Cities of gold: required reading for the traveler in Mexico

Latin Trade, Feb, 2005

Mexico's three main cities that make up the "Giants of the North" have it all. For instance, choosing the best hotel in Mexico City was not an easy task. While LATIN TRADE'S readers probably didn't find it easy picking the best in Guadalajara, Monterrey and the capital, what follows are examples of some who rule the roost in Mexico.

GUADALAJARA

BEST HOTEL

Considered the finest hotel in the city, Camino Real is just eight minutes from the Expo convention center, 12 minutes from the historic downtown and 25 minutes from the international airport. It has 198 rooms and seven suites decorated in a modern Mexican style, spacious terraces and the highest levels of service. The 40,000 square-meter building covers three hectares with four pools, a lighted tennis court, a miniature golf course and a kiddie playground. The business center is completely new, with high-speed Internet access, fax, phone and copy services. Rates begin at US$120. [52] (33) 3134-2404. www.caminoreal.com

BEST CAR RENTAL

Hertz arrived in Guadalajara 30 years ago, making it the pioneer in car rentals here. Moderately priced cars with a minimum of fuss are its hallmarks. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Hertz is in the Miguel Hidalgo airport and has 150 vehicles to suit any need. Cars are replaced every 50,000 miles and rental rates range from US$70 to $200. [52] (33) 3688-5633. www.hertz.com.mx

BEST SHOPPING

Plaza del Sol, built 35 years ago, was the first in Guadalajara and remains the most popular. Located in the "golden zone," its 276 stores welcome 50,000 shoppers daily. Plaza del Sol combines open spaces with good taste, with parking for 2,000 cars; it is one of Guadalajara's busiest spots. Three years ago, the center invested more than US$4 million renovating the floors, painting, and installing fountains and sculptures by Mexican painter and sculptor Alejandro Colunga. [52] (33) 3121-5950. www.todoplazadelsol.com

BEST WEEKEND ESCAPE

Puerto Vallarta, in the state of Jalisco, is perfect place for combining fun and tranquility in western Mexico's natural surroundings. The city has mountains, jungles, the ocean and a touch of old Mexico. It's 330 kilometers from Guadalajara, and the temperature averages 25 degrees Celsius. Activities include the extreme or the more genteel sports, or simply a walk along the water, all in a picturesque environment where traditional Mexican architecture contrasts large tourist complexes. Nightlife includes bars, clubs and open-air establishments for dancing and fun until dawn. Rooms start at US$40. [52] (322) 226-8080. www.puertovallarta.gob.mx

BEST COFFEE

Thanks to a variety of food and drinks at moderate prices, the Sanborns chain continues to be the most popular cafe-restaurant in Guadalajara. Its 11 locales, of which seven include retail stores, each serve more than 800 customers a day. The busiest of them is in the Centro Historico, although the Plaza Galerias, on the western side of the city, has been busy since it is the most recent to open. Full of people day and night, the cafes are a refuge for those who enjoy endless conversation. [52] (33) 3613-6677. www.sanborns.com.mx

MEXICO CITY

BEST HOTELS

The Sheraton Centro Historico Hotel is in the Ciudad de los Palacios, surrounded by monuments, churches and museums. In addition to being the city's newest hotel, it has a convention center capable of hosting up to 5,000. Its 24 floors have 457 rooms. Bates begin at US$162. [52] (55) 5130-5300. Located on one of Mexico City's prettiest and most-traveled thoroughfares, Paseo de la Reforma, the Sheraton Maria Isabel Hotel & Towers has 755 rooms, including five penthouses, and on its top four floors are the Towers, with 24-hour concierge service. The hotel recently spent more than $2 million on renovations to its meeting areas and has installed wireless high-speed Internet in all of its rooms and in its 24 meeting rooms. Rates begin at $295. [52] (55) 5242-5555. www.sheraton.com

BEST RESTAURANT

The restaurant at Hotel W Mexico City, Solea's menu includes shellfish and seafood dishes prepared with Latin American and Asian recipes. Among the specialties created by Chef James O'Donnell are traditional guacamole, which can be served with a touch of mango or a champagne sauce, as well as tuna al aji. The restaurant-bar at the entrance has a laid-back feel. The walls are chocolate-colored, while the floors are wooden. Average price per person US$31. [52] (55) 9138-1820. www.starwood.com

BEST CAR RENTALS

Avis has five offices in Mexico City and provides 16 types of cars, from a Chevy Geo Metro up to a Lincoln LS. Bilingual staff and drivers and insurance are available. Daily rates start at US$58. [52] (55) 5283-1112. www.avis.com.mx.

Hertz has five branches in the city, offering cars from Chrysler's Athos for $44 to a Jeep Liberty for $109 daily. Bilingual staff and drivers are also available, as well as home pick-up service and a repair shop authorized by Chrysler, Mitsubishi and Mercedes Benz. [52] (55) 5784-7400. www.hertz.com.mx