BajaNomad

Estero Beach Hotel / Toll Road Conditions Update

ElFaro - 2-4-2008 at 09:05 PM

I just got back home about 2 hours ago from 4 days at Estero Beach Hotel Campground. We took our trailer down to Estero w/ Kayaks to paddle in the Estero and fish.
The weather on Sat., Sun. & Mon. kept us off the water. A lot of wind and rain.

FYI...Talked to "Permanent Gringo Locals" who live in the homes/trailers. Business is way down at the hotel, campground, and restaurant. Hotel vacancy very high...campground empty except for occasional caravan. MANY OF THE PERMANENT TRAILER/HOMES UP FOR SALE W/
A NUMBER OF OWNERS WHO HAVE SIMPLY "WALKED AWAY" FROM THEIR HOME/TRAILER BECAUSE THEY HAVE NO ONE IN FAMILY TO TAKE OVER THE HOME OR THEY CAN'T SELL IN CURRENT MKT. A # of reasons cited...biggest?...1 - Owners have raised rents 20-25% each of the last 2 years making rents on par w/ US. Rents now $500-$800 /mo. depending on location/size. 2 - Older Retirees have to come back to US and no one to buy home/trailer. 3 - Economic slump in US, 4 - Problems on toll roads at the border / bad press...people staying away. Campground spaces now $35/nite off-season, $45 - in season, $55 - special holidays.

Toll roads are getting punished hard by bad weather and trucks pounding road. Crews cannot keep up with road repairs.
Ensenada-Tijuana Toll Road heading north full of potholes.

Ensenada-Tijuana Free road from the Puerto Nuevo exit to the Boulevard 2000 (West-East toll road) turn in front of the Fox Studios is 3.5 miles of major potholes, mud, and shoulder damage. Remember... this is the main way the truckers go from the Ens.-TiJ toll road northbound to the West-East toll road eastbound and they are beating this section of road to death.

Boulevard 2000 from the coast to Tecate off-ramp is covered with mud flows and rocks alot of which has been cleared off. But this stretch of road already looks like it has already been hammered by trucks for +40 years. There are not sufficient culverts to direct water away from the road with mud/water flowing over the road in a number of places.

TiJ-Ens. tolls $15
Ens.-Tij-Tecate tolls $20

bacquito - 2-4-2008 at 09:17 PM

We travel the autopista between TJ and Ensenada and the cost is under nine dollars. But I agree that the road is falling apart. We complained at the pay booths and were given complaint forms.

bajaguy - 2-4-2008 at 09:18 PM

Looks like B-DOT will have their hands full of work this spring and summer.

Sallysouth - 2-4-2008 at 10:19 PM

The problem that you speak of at Estero Beach has been going on for decades. They raise the rent, make no improvements for the permanents, and there is no way anyone will want to buy into that .Been there, done that, many, many years ago. I too, had to give up my home there. I could tell you stories about this....next post.Hurts my heart, as my family was "close" to the Novelos,so to speak, I thought.Ya just never know, and then you find out about the rascals!:mad:

Aventurera - 2-4-2008 at 11:32 PM

Unfortunately, the Estero Beach Hotel doesn't seem to want to lower its rates to attract more tourists...I keep checking their website to see if they've gone down, but no luck so far!

:no:

I'm a little surprised they were so empty this past weekend. I'd've thought that with the Carnaval they would have been busier.

I just can't wait for my drive down...dodging banditos y baches (potholes) the whole way!

:o

[Edited on 2-5-2008 by Aventurera]

DENNIS - 2-5-2008 at 07:17 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Aventurera
Unfortunately, the Estero Beach Hotel doesn't seem to want to lower its rates to attract more tourists...


It's going to take a lot more than lower prices to regain tourist confidence and Novelo doesn't need more money. This is the downside for an economy that doesn't compete. They don't know how to adjust to lower prices when it becomes necessary.

Tifosi - 2-6-2008 at 07:36 PM

I can relate to the problem at Estero. My family used to have a place at El Faro (next door) and we walked away from it about 6 or 7 years ago. Same problem. Raised the rent, poor job of up keep of the place and no-one in the family was interested in taking it over. Why would we when there are so many nicer places to stay in Ensenada and surrounding cities.
Too bad about Estero, it was always a nice place even if the hotel was stuck in the 60's. I always enjoyed walking around and felt at total ease. It was a great family environment.

Iflyfish - 2-6-2008 at 09:45 PM

Thanks for the post, I have enjoyed this place....sic transit gloria mundi alas

Iflyfish

Steve&Debby - 2-6-2008 at 10:12 PM

What are some other places to stay in Ensanada? We have always stayed at Estero Beach, but when we were there in december we paid $33.00 per night in the RV park.It is a nice place to stay but rather expensive.

bajaguy - 2-6-2008 at 10:14 PM

I think there are a couple of RV places in the Punta Banda area, on the road to La Bufadora. Several Nomads live out that way.

ElFaro - 2-7-2008 at 09:15 AM

I want to clarify some possible misconceptions I may have caused from my post about Estero Bch. Hotel (EBH) based on replies. I should have separated my comments better between the hotel, homes, restaurant, and campground. Sallysouth mentioned above that the issues with the "homes" and rents has been going on for decades. She is correct in every way. But I think in the last 2-5 years there has been a noticible "sea change" in the rents and developments at EBH. The only noticible development changes that have occured of recent years is the completion of the owners big "white house" down by the campground and the "in progress" construction of the owners adjacent big house behind the white house. Construction of that house has all but ground to a halt for the past 2 years. The next phase of construction of that house will be where the $'s will really start to flow to finish it. I don't know the owners at all but from what I have heard they have diversified businesses mostly restaurant/bars in Ensenada and some land they are developing in the Pta. Banda area? Anyway if you step back and look at the bigger picture...of all their income producing assets which one is the most consistent for them?... it's the rents from the permanents. In years past the rents were modest and the increases were modest and the homes attracted "fixed income" type retirees many of which are still there. If you were paying 20 years ago say $200/mo. a 10% rent increase would be an extra $20/mo. But I'm hearing they raised rents 20-25% per month for the last 2 years! $400/mo rises to $490/mo to almost $600/mo. Increases in 2 years more than the previous 10 years combined! Coupled with increased competition to the north (condo towers) and our economic downturn...no wonder people are walking away from EBH homes and no one to come in to buy the homes. The fact that EBH lost the annual volleyball tournament to Rosarito Bch. hotel adds unneeded pressure to the rents. The hotel / campground occupancy and restaurant usage are down compared to last year and are not as consistent as the rents from the permanents. The other big factor that is responsible for the owner's greater need for $'s is their extended family is expanding generationally speaking and everyone wants a piece of the family "fortune" pie.

ElFaro - 2-7-2008 at 09:51 AM

This post is about the campground at Estero Bch. Hotel (EBH). Depending on your Baja camping lifestyle I still believe the campground is the best bargain at EBH even at $35 /night for a number of reasons for us...

1. Gravel / brick pad with full hookups at each site.
2. A lot of palms and trees around each site and campground.
3. Great views out to the Estero of birds and water.
4. The campground is nearly empty most of the year and most of the week (if you avoid the special events and holidays).
5. One can walk or ride bikes around the "Malecon" and entire property
6. Security, peace, and quiet are the norm.
7. The campground has its own pool, Jacuzzi, bathrooms, games room, playground, and laundry svc. if you wish to use these things.
8. The restaurant is nice for a dinner or breakfast / lunch on the "terraces" overlooking the ocean / estero.
9. There are a couple of small beaches where you can sit and while away the time.
10. The boat / beach launch we use to put our kayaks in the water and paddle to the other side of the estero and walk or kick back on the beach away from people.
11. The estero for some kayak / small boat fishing or bird watching.
12. At low tide the estero mud flats are great for getting "langostinos" for live bait.
13. The campground is great if your coming down or heading north from the main road and you need a place to rest or just get your rig / equipment / head reorganized or make repairs before you head out in either direction.
14. There are some decent places to eat / shop / look around in Chapultepec.
15. I'm in my own "home on wheels" and don't have to deal with hotel room problems / issues.
16. Since I'm not invested financially in EBH I can simply hookup and head to a new location of interest.
There are probably a few more reasons but these seem to stand out.

lizard lips - 2-7-2008 at 12:03 PM

El Faro,

You hit the nail right on the head. I have known the Novelo family for many years and they have been nothing but very pleasant and respectful. They are now in the process of building a project in Punta Banda next to Aguas Caliente. You may have seen this new hotel with it's three buildings. It will be very nice when finished and add to the local community for a very nice place to stay and relax. The Novelo's have always built their projects from money they have on hand and have never used any type of bank loans. That's why sometimes their construction takes longer than most companies that have deep pockets. Their projects have included the "Las Rosas" hotel which is just north of Ensenada. I do believe that they have increased their prices which are higher than most small communities in the area and that is the reason for alot of people being discouraged and have walked away. Campo La Jolla in Punta Banda for example charge their home owners a set fee which is paid for by the year and is considerably less than Estero Beach but Campo La Jolla does not have as many amenities. I believe the La Jolla contracts are set for ten years with an increase of 10%.

I have enjoyed staying at their camp ground. I live in Ensenada and we sometimes drive the 4 miles and pitch a tent for the weekend and enjoy just being outside and in a secure area which is very clean.

I hope the Novelo's do not price themselves right out of business. They need to up-grade their rooms though----If they do you can expect another rise in hotel costs---------

Gadget - 2-7-2008 at 12:18 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by lizard lips
El Faro,

I have enjoyed staying at their camp ground. I live in Ensenada and we sometimes drive the 4 miles and pitch a tent for the weekend and enjoy just being outside and in a secure area which is very clean.



This, I would say, considering the current conditons in BCN is worth a premium price in itself.

They have had some security issues mainly centered around big events such as the races where crews have had equipment and vehicles disappear.

awfulart - 2-7-2008 at 12:25 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ElFaro
I just got back home about 2 hours ago from 4 days at Estero Beach Hotel Campground. We took our trailer down to Estero w/ Kayaks to paddle in the Estero and fish.
The weather on Sat., Sun. & Mon. kept us off the water. A lot of wind and rain.

FYI...Talked to "Permanent Gringo Locals" who live in the homes/trailers. Business is way down at the hotel, campground, and restaurant. Hotel vacancy very high...campground empty except for occasional caravan. MANY OF THE PERMANENT TRAILER/HOMES UP FOR SALE W/


When you are on a month to month or annual rental you are at the mercy of the land lord. That is why,several years ago we passed on the permanent residences at Estero Resort. What has happened is what I thought might happened.




A NUMBER OF OWNERS WHO HAVE SIMPLY "WALKED AWAY" FROM THEIR HOME/TRAILER BECAUSE THEY HAVE NO ONE IN FAMILY TO TAKE OVER THE HOME OR THEY CAN'T SELL IN CURRENT MKT. A # of reasons cited...biggest?...1 - Owners have raised rents 20-25% each of the last 2 years making rents on par w/ US. Rents now $500-$800 /mo. depending on location/size. 2 - Older Retirees have to come back to US and no one to buy home/trailer. 3 - Economic slump in US, 4 - Problems on toll roads at the border / bad press...people staying away. Campground spaces now $35/nite off-season, $45 - in season, $55 - special holidays.

Toll roads are getting punished hard by bad weather and trucks pounding road. Crews cannot keep up with road repairs.
Ensenada-Tijuana Toll Road heading north full of potholes.

Ensenada-Tijuana Free road from the Puerto Nuevo exit to the Boulevard 2000 (West-East toll road) turn in front of the Fox Studios is 3.5 miles of major potholes, mud, and shoulder damage. Remember... this is the main way the truckers go from the Ens.-TiJ toll road northbound to the West-East toll road eastbound and they are beating this section of road to death.

Boulevard 2000 from the coast to Tecate off-ramp is covered with mud flows and rocks alot of which has been cleared off. But this stretch of road already looks like it has already been hammered by trucks for +40 years. There are not sufficient culverts to direct water away from the road with mud/water flowing over the road in a number of places.

TiJ-Ens. tolls $15
Ens.-Tij-Tecate tolls $20

DENNIS - 2-7-2008 at 01:42 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ElFaro
TiJ-Ens. tolls $15
Ens.-Tij-Tecate tolls $20


Round trip.

awfulart - 2-7-2008 at 01:52 PM

When you are on a month to month or annual rental you are at the mercy of the land lord. That is why,several years ago we passed on the permanent residences at Estero Resort. What has happened is what I thought might happen! Only invest what you can afford to lose, particularly when it is rented or leased land.

durrelllrobert - 2-8-2008 at 09:56 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote:
Originally posted by ElFaro
TiJ-Ens. tolls $15
Ens.-Tij-Tecate tolls $20


Round trip.


or driving a 2 axel motor home or towing something:?: