Just steps away from the landmark Angel of Independence on Paseo de la Reforma and not far from Chapultepec Park, this hotel couldn't be more central. The staff here are also terrific, bending over backwards to make sure guests get what they need. That's the good news. But though the Maria Isabel, which opened in 1969, still maintains some of its original elegance (it has a marble-studded lobby complete with brass fixtures), the hotel's facilities could use a bit of an update. Rooms are decorated in bland on bland and the outdoor pool is too small for laps. Still, the bar area, which hosts mariachis in the evening, can be fun. And it's often possible to find good discount packages here (surf the internet, especially if you're a member of the Starwood Preferred Guests program).