About Mexico City

Mexico City is a place to love and enjoy. It has everything you might expect from the world's largest metropolitan area. Like mysterious ingredients added to a bubbling cauldron, the result is a buoyant and bustling cosmopolitan center of music and noise, green parks, colonial palaces, world-renowned museums and cultural life.

Located in the heart of the Americas, Mexico City has been a center of life and commerce for over 2,000 years. Tehotihuacans, Toltecs, Aztecs and European conquistadors have all contributed to the city's fascinating evolution, art and heritage.

Although residents refer to their city as simply Mexico (pronunced meh-hee-koh), its multitude of ancient ruins, colonial masterpieces and modern architecture has prompted others to call it "The City of Palaces."

In this multifaceted city, the possibilities are limitless and the resources and creativity endless. The most unique venues and the finest restaurants are just some of the ingredients for a most memorable program.

Tips

Checking-in: Check-in time is at 3.pm. Since Mexico City is mostly a business destination, you will have no problem if arriving earlier.

Public Transportation: Public transportation in Mexico City is very complicated, and we do not recommend you to use it with the exception of the subway (locals call it "el metro"), but make sure that you don't ride it in the rush hour when it turns into a real nightmare and be aware of pickpockets. NEVER hail a cab on the street. Always use the authorized taxis at the hotel. They are more expensive, but you will make it safe to your destination. Check with your concierge or bellman for the rates before boarding the car, and make sure that the cab driver has confirmed the rate.

Water: Though many hotels have purified water, it is more advisable to drink only bottled water in Mexico City. Unlike the beach destinations in the country, not all hotels have embraced the habit to install purifying systems.

Medical Care: There are many hospitals with English speaking staff; doctors in all disciplines and state of the art equipment are available 24 hours daily. In some hotels, there are doctors available on the property or on call.

Money: Banks offer the best exchange rates if you have time to stand in line. Otherwise, you can go to any exchange bureau (Casa de cambio ); they usually give you an exchange rate slightly higher than the banks but are faster and easier. Traveler's checks and major credit cards are widely accepted in Mexico City.

Telephone: The best options to make a long distance phone call to the U.S. is from a public telephone called TELMEX. You may also purchase a calling card where you see the sign "Tarjetas Ladatel". A $10 usd card will give you approximately 5-7 minutes to talk. Most hotels offer long distance service through their switchboards, however this method can be quite costly. Double-check the hotel the rate before making a phone call from your room.

If someone needs to call you from the U.S., tell them to dial (011)(52)+ (55) + the 8 digit local phone number.