The bedrooms themselves were fairly spacious, clean on the surface, and keep nice and cool during the daytime. We had a second-floor room on the street side, and with the shutters closed, you eliminate a lot of the evening noise. There are also rooms away from the street, which I’m guessing light sleepers should request.

Overall, the value for money isn’t at all bad, as you can’t beat the convenience of being so central. However you do compromise a little on quality. The first room we were given had a broken toilet, the bed sheets and towels were noticeable old and worn, the shower unit was leaky, and the mattress also seemed ready for replacement. However the main bedrooms are very attractive, with dark tiled floors and wooden details (although with institutional-style ceiling light tiles the bathrooms are a stark and unfortunate contrast). Each room has a TV, laundry service, and there are water barrels on each balcony that dispense drinking water. The English-speaking staff are also extremely helpful and will help with taxi bookings, etc.

But nowhere do you get the feeling of being in France more heavily than in the 400 year old Hotel Frances. Restored to it's former glory in 1981, the hotel was declared a national monument. And why not--Benito Juarez, Mexico's most beloved and greatest president (sometimes called the 'Lincoln of Mexico') used to stay there. The Frances is located right of the Plaza de la Liberacion, and just to set foot inside its lobby is to feel transported not only to Europe but to a bygone, more gracious time. The lobby bristles with overstuffed seating and bronze sculpture that looks like it belongs in a museum (or possibly bordello). A marble fountain plays in the center of the atrium lobby, with skylights three stories above, and feature frosted glass doors, yards of old oil paintings, polished wood booths for phones, concierge, and tobacco shop--and a cage elevator right out of 'Irma La Douce.' There is a rooftop patio for sunning, reading, loafing, or scoping out the city. Rooms vary in size, shape, and degree of luxury. There is an informal restaurant, the Rose Cafe, and at night you can dance to live music in the club, 'Maxims.'

This place is really fun. Even if you don't stay there, drop by the lobby to hear the piano tinkling--stand around and soak up the atmosphere, feeling like Phinneas Fogg or Hercule Poirot.