When we first booked our trip, my friends wanted to stay in a hotel because of the perceived security benefits. We’re all glad that we decided instead to stay at Petra’s amazing apartment. While she is relatively new-to the airbnb community, Petra has been renting this space for a number of years through other outlets and the entire process from booking the space to checking-out ran incredibly smoothly. Everything is geared to the needs of travelers – from the directions getting from the airport to the binders full of resource materials for Mexico City activities… from the vases of fresh flowers all the way down to the eclectic assortment of tequilas in the mini-bar! And Petra made herself available for tips and advice about navigating the city.

The apartment itself is lovely… an oasis overlooking the Palacio de Bellas Artes. We spent several afternoons sipping drinks while watching the city’s spectacular sunsets from the terrace (that poor air quality is good for something!) The rooms were large, tastefully decorated and full of light. The bathrooms were fantastic: great water pressure; gleaming white marble & glass; and views of the city. Every day (except Sundays), charming Ceci brought in a crew to clean the apartment and leave provisions for the next day’s breakfast. Petra can make available between one to four bedrooms (price depends on bedrooms used), which was perfect since our travel numbers shifted day-to-day.

The apartment is located blocks from the Zocolo – so there are many interesting old-school restaurants, sights, museums and bars within walking distance. You’ll probably want to take cabs (or the Metro which is nearby, but which we never tried) over to the Roma, Condessa and Zona Rosa neighborhoods for the hipster hangouts. The neighborhood and building never felt unsafe – even when the police barricaded the streets for the free Justin Bieber concert.

I definitely recommend this place for anyone lucky enough to spend time in Mexico City!