooms accessible from the dorms. Staff is helpful and speak English.

Hotel Virreyes

A former luxury hotel turned funky backpacker hostel, the Virreyes has spacious rooms, albeit with simple thrift furniture and a lobby that turns into a cinema, music spot and a place to hang. Former Virreyes occupants include Hollywood stars Rock Hudson and Piper Laurie and Mexican prizefighter Kid Azteca.

Hotel de Cortes

This charming and atmospheric inn has lodged travellers since its beginnings as a hostel for Augustinian missionaries. The former friars' quarters are comfortable, and continuing renovations and polishing are pleasing to those seeking a unique experience.

Hotel Juarez

Just east of the intersection of 5 de Mayo and Isabel la Catolica, a well located, well taken care of budget hotel. As of March 09, singles $200 and doubles $270. Large rooms, TV, phone free local calls and private bathroom, very central location. Rooms may not all have windows.