I had booked the HI Zocalo two years ago for several nights at the Xmas holiday. I could not get New Year's Eve on points so I cancelled and stayed next door at the Best Western Majestic for $75 a night for a three room suite (2 Bed rooms/2 baths) overlooking the Zocalo. Not a bad rate for the holiday.

The views are great but do not expect to get an early bedtime if you have a room facing the Zocalo. Life is quite exciting there and much goes on until the wee hours.

In hindsight, I think the Majestic was a better choice. Even if you stay at the HI and if using points, I would, do have a meal at the Majestic's roof top restaurant.

Lots to do in that area. Easy to get on the Metro.

Places to see: Palace of Fine Arts; the Alameda; take the Metro to Hidlago station and transfer to the Metro to Coyoacan and visit Frida Kahlo's and Trotsy's homes; the Los Danzantes restaurant is considered one of the best in Mexico City (by the locals) though the cuisine is a bit noveau; nearby is San Angel where the Saturday art fair is wonderful and you can eat at the Fonda San Angel and watch the artist's selling their goods; Diego Rivera's home is nearby; back at the Centro Historico, grab lunch at Sanborn's in the House of Blue Tiles or Cafe Tacuba; check out the Museum of Torture or the Mineral museum which has some very large meteorites in the lobby. Another nice place to eat is the Best Western Corteso at the west end of the Alameda and while there, the Diego Rivera Mural Museum in a block away.

And, of course, do not miss the Cathedral or Templo Mayor at the Zocalo. If time permits, the Basilica of Guadalupe and the pyramids are easy half day trip. You must climb the Pyramid of the Sun and place your finger on the "Aztec battery!"

Note: Every now and then, I find an artist which I later regret not buying all of their displayed works! That has happened twice in Sevilla and once in San Angel. Great prices.