NH Mexico City Centro Histórico

With few exceptions, the NH chain is a fairly straightforward set of well-located hotels that offer reliably modern, if generic, digs for short stays. As such, this hotel is best used as a clean and pleasantly modern base for sightseeing in Mexico City's historic center. There aren't too many extra perks, though it's nicer than many of the humble mid-range and budget properties in this part of town. The marble lobby sets the tone for the rest of the property, with a dark wood and cream palette, brightened up by splashes of peach and orange. Free carafes of fruit-infused water and pick-and-mix candies in the lobby are a nice touch, as are the lazy Sundays -- when breakfast is served until mid-day and free late check-out is offered, when possible. The hotel’s central location draws tourist couples who use it to get out and explore. There’s a business side here, too -- the meeting rooms are sometimes occupied by government officials working at the nearby National Palace.

NH Mexico City Centro Historico has a top location in the city's historic center, one block from the Zocalo, which is the de facto center of town. The hotel fronts a cobblestone street in an area filled with beautiful historic buildings, tons of churches, museums, and government offices. Many of the city’s key attractions are within a 10-minute walk of the hotel, including the Metropolitan Cathedral, National Palace, Templo Mayor archaeological area, Museo Nacional de Arte, and Palacio de Bellas Artes. The area also is filled with numerous shops and restaurants, particularly along pedestrianized Avenida Madero. The popular Museo Nacional de Antropologia and leafy Chapultepec Park are about 30 minutes away by car, or 45 minutes by public transport (the closest metro station is a five-minute walk). Expect about a 30-minute drive to Mexico City International Airport, though traffic generally warrants budgeting up to an hour. The hotel offers transfers to the airport (available 24 hours, though they cost extra) or for self-driving guests, there’s on-site parking at a fee.

Rooms have a simple and modern monochrome design that's modern enough, but fairly generic. Details include dark floors and furniture, and splashes of peach throughout the fabrics and artwork. Amenities include air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and minibars. Unfortunately, coffee and tea aren't provided for free. Fully-tiled bathrooms have windows through to the sleeping areas, plus wall-mounted hairdryers, make-up mirrors, and toiletries. Room sizes start at a relatively compact 225 square feet (21 square meters) in entry-level Standard Rooms. There’s little difference in upgrading to one of the Superior Rooms, which are the same size but sit on the Executive Floor. Superior XL Rooms are 400 square feet (37 square meters) and include basic sitting areas, plus separate showers and tubs in the bathrooms. Rooms are quiet, but don't expect any views -- most either look out over a small internal courtyard-slash-corridor to the rooms opposite, or to buildings across the street. Previous guests comment on tired furnishings and limited natural light in some rooms, which, combined with the dark aesthetic, leads to a gloomy feel. Connecting rooms are available in most room categories.

The features here are those expected of a city-center base, and are fairly limited. The fifth-floor restaurant serves Mexican and international dishes, and has a terrace for guests preferring to dine outdoors. A buffet breakfast -- recommended by previous guests -- includes local dishes like chilaquiles alongside American choices, though it's not included in rates. A small gym has cardio equipment and free weights -- it's only suitable for a basic workout. For business travelers, there are nine meeting rooms including a large ballroom. These rooms are sometimes used by government officials working at the nearby National Palace. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. A 24-hour shuttle service runs to the airport and there's on-site parking, though both cost extra.