Mexico City: Transportation and Lodging

We needed a good trip to take my parents on. They have done so much for us over the years, but particularly over the last year helping us get two houses ready to sell, including a rental that needed LOTS of love, and our new home move-in ready. And that took a LOT of work. My dad mentioned wanting to go to Mexico City, so the trip was born.

Getting There

I booked the plane tickets and found a great deal on what turned out to be a fantastic hotel as a surprise for them. Since there is so much to post about Mexico City, I'm starting with the basics: Lodging and Transportation.

 

We used points to book all 4 plane tickets to and from Mexico City with American Airlines. We both have the American Airlines credit card (get the application when you fly since there's usually a good promo attached) that helps us accumulate points which results in some plane tickets at least yearly, I'd say. The flight was direct from PHX and just over 3 hours long. Pretty easy.

I had applied for Global Entry earlier this year, and found out while we were in Mexico that I was eligible for my interview. On the way back into Phoenix, the agent checking me at customs in PHX was able to quickly complete the interview right there and now I'm approved (CBP just launched an "Enrollment on Departure" option that you may want to look into too). I'm excited to test it out on our next international trip (which is Belize- woohoo!).

Uber!

Once we arrived, we grabbed our bags and got an Uber from the airport to the hotel. Now driving is a bit crazy in the city. There is a LOT of traffic and you have to be pretty aggressive to get around. Most cars are pretty small as well (and manual transmissions). If you have luggage, you need to book an XL Uber to/from the airport. Everywhere else we went, we got a regular Uber, but with 4 of us, it was very cramped. We were all fine with squishing together, but if you have more than 2 people and aren't comfortable with squishing, you might try and book an XL if it's available, or 2 separate cars. 

We took Uber everywhere we went with no issues. Our hotel advised us against taking taxis, but did recommend Uber. Something you do need to be aware of, however, is that if you go a bit outside of the city (to Teotihuacan, for example) there may be toll roads. You may or may not be responsible for these fees yourself. In the Uber we took on the way there, the driver had a pass that got us through the tolls, but on the way back, our Uber driver paid cash and asked for reimbursement at the end. Also keep in mind that if you're not going far, it may be quicker to walk given the amount of traffic there is in the city.

Where We Stayed

I found a great deal for the Zocalo Central Hotel.

I would absolutely recommend this hotel time and time again! It was in a great location. There is so much to do within walking distance and you have great views from the hotel itself. 

View from the hotel's front door.

They also have a lovely restaurant on the 6th floor with a great view of the Zocalo. The hotel provided free breakfast daily at this restaurant, which was very convenient.

The view can't be beat. 

I've heard they have a great full menu during the day as well. We did grab a drink up here one night to check it out.

They also have a beautiful cafe downstairs and provide guests free drinks and food 24/7. We would head down for a coffee, a quick snack, or a nightcap.

Staying in the heart of the city is fun, but perhaps a little dangerous as all big cities are (as with most big cities we were warned of pick pockets). The security, cleanliness, and beauty of this hotel could not be beat. There is always someone from the hotel staffed outside to keep an eye on things. One day while we were there, there was a large demonstration taking place which resulted in some closed roads. The hotel dropped off letters to each guest the night before to provide a heads up. It wasn't necessarily a dangerous activity, but it was nice to be made aware of it ahead of time. 

Even more people during the demonstration!

There is so much within walking distance of this hotel to do. You could stay here and have something new to do and somewhere new to eat for every meal for a week without ever having to drive. Now, it is worth noting that it is very busy all days and times of the week. Here is a typical night in downtown:

And despite it being a busy location, it was rarely loud from our rooms and the tranquil setting of the hotel was never interrupted. 

If you're looking for a place to stay in CDMX, definitely check this place out!