BajaNomad - Critique of Baja Cactus in El Rosario

Critique of Baja Cactus in El Rosario

Pages: 1 2

Lee - 1-14-2007 at 07:47 PM

Upside: Very tasteful and comfortable room. The bathroom especially was very nice with tile and glass shower area. The bed was great.

Downside: I sent 2 emails, David K said he sent 2 emails, and I called once to get a reservation. Got there and they didn't have my reservation. Glad I got there early because they filled up on a Friday night. Had I gotten there later, and the reservation wasn't there, I would have been pi**ed off.

The room is generally dark and a table lamp next to the bed would have been nice.

This place is next door to the Pemex. OK. Noise is allowed in Baja. But this noise ran late (close to midnight) and started early. Semi's braking coming down hill, semi's idling for 1/2 hour while getting diesel, semi's hanging out on the highway. It was noisy.

The pillows felt like rock. It would have been impossible to use. Glad I brought my own.

I'll stay there again as there are limited choices in El Rosario.

:cool:

Minnow - 1-14-2007 at 08:28 PM

Dude, you better take that back or they will ban you. :lol:

oxxo - 1-14-2007 at 09:52 PM

We have stayed twice at BajaCactus in the last three weeks, once in room 102 and once in 103. There was absolutely no noise in those rooms. They are way in the back and very secluded.

We didn't find the pillows too hard, but that is just a personal preference.

The rooms are a little dark, but not so much that it is a safety issue. We could easliy read a book in bed.

We highly recommend the BajaCactus motel.

We ate next door at Mama Espinosa's twice. We think the restaurant is highly over rated and mediocre at best. We will try a different restaurant the next time we pass through. But that's only our opinion.

bajabound2005 - 1-14-2007 at 10:22 PM

Oh, SI SI, travel with your own pillows! And, hello, El Rosario and Baja Cactus are right there on the hiway....downhill as I recall; Antonio has no control over no frenar con motor!

Sharksbaja - 1-14-2007 at 10:35 PM

vacaenbaja - 1-14-2007 at 11:14 PM

What a laugh! while an accurate and honest account, Baja Catus is still one of the cleanest, modern, secure tourist friendly places in the area. It is a fact that because it is on the down grade terminus approaching a 90 degr turn of
the road that the Jake brakers are going to be heard far
and near. What can you do but move the hotel? It is next to the Pemex which is open all night. Fine. Generally by the time I reach El Rosario I am ready for three things. Dinner,
a bath and bed. I always have enough driving time behind me to make falling asleep pretty easy. Bring you own pillows
and earplugs if you must. There still is only one road in this
town as far as I know and unless the place you stay is back
set from the road your going to hear the truck traffic.

Thank you...

BajaCactus - 1-15-2007 at 12:25 AM

Lee... I am sorry for not replying to your e-mails or David's, but we had a technical issue with our webmail server for the last few weeks, which has now been resolved.

About your comments, we always appreciate true honest critique, it is a wonderful opportunity to improve our services for our dear guests and friends.

About the road and Gas Station, well, there is nothing I can do about them... the rooms are a bit dim on purpose, so it may invite you to have a rest and so they do not bother multiple guests in a room, in case some of them are sleeping and others are reading or something... nevertheless, if you turn the fan ceiling light on you will get 300 watts of lumens, plenty of light... the small light on the side table could be a good idea.

About the pillows, as oxxo very accurately says, is a personal preference... we have the "extra firm" ones just because they last longer (made in the USA by the way).

Everyone, thank you so much for your nice words, we truly appreciate them, please feel free to let us know whatever ideas or thoughts you may have about BajaCactus... they are very welcome... and keep in mind that BajaCactus is still a work in progress, so plenty of room for improvements....you can also contact me at info*at*bajacactus.com

THANK YOU AGAIN AND BEST WISHES FOR YOU ALL THROUGHOUT THE COMING YEAR!!!

:bounce:

Antonio M.
BajaCactus
"Where the Baja is so much more than a dream..."

[Edited on 4-11-2007 by BajaCactus]

Lee------

Barry A. - 1-15-2007 at 12:46 AM

My wife, Meredith and I, ALWAYS travel with our own pillows--------and a portable "reading light", and ear plugs work great if you need them.

So what else is new????

Viva Baja, and viva "Baja Cactus".

Capt. George - 1-15-2007 at 03:16 AM

Antonio, a true gentleman, and business man. You are a credit to what there is to offer in Baja!

awfulart - 1-15-2007 at 08:45 AM

We always have a book light with us, just in case and of course, take our own pillows. Ear plugs are helpful for those with sensitive ears.

We expect to be in El Rosario on Feb 1st but pulling our trailer this time.

The ability to adapt to conditions and culture is a requirement when traveling in a foreign country. It just isn't a perfect world. :coolup:

Art

Al G - 1-15-2007 at 09:29 AM

Well since you are listening Antonio, The service was fine and quick....until the end. After near 2000 Pasos in my motor home and spare cans, the attendant did not replace my gas cap. Don't know how much gas I lost, but it cost me my best pair of fishing glasses to get a used one in Guerrero Negro, when I topped off...You owe me amigo.. :biggrin:

vandenberg - 1-15-2007 at 09:29 AM

Quote:

We ate next door at Mama Espinosa's twice. We think the restaurant is highly over rated and mediocre at best. We will try a different restaurant the next time we pass through. But that's only our opinion.

Not only your opinion. I think " mediocre " is highly overrated.
chitty food and highly overpriced. Must live on their rep[utation from many a year ago. A good place to avoid.

David K - 1-15-2007 at 09:48 AM

Hi Antonio,

Glad you are there... I was concerned about the email thing...

The first times I stayed at Baja Cactus, the jake brake noise was a problem, I was in the upstairs room closest to the highway (201). But with the new speed bumps installed, that has the semis slowing down BEFORE reaching the front of the motel and it wasn't noticed the past times there.

Lighting for me, seemed fine... there are so many lights in the rooms, too: two on the wall above the beds, two on the wall each side of the TV case, one over the small table, the cluster of lights under the cieling fan (which have a dimmer switch by the beds), bright lights over the sink counter, light over the toilet and light in the giant shower...

Isn't it nice that such a key gas station and motel has an owner who is also a Baja Nomad and is bilingual to help us and to improve?

Many people rave about Mama Espinoza's... I personally have not had a bad meal there... But, it's not my favorite place in town and it's not the only game in town either...
My favorite lately for breakfast and dinner is Baja's Best Restaurant at the far end of town, 2.2 miles from Baja Cactus... see map... It lists the other restaurants and taco stands... all are good.

Rosario-06-RR.JPG - 49kB

Bajalover - 1-15-2007 at 09:57 AM

Lee - Busted !
Antonio, great to see that it's not only the locals who chime in on Bajanomads. Sorry I carry my own pillows in my trailer and sleep where I can.
Know the hotel and have stayed there years past in my 4x4 days. Now it's sleep in own bed night'y - well - almost :rolleyes:

David K - 1-15-2007 at 10:09 AM

Take it easy on Lee!

It is important that people report bad as well as good experiences... How else will things get better?

There are 4 places to stay in El Rosario... I have seen them all and I would not ever stay at Mama Espinoza's Motel (Las Cabañas) or Motel Sinahi. Baja's Best Bed & Breakfast is nice but only a limited amount of rooms and none of the nice things that Baja Cactus offers at no additional charge: Bottled water in the rooms, satallite TV (6 English channels), telephone in the rooms that you can call anywhere from, free high speed Internet in the rooms for your laptop, shampoo, hand creme, a coffee maker now, too!

[Edited on 1-15-2007 by David K]

Bajalover - 1-15-2007 at 10:25 AM

Guess I have to be careful on my wording. I was trying to be funny when I said Busted.. Sorry.
Agree bringing things out in the open is good for everyone's benefit.

BajaCactus El Rosario -- DA KINE!

Lee - 1-15-2007 at 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Take it easy on Lee!

It is important that people report bad as well as good experiences... How else will things get better?

There are 4 places to stay in El Rosario... I have seen them all and I would not ever stay at Mama Espinoza's Motel (Las Cabañas) or Motel Sinahi. Baja's Best Bed & Breakfast is nice but only a limited amount of rooms and none of the nice things that Baja Cactus offers at no additional charge: Bottled water in the rooms, satallite TV (6 English channels), telephone in the rooms that you can call anywhere from, free high speed Internet in the rooms for your laptop, shampoo, hand creme, a coffee maker now, too!

[Edited on 1-15-2007 by David K]

Hey hey hey.

I DID say the room was exceptional -- and it really is. There is little that can be done with the noise outside and I understand that! I do travel with pillows and a reading light, so it wasn't like I was disappointed.

When I checked out, and I accompanied a clerk (didn't get his name) to inspect the room, I found out that behind the large ''cabinet'' type dresser, was a TV!!!!! No one told me. And now, to find out there was ''wireless'' iinternet in my room?????? Oye! You got to tell people that! No one told me -- how would I know?

Sure would be nice to be aware of those amenities.

So, folks, my complaints may sound too critical but they aren't meant to be. I've only stayed in town in my motorhome and haven't seen any of the other motel rooms around town.

I will only stay at the Baja Cactus and, to me, it's the ONLY game in town. The room, itself, is GREAT!

Thanks Antonio. Noise aside, and I'm coping, thank you, the accomodations were exceptional.

There. I'm back in good graces. (Now, Don Vicente in GN? Forgetaboutit! I'll never stay there again! Maybe it was Room #3? Maybe there are better rooms? #3 wasn't it.)

Salud, Antonio. Viva Nomads!

:coolup:

Bajaboy - 1-15-2007 at 11:59 AM

The only noise problems I've had at Baja Cactus involved the guests staying there. In their excitement to hit the road, they forget that others are still sleeping. Again, though, Antonio nor his staff have any control over this.

Oh yeah, I did have a problem with my reservation once. I gave them the wrong date and for some reason my reservation was not there when we showed up.

Two big thumbs up for Baja Cactus.

Zac

Capt. George - 1-15-2007 at 12:20 PM

Mama Esposito, Mama Mia!!!!!!!!!!

22 dollar lobster omelet, come on gringos, be stupid! ate there twice. first time I said must be an off night, second time, bye, bye!

Don Alley - 1-15-2007 at 01:20 PM

I wish we could find other places comparable to Baja Cactus on the drive to and from Montana. Internet, HBO channels, much less $ than a Motel 6. Dog friendly too!

We've stayed at Sinahi aka Sinai. Inexpensive, secure parking, bare, worn but adequate room. The great thing about it is the sign in the back about dogs. I don't have a pic but have seen it before on this board.

Mama Espinosas...hmmm, first time I ate their I didn't like it, but found it OK the next couple of times. But I wonder, how did it get to be famous?

Lee - 1-15-2007 at 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Capt. George
Mama Esposito, Mama Mia!!!!!!!!!!

22 dollar lobster omelet, come on gringos, be stupid! ate there twice. first time I said must be an off night, second time, bye, bye!

Yeah I don't know what the problem is other than they might be getting by on reputation. Food has always been average at best but prices are geared for gringoes. However, if you don't feel like driving or walking, can't beat the location to BajaCactus. (Hey, there's an idea. BC needs a great restaurant, too!)

I'll try Baja's Best next time and Tacos Poblado was good for the price. Thanks for the map, David. It's helpful!!!!!

:coolup:

David K - 1-15-2007 at 05:30 PM

My pleasure... Try Hugo's 'Tacos Mision' (#36)... great stuffed potatoes!

Bajaboy - 1-15-2007 at 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
My pleasure... Try Hugo's 'Tacos Mision' (#36)... great stuffed potatoes!

I'll definately second that, DK!

Zac

shari - 1-16-2007 at 06:56 AM

Baja Cactus is one of the only hotels we stay in (we usually camp) when we want to spoil ourselves. We LOVE the dim lighting and excellent service. But I admit that it's the reasonably priced nice rooms that attract us. Most baja hotels are way out of our price range and so we appreciate the availablility of a less expensive rooms. Muchas gracias Antonio.

Thank you again...

BajaCactus - 1-18-2007 at 01:49 AM

Thank you so much guys... it is nice to have so many good comments about our motel... I will make sure my staff receive them as well... after all, it is really them who do the daily job of keeping the place up to beat... and it is them who deserve most of the credit.

Al G... I am so sorry my friend... next time you pass through ask for me and, if I am here, I will try to make it up to you.

Lee... we are an ongoing project... a convenience store and a small restaurant are already on the blueprints... we will get there... sooner or later.

Shari... your welcome...as I see it, not everything in the world is about money and profit.

Thanks again my friends...

Antonio M.
BajaCactus
"Where the Baja is so much more than a dream..."

Capt. George - 1-18-2007 at 03:01 AM

Mamas, why popular? Probably cause at one time it was the only game in town??

wadda ya think?

Bruce R Leech - 1-18-2007 at 06:56 AM

I hope some day Antonio Baja Cactus will open a restaurant.

never had a good meal at mamas

jimgrms - 1-19-2007 at 09:37 AM

In the years past 1966 76 i stayed at mamas in the back of the rest she had some dormitory arrangments in quonset huts, and also ate my first mexican sea food ,and i certainly would have welcomed a baja catus in those days ,the food was delicious,, and it beat the hell out of spam ,sardines ect and warm tecate, and sleeping in the back of a 60 international pickup, 6 cyl with no a/c

[Edited on 1-19-2007 by jimgrms]

Great Place

motoged - 1-24-2007 at 03:55 PM

Nomads,
I stayed at Baja Cactus on purpose on my recent dirt bike trip because of the favourable comments offered on this list (prior to this thread).

I was very impressed with the newer rooms "in the back" as was my riding pal (his first Baja trip), who commented throughout the rest of our 4 week ride about wanting to stay there again.

I was not aware of any noise, felt that the bikes were secure in their lot (in the back of the pick-up at that point), and had a good sleep. Room amenities were second to none in all of our motels/hotels (yeah , someone can chime in w/ US room info, but it was A-1 for "$50" Baja accommodation).

BUT, what really impressed me was that when we checked out in the morning and were gassing up the truck at the Pemex, a gentleman approached me with my drivers license. I did not recall leaving it at the front desk, so I graciously accepted the return of my card with what must have been a dumbfounded expression on my face.
I can only assume that this gentleman was Antonio....

so again....THANK YOU !!!!!!!!

I would only recommend this establishment to others...

As for comments about M. Esp's...yep, WAY over-rated

Ged

Hook - 2-7-2007 at 12:15 PM

If I'm pushing south after staying anywhere in the ER area, I wait on breakfast until I hit Chapala. Best huevos rancheros on the peninsula! Got that tip from others on this board; I think elgatoloco and bornfisher. Now I plan my trips around being there near a mealtime. Sounds just like me, doesnt it?

Mama's???????? I stopped going years ago. It's beyond even gringo pricing and the service is REALLY slow in my experience.

David K - 2-8-2007 at 10:42 AM

Bedman and Debra may have raved about Nueva Chapala's Huevos Rancheros or other food, I believe... The guys out back did a good job of fixing a hole in my tire a few years ago!

I like the tacos at Rancho Santa Ynez...

Always Bring My Own Pillows

CaboRon - 7-19-2007 at 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by soulpatch
I don't think I ever go anywhere, either side of the border, w/o my own pillows.

Everywhere I stay from one to five star lodging, I bring my medium feather pillows (hypo-allergenic, of course)........ You see people at the airports and boarding cruise ships with their special pillow........ It's a healthy movement.
CaboRon :wow:

DianaT - 7-19-2007 at 04:27 PM

Finally had a chance to stay at Baja Cactus---loved it, and in room 103 the only noise was some late arriving people.

What we really liked was not just the great room, but the attention to the little extras---a bottle of water, a bath mat, etc.

They are now holding our dog's water dish for us---we forgot it! We will pick it up on the next trip back to the US, unless some nomad stays there real soon on there way to Bahia Asuncion.

Antonio, we hope your plans for the future come true---you really know how to run a hotel!

John and Diane

capn.sharky - 7-19-2007 at 08:30 PM

What!!! You did not like the noise of the 18 Wheelers? I love the sound of them jake braking down the hill. After over 50 years of going to Baja, I would not be able to sleep if I didn't hear the jake braking.

capt. mike - 7-20-2007 at 07:26 AM

was that what it was??!!

i thought it was just gas. :lol:

Crusoe - 7-20-2007 at 04:38 PM

Really Now.....Seriously speaking.......Think of this.....After 150 thousand sea miles in leaky old wooden sail boats all over our world with out a penny in your pocket and sleeping on just a coil of rope every night, true sleeping comfort can be a relative state. Getting south of El Rossario there are many nice places you could pull over off the hiway onto dirt roads and find a nice rocky spot to camp and all you really need to do is wrap yourself up in a blue plastic tarp to keep the wind off and enjoy sleeping out there looking up at the star filled evening sky with the rattlesnakes and scorpions for company and have a reel "Baja " vacation.......I just cannot listen to people complain when there in a nice motel and not thankful. There are so many great spots to stay in Baja that small stuff like pillows and jakebrakes really are no big deal. The biggest complainers are the big vessel yachtsman. Usually the bigger the yacht the more they complain. I once wittnissed a divorce between 2 millonares--- man and wife..... I was running a large boat for over a broken coffee maker. Different strokes for different folks. It is all just relative. We do survive. Thank God. ++C++

Ken Cooke - 7-23-2007 at 07:11 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by vacaenbaja
Baja Catus is still one of the cleanest, modern, secure tourist friendly places in the area.

When I lead my Baja Jeepin' groups through the region, we always use the Baja Cactus Motel because, when you are parking $300,000.00 worth of Jeep product in a parking lot, their 24 hour closed-circuit monitoring system is a huge selling point.

Picture in front of the Baja Cactus

$300,000.00 worth of Jeep product looks like this:

[Edited on 7-23-2007 by BajaNomad]

Mama Espinoza's Motel

jodiego - 7-23-2007 at 09:26 AM

Quote:

jodiego - 7-23-2007 at 09:28 AM

We've stayed at Mama Espinoza's motel several times and found nothing to complain about. For $30 you get a bed and hot running water. What else do you really need unless you plan on staying there for a couple of weeks. The restaurant is definitely living off it's reputation. Expensive and average food. Thanks for the tips on other places in town. Will try then on my next trip

DonBaja - 8-14-2007 at 04:48 PM

We also always stay at Baja Cactus when traveling through El Rosario. I like the clean rooms, and the "mom and pop' atmosphere when I'm checking in. They don't know me so they always ask to hold our Id as the room key deposit, so my wife gives them hers in case I get pulled over while driving.

I'll be visiting Baja Cactus on 11-12-07 for 1 night, Funny thing about making the reservation though, they asked my name and where I lived. Then asked me to call the day of my arrival and that was it. They do things a little different in Baja (that's why I go there) so I'm assuming I will have a room when I get there.

[Edited on 8-15-2007 by DonBaja]

woody with a view - 8-14-2007 at 07:21 PM

stayed, for the first time in room 201? above the office.....is there ANYPLACE in baja better for the price?

seriously, where is there comparable lodging for the price??? i think we paid $30 for a bed and the shower was like the one at my house!!!!!!

Skipjack Joe - 9-17-2007 at 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jodiego

Quote:

Are you sure there is Internet service at Baja Cactus?

I stopped and inquired about that a month ago and was told that they had no WiFi service.

However, there is an internet cafe around the corner. :tumble:

David K - 9-17-2007 at 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Skipjack Joe

Quote:

Originally posted by jodiego

Quote:

Are you sure there is Internet service at Baja Cactus?

I stopped and inquired about that a month ago and was told that they had no WiFi service.

However, there is an internet cafe around the corner. :tumble:

Yes, just ask Antonio (BajaCactus) or Doug (Baja Nomad)... Did you try to get a signal? There is a plug in if you don't have a wiFi card in each room (the new rooms). I am guessing the staff didn't understand your question...??

In that desk in the office, below the four piece painting by Hugo Lopez is a computer for motel customers who don't have a lap top! I don't think Antonio is ready to have that one activated when he isn't there, however.

BajaNomad - 9-17-2007 at 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Skipjack Joe

Are you sure there is Internet service at Baja Cactus?

I stopped and inquired about that a month ago and was told that they had no WiFi service.

However, there is an internet cafe around the corner.

They have satellite Internet there, but there's currently no service to the rooms.

You'd have to find out the fine details from Antonio, but my understanding is that the commercial hardware desired to provide a (fairly) secure wireless service throughout the complex isn't (all?) in place.

And possibly the satellite service has been either too spotty, or just hasn't had enough upstream bandwidth to make it feasible to provide shared service to those staying in the rooms. At least not yet.

Their primary use of the bandwidth is for their own business purposes, and I think they're using all the upstream they can with this alone. Again, I'd have to seek clarification from Antonio on this to be certain.

When both David and I have been there, we've seen Antonio connect to their network via a wireless access point, but would guess that since important business records are on that network that there's a security issue in allowing guests the ability to connect via this access point.

As for the ethernet wall connections in the new rooms, they are not live. Antonio's graciously connected my ethernet plug in the room a couple of times (and provided the detailed instructions on which IPs, etc to use - as the network presently does not dynamically assign them). It's been hit and miss at those times though. Anyone that recalls will remember I wrote last year about how the Baja Cactus staff aided me in getting Internet access in a side room at the police station.

Quite frankly, the side room at the police station looks to be for kids to do their homework, and possibly is public access for anyone (???). I don't know.

The computer in the motel office isn't wired to anything that I'm aware of.

The fact that David's seen Antonio with a wireless connection there and has known that I've had Internet access when we were both staying there at the same time could have easily seemed at first glance that Internet service was readily available to guests.

But for now, this is not the case.

--
Doug

David K - 9-18-2007 at 08:17 AM

Thanks Doug for your input... I hope Antonio will add something as well...

Because Antonio told me about the Internet services offered and I was there when he was working on it, before it was activated, I knew it was a feature of the motel. Also, since Antonio never corrected my statements of the past, I had no reason to believe it was not up and running. In fact, as you said, I saw it being used...

Perhaps it was turned off until improvements can be made?

As you stated, the motel and Pemex business needs are primary. The security cameras are monitored in Tijuana, as well.

I hope to see Antonio posting again real soon...

Photo of the motel and part of the Pemex station I took from the hill behind them... back when I first stayed there in November, 2004 http://vivabaja.com/1104

[Edited on 9-18-2007 by David K]

ElRosario 1104 031.jpg - 49kB

CaboRon - 10-13-2007 at 08:39 PM

Stayed at Baja Cactus last week on my drive down.... Good value and being in room 102 never heard a truck.

Was greated by Fernando on arrival and made to feel right at home.....I especially liked the walk in shower.

All in all the hotel is quite beautiful with the rough stone exterior.... and the room was quite comfortable with a large screen television.... and comfortable bed.

You won't find better for thirty five dollars a night.

Thank you Antonio for building such a place.

It looks like there is going to be a two station internet cafe in the lobby manana.

-CaboRon

woody with a view - 10-13-2007 at 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by CaboRon
Stayed at Baja Cactus last week on my drive down.... Good value and being in room 102 never heard a truck.

Was greated by Fernando on arrival and made to feel right at home.....I especially liked the walk in shower.

All in all the hotel is quite beautiful with the rough stone exterior.... and the room was quite comfortable with a large screen television.... and comfortable bed.

You won't find better for thirty five dollars a night.

Thank you Antonio for building such a place.

It looks like there is going to be a two station internet cafe in the lobby manana.

-CaboRon

SSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!

we don't want word to leak out!!! :lol:

CaboRon - 10-13-2007 at 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by woody in ob

Quote:

SSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!

we don't want word to leak out!!! :lol:

Woody,

Is this one of those secret surfer spots ?

:lol:

-CaboRon

woody with a view - 10-13-2007 at 09:06 PM

no....

but it's on the way.................. :lol:

Antonio...

Mexray - 10-13-2007 at 09:31 PM

...we love your Baja Cactus Motel, and have stayed there at least four times by now.

All the great stuff you offer has been said many times over...

My only 'snag' occurred on our first visit, when entering a dimly lit room, I just about busted my butt when I didn't notice the 'step-down' from the entry area into the 'bedroom' area - the floor is all one color and it's difficult to see that 'step' if one does not know it's there (on the first visit).

When I fell, I did the old 'tuck and roll' and didn't even put a dent in the TV cabinet or my head! No damage...but worth a mention, I think. Gee, and I was completely 'cerveza free' at the time...

Perhaps some white, anti-skid paint, across the top of the step would help draw attention to it in that dimly lit area...even more so when you enter during the day from the bright sunshine outside.

Again, you place is the BEST, and we wouldn't stay anywhere else in town. Keep up the good work!

Ray & Pat Cellar

Bob and Susan - 10-14-2007 at 05:48 AM

ray...

that's what happens when you get "older" :lol:

you MUST be way MORE careful :lol:

if you were 20 again...i'll bet you'd have NO PROBLEM!!! :lol:

Oso - 10-17-2007 at 05:39 PM

Three pages, more than any other accommodation review, and not one word about dogs.

A ver, Antonio, si o no?

David K - 10-17-2007 at 05:45 PM

Oso, it has been mentioned, but if you missed it, dogs are okay if you can promiss Antonio that they stay off the bed... The floor is tile.

Oso - 10-17-2007 at 06:44 PM

Thanks Dr. D,
Chu Foon prefers the floor. He is house broken and very well behaved except for occasionally biting people.

David K - 10-17-2007 at 07:27 PM

Of course it is Antonio's place, so please email him ahead of your stay to confirm if that is still the case... info AT bajacactus.com and/or motel AT bajacactus.com

Does he discriminate?

Dave - 10-17-2007 at 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Oso
He is house broken and very well behaved except for occasionally biting people.

Ken Cooke - 10-17-2007 at 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dave

Quote:

Originally posted by Oso
He is house broken and very well behaved except for occasionally biting people.

My two Chihuahuas stayed there last November, and there were no issues. This November, me & my two dogs will be kicking it at the 'cactus...

bajabound2005 - 10-18-2007 at 06:09 PM

We are heading to Baja Cactus tomorrow with our 3 dogs that Antonio said were welcome. We are going to volunteer our services at the Give Some Life Foundation Spay & Neuter Clinic there (on Saturday) and the whole group will be staying at the Cactus.

A friend of ours stayed there a couple of months ago and she said it's her FAVORITE place and would go to El Rosario just to stay at the Cactus! So we are looking forward to it. Unfortunately, Antonio will not be there for us to meet so we'll catch him next time.

David K - 10-18-2007 at 08:31 PM

Isn't it Mama Espinoza's big 100th birthday party this weekend?

bajabound2005 - 10-18-2007 at 09:14 PM

Yes, but I think that's at Estero Bch with Capt Mike and the Flying Samaratins...after the reviews on this board, we wouldn't go near her place with a million bucks and a 10 foot pole. Got some recs from Antonio as to where to eat.

David K - 10-18-2007 at 09:26 PM

I have never been disappointed at Ed Lusk's Baja's Best on the far end of town (#38), before the bridge... Breakfast or Dinner. He has better prepared lobster (ask Ed to prepair it HIS way, if he is there) at a lower price than Mama's. Ed's pets and flys in summer have bother some here... but this is Baja for Pete's sake!

Hugo Lopez (the artist) makes some great stuffed potatoes and burritos at his 'Tacos Mision', on the left before Ed's place (#36)...

Primo's 'La Bocana Beach Restaurant' (#27) in front of the Sinahi Motel is usually good... dinner more than breakfast.

There are more places... and they change often... my map from last year is not 100% accurate anymore.

[Edited on 10-19-2007 by David K]

Rosario-06-RR.JPG - 49kB

DianaT - 10-18-2007 at 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
I have never been disappointed at Ed Lusk's Baja's Best on the far end of town (#38), before the bridge... Breakfast or Dinner. He has better prepared lobster (ask Ed to prepair it HIS way, if he is there) at a lower price than Mama's. Ed's pets and flys in summer have bother some here... but this is Baja for Pete's sake!

[Edited on 10-19-2007 by David K]

David,
We have eaten at taco stands all over baja and have NEVER encountered the number of flies as there are at Ed's place. We liked him personally, but it was really disgusting trying to eat breakfast with him killing a mass of flies on our table.

He was ordering screens doors when we were there---for his home in the back, not for his restaurant. Screen doors would help a lot.

We tried the place more than once because we liked Ed, but also, it is the only place in Baja where we have been given TWO tortias for breakfast. Usually there are more tortias than we want. His salsa is very good, but very mild. He did, however, tell us that he tones it down as most of his custormers are gringos, but his wife has some of the real stuff.

But then again, you like Rice and Beans in San Ignacio, and we found it to be about the blandest food we have ever eaten in Mexico---Baja and the Mainland

It is not a matter of it being "Baja for Pete's sake""---

John and Diane

[Edited on 10-19-2007 by jdtrotter]

rts551 - 10-19-2007 at 07:47 AM

Have to agree with J&

on this one. Went there a number of years ago and never went back. High prices and poor food for our taste. (On the flip side we liked his place when he had the store closer into town). But then taste in food is like trucks, cars, and other things... everyone has their own opinion.

mtgoat666 - 10-19-2007 at 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Ed's pets and flys in summer have bother some here... but this is Baja for Pete's sake!

DK, i'm surprised to hear "this is baja" as an excuse for choosing to eat at a restaurant with poor sanitary conditions. yuk. i have found many sanitary restaurants in baja, so i am left wondering about why you would choose to eat in the unsanitary restaurants???

Gnome-ad - 10-19-2007 at 10:12 AM

Well, here's my dos centavos on flies ... it's Baja AND fly season in some places. Last year fly season in Todos Santos was soooo bad even the Hotel California had a fly problem. Don't know Ed's and if this is a constant, but flies happen here, even in the best establishments sometimes.

[Edited on 10-19-2007 by Gnome-ad]

Bajaboy - 10-19-2007 at 10:16 AM

I wonder if the annoying birds have anything to do with the flies..... :?:

DianaT - 10-19-2007 at 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Gnome-ad
Well, here's my dos centavos on flies ... it's Baja AND fly season in some places. Last year fly season in Todos Santos was soooo bad even the Hotel California had a fly problem. Don't know Ed's and if this is a constant, but flies happen here, even in the best establishments sometimes.

[Edited on 10-19-2007 by Gnome-ad]

Very true, but this you would have to see to believe

Gnome-ad - 10-19-2007 at 10:29 AM

Eeeuuwww ... must have been like our lunch at a goat ranch on a trip to the Painted Caves near Mulege. Gag! We managed to eat because we were starvulating and did not want to offend anyone. They had big trays filled with something sticky to catch flies, but they were all full, so the hoards were all over us touristas. I can still hear the buzzing!

David K - 10-19-2007 at 10:31 AM

You know I am not your guys' mother... If you don't like it, fine... But can't you guys be grown up enough to try a place for yourselves based on good referals as well as bad? I mentioned the summer flys and cats that might rub against your legs while you eat in case you are sensitive to that.

Like FOX news, I report and YOU decide!

Ed's wife runs the kitchen and it is not unclean... Their business is a bed & breakfast and they feed their clients there... and remain busy! They network with Ignacio Springs Bed & Breakfast for travelers driving north and south. Would Ignacio Springs send their clients to an unhealthy place???

In the summer, and only in the summer there are a lot of flys there. He has bug zappers and a mean fly swatter... Maybe it is taken care of with screen doors or fans now, but whatever (how many of you are there in the summer?)...

I have stayed in El Rosario dozens of times and eaten at every place there during those times... If you search Nomad, you can read about it. In this thread, I named the three places I have gone back to repeatedly... I also have eaten at Mama Espinoza's for breakfast many times and it was always good and reasonably priced (good because it is next door to Baja Cactus)!

DianaT - 10-19-2007 at 10:36 AM

David,
You just can't stand for anyone to disagree with you and your opinions.

Diane

Gnome-ad - 10-19-2007 at 10:42 AM

David K ~
I was only responding to jdtrotter. I have no experience there and will probably try it next time. A very nice seafood restaurant opened here in Todos Santos last August. They had fans like jet engines. The flies were so bad last year that battalions still made it to our table even as we scooted it closer and closer to the fan.

The family was nice, the restaurant clean, the food delicious and prepared traditionally over fire – no gas stove. They closed within a month, I think because of the flies. It was a shame. I still think about the delicious fish we had and feel bad that their timing was unfortunate.

I try to not judge anyplace here by flies or animals. When I was a kid, and my family had horses, I used to play with the flies while they rode. My mom was not too pleased when she found out I had fly playmates … too bad the cats were all busy elsewhere or I might have had more suitable friends. :lol:

Natalie Ann - 10-19-2007 at 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
You know I am not your guys' mother... If you don't like it, fine... But can't you guys be grown up enough to try a place for yourselves based on good referals as well as bad? I mentioned the summer flys and cats that might rub against your legs while you eat in case you are sensitive to that.

The point of a review is to tell us what works and what doesn't work *for the reviewer*, which is what these reviews have done. Why does that so upset you, David?

When a place has mostly bad reviews I have no desire to try it myself.

David K - 10-19-2007 at 03:00 PM

Natalie, I was the reviewer reporting on the places in El Rosario where we repeatedly had good food... I ALSO mentioned that there were two issues that Nomads (didn't mention names) had a problem with at Baja's Best B&B (Flys in the summer and pets under the table), in case that was a problem...

The good and the bad... not an opinion, just the facts as I saw them after a dozen visits there.

jd trotter is who stepped in after me like I named them (I didn't) and said it was beyond 'normal' fly conditions... So Natalie, it seems like I wasn't the one upset... I report, you decide... But to trash it more as if no place in Mexico has flys is just trying to be hurtful to Ed and Yolanda... Only on the hottest days have we seen flys in there... July-Sept.

DianaT - 10-19-2007 at 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

The good and the bad... not an opinion, just the facts as I saw them after a dozen visits there.

Guess if you are the reviewer, no one should disagree---after all, you only report "facts" :yes:

How great it must be to think that one's opinions are always facts.

bajalou - 10-19-2007 at 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jdtrotter
How great it must be to think that one's opinions are always facts.

"Facts" or "the truth" is information that a person chooses to believe.

David K - 10-19-2007 at 04:46 PM

That's correct... if you don't like eating with pets or flys PLEASE AVOID an otherwise good eating place in El Rosario that is very casual and friendly... :lol:

(that's my opinion, and I'm sticking to it)! :yes:

bufeo - 10-19-2007 at 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Isn't it Mama Espinoza's big 100th birthday party this weekend?

At least one party for her was last weekend. Son-in-law was there (pre-running). Maybe it was ONE of the parties. There may be more for her.

Barry A. - 10-19-2007 at 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jdtrotter
David,
You just can't stand for anyone to disagree with you and your opinions.

Diane

Wow, that comment is totally uncalled for, it seems to me. What brought THAT on??

Barry

rts551 - 10-19-2007 at 06:48 PM

WOW are you the only reviewer or are other people allowed to comment?\\

OK T will. ED's place had poor food, poor seating, and was over priced. My wife hated the smoking in there and we both thought it was dirty... He does not have the coffee he advertises (scam) anf we will never go back again. How is that for holding back in the one ups ya forum.

r

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Natalie, I was the reviewer reporting on the places in El Rosario where we repeatedly had good food... I ALSO mentioned that there were two issues that Nomads (didn't mention names) had a problem with at Baja's Best B&B (Flys in the summer and pets under the table), in case that was a problem...

The good and the bad... not an opinion, just the facts as I saw them after a dozen visits there.

jd trotter is who stepped in after me like I named them (I didn't) and said it was beyond 'normal' fly conditions... So Natalie, it seems like I wasn't the one upset... I report, you decide... But to trash it more as if no place in Mexico has flys is just trying to be hurtful to Ed and Yolanda... Only on the hottest days have we seen flys in there... July-Sept.

Roberto - 10-19-2007 at 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Oso
Thanks Dr. D,
Chu Foon prefers the floor. He is house broken and very well behaved except for occasionally biting people.

Yeah, and any other dog that happens to come close. :lol:

Come on, compa, saying that dog is well behaved is ridiculous - that dog is out of control. Though I'm sure that he'd be fine at Baja Cactus with only you in the room.

[Edited on 10-20-2007 by Roberto]

Roberto - 10-19-2007 at 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Barry A.

Quote:

Originally posted by jdtrotter
David,
You just can't stand for anyone to disagree with you and your opinions.

Diane

Wow, that comment is totally uncalled for, it seems to me. What brought THAT on??

Barry

Barry, what brought that on is that it's her opinion (and she happens to be right) - and pretty plain to see. David "can't we all get along" K gets downright nasty when people disagree with his "facts" - as in this case.

What is it with you and having to defend David every time someone criticizes him? Are you David? :lol:

Or, do you just feel the need to follow someone and have identified David as your leader?

[Edited on 10-20-2007 by Roberto]

Barry A. - 10-19-2007 at 09:04 PM

Roberto, et al----

Yeah, that's it----I desparately need a "leader" to follow. :lol:

I guess I just see, and react to things, differently than some. It has always seemed to me that to criticize and nit-pick the guy that probably helps more people on this board than anybody else is rather perverse and annoying. WHO CARES what David's motives are-----it's his wonderful advice and information on Baja that I appreciate, and can't understand why others don't see it as I do-----but obviously some don't.

I just calls them as I see them, and will often comment when I see something that I believe is unjust, or misdirected, or misconstrued.

By the way, I have never met David, and only know him from his posts and occasional e-mails. I just think and believe that his heart in in the right place, and he truly wants to "help", and I like that.

barry

Skipjack Joe - 10-19-2007 at 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Gnome-ad
When I was a kid, and my family had horses, I used to play with the flies while they rode.

I liked to play with them also. We would run down to the barn and trap them with our hands against the window. Then we would run outside and throw them into a spider's web. Out he would come. The buzzing ensued as he spun them into a bag, wrapping their wings closer and closer until there was no more movement. We watched in fascination until it was over. Then we ran back upstairs to find another one.

We also discovered that you could actually remove about 3 legs without any apparent discomfort. But the 4th leg usually did him in. An alpha fly could actually last 5 legs but those were hard to find.

mtgoat666 - 10-20-2007 at 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Oso, it has been mentioned, but if you missed it, dogs are okay if you can promiss Antonio that they stay off the bed... The floor is tile.

while i like dogs, i don't like staying in hotels fouled with with dog hair and dog stink. owners that want to travel with their mutts should do like me and learn to camp.

David K - 10-20-2007 at 09:12 AM

It is one thing to disagree, but quite another to practically call me a liar. I reported on what I experienced when I was there... and I was there a lot of times... You might find it different... and anyone can post and say how it was when you stopped by... as they have, without getting personal.

I didn't say Baja's Best was the Tahj Mahol (sp?) or some fancy dining place... In fact, the summer flys and house kitty rubbing your legs under the table just add to the Mi Casa Tu Casa experience that I would hope some of you come to Baja for...

Anyway, this thread is supposed to be about Baja Cactus and I was responding to someone about where to eat in town. There was no need for jdtrotter or anyone to counter my recommendation here... A seperate thread on Baja's Best in the restaurant review forum is where that would be appropriate... DO YOU GET IT Roberto? :light:

David K - 10-20-2007 at 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Oso, it has been mentioned, but if you missed it, dogs are okay if you can promiss Antonio that they stay off the bed... The floor is tile.

while i like dogs, i don't like staying in hotels fouled with with dog hair and dog stink. owners that want to travel with their mutts should do like me and learn to camp.

Thanks for returning this thread to the subject Mr.MtGoat666!

Let me respond by saying the rooms are mopped and cleaned by the staff every day, after you leave in the same standards as in big city hotels...

Check out the newest editions of the Moon and Lonely Planet Baja guidebooks... Excellent reviews of the Baja Cactus Motel! Congratulations Antonio...!!!

MSM07 003r.JPG - 35kB

Slowmad - 10-20-2007 at 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by rts551
WOW are you the only reviewer or are other people allowed to comment?\\

OK T will. ED's place had poor food, poor seating, and was over priced. My wife hated the smoking in there and we both thought it was dirty... He does not have the coffee he advertises (scam) anf we will never go back again. How is that for holding back in the one ups ya forum.

r

Quote:

Once again, the ego has landed.
What, no arm's-length self-portrait ogling a watery shrimp platter?
How about a 245th shot of his truck?
Maybe a 367th rendition of Dirt Island?
Mr. Defensive has become a cartoon, and the verdict's still out as to whether he helps or hurts the Baja experience.
He stumbled onto one truth, however: Baja Cactus is sweet, and I would love to see it blossom into a franchise.

Barry A. - 10-20-2007 at 10:37 AM

SlowMad-----

Lets see, by your standard anybody who actually has some good information to share should just keep it to themselves less they be branded as an "ego" freak. This board would then simply become a "chit-chat" medium with the PC crowd sharing their goom-by-yaw happenings, with little or no value to those who want INFORMATION------------

When that happens I, for one, am not interested in this board anymore.

I can't really believe that is what you really want??????

Natalie Ann - 10-20-2007 at 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Barry A.
SlowMad-----

Lets see, by your standard anybody who actually has some good information to share should just keep it to themselves less they be branded as an "ego" freak. This board would then simply become a "chit-chat" medium with the PC crowd sharing their goom-by-yaw happenings, with little or no value to those who want INFORMATION------------

When that happens I, for one, am not interested in this board anymore.

I can't really believe that is what you really want??????

Where did SlowMad say that :?:

Slowmad - 10-20-2007 at 10:43 AM

Calling a place that's hit-and-miss a quality experience...
That's "good info" in your book?
His posts are riddled with opinion, and that's fine.
His inability to deal with dissenting views is ludicrous.
Sorry...the Okey's Koolaid tastes like hogwash to me.

Ken Cooke - 10-20-2007 at 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Slowmad

Mr. Defensive has become a cartoon, and the verdict's still out as to whether he helps or hurts the Baja experience.

You probably drive down Hwy 1, with David K on your mind, and images of his Toyota pickup in your rearview mirror. :lol:

Ken Cooke - 10-20-2007 at 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666

while i like dogs, i don't like staying in hotels fouled with dog hair and dog stink. owners that want to travel with their mutts should do like me and learn to camp.

Mt.Goat666,

You should check out our trip in November. BAJA GRANDE #2
We plan to visit Baja Cactus motel on Nov. 23rd as part of the fun!

Slowmad - 10-20-2007 at 10:50 AM

Let the DK group hug commence.

Barry A. - 10-20-2007 at 10:52 AM

SlowMad-----------

To each his own, I suppose. I welcome everything he (David K) posts as I find it VERY helpful.

People who have the unmitigated gall to keep posting what they believe is helpful have an ego---------without an ego they would just fade away and be non-productive----------this is true of ALL who have something they believe they know, and want to share with others----it comes with the territory.

Thank Gawd for people like David who have the will to help, despite the critics. We need more like him, in my opinion.

----and yes, I have an ego too, or else I would not post at all. I want (need?) people to hear my opinion------is that bad? I think not.

Slowmad - 10-20-2007 at 10:58 AM

What the hell was that, the "Checkers Speech"?

Barry A. - 10-20-2007 at 11:03 AM

:lol:

Good one!!!!!

Slowmad - 10-20-2007 at 11:08 AM

If we can't laugh, we're all cooked.
Can we agree that the subject of the thread, Baja Cactus, is a hell of a joint?
:bounce:

Barry A. - 10-20-2007 at 11:09 AM

Yep-----------you are right on that one.

Viva Baja Cactus.

DianaT - 10-20-2007 at 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Slowmad
If we can't laugh, we're all cooked.
Can we agree that the subject of the thread, Baja Cactus, is a hell of a joint?
:bounce:

Yea, and the idea of a franchise would be just too good to be true. We really like the place, have stayed there a few times, but El Rosario is not usually a convenient place for us to stop anymore----so, would like Baja Cactus in several places.

Yes, laughing is good and I had a good laugh reading that I practically called someone a liar---- :lol:

toneart - 10-20-2007 at 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Barry A.
Roberto, et al----

Yeah, that's it----I desparately need a "leader" to follow. :lol:

Well put, Barry! I like the way you answered. You are like Superman defending "Truth, Justice and the American Way!"
I try, but more often feel like Don Quixote battling windmills.
So, right on, Sancho!

I am neither a blind "follower" nor defender of David K, but he has posted more Baja information and experiential knowledge here than probably anyone else. Consequently, he has more to defend. To use an overused cliche, "it takes all kinds". If a person is seen an "egotist", so be it. Let it go. If true, that is his cross to bear and will come back in many ways to bite him in real life, outside of BajaNomad. Humility is learned when the old ways don't serve anymore. It is an internal process; not external.

We are not psychoanalysts. We are not qualified to make that call. To label a person an egotist and call that to attention is to feed the ego. Why would you want to do that? It seems to me that that would run counter to your intended (?) purpose. Let's get our own egos straight.

It was because of David K that I learned about The Baja Cactus, and its owner, Antonio, whom I met. I have stayed there three times now. The staff couldn't be nicer. The location is a perfect stopover point. It is one of the best accommodations anywhere, and I am much richer for the experience.
:yes:

Pages: 1 2