CurlyGirl - 12-4-2005 at 02:07 PM
Spent a night at the Los Barriles Hotel last week. Rate was $70 (incl taxes) for two people. As we pulled up, there was a well-kept pool area with
plenty of lounge chairs. The place looked tidy. So tidy, in fact, that I didn't ask to see the room before paying cash. Big mistake. Opened the door
and the mold smell hit me like a ton of bricks. Yes, I can be a little over sensitive to odors, but even my husband agreed it stunk. Place was clean
and spacious but the smell was overpowering. I wasn't in the mood for an argument (my Spanish is pretty bad and the front desk person's English was
even worse.) So, we suffered through. In all, I paid about $30 more than the room was worth. Live and learn.
On the other end of the spectrum, I rented Salina Vista, a one-bedroom casita in Laguna Hills just beyond La Playita. Fabulous. A short walk to the
beach and Buzzards. The casita is solar powered and water is trucked in, so guests need to conserve. But if you're looking for something very cute,
comfortable and homey--with an awesome sunrise view:
http://www.cabanasloscabos.com/salinavista.htm
Good review, CurlyGirl---------
Barry A. - 12-4-2005 at 02:24 PM
-----We encountered that strange "mill-dew" smell in all the older places that we stay in the Hawaiian Islands----it just sorta goes with the
territory. There have been so many BIG storms this year in the Los Barriles area, I suspect that the moisture has been litterally "driven" into the
walls and roofs of those places, and there is no way you can really get it out-----thus the smell. That, coupled with the summer high
humidity-----just brings it out, I guess.
It is just one of those unique "Baja" smells???? You get use to it very fast, I am thinking------but my nose is not known for being very sensitive.
bajajudy - 12-4-2005 at 02:27 PM
Just back from brunch at Buzzards where Ann Hazard was doing a book signing.
Is that Marilyn's place? I have never been inside but it sure looks like it.
Glad you enjoyed your time here.
Barry A
Actually there were no big storms this year. It was the driest rainy season in 5 or 6 years
[Edited on 12-4-2005 by bajajudy]
Judy------
Barry A. - 12-4-2005 at 02:37 PM
----shows you how reliable my info is 
I could have sworn that there were several tropical storms that went thru that area this year?????
Ha----well, I wasn't there, and I am sure that you know what happened.
Sorry about that.
bajajudy - 12-4-2005 at 02:41 PM
Barry
No worrys!
CurlyGirl - 12-4-2005 at 06:43 PM
Hi Judy...it's Kim's place and it's terrific! I wish I was back there right now. (I had to go to a fundraiser tonight and slipped on the ice on my
front porch. Blech) 
bajajudy - 12-4-2005 at 08:08 PM
Ah, I have never been in there either. But I do know her.
Take care of yourself.