Hotel rates are subject to 15% VAT (Value Added Tax) and 2% Room Tax. Hotel bills can usually be settled in US Dollars or Mexican Pesos (prices tend to be quoted in US dollars). Breakfast isn't included unless specified.

Hotels have been classed into four different pricing categories:
$$$$ (over US$300)
$$$ (US$150 to US$250)
$$ (US$50 to US$150)
$ (up to US$50)

Hotel Camino Real
Stylish, modernistic with bold yellow and pink walls, the Camino Real was designed by Mexican architect Ricardo Legorreta. Luxurious and original, the hotel is renowned for a huge mural in the entrance lobby by artist Rufino Tamayo. Spacious guest rooms offer views over a delightful garden and large pool with terrace. Convention facilities include a business centre and meeting rooms, shops and a gym.

Mariano Escobedo 700, Anzures
Tel: (55) 5263 8888.
Website: http://caminoreal.com/mexico
Price: $$$

Hotel Presidente InterContinental
This 659-room high-rise hotel boasts a celebrity clientele with Michael Jackson and Bill Clinton past guests. The hotel's modernistic lobby sets the tone. Large rooms offer pleasant views and king-size beds with the 32nd floor ladies-only. First-rate business facilities include an executive floor equipped with a club lounge and library while a business centre is open 0700-2300. Also a sports club with pool and a number of good, popular restaurants especially Au Pied de Cochon (see Restaurants).

Avenida Campos Eliseos 218, Polanco
Tel: (55) 5327 7700.
Website: www.ichotelsgroup.com
Price: $$$

Marco Polo
Small and oozing with no-expense-spared luxury, this gorgeous 5-star hotel in the heart of the centrally located La Zona Rosa provides an attractive alternative to the standard. All 60 rooms have been bright and tastefully decorated with rustic wooden furniture together with facilities that include a mini-bar, safe and coffee-maker. Four penthouse suites also have a Jacuzzi and balcony. A small business centre offers business support services and various meeting rooms and a ballroom together with Restaurant-bar, Il Caffe Milano and a gym.

Amberes 27, Juárez
Tel: (55) 5080 0063.
Website: www.marcopolo.com.mx
Price: $$$

W Mexico City
Located off Reforma Boulevard amidst the trendy shops, chic boutiques, galleries and cafes of the trendy Polanco neighbourhoods, W Mexico City boasts eye-popping artistic bold hues and stylish décor inspired by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. Butler-style personal attention caters to a guest's every whim and there's a spa for relaxation.

Campos Eliseos 252
Chapultepec, Polanco
Tel: (55) 9138 1800.
Website: www.starwoodhotels.com
Price: $$$$

Hotel Gillow
Located in the heart of the Centro Histórico, this elegant mid-range hotel is perfectly placed just a stone's throw from the Zócalo and its fine architecture and museums. An attractive art deco-style facade opens up onto a cheerful, rose-coloured marble lobby hung with leafy plants. Rooms boast a simple pastel colour scheme together with TV and private bathroom with views overlooking the street or a quiet inner courtyard. A reasonably priced restaurant Capilla and bar offers a decent range of international beers and liquors together with Mexican dishes with a global twist.

Isabel La Catolica 17, Centro Histórico
Tel: (55) 5510 0791.
Website: www.hotelgillow.com
Price: $

Maria Cristina
Housed in a beautiful colonial-style building packed with Old World charm just a short stroll from the centre of La Zona Rosa, the Maria Christina is one of the best-value deals in the city with a 150 comfortable, well-equipped rooms. Each has a TV and fan together with private bathrooms clad with pleasant Mexican talavera tiles. Facilities include a travel agency, beauty salon and a medium-priced restaurant and bar with parking onsite.

Rio Lerma 31, Cuahtemoc
Tel: (55) 5566 9688.
Website: www.hotelmariacristina.com.mx
Price: $$

El Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico
A shrine to art nouveau styling, this is one of the most elegant and original hotels in Mexico City. The lobby has a cathedral-like quality, with a stunning coloured-glass window canopy overhead, ornate wrought iron balconies and lifts at either end. Located conveniently on the Zócalo in the Centro Histórico and a 15-minute drive from the airport, the hotel also has convention facilities, making it popular with the business community and upmarket travellers. The 124 rooms all have art nouveau touches and TVs. There is a restaurant in the lobby and a terrace cafe over the square.

Avenida 16 de Septiembre 82, Centro Histórico
Tel: (55) 5510 4040 or 1 800 887 5694 (reservations).
Website: www.granhotelciudaddemexico.com
Price: $$$

Hotel Majestic
Boasting an enviable location overlooking the fine historic monuments of Zócalo, the 85-room Hotel Majestic has five large suites. A mirrored lobby is adorned with fountains and Mexican tiles. Choose a room overlooking the square for bird's eye views of the daily ceremonial raising of the flag at 0600. Simple décor majors on comfort with a TV, mini-bar, coffee-making facilities and rustic wood furniture. Popular terrace restaurant Terraza overlooks the Zócalo and serves basic Mexican and international food at reasonable prices.

Avenida Madero 73, Centro Histórico
Tel: (55) 5521 8600.
Website: www.majestic.com.mx
Price: $$