I want to start by saying this review is difficult for me to write because my husband and I did a…read morelot of research before booking, and we were genuinely excited for our stay. We intentionally chose this hotel for its historic location and were aware of the location in the Zócalo area, which we were completely fine with.
I will say upfront that the doormen were the highlight of our experience. They were consistently welcoming, informative, and far more helpful than the front desk staff.
We booked a Zócalo junior suite and made multiple efforts in advance both by phone and email to request early check-in and a higher-floor room due to potential noise from the square. Upon arrival early in the morning at six am, we were told our room wasn't ready and were handed a key to wait in a lounge area. However, no one directed us there or explained anything the doorman had to step in and assist us.
Unfortunately, the lounge itself was not very clean, with crumbs visible on the couches.
When check-in time approached (around 2:30 PM, slightly before their standard 3 PM), I reiterated our request for a higher floor. Despite this, we were assigned room 103. We were told no other rooms were available, even though we had been there since 6 AM. Not wanting to go back and forth, we accepted the room.
After a long overnight flight (delayed nearly three hours), we went to rest. Shortly after, we were woken up by a window that would not stay shut. There was an event in the Zócalo, so noise levels were extremely high. Additionally, our room was positioned directly below portable restrooms, and there was a noticeable sewage smell. Maintenance was sent to close the window, but we were hesitant to open it again after that.
Being on such a low floor also meant we had no privacy and could not comfortably open the windows anyway.
The following day, before leaving for the pyramids, I called the front desk (in Spanish) to request room cleaning and additional towels. When we returned around 2 PM, nothing had been done. Upon calling again, I was told that I had requested "room service," which was incorrect. There was no apology only blame.
When housekeeping eventually came by, I had to gather trash myself from the bathroom and we were informed (for the first time) that a sign needed to be placed outside the door to receive service. This was never explained during check-in. Over the course of our four-day stay, our room was cleaned only once.
The room itself had several issues. The air conditioning did not work properly and made loud noises throughout the night, leaving us waking up overheated. Because of our room location, opening the windows was not a viable option. The shower was also unsafe the handle was loose and nearly came off when I grabbed it, causing me to almost slip and fall. There were also loose electrical outlets in the bathroom, which was concerning.
Additionally, our room consistently smelled like sewage, even though the hallways and lobby did not. The lobby itself was often overcrowded with visitors taking photos of the ceiling, making it difficult to move through at times.
The room also did not match what was advertised online. The beds were not the four-poster style shown in photos instead, they were standard beds with a detached headboard that repeatedly knocked against the wall throughout the night.
Overall, this stay was very disappointing. Between the lack of cleanliness, poor service, and room issues, it did not meet expectations especially for a hotel of this reputation. While we understood and accepted the challenges of the location, the service and room conditions were the main concerns. Unfortunately, I would not choose to stay here again, and part of me wishes we could receive some form of refund for the experience.
Tips:
For those traveling don't stay here if you don't want to walk to your uber especially late at night.
If there are events that will result in street closures you will have to walk even further to get an uber. There was protests in the zocalo when we were there.
At night the homeless come out and sleep around the area and right by the hotel.
Ask for a higher floor or take ear plugs cus you won't be able to sleep there is a bar or a club somewhere that plays music till 3 am.