I would very much recommend Marcia's apartment for a stay in the centro historico. She has a beautiful place in a renovated, historic building near both the zocalo and alameda central. Walk three blocks for dinner at Cafe de Tacuba or a bit further to Plaza Garibaldi. The building has twenty-four security and easy entry with a key card. The elevator makes it easy to get luggage up one flight to the first floor and after that there are convenient stairs at the doorstep. Marcia is a very amiable and seemingly professional hostess. The apartment has large, comfortable rooms and a modern kitchen with a water cooler for drinking water. For gourmet mexican cuisine check out Restaurante Limosneros which is also nearby. Ride the metro and the little camiones public buses to get around as locals do.