BajaNomad - Cowboy Hotel- Guerrero Negro

Cowboy Hotel- Guerrero Negro

thebajarunner - 4-8-2009 at 06:33 PM

First rate place.
We checked around town and nothing even close.
New, first place you come to into town,
clean, great showers,
reasonable.

And, Chavelo, the proprietor took us out to the whales, then asked if we wanted an "insiders' tour" of the salt works?

"You bet!"
So, for another $20 and a special permit at the office we were right past the "No Entrada" sign and a full, up close and personal trip around the flats and finally up on the deck of the off-loading area.

Priceless!

DianaT - 4-8-2009 at 06:53 PM

Do you know if they accept pets?

What was the price?

Thanks
Diane

thebajarunner - 4-8-2009 at 06:58 PM

Sorry, Baja Vida paid for the room,
he should chime in here with an answer,
I remember we looked at Malarimmo (sp ?) and it was same price and much nicer at Cowboy.
Did not have a pet at that point (long story on the return trip)

Sorry we missed you last week,
we were in your home town for a week,
we asked and were told you were in SoCal Land...

DianaT - 4-8-2009 at 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by thebajarunner
Sorry, Baja Vida paid for the room,
he should chime in here with an answer,
I remember we looked at Malarimmo (sp ?) and it was same price and much nicer at Cowboy.
Did not have a pet at that point (long story on the return trip)

Sorry we missed you last week,
we were in your home town for a week,
we asked and were told you were in SoCal Land...

Think we left right before you arrived---maybe next time you head that way we will be there.

We often stop in GN on our way down, and of course we have our two pups with us --- always looking for dog friendly places.

Diane

I do not remember if it was $350 or $400 MN per room for 2

BajaVida - 4-8-2009 at 07:58 PM

great value
it was the same as M, but $50 MN more than the older hotel we checked out (do not remember the name)

Bajahowodd - 4-8-2009 at 11:29 PM

Must be really new, since this appears to be the first post about this property. Sounds like a competitor for Raul. (Snail Hotel)

greta-inbaja - 5-17-2009 at 02:03 PM

Hello, We just stayed here w/our dog. The rooms were great, long hot shower. She lady at the desk preferred that our dog stayed in the car but in the end she let us have her in the room when we promised she was good and would not make a mess. Last week it was 350p dog in car. 450p dog in room. There was an empty lot next door for the dog to do her business. We were the only guests and will return.

Greta

oxxo - 5-17-2009 at 03:17 PM

Does anyone have a list of hotels anywhere along Hwy 1 in Baja that does not accept dogs? They are becoming increasing difficult to find.

[Edited on 5-17-2009 by oxxo]

shari - 5-17-2009 at 04:20 PM

The Cowboy Hotel is by the Cowboy taco stand across from Caracole Hotel and will be competition. Chavelo is an old friend of mine and used to be a lanchero then moved up to jefe in the whale lagoon Ojo de Liebre. He is a fine fellow and built a lovely place. I thought the rooms were 450 pesos?? But the place sure looks nice.

Bajahowodd - 5-17-2009 at 04:37 PM

No pics? Guessing no web site. I'm looking forward to checking it out, but have to say that like many, after driving 500 miles South of the border, it's always comforting to know what to expect. Know Malarrimo well. Think Raul's Caracoles is first rate.

toneart - 5-17-2009 at 07:47 PM

I saw it last week and it does look impressive from the outside. I will check it out next trip. I usually stay at the Las Ballenas. They accept dogs, but it is pretty basic; blanket and ugly bedspread with stains and cigarette burns, one towel, one mini soap bar, no bath mat kind of place. All Mexican hotels these days are better than those of years past, in that hot water is the norm.

Bajahowodd - 5-17-2009 at 11:03 PM

From your description, who could ask for anything more than Las Ballenas???

:yes:

There Last Week

Bajahowodd - 7-3-2009 at 01:05 PM

It's a work in progress having ten rooms now, and what looks like space for as many as six more. I'll bet they'll fill up fast during whale season. The architect should be lauded. They pulled off a quaint looking hacienda courtyard motif including arches, arched multi-paned wood framed windows. Accomodations are equal to Caracoles. They don't have any lobby amenities and only take cash. That being said, Caracoles and Cowboy should be given equal consideration, IMHO. As Shari mentioned, many people probably recall the Asadero Cowboy restaurant when entering town. A local favorite, always busy, and very affordable. Huaraches, Sopes, Tacos. They spruced up the front of the restaurant and incorporated it into the motif. Nice experience.

I was charged 450 pesos. Surprised that when we arrived around 5, we were the only guests. Every room was full by late evening.

[Edited on 7-4-2009 by Bajahowodd]

Anyone know if ......

CasaManzana - 7-5-2009 at 07:32 AM

......they have WiFi or some kind of internet connection??????

mtgoat666 - 7-5-2009 at 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by thebajarunner
I remember we looked at Malarimmo (sp ?) and it was same price and much nicer at Cowboy.

i still prefer malarimmo for atmosphere and food. the new hotels really haven't yet matched malarimmo.

DianaT - 7-5-2009 at 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote:

Originally posted by thebajarunner
I remember we looked at Malarimmo (sp ?) and it was same price and much nicer at Cowboy.

i still prefer malarimmo for atmosphere and food. the new hotels really haven't yet matched malarimmo.

Have you tried Santo Remedio for food? Some of the staff there are from the Malarrimo---great service, very good food, nice place.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69R9pqHa-js

The first time we tried Las Cazuelas, it was good---next three times were not very good---horrible soup for one thing. --

Looking forward to checking out the Cowboy Hotel.

Cypress - 7-5-2009 at 12:21 PM

The Caracoles is first rate. Computers, security.

DianaT - 7-5-2009 at 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Cypress
The Caracoles is first rate. Computers, security.

Unfortunately, the one time we went there, they were so VERY rude to us that we have stayed away---won't go to their shops, food bar, etc.,

Up to this point, we have stuck with Las Ballenas because they are so nice and friendly---even though the room are rather worn and tattered.

D

Cypress - 7-5-2009 at 12:56 PM

jdtrotter, Oh well!

They treated me very nice. :tumble:

DianaT - 7-5-2009 at 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Cypress
jdtrotter, Oh well!

They treated me very nice. :tumble:

It happened when they were fairly new. We had been told that while they had a no pets sign in the window, that they did have a couple of rooms where they would accept pets, so we stopped to ask.

Mind you, if someone does not accept pets, NO PROBLEM, we just say gracias and move on---we figure it is their choice. However, ALMOST always the people are polite.

We walked in and inquired---the young man at the desk spoke English a lot better than we speak Spanish. He said no, but the owner or manager, I do not remember which, was in the lobby speaking with someone else, so he asked him.

The man turned to us with a very unpleasant look, indicated that we should have read the sign, and then with the back of his hand, waved us out of his lobby, yelling the whole time.

That was enough for us---so we do not recommend it to anyone else-----BUT

I do not think there is ONE hotel or restaurant in all of Baja about which everyone agrees---

Diane

Cypress - 7-5-2009 at 01:36 PM

jdtrotter, Yelling at customers is a no-no.

vivaloha - 7-5-2009 at 09:05 PM

Ballenas in bright yellow is pretty solid, tattered on the edges, computer in main office and mellow

BajaInMyFuture - 7-7-2010 at 01:49 PM

I stayed at the Cowboy Hotel on my trip last February. I was very impressed with the place. It was around $450p for the two of us to share the room, very clean and people were very friendly and helpful. I plan on staying there on my "Return to Baja" trip in September.

Randy

BajaBlanca - 7-7-2010 at 02:01 PM

and I love the store filled with nickknacks at Malarrimo. They have one of the nicest collections of everything Mexico that I have seen anywhere

and their filet mignon is heavenly

shari - 7-7-2010 at 02:04 PM

We stayed there last month and loved it...they do have WIFI as well and the tacos at their taco restaurant are superb...the have a big family room too with a bunch of beds.

[Edited on 7-8-2010 by shari]

cowboyunits.jpg - 43kB

shari - 7-7-2010 at 06:41 PM

here is a photo of the nice furniture in the clean rooms...great shower too.

[Edited on 7-8-2010 by shari]

cowboy furniture-1.jpg - 47kB

Cowboy Hotel not Real Dog Friendly

DianaT - 7-7-2010 at 09:43 PM

We never mind being turned away if someone does not want to accept dogs---it is their choice to turn away the business. And if they don't like dogs, that is also their choice.

To try something different, we stopped there a few weeks ago. They were empty, but the lady really let us know that she did not like dogs but maybe, and she would have to check.

That was enough for us---we politely said never mind and headed for our usual Las Ballellas

Quote:

Originally posted by vivaloha
Ballenas in bright yellow is pretty solid, tattered on the edges, computer in main office and mellow

Las Ballenas now has wi-fi to all the rooms---nicest and most welcoming family around. It is an old style Baja Hotel.

dtbushpilot - 7-7-2010 at 10:23 PM

Where is Las Ballenas?....dt

irenemm - 7-7-2010 at 10:29 PM

We accept pets and the humans that tag along with them.
Most of the time the humans behave.
The pets always do.
Let your friends know we will take the 4 legged kind and the ones with only 2 leg also.
Irene
Posada Don Diego

KAT54 - 7-8-2010 at 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by irenemm
We accept pets and the humans that tag along with them.
Most of the time the humans behave.
The pets always do.
Let your friends know we will take the 4 legged kind and the ones with only 2 leg also.
Irene
Posada Don Diego

Me me me me me
Is not this thread about the Cowboy Hotel?
Not other hotels?

DianaT - 7-8-2010 at 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by KAT54

Quote:

Me me me me me
Is not this thread about the Cowboy Hotel?
Not other hotels?

For those of us who travel with our pets, it is ALWAYS good to hear about any place that is dog friendly.

Thank you, Irene---we will spread the word.

irenemm - 7-8-2010 at 12:50 PM

Thank you Diana

mojo_norte - 7-8-2010 at 09:02 PM

Price of Ballenas - 300 ?

cutexianchick - 7-17-2010 at 07:04 AM

when we came down last week we drove by but didnt stop and check it out, no one other. At that point, no one if the parking lot doesnt give a good impression (but that is just me). We stayed across the street at the Los Caracoles ($65, more than Cowboy). On our way back because of the great posts we will stop at cowboy and check it out, we will probably stay there or catavina (if we can make it that far).

Jack Swords - 7-17-2010 at 02:31 PM

Thank you Irene. We always travel with our small dog and seek out dog-friendly places to stay. We are respectful of the establishment and appreciate that our dog can be with us. We will keep you in mind, one never knows where you'll end up traveling down that road. We have stayed at Ballena and the family is very welcoming.

irenemm - 7-17-2010 at 04:01 PM

Your Welcome Jack
Just enjoy your trip and drive careful. I hope your trip is everything you expect.
That is what life is about.
We would love to have you, but if not thats ok too.
safe travels
Irene

Bajahowodd - 7-17-2010 at 04:26 PM

Although the town gets a great deal of traffic during the whale season, there really has not been an explosion of really nice hotels. As Shari's photos depicted, Cowboy is very pleasant. We've stayed there a couple of times, having also stayed at Caracoles. Caracoles is undoubtedly among the top tier for GN, but I do really feel just a tad better at Cowboy. And, I think it's a healthy situation when folks post about pet friendly hotels v. those who will not allow them. Pet owners, if they are responsible, will understand that there are travelers who have pet allergies. In addition, in a number of places along the highway, there are towns that do not have the facilities to adequately clean bed covers or duvets. I view it as similar to folks, who number in the millions that have peanut allergies. They should not have to guess about what they are eating or where they are staying.

That said, we have a cat. but, she stays home when we travel.

BajaBlanca - 7-17-2010 at 08:52 PM

if we are changing the thread to pets, then ..... we now boast a house that is pet friendly in la bocana !!!! $100 a night for up to 4 people !!! and as many pets as you want

)))))

it is called the COPA CABANA - it is a 2 bedroom house with full kitchen n bath n just growing garden ... ocean views from the front and side ...

Marc - 9-10-2010 at 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by oxxo
Does anyone have a list of hotels anywhere along Hwy 1 in Baja that does not accept dogs? They are becoming increasing difficult to find.

[Edited on 5-17-2009 by oxxo]

There's this barking dog that follows me everywhere in Mexico. I'd like to shoot it. :mad:

Bajafun777 - 9-10-2010 at 11:01 PM

How long does it take to get to Guerro Negro from Rosarito and does this Cowboy Hotel stay open all night? Asking as in October we will be taking our Jeep down to La Paz then Cabo and back to Rosarito. We have been staying at Las Gaviotas just outside of Popotala and will be leaving from there going South. We were told Guerro Negro should be our first stop and then an all day drive into La Paz. What would be a good hotel in La Paz? Thanks and not trying to steal the tread just expanding it,LOL. Take Care and Travel Safe, bajafun777

David K - 9-11-2010 at 12:48 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajafun777
How long does it take to get to Guerro Negro from Rosarito and does this Cowboy Hotel stay open all night? Asking as in October we will be taking our Jeep down to La Paz then Cabo and back to Rosarito. We have been staying at Las Gaviotas just outside of Popotala and will be leaving from there going South. We were told Guerro Negro should be our first stop and then an all day drive into La Paz. What would be a good hotel in La Paz? Thanks and not trying to steal the tread just expanding it,LOL. Take Care and Travel Safe, bajafun777

BajaFun... you are getting Baja Spell Checker all worked-up! :lol:

GUERRERO NEGRO, POPOTLA :light:

bill erhardt - 9-11-2010 at 04:44 AM

777.......Don't know about all night, but when I stayed at the Cowboy last month when I settled in for the night around 8:30 p.m. my rig was the only one in the parking lot. The next morning the parking lot was full.
In La Paz I stay at the Marina Hotel. It is right on the bay at the east end of the malecon. There is secure parking, and a buffet style breakfast/brunch from 7:00 - 11:00 a.m., I think, comes with the price of a room. Their website lists higher prices, but if you call you can get a room for two for around $70 US.
There is plenty of room for a trailer/boat at both the Cowboy and the Marina Hotel.

cowboy.jpg - 37kB

oxxo - 9-11-2010 at 05:00 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajafun777
How long does it take to get to Guerro Negro from Rosarito and does this Cowboy Hotel stay open all night?

Figure about 8 to 9 hours from Rosarito to GN. The night manager at the Cowboy sleeps on the couch in the office all night. Just bang on the door to wake him up. All the hotels in GN tend to fill up after dark (remember you lose one hour when you arrive at GN). We stayed there 3 weeks ago. Our room had strong WIFI for the laptop. Get the password from the manager.

Bajafun777 - 9-11-2010 at 06:46 AM

Thanks Bill & OXXO for the information. I am hoping for good weather too but my jeep will go through most things, I hope----LOL. We will be traveling South after October 6th and plan a week in Cabo then back up to La Paz for a week before returning to Brawley at the ending of October. Have a motorcycle run down to "The Rock" Puerto Penasco on November 4th thru the 7th always a good time and interesting quick things to see,LOL!! David, yea I got off a little with the Spelling but they did not have these in our spelling tests in school, so not my fault,LOL. Take Care and Travel Safe----------------- bajafun777

BAJA.DESERT.RAT - 9-11-2010 at 10:35 AM

Hola, i should be in gn around mid october. would someone please post contact info for a reservation regarding the cowboy, caracoles and ballena.

mex and amer. cell#'s and email if available.

thank you in advance,

BIEN SALUD, DA RAT

shari - 9-11-2010 at 11:10 AM

hey rat...I can make those reservations for ya if you like (my USA# is 619-906-8438)
or here are there phone #'s...ya dial 011-52 and the following numbers.
Cowboy 615-157-2765
Caracoles 615-157-1088 (1022)
maybe some one else has Ballena's number, I couldnt find it.

BAJA.DESERT.RAT - 9-11-2010 at 11:50 AM

Hola Shari, thank you, that is very nice of you. i do carry a mex. cell and can call them directly or by skype before i leave.

bahia asuncion is on my wish list going home to l.a. too around mid october and if i can, i'll call you for reservations. i'll probably just sleep in my suv a night or two as i would like to fish there.

please u2u me your mex #'s.

BIEN SALUD, DA RAT

Debra - 9-12-2010 at 03:57 PM

oxxo.......... Estero Beach, Ensanada. No pets.

Bajahowodd - 9-12-2010 at 04:14 PM

Two things.

First, the pet thing is somewhat tricky, in that there are many folks who are allergic. It would really be nice if the innkeepers in Baja were more cognizant of the need to deal with both customers and either clearly post on their web sites that they do or do not allow pets. that said, it would seem to me that some of the larger facilities could segregate rooms, not unlike hotels that have smoking and non-smoking.

Second, on the occasions that we have stayed at Cowboy, it has always puzzled me that when we arrived, the place was empty, but in the morning, it was full. Only can figure, such as oxxo mentioned, that a widely held secret among travelers is that the manager sleeps in the office.

dtbushpilot - 9-12-2010 at 05:09 PM

"First, the pet thing is somewhat tricky, in that there are many folks who are allergic. It would really be nice if the innkeepers in Baja were more cognizant of the need to deal with both customers and either clearly post on their web sites that they do or do not allow pets. that said, it would seem to me that some of the larger facilities could segregate rooms, not unlike hotels that have smoking and non-smoking"

I couldn't agree more. I hate sleeping in smoking rooms and wouldn't want to sleep in a room that had been full of pets except all of mine have been. I try to be a considerate guest and cover all the furniture with sheets. If someone were allergic it could be really uncomfortable for them.....dt

shari - 9-12-2010 at 05:42 PM

It's amazing the number of clients who bring pets!!! But as suggested by some folks here...we are designating certain rooms as non pet rooms for those who suffer from allergies.

and about the parking lot being empty at Cowboys in the daytime...most hotels in GN are occupied by one nighters on their way to or from other places...not as a destination...except in whale season. That is why they are empty until early evening when they often fill up...so calling in advance will get you a room reserved...I dont mind calling Chavelo for you...we work together offering package deals that get you room discounts too.

Rat

DianaT - 9-12-2010 at 07:36 PM

Motel Las Ballenas 615 157-0116
Behind Hotel El Morro on Calle Victoria Sanchez. 14 rooms with TV.

Their wi fi now reaches all the rooms. It is an Old Type Baja hotel, with the nicest family running it. Also, they now have SKY TV. Not the fanciest in town, but well priced and super friendly.

It is our first choice

[Edited on 9-13-2010 by DianaT]

krafty - 10-28-2010 at 11:09 AM

@ Shari-I would also like to make a reservation at the Cowboy for 1 night for 3 of us-do you know if they have an email? Thanks-

Bajahowodd - 10-28-2010 at 01:34 PM

Stayed at Cowboy several times. Last time earlier this month. For the first time, it wasn't full. In fact appeared, including us, that four rooms were occupied. One thing that has struck me is that given that it is a tourist oriented business, I have yet to encounter anyone working there that speaks any English. Hasn't been a problem for me. But it just seems a little strange, given the town's long-standing tourist orientation.

as for e-mail- I noticed an address posted on the sign in their lot, but haven't been able to find a web site. That said, Caracoles has a website, and you can reserve rooms through it.

shari - 10-28-2010 at 02:35 PM

It's like this...Chavelo had a dream many years ago while being the head of personel at the lagoon. He wanted his own business and has worked long hard hours to scrape together enough capital to borrow money to build his dream place.
I am really impressed that he actually DID it and the result is beautiful. It is a Ma & Pa and family operation and if they had to hire too many employees, well, there would just be no profit with all the payments and upkeep that needs to be paid for.

As it is, they pay a cleaning staff and night watchman...Chavelo does speak some english but finding the right person to work in your office is NOT at all easy...the work pool is very limited and so quiet it just wouldnt pay to have to hire a front desk person.

So, I would be happy to call chavelo with any reservation...that way, you will surely have the room waiting for you...so just U2zu me with your name & dates. Dont forget, they fill up during whales season...jan-april.

krafty - 10-28-2010 at 02:57 PM

Did just that-Thanks Shari

Bajahowodd - 10-28-2010 at 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by shari
It's like this...Chavelo had a dream many years ago while being the head of personel at the lagoon. He wanted his own business and has worked long hard hours to scrape together enough capital to borrow money to build his dream place.
I am really impressed that he actually DID it and the result is beautiful. It is a Ma & Pa and family operation and if they had to hire too many employees, well, there would just be no profit with all the payments and upkeep that needs to be paid for.

As it is, they pay a cleaning staff and night watchman...Chavelo does speak some english but finding the right person to work in your office is NOT at all easy...the work pool is very limited and so quiet it just wouldnt pay to have to hire a front desk person.

So, I would be happy to call chavelo with any reservation...that way, you will surely have the room waiting for you...so just U2zu me with your name & dates. Dont forget, they fill up during whales season...jan-april.

Don't get me wrong. There's a reason why I've chosen Cowboy my last five stops in GN. Chavelo did an amazing job on the architecture. It is probably the most inviting place in town. People there have always been super friendly. Last visit, we were checked in by a fellow who it turns out doubles as a waiter and cashier in the restaurant. He told me that he was from Loreto, and came to GN for work. Go figure. Wonder what that says about the economy of Loreto.

However, Shari, as you well know, Raul at Caracoles has managed to hire a number of staff with English skills, including your precious Serenita.

A particular reason for my mentioning the English fluency is that Chevalo advertises whale tours. We've done many, whether from the ejido, as well as in San Ignacio, but also availed ourselves of the Caracoles one time, where a young fellow, who had lived in Los Angeles was our guide. Just seems to me that to be competitive during the season 0f the whale, given the diversity of those who show up, English fluency is a plus.

shari - 10-28-2010 at 07:09 PM

Los Caracoles has a WAAAAAY bigger budget. Raul was an executive at the salt works and retired with a nice pension to use in his new venture....very different ball game than Chavelo who grew up in the ejido....

I will mention it to Chavelo but I know how he is struggling to keep afloat.