Long term stays in Mexico City

Somewhere between a hotel and an apartment, these long-term stay residences can be a good option for business people, students and others who are in town for a week or longer.

Image:Luz Montero

The Giorgio, Col. Cuauhtemoc

Platón 294, Polanco, 150 m2, 1 BR, 1.5 bath, 2 parking spaces, 24-hour security + elevator. $2,800 USD/month.

This partly furnished condominium opens to a narrow hallway of stark white walls and light formica floors. A clear plastic bookshelf - perhaps a touch of postmodern humor -- is dotted with old hardcover books, and a wall of floor-to-ceiling French windows faces the tree covered street. Rising architectural star, Andrés Mier y Terán (he's responsible for the design of restaurants Moshi Moshi and La Crepe Parisienne Bistro, among others) emphasized the apartment's industrial elements - corrugated metal ceilings, a grey brick wall in the living room - with thick plastic detailing, glass, and raw metal touches scattered throughout. This loft has plenty of style, yet minimalism is a love-it or leave-it affair. For some it is the epitome of simplicity; for others it is just lacks soul and warmth.

Suites Ejecutivas Giorgio, Río Lerma 166, Cuauhtémoc. From 75 m2 to 100 m2, from 1 - 2 BR, 1 - 2 bath, 1 parking space. 24-hour security + elevator, gym, and maid service. From $2,000-$3,300 USD/month.

The Giorgio's basic and no-frills design walks a line somewhere between a hotel room and a nomad's apartment. Plain, dark wood furnishings invoke quiet, solid practicality rather than flair and overt aesthetics. Designed with business travellers in mind, these suites come with high-speed internet in every room, a small business center with computer ports and a conference area, and hotel services such as daily cleaning and cable TV.

If you're staying in to work, you'll have a comfortable living room, a large couch, desk, work table and a well equipped kitchenette. The central location also puts you within walking distance of the Ángel de la Independencia monument. The Giorgio is less than a year old and doesn't yet have a restaurant or room service, yet Río Lerma street is a popular hang out offering sports bars and restaurants; you can cruise more eateries and bars in Zona Rosa, a 10-minute walk away.

The Red Tree House, Culiacan 6, Condesa. Apartment: 95 m2, 1 BR, 1.5 bath, roof garden Also available: three individual rooms (two share a bathroom), communal kitchen and living areas. Free wi-fi throughout the house. From $50-$150 USD/day; the apartment has discounts for week- and month-long stays.

This casa de huespedes (guest house) welcomes you with a colorful, bohemian palette, friendly hosts and a very playful Labrador. The building, which neighbors have baptized "The Red Tree House," is perched in the heart of trendy Condesa, only a short stroll from skads of neighborhood restaurants, cafes and bars. Tasteful contemporary paintings, luscious fresh flowers and potted plants decorate the house where light is the central element. Flood light mingles, to great effect, with that of floor and hanging lamps, candles and even a few oil torches.

The rooftop apartment's color scheme -- mustard yellow and crimson - along with red terracotta tiling and large windows which allow in natural light and gentle breezes, combine to give more a feeling of hacienda than city dwelling.

A very minor downside for those renting the rooftop apartment is the need to share the main entrance to the house with other guests.

It's clear that the Red Tree House has been a labor of love for its owners.