Named as one of the top ten cities in the world in Lonely Planet’s ‘Best in Travel 2009’ list, Mexico City is emerging as the Manhattan of Latin America, and those visiting on 18th and 19th March can join in the fun and soak up the atmosphere at the Spring Night Festival. During this annual festival, the Noche de la Primavera, the streets and plazas of Mexico City’s historic centre become filled with music and dancing till dawn.
New hotels in Mexico City
Distrito Capital (four-star) - From £91 per room per night
Mexico City
Opened in February this year, this cutting edge design hotel is located in one of the city's largest shopping malls in the Santa Fe neighbourhood.
The whole hotel has been styled by Parisian designer Joseph Dirand and boasts a film projection room, a library, and a fitness centre with spa and health treatments.
Enrique Olvera’s fifth-floor restaurant and bar is set to become one of Mexico City’s gastronomic hotspots and has spectacular panoramic views over the capital below.
Mexico City Marriott Reforma Hotel (four-star) - From £90 per room per night
The Mexico City Marriott Reforma Hotel opened in January this year and is just a few steps from the Angel of Independence monument in downtown Mexico City.
The hotel is chic and modern in design and has a fully equipped fitness centre and indoor pool. The La Mansion Restaurant boasts the best steak in town and traditional Mexican dishes are served at the Condimento Restaurant.
Quirky hotels in Mexico City
Habita (four-star) - Rooftop pool - From £128 per room per night
One of the first design hotels to open in Mexico City, the Habita hotel is located in the Polanco district, close to Chapultepec Castle, the Modern Art Museum and the historic city centre.
The hotel’s iconic rooftop pool has breathtaking views across the capital and is one of the best places in the city to watch the sun set.
All guestrooms come with Egyptian cotton sheets and bathrobes, and pets are welcome to stay free of charge.
Hotel Imperial Reforma (three-star) - Former presidential home - From £34 per room per night
This historic hotel dates back to 1904 and was once the home to President Venustiano Carranza following the Mexican Revolution. Situated in the Centro Historico district in downtown Mexico City, the hotel offers an in-room massage service and all guestrooms are decorated in French colonial style.
Deals in Mexico City
Save a further 30% at the three-star Casa de la Condesa Reforma Hotel, located in downtown Mexico City and just a short walk to local restaurants, museums and nightlife. This boutique hotel is decorated in a traditional Mexican style and is adorned with indigenous pottery and artwork.
Save a further 30% at the four-star Melia Mexico Reforma, right in the heart of the city centre. The hotel has recently been awarded AAA 4 Diamonds and the spa features six massage rooms offering a full range of services. Prices start from just £103 per room per night.
Top Tips for Mexico City
Tequila
A visit to Mexico wouldn’t be the same without sampling the country’s famous tequila. Order a tamarind margarita made with Don Julio tequila for a taste of Mexican heaven. When buying tequila look for Blanco, Oro, Reposado or Anejo as they are some of the best.
Taxis
Avoid hailing cabs in the street and only take a taxi marked Taxis Autorizados. The simplest way to avoid any danger is to ask your hotel or restaurant to arrange any taxi trips for you.
Shopping
One of the best markets for some local souvenirs is the Mercado de los Sabados en San Angel (Saturday´s Market in San Angel). There are lots of little stalls in the main square where you can buy clothes, jewellery, hand-made paper, textiles and traditional Mexican sweets.