Accommodation Guide for Photographers
Mexico City has places to stay for every budget and every type of traveler.
If you’re traveling on a budget, Mexico City has excellent hostels and affordable guesthouses throughout the city. Boutique hotels are also common and offer great value if you want more comfort without luxury prices. And if you’re ready to splurge, Mexico City has no shortage of high-end hotels as well.
Average Accommodation Prices (per night)
250–500 MXN – Hostel
500–1,000 MXN – Budget guesthouse / boutique hotel
1,200–3,000 MXN – Mid-range hotel/airbnb
3,000–8,000 MXN – Luxury hotel
Budget Guesthouses
The best deals on budget guesthouses in Mexico City are usually found in central and vibrant neighborhoods, where competition keeps prices low and locations are convenient for sightseeing. Booking platforms like Hostelworld, Booking.com, and Airbnb are reliable for comparing prices, checking reviews, and finding last-minute discounts. Weekday stays are often cheaper than weekends, and many guesthouses will give a small discount for multi-night bookings.
Neighborhoods like Roma, Condesa, Centro Histórico, Polanco and Coyoacán are popular with travelers. Roma, in particular, is lively, safe, and full of cafés, street food, and boutique shops—you’re never far from restaurants or public transport. Staying here gives you a local feel while keeping you close to major attractions like the Zócalo, Alameda Central, and the museums along Paseo de la Reforma.
Budget guesthouses are a popular accommodation type in Mexico City, especially for travelers looking for clean, affordable, and convenient places to stay.
They usually offer simple private or shared rooms, basic bathrooms, and common areas where you can meet other travelers.
Many are family-run or boutique-style, giving a more local feel than chain hotels. They’re perfect for solo travelers or anyone who wants to stay near the city’s main attractions without spending a fortune.
After staying in a few, you’ll notice they’re often modern, well-kept, and located close to restaurants, markets, and public transport—making them a smart choice for budget-conscious explorers.
Airbnb
Airbnb is widely used in Mexico City, offering everything from single rooms to full apartments, often in neighborhoods like Roma, Condesa, and Polanco.
While convenient and sometimes cheaper than hotels, Airbnb has sparked controversy for contributing to rising rents, displacing long-term residents, and changing the character of some historic areas.
Travelers should weigh the convenience against these concerns and try to book responsibly, supporting hosts who rent legally and respect their communities. Guest houses and hotels are usually the best way to go.
You also have to book highly ranked ones even if it's a little more expensive, because they understand hospitality. I've had three Airbnb issues resulting from booking the cheapest and newest ones available, including a host entering and leaving without my knowledge until I asked him later.
Booking.com
In my opinion (and not sponsored), it’s one of the best sites to find affordable accommodation in Mexico City. Booking.com offers a wide range of options, from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels, and you usually don’t have to pay upfront.
It’s great for comparing prices, reading honest reviews, and finding deals in central neighborhoods like Roma, Condesa, and Centro Histórico.
Planning a photography and filming trip to Mexico City?
I put together a free Creator's Call Sheet for Mexico City — a complete one-day photography and filmmaking itinerary designed to help you shoot the city's best locations in the best light while avoiding the biggest crowds.
It's built to minimize planning so you can spend more time creating and less time figuring out where to go next.
Download it free here → Creator's Call Sheet for Mexico City
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