BajaNomad

Something nice but inexpensive

willc73 - 1-3-2009 at 07:34 PM

My wife and I are deciding between mexico and the caribbean for a 6 day vacation in March of 2009. Wife would like to go to Caribbean, I think Mexico could be nice and cheaper. We live in So. California.
My wife wants to snorkel and hang out at the beach and eat good food. I want to fish, hang out and eat good food. We like nice hotels. Considering $300 - $400 per night hotels in caribbean. We want a resort feel.
I am interested in Loreto. Found this brand new hotel that looks great. http://www.lamisionloreto.com/
la mision loreto. The posts in the forums talk about cheap hotels in Loreto, but we are hoping for something upscale. I don't mind the rustic nature of Loreto, and I hear the fishing is great. Would Cabo be a better choice or should we stick to caribbean?

Bajahowodd - 1-3-2009 at 09:16 PM

How can $300-$400 a nigjht be considered inexpensive?

mulegemichael - 1-3-2009 at 09:30 PM

easy...easy...la mision is still not open...as of two weeks ago...they took our deposit then emailed us back and said they werent quite ready...maybe now...be sure and check it out...check on la posada,...beachgirl stayed there with here hija last week and it was just wonderful...except...the italian restaurant they described on their website wasnt there...hmmmm...just where did that restaurant go???..hmmm..anyway..the hotel itself is really nice and will fall well within the 3-$400 a night deal....our favorite place in loreto is the hacienda suites; pool, outdoor bar,restaurant....$120 bucks a night for the suite...that'll do it for me...

vandenberg - 1-3-2009 at 09:35 PM

Will,
Loreto will be just the place for you and the missus. Most of our resorts are upscale, but a lot of the plainer places should interest you also. Augie's comes to mind , where you could imbibe with some of the natives and get the latest scoop on the great fishing. And your better half can snorkel to her hearts contend while you're out reeling in the fish.
Loreto can use tourist like yourself, whom are not tight and love to throw around some much needed funds.
Some folks here may think you're putting them on with your stated room prices, but those are mainly the more poverty struck around us. I believe you're not trying to make us believe that you are the comedian in your family. :?:Are you :?:

Bajahowodd - 1-3-2009 at 09:42 PM

Come on, Michael. I've stayed at Hacienda Suites many times. And love the food and grog at Domingo's. But face it, It's an upscale motel. Will gives the impression that he is looking for a resort style property. And Hacienda Suites isn't even within reasonable walking distance to a beach or the malecon.

willc73 - 1-3-2009 at 09:46 PM

I said for the caribbean we were looking at $300 - $400 per night. That is the low end in the caribbean, $200 - $300 would be preferable. which is exactly why we are looking at mexico. My wife is looking for good snorkeling. I plan on doing a day or two of fishing, which is another reason I like mexico. Don't know if we should look at Cabo too. Seems to be mostly time shares there, I am really not in the mood to be harassed about buying a timeshare when I am on vacation.

Bajahowodd - 1-3-2009 at 09:53 PM

Harrassed by timeshare people? Then don't go to a resort in Mexico. Or learn to politely say no. There's another thread on here that complains about the timeshare people in Loreto. Want the best snorkling? Go down toward Cancun. Look into Isla Mujeres. It's the Caribbean, only Mexico-style.

willc73 - 1-3-2009 at 09:57 PM

thanks, we are looking into Cancun too. Again, caribbean gets pricey, especially hard to take the $900 per day fishing charters. Who needs to fish off a yacht anyways?

willc73 - 1-3-2009 at 10:27 PM

well , after reading threads on timeshare salesmen in all of that part of mexico, it sounds like it is worth the extra money to go to the caribbean. Too bad, I was hoping to save money in mexico. I really don't want to be harassed though.

BigWooo - 1-3-2009 at 11:08 PM

I love Baja and Loreto, but I think that warm Caribbean water and weather sounds pretty good right now.

vacaenbaja - 1-3-2009 at 11:57 PM

There is a natural coral reef at Cabo Pulmo in the East Cape
area. The area does have white sand beaches and
very good fishing. There are several hotels in the area to choose from. I would check out the wind in the time frame that you plan to go as the area can get quite windy in season. For my money Cozumel is hard to beat for both snorkeling and diving. The fishing is good also, but may be more pricey. I have not priced the air/ hotel packages recently so as far as I know they may be equal or more than
the Caribbean. Good Luck

mtgoat666 - 1-4-2009 at 12:32 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by willc73
I said for the caribbean we were looking at $300 - $400 per night. That is the low end in the caribbean, $200 - $300 would be preferable. which is exactly why we are looking at mexico. My wife is looking for good snorkeling. I plan on doing a day or two of fishing, which is another reason I like mexico. Don't know if we should look at Cabo too. Seems to be mostly time shares there, I am really not in the mood to be harassed about buying a timeshare when I am on vacation.


snorkeling is OK in baja sur, but not too special (actually kinda sucks compared to tropics). you want good snorkeling, and cheaper accomodations, in a spanish speaking country, then try belize.
also, right now Bali is looking really cheap

Bob and Susan - 1-4-2009 at 07:25 AM

come to mulege...visit us:light:

we have kayaks
boats (with motor)
catamarans
snorkeling
shells
complete breakfast
pool
clean...clean

all included

of course i'd do ONLY what the wife wants to do...IMHO

rhintransit - 1-4-2009 at 07:44 AM

Loreto can be a good choice, many nice accommodations that would suit your budget, but it is COLD in March. unless your wife wants to snorkle in a wetsuit, she will be happier further south. and/or much further east. come see us in June or July for fabulous warm water and great fishing.

willc73 - 1-4-2009 at 08:14 AM

I agree cozumel looks nice. I may have to give up on fishing for this trip though. At least on the internet I am not finding any reasonable charters, maybe when I get there. I doubt my wife will go for spending $700 for a day of fishing. At the moment she can only snorkel because she is pregnant. She loves to dive but doctor said that is a no no. I guess Loreto will be off the table this time around.

bajabeachbabe - 1-4-2009 at 09:25 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by willc73
I agree cozumel looks nice. I may have to give up on fishing for this trip though. At least on the internet I am not finding any reasonable charters, maybe when I get there. I doubt my wife will go for spending $700 for a day of fishing. At the moment she can only snorkel because she is pregnant. She loves to dive but doctor said that is a no no. I guess Loreto will be off the table this time around.


Well, here's my take on what I would suggest. I am currently sitting here in Loreto, enjoying the sunshine and the view from our unit at Las Cabanas. This would be a great place to stay if they have space during your planned trip. It has a small family feel with all the amenities you could want.

Having been to both the Caribbean and Mexico several times, I think that based on what you were hoping to do during your vacation, Loreto would be the better choice. Plus getting here from California is much cheaper and quicker.

We went out fishing on Friday ($200 for a panga with Captain for 4 people) and caught 2 yellowtail, one about 25lbs and the other about 40lbs. So, if you want to do some fishing, Loreto would fit the bill. Snorkeling off of Coronado Island or Loreto Bay will provide lots of fish, pretty much the same as many of the places in the Caribbean. In March the water will be on the cool side. Other things to do would be to go kayaking, which is something I haven't seen people do in the Caribbean.

As for the timeshare people in Loreto. We have only been approached twice during our week and a half here and they were not aggressive. We were only asked if it was our first trip and where we were from. They never got to trying to get us to take a tour. I think they have been told to back off. In fact, I was kinda hoping to get in a lively discussion with them, but they weren't around. So, I wouldn't cancel my trip based on the few timeshare people that are here. It certainly won't be a Cabo or Cancun type of bad experience. (There are plenty of timeshares on Cozumel so you will be bugged there as well).

The Mision Hotel is open and about 20 of their rooms are open. When we were there looking around the other day, someone was checking in, so they are open for business. I do know that the restaurant is also open. By March they should have most of their rooms ready. It is really a beautiful place. Having seen the old shell of the hotel before the restoration, it's hard to believe it is the same place. It is really a first class hotel. The swimming pool will be gorgeous.

Ok, I guess I am a bit biased, but I like Loreto as it is a real Mexican town, but at the same time has all the things that I like to do for a vacation. Last year we were on Grand Cayman and outside of the scuba diving, I really have no desire to go back. The island feels like one big tourist destination without the wonderful culture to go with it.

Hopy you have a fun vacation wherever you decide to go.

The Sculpin - 1-4-2009 at 09:40 AM

Sorry - but I just have to put in my 2 cents (and that's exactly what its worth!) - Look, I've been going to Baja for most of my life and I really love the place. It will always be in my heart, but I now go back to visit the friends I have made over the years rather than seek the solitude I crave. May I suggest a little out of the box thinking? I realize that this may not exactly fit the "inexpensive" criteria, but you should seriously consider French Polynesia of Fiji. These areas have the best shallow water diving in the world, and in the open ocean you have excellent rod fishing and spear fishing. Because of the economy being in the crapper, you could probably get 5 to 8 days with meals included for under 6K. March is just at the end of the off season, so temps will still be up there, but rates down. Anyway, just a thought..........;)

[Edited on 1-4-2009 by The Sculpin]

Barry A. - 1-4-2009 at 10:24 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by mtgoat666


snorkeling is OK in baja sur, but not too special (actually kinda sucks compared to tropics). you want good snorkeling, and cheaper accomodations, in a spanish speaking country, then try belize.
also, right now Bali is looking really cheap


At the risk of sounding picky-----you say Belize is a "-----spanish speaking country-----" ?? Actually, Belize is an English speaking Country, and it is beautiful, with beautiful diving, but Belize City itself is pretty "iffy" in my opinion------that place is crazy! Everyplace else in Belize is really very nice, and inexpensive, if you stay away from the main tourist locals.

Barry

Alan - 1-4-2009 at 11:05 AM

I agree with Sculpin. French Polynesia (Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora) or Fiji would be my first choices. I love Baja but March is just still too cold for me and likely to be windy as well. I'm going to the Caribbean in Feb (BVI) and while the snorkeling there is much better than Baja (and much warmer at this time of year) it doesn't compare to Tahiti. Try www.tahitilegends.com. They usually have some reasonable packages but I used a travel agent through travelwizard.com and she got me a great deal on a charter out of Paris that I tagged on to in LAX.

willc73 - 1-4-2009 at 01:08 PM

Thanks everyone.
We won't be going to french polynesia. too expensive for this trip. We are keeping this trip at $3k.
I am interested in Belize, that is pretty cheap. 5 star resort for $160 per night.
Barry, what do you mean stay away from tourist locals? I figured, that is where we want to be?

Ken Bondy - 1-4-2009 at 01:56 PM

willc73

Loreto is a delightful town, one of my favorite places anywhere. But to fully enjoy it, you need to appreciate its history, culture, and natural beauty, and recognize that it is a real Mexican small town, not primarily a resort destination. I have been to many Caribbean destinations, including Belize, and, with few exceptions, I would rather be in Loreto. But that would not apply to everyone. It depends on your expectations.

Loreto is not known for good snorkeling, it has very few sandy beaches or patch reefs that are close to shore. Isla Coronado (the closest offshore island) has excellent snorkeling, but that involves a boat trip out there, which can be easily arranged. Loreto does have outstanding scuba diving, some of the best in the Sea of Cortez. So if you are certified, don't miss the diving in Loreto.

I hope some of this is useful in making your decision.

Good luck,

++Ken++

Dave - 1-4-2009 at 02:48 PM

If good snorkeling on a budget is what you're after then my suggestion would be St. Croix.... Christiansted. I'll bet you can find a hotel for around $100 and Buck Island is pretty good diving.

k-rico - 1-4-2009 at 04:59 PM

Go to Mexico's Caribbean coast?

Cozumel

Great snorkling and much more tropical than baja.

BajaNomad - 1-5-2009 at 02:11 PM

Just because it was a part of the original request, and I didn't see it noted by anyone else - possibly it's unfavorable for some reason I'm unaware of (???), and/or unsupportive of our fellow Nomads here...

...but upscale Loreto certainly describes the Posada de las Flores in Loreto - and possibly the desires of the original poster are better suited for the Punta Chivato location? Just a thought:
http://www.posadadelasflores.com

-
Doug

Don Alley - 1-5-2009 at 05:29 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Ken Bondy
willc73

Loreto is a delightful town, one of my favorite places anywhere. But to fully enjoy it, you need to appreciate its history, culture, and natural beauty, and recognize that it is a real Mexican small town, not primarily a resort destination. I have been to many Caribbean destinations, including Belize, and, with few exceptions, I would rather be in Loreto. But that would not apply to everyone. It depends on your expectations.

Loreto is not known for good snorkeling, it has very few sandy beaches or patch reefs that are close to shore. Isla Coronado (the closest offshore island) has excellent snorkeling, but that involves a boat trip out there, which can be easily arranged. Loreto does have outstanding scuba diving, some of the best in the Sea of Cortez. So if you are certified, don't miss the diving in Loreto.

I hope some of this is useful in making your decision.

Good luck,

++Ken++


Well said.

Loreto is a great place to visit, and a great place to live. But some folks are marketing it as another "tropical" resort destination, suggestive of year-round warm weather, endless white sand beaches... a viable option to Cancun, Cabo, etc. That may sell timeshares, but could also lead to some disappointed visitors.

The new Mission Hotel is certainly creating a local buzz. Besides that, I think the best places to stay are the several small "boutique" hotels, which provide great rooms, great service and prices below the big resort places.

Bajahowodd - 1-5-2009 at 05:58 PM

Want Mexican and Caribbean, and with a small town atmosphere, with affordable accomodations? For my money, there is no place better than Isla Mujeres. It's a short twenty minute ferry ride from the marina in Cancun, yet light years away. There a touch of Cuba, as well. On the main drag, Hidalgo (a surprise?), there is an eight block stretch vehicle-free pedestrian mall line with sidewalk cafes and shops. Leeward side, the water is an azure bathtub, shallow until you wade way out. Primary transportation on the island is golf cart, rented all over.

Muy Tranquillo !

djh - 1-5-2009 at 08:06 PM

Based on your desire for fishing, snorkeling, some beach time, and proximity to good food....

I WOULD suggest staying at either:

In Loreto... I'd suggest Coco Cabanas. Barrett and his family are wonderful guests who have become great friends. 8 immaculate little cabanas around a nice pool, yet affording privacy, and quiet (except for an occasional rooster-doodle-doo). Barrett is able, and willing to arrange for excellent snorkeling and fishing trips with local Mexican guides who will take excellent care of you. A combo fishing / snorkeling trip to Coronado with Pedro or Francisco (either of the bros.) would be magical for you ! http://www.cococabanasloreto.com/

or a little north of Loreto (closer to Mulege ~ but an easy drive to Loreto if you pick up a rental car).

Playa Frambes (Bob & Susan). Immaculate, all new, private, spotless, and a unique experience. It is on the Bay of Concepcion, not far from Mulege (which is a sweet, old style Mexican village that is fun to explore when you like). It is within your desired price range (for MX.). And Bob and Susan are great folks and wonderful guests. I'm sure Bob has similar local guides who could arrange for fishing / snorkeling trips for you guys. http://www.mulege.org/rates/special.htm

Either would be a great time for you. You could fly into Loreto and pick up a rental car right at the airport and you're good to go for either locaton.....

Have a wonderful vacation, wherever you go! ;)

djh