1

Salmonquiche--In recent years I have enjoyed two good stays at the "Mexico Bed and Breakfast" hostel, conveniently located near the Insurgentes metro stop in Roma. That's a prosperous residential and commercial neighborhood that has many people out on its streets at night. I felt very comfortable walking near the hostel after dark.

I usually stay in hotels in Mexico, without making prior reservations. But for the trips mentioned above I looked on-line for a hostel room in which to spend my last several nights in Mexico. I did so in order to reliably reserve a private room ahead of time. I believed that might be helpful to do in Mexico City during a holiday period.

(Several regulars here post good information about low cost, high value Mexico City hotels. Hostels are not the only way to "sleep cheap" there.)

My first stay at Roma's "Mexico Bed and Breakfast" (a sightly presumptuous name for any hostel) included New Year's Eve. Carrying out a gracious personal tradition of his that probably still continues, the hostel owner treated all of the guests to a fine New Year's Eve midnight supper/party, held up on the establishment's rooftop terrace.

2

Mexico City is a great place to be at New Year. Yes, many people leave the city for the beaches, but most stay, and that gives you just a little extra breathing room and less traffic. And also many people from other parts of Mexico like to visit Mexico City at that time. You find some places closed (some museums and restaurants), but most stay open.

For many years now there is always a winter wonderland with a skating rink and many winter activities on Zócalo, so there will not be any large gatherings there. The New Year's Eve show takes place on Reforma (although 2 years ago they moved it to Revolución but the next year it was back at Reforma). The stage is under the angel and large screens are placed throughout Reforma. The acts are not announced until very close to the day, but they are usually some big names, e.g. last year there was a great concert of Mexican pop star Yuri, and of course there will be fireworks at midnight. While many Mexicans like to stay home, many like to go out and party in a bar or a nightclub, so many hot spots will have a special night (higher cover but it is usually worth it). At the outdoor events expect high level of security but very friendly and fun atmosphere. Just be careful about drinking outdoors, police are looking for opportunities.

New Year's Day expect a very quiet day in the city with most places closed (but some food will be available). It is a unique opportunity to experience almost eerily empty streets of Mexico City.

Among other special things going on around that time are series of Christmas in Mexico evening shows of Ballet Folclórico de Amalia Hernández in the Chapúltepec castle.

And one more tourist update, it was just announced that there is a free bus service in the 2nd section of the Chapúltepec forest called Chapubus running counterclockwise around the area. That should make the attractions in the 2nd section much easier to access, especially for people without a car.

3

It's not a good location, for NYE. Many people leave the city, and those who remain stay at home ... for the most part. Hotel rooms are easy to find. People who stay in hostels are either insecure travelers, generally, or have problems arranging travel on their own. It's not a place I'd go out of my way to stay at NYE. Hotel Embasy in Colonia Roma or Hotel Pal or Fornos near Metro Balderas in Colonia Centro are good buys.

LW

4

" People who stay in hostels are either insecure travelers, generally, or have problems arranging travel on their own."

Thanks LW for making such an insightful compliment about me and some others here.

Has it occurred to you that perhaps not everyone always travels exactly as you do? This branch enables people to express opinions such as "For me, MC would not be an attractive NYE destination", and, "I avoid staying at hostels." It's possible to express views emphatically without going out of one's way to criticize or stereotype others.

Regulars here are accustomed to your unique posting style, but it can be "off putting" to new posters seeking information.

5

Personality slights apart, many thanks for all the info. I'm not heading to Mexico specifically to hang out in DF for new year, my flights just worked out the cheapest for me on that day. I'm more of a Christmas person than a new year person, you know?! Reforma it is then. Then a ghost town tour the next day! Perfect. I'm flying home from Mexico City too, so plenty of time to see it at its most hectic.

6

I think that #4 already has quite a life going, #6, you may have just come upon an inaccurate definition of the word "hostel" at some point and no one has disabused you of it. You may be shocked to learn this, but sometimes, young people in fact travel (also, sonce in a while, adults), and for financial reasons they stay at these establishments. In D.F.: Hostel Cathedral, for example.

Nothing wrong or insecure with that... though it would be interesting to know your views on how arranging a night at a hostel is different than "arranging travel on your own" at a hotel. Book-length response, please.

7

I never thought that hostel stays made me insecure. And to think i stayed in many a hostel in South America. Perhaps if i stop reading women's magazines i'll become less insecure and as a consequence, only stay in hotels. I've enjoyed staying in hostels on my travels as i've found them great places to meet people. The obvious downsides being rustling bags and the odd phantom shagger.

8

As others have said, looks like the Zocalo is the way forward:

http://www.myworldwebcams.com/new_year/mexico_city.html