Hotel Kennedy

What it is. A two-star business hotel in Jardín Balbuena with multilingual staff, limited-hours room service, express check-out, free wi-fi and wired internet, a bar, a safe at reception, an ATM or banking services, and a lift.

Where it puts you — which is the point. Jardín Balbuena is one of the best-connected neighbourhoods in the city: Metro Balbuena and Boulevard Puerto Aéreo on line 1, and Fray Servando on line 4. The airport is around fifteen minutes away, and the TAPO coach terminal, serving Puebla, Veracruz and the south-east, is closer still.

What that makes it good for. An early flight, a late arrival, or a trip built around coach travel to the south-east. The historic centre is a short ride west on line 1.

What to confirm before booking. In this category, three questions head off most problems: whether the room faces the street, since Fray Servando carries traffic at all hours; whether they take cards or cash only; and the deposit and check-in policy, because many small hotels will not store luggage beforehand.

Practical notes. Fray Servando Teresa de Mier #760. At 2,240 metres, go easy on the first evening; tap water is not drunk anywhere in the city.