Stellar modernist apartment in Mexico City's historic district, only about five blocks south of the Zocalo and three blocks north of the Pino Suarez metro station. That metro connection makes it SUPER convenient for people who want to explore some of the D.F.'s more farflung neighbourhoods, like Condesa or Coyoacan or Xochimilco. There's a hip pedestrian street nearby, Calle Regina, that's lined with bars and breakfast places, and a seriously amazing late-night quesadilla shack (I think it was basically two ladies with a griddle set up in an exposed staircase) a block south of the apartment. And oh yeah, the place has a king-sized bed, and a doorman keeps an eye on the comings-and-goings in the building.

I didn't meet Jackie or Al, but Al was easy to reach over AirBNB messages for our entire stay. Essentially, if you're looking for a central base from which to explore the massive metropolis that is Mexico City, this is your place.