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I like the W Hotel.

I've stayed near the Zona Rosa in a hotel I hound on the Lonely Planet. It was a neighborhood of big old homes, and the hotels were full of courtyards and gardens, but nothing super fancy. And the neighborhood was safe.

here's an article that might be useful, if you're trying to avoid places that are too touristy. i stayed in Coyoacan about 10 years ago and it was lovely, but it may have become a bit crazier since the time i was there...

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/04/27/TRF310824D.DTL

Check out the Condesa DF. It's so pretty, even though it is pricey. Also, it's in a really nice neighborhood. Website: http://www.condesadf.com/

Check out Casa Vieja in Polanco. One of the best neighborhoods. Great for walking, seeing museums, and eating. http://www.casavieja.com/

And of course, Condesa DF. Its beautiful, modern but traditional. Love, Love, Love. http://www.condesadf.com/

There is another one, I haven't try.
http://www.hotellacasona.com.mx/

I stayed two nights at Casa Gonzalez in Mexico City and loved it. It's inexpensive, very clean, and the people who work there are charming. My room was huge and had a ton of natural light. It's apparently more popular with middle-aged travelers, although as a twenty-something I felt perfectly at home. The courtyard is nice to relax in, and its close to buses and subways.

Don't even mess around with a place that's not Las Golondrinas in Oaxaca. LOVED LOVED LOVED. I wanted the 70 year owner to adopt me.

Second (or third?) CondesaDF, despite the price.

If you want a really great (albeit upscale) dining experience with some of the best Mexican food you'll ever taste, try El Bajio in Polanco. Have the plantain patties stuffed with black beans and the Mole de Xico (Veracruzan style Mole which is made with dried fruit. It is quite different from the 7 varieties of mole you will have in Oaxaca.)

I, too, love the Condessa DF, from amazing pomegranate margaritas on the rooftop, to the fact that they let me take Conde (the hotel dog) on a walk, to the fab buffet breakfast. Loved it all.

I have also heard really great things about The Red Tree House, theredtreehouse.com, also located in Condesa. Sounds like the hosts are incredibly welcoming and great with suggestions. I'm planning on giving it a try the next time I'm in DF.

Condesa SF is very, very nice. You won't regret the price (and it *is* pricey).

I've stayed at that place in Oaxaca! Back in, um, 2000 or so. If you haven't gone yet, you MUST go down to the public market south of the zocalo for lunch at the small meat seller stands - you pick your meat, they fry it up, and then you buy tortillas and condiments from other vendors in the area. Sit on one of the coca cola crates (you have to buy a coke, of course, to do this), and eat the best tacos of your life.

I second the Casa Gonzalez. I've stayed there dozens of times. It's quiet, and has tons of charm, a beautiful garden courtyard, and great antique furniture. I will say that it does not have many amenities-- don't expect shampoo or a hairdryer in your room (though, if you ask the ladies at the front desk, they have one that they will loan you). And, it's very safe.

The Maria Christina Hotel!!!
http://www.hotelmariacristina.com.mx

It's super cheap, the rooms are basic but the place has great character. The last time I was there with friends we woke up every morning and had coffee and fruit in their courtyard it was for sure the best way to start your day. They are just outside of Zona Rosa on the other side of Paseo de la Reforma. It's near both the American and British Embassies so we never had a hard time getting a good taxi.

First, If your avoiding the energy and vibe of NY in the 80s, avoid mexico city all together (cause its just as tacky, and dangerous, and amazing). And second, Dia de los Muertos in Oaxaca is probably the most touristy thing you can do...just a tip.

mexico city is my Fav. here are some of the hotels i have stayed in, and some of the ones I like too


condesa DF ( condesa is a part of town , Reallly cool)
havitat ( its a green hotel , kinda, its in Polanco)
W hotel mexico city, ( awsome)
JW marriott in polanco
la casita roja In la condesa

HOPE THISHELPS YOU

polanco = beverly hills
condesa = santa monica
colonia roma = silver lake
coyoacan = pasadena

this will only makes sense if you've been to LA. hope it helps.

i too, love the condesa.

another option is to check VRBO. (www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/mexico)
we traveled to patscuaro last december and found the most lovely casita on vrbo.

The W Hotel is totally cheesy. At night, the lobby bar feels like a swingers scene, except no one is swinging. It's kinda creepy.

Casa Gonzalez has the creepiest portraits hung all around the hotel. There was one that looked like Hillary Clinton in the room I was supposed to stay in. I left and stayed at the Camino Real in Polanco. It is such a funky-60s-modern place; it was like being in a James Bond movie circa Sean Connery. I loved it!

Love, love, love Mexico City. We stay at the W for a few reasons: it is reasonably priced, it is central to where we want to go and what we want to see, the staff is great.

You will have so much fun. Mexico City rocks!

stayed at red tree house. first b&b experiance. it rocked.

@gloryhome: Try not to be so snarky, you won't go far on the AT boards. I am honored to know that I inspired your first post though.

@arma-blanca: I'm an LA ro SF transplant, so that makes a lot of sense thanks! :)

@everyone else: THANK YOU! I really appreciate the response and there is a lot of good info here. I'm super excited for my vacation and I look forward to all the delicious food and fabulous neighborhoods. Mole de Xico sounds especially good. Thanks MamaChilanga! I'll have to tag some flckr photos to share when I get back. Thank you again! :)