69 stay · Economy hotels for travelers on a budget. 

What this section covers. Economy hotels and hostels — and in a city this cheap, budget accommodation goes a long way.

Where the value is. The historic centre and the streets around the Alameda: dozens of one- and two-star hotels within walking distance of the Zócalo, and hostels in restored buildings that are often better than their price suggests. Around the coach terminals — Norte, TAPO, Taxqueña — and the airport, which makes sense for early departures but nothing else.

What to expect in this category. A clean room, a bed, a private bathroom and not much more. Breakfast, a lift and air conditioning are rare. Many are cash only.

The three questions that head off most problems. Is there hot water, and at what hours. Do they take cards or cash only. Does the room face the street — noise is the single most frequent complaint here. Ask also about the deposit and the check-in time, since small hotels often will not store luggage beforehand. It is entirely normal to ask to see the room before paying.

Practical notes. The city itself is cheap: the Metro costs almost nothing, most museums are a few tens of pesos, and comida corrida in a market fonda costs about what a coffee costs in the Condesa.