 Monumental attractions, stylish hotels, world-class dining, 21st-century convention venues and direct airlift from major U.S. cities make Mexico City an ideal destination for memorable meetings.
Big-ticket sightseeing includes the National Museum of Anthropology, with its phenomenal collection of pre-Hispanic artifacts. The bustling Centro Histórico, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to the Zócalo, the world’s second largest public square; the Metropolitan Cathedral, the nation’s largest cathedral, dating back to 1573; and painter Diego Rivera’s famed murals inside the National Palace. If time permits, a half-day jaunt to the gigantic pyramids of the Sun and Moon at the Teotihuacán archeological site is equally awe-inspiring.
Luxury reigns inside Mexico City’s posh meeting hotels. Fresh picks include the St. Regis Mexico City (www.starwoodhotels.com/stregis), which opened in mid-2009 on fashionable Paseo de la Reforma. It has 189 city-view rooms, three restaurants, a Remede Spa and 12,000 square feet for functions. Rooftop soirees with 360-degree city views can be arranged on its helipad. The new Hilton Mexico City Reforma (http://www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/MEXRFHH-Hilton-Mexico-City-Reforma/index.do), formerly the Sheraton Centro Histórico, boasts the largest hotel convention space in the city—nearly 45,000 square feet. Hilton plans sumptuous additions this year (2010), including a 5,400-square-foot presidential suite and an executive lounge, with breakfast and bar service, two 12-person boardrooms and a theater room.
The upscale Polanco area leads the cuisine scene with international choices from French at Au Pied de Cochon to Asian at Thai Gardens. For the best in Mexican flavors, locals recommend El Cardenal (www.elcardenal.com.mx), where celebrities including President Felipe Calderon and former President Vicente Fox often breakfast. El Cardenal has three locations including the new Hilton. Izote in Polanco, owned by celebrated chef Patricia Quintana, is another favorite for her modern take on pre-Hispanic dishes.
Major conventions and even movie premiers enjoy a wide selection of world class venues. The 215,000-square-foot National Auditorium (www.auditorio.com.mx) in Chapultepec Park was the site of the premier last May of “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” starring Hugh Jackman. The largest convention venue is Expo Bancomer Santa Fe (www.expobancomer.com.mx), with 485,000 square feet in the chic Santa Fe business/residential district. In Polanco, the Banamex Center (www.centrobanamex.com) offers 441,000 square feet and is adjacent to the Hipodromo de Las Americas horse-racing track, which can be used for private events. The 223,459-square-foot World Trade Center Mexico City (www.exposwtc.com) and 50,000-square-foot International Conference Center (www.icc.com.mx) offer more options.
For more details on meeting in Mexico City, visit www.visitmexico.com. |
