BajaNomad

Headed South

Bajahowodd - 6-19-2009 at 04:32 PM

Hola, Nomads. This isn't as much of a trip report, as a pre-trip invitation for help and suggestions. We've traveled up and down the peninsula for many years. Next week, we have a trip planned that takes us all the way to Cabo, where we will be picking some folks up at the airport and will hopefully spend several days headed North, as they've never been to Baja. I'm guessing we can get as far North as Loreto or Mulele, before turning around.

I'd like to stay at some places I've never been. We're talking hotels here. So, let' me give you a list of places we have stayed and in some cases frequently and invite responses as to alternatives.

We are planning to stay at Jardines in San Quintin on the way down. Beyond that, it's open. We've stayed many times at Baja Cactus. And done the same with Desert Inn at Catavina.

Guerrero Negro- Been to El Morro, Don Gus and Caracoles.

San Ignacio- Desert Inn and Ricardos.

Santa Rosalia- El Morro

Mulege- Serenidad

Loreto- Hacienda Suites

La Paz- La Concha

Would appreciate it if y'all would weigh-in on good alternatives, or if some of my past places were the best, let me know.

Also would invite restaurant recommendations.

Seriously, I know there's a search feature on the site, but I've found it frustratingly inadequate for my needs for this trip. And besides, it does me no good to work off of four year old posts, what with the ever-changing nature of businesses in Baja. Villas de Loreto, anyone?

Thanks.

Cypress - 6-19-2009 at 04:51 PM

Looks like you've already got it all laid out.

DianaT - 6-19-2009 at 04:56 PM

Make reservations at Jardines---they are getting more business all the time---great place.

ncampion - 6-19-2009 at 05:20 PM

Ignacio Springs B & B in San Ignacio is worth a try.

http://www.ignaciosprings.com/

As is the Malarrimo in Guerrero Negro, although the restaurante is way better than the motel.

www.malarrimo.com

Loreto

djh - 6-19-2009 at 07:12 PM

Coco Cabanas ~ pool, palms, courtyard, friends, sweet...

Cafe Mita ~ give Juan Carlos a big hug for me ~ my all time favorite! (on the little town square / zocolo.

Islas ~ Francisco's fish, scallops, and other delicacies... YUM! (on the malecon)

Oggies (the restraunt part next door to the original bar) ~ nice bbf's and another great view (on the malecon)

BajaBruno - 6-19-2009 at 08:49 PM

I'm looking forward to your responses , Howodd--we will be not too far behind you...

Pacifico - 6-19-2009 at 08:54 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ncampion
Ignacio Springs B & B in San Ignacio is worth a try.

http://www.ignaciosprings.com/

As is the Malarrimo in Guerrero Negro, although the restaurante is way better than the motel.

www.malarrimo.com


Ditto on both of these!!!

shari - 6-20-2009 at 07:37 AM

Why dont you try the new hotel in GN that looks wonderful called Cowboy I think, it is on the left side of the highway just coming into GN...Los Caracoles is also very very nice and has a new restaurant in the little complex next door.
ditto on Ignacio Springs

Bajahowodd - 6-20-2009 at 11:47 AM

Thanks. Keep 'em coming, please. Couple of comments- How many restaurants can I eat at in a couple of days in Loreto?;D

Shari- I was contemplating trying the Cowboy. Strangely named, as it is. We've eaten at Raul's restaurant next to his Caracoles hotel. Food was good. My only minor complaint is the layout. There's almost no separation between the dining area and the store. Kinda reminded me of the turnpike restaurants back east years ago as far as ambience. What was the restaurant you used as a meeting place at whale time?

Howard - 6-20-2009 at 12:12 PM

Loreto- Hacienda Suites
In my opinion, there is nothing wrong with the Hacienda but there is nothing great about it either. Long walk to town and as you know, it should be 100+ degrees.

How about staying at Su Kasa which is on the Malacon and next to the 10 peso Pacifico beer happy hour at Augies? It is located between Augies and the South end of the Malicon before the Oasis hotel. IMO a much better choice than the Hacienda. I highly recommend it due to the location and all the nice ammenities. I am sure they have a web site. I am also sure that she is flexible on the price if you do not use a credit card.

By the way, I am the "Howard" on this website and could be bribed to give up that name in trade for? Pacifico's, Sr. Don Julio or ? No money, just a good ole fashion barter!

Bajahowodd - 6-20-2009 at 12:20 PM

How about a tee shirt and a velvet painting? You're right about the heat that time of year. Not a pleasant walk into town from Hacienda Suites. The place was originally recommended to me by Carrie Duncan. Nice rooms, if a little pricey, and Domingo's Place next door. One can flee from their air conditioned room to the air conditioned restaurant. I'll see if I can locate anything on the web for Su Kasa. you mentioned the Oasis in passing. Again, strangely pricey, if their internet site is posting the correct figures- Cheapest room listed at $125. Hacienda, $95. I guess the $30 is for being on the water.

[Edited on 6-20-2009 by Bajahowodd]

Bajahowodd - 6-20-2009 at 12:34 PM

Yep. Su Kasa has a web site. I don't especially expect sympathy;) but aside from knowing I want to make it to San Quintin, the rest of the trip is more or less extemporaneous. Therein lies the problem. Many recommendations are of places with few units. Making a reservation ties us into the stop. So many nice looking facilities....so few rooms. I guess if that's our biggest problem, :tumble:

Lee - 6-20-2009 at 12:41 PM

I've checked out Cowboy in GN -- 2nd Place to 1st Place Caracoles. But then I only stay in 1 of the 2 Suites at Caracoles.

Bajahowodd - 6-20-2009 at 01:52 PM

You mean the one's in the back with the loose laminate flooring? Actually there are three "suites". How would you compare to the regular rooms at Caracoles?

Howard - 6-20-2009 at 04:45 PM

Bajahowodd:

Just last week I received the below E-mail from Joyce @ SuKasa. I find it almost impossbile to believe that there would be a problem getting a room without a reservation and being turned away if you just showed up. She seems to have lots of rooms and it a decent size place. Live life large, don't make a reservation and show up at your schedule.

By any chance, is the velvet painting an Elvis Velvet? If so then we have something to talk about!

-------------------------------------------------------------------
Hola Howard,
Oh, yes, the "Augie special"! Probally, negociated under the influenze of a little Hornitos and a few cold beers!! Just kidding....I can rent the yurt for $40.00( reg 55.00) a night and the bungalow for $55.00(reg 75.00) That is the best I can do since my electric bill jumps "sky high" during this season. Let me know for sure so we can get a deposit and secure your reservation. Hope all is going well for you. It is very warm and humid but the fishing is outstanding.
Saludos,
Joyce, Sukasa Bungalows www.loreto.com/sukasa

Bajahowodd - 6-21-2009 at 12:27 PM

Thanks for the tip, Howard. Your choice: Elvis, The Last Supper, or Dogs Playing Poker.

Howard - 6-21-2009 at 12:36 PM

I would not want to take advantage of you in this trade. You must be extremely desperate to offer Dogs Playing Poker for the name Howard when the Dogs Playing Poker is very valuable and if you ever decide to sell it on E-Bay, you probably could get up to 2 or 3 dollars.

This is something we need to discuss over a Pacifico in Baja and get serious about this trade.

Bajahowodd - 6-21-2009 at 12:59 PM

I'm all for that. When and where?

BTW- If there are any lurking Lapazians around, I sure would like to hear some recommendations on lodging there.

That's right

Lee - 6-21-2009 at 01:03 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
You mean the one's in the back with the loose laminate flooring? Actually there are three "suites". How would you compare to the regular rooms at Caracoles?


There are 3 suites and I've stayed in both end ones. Don't recall the loose flooring -- and have only seen one other room friends were staying in and it was small by comparison -- but I like the small patio with the almost falling apart rocking chair.

Bajahowodd - 6-21-2009 at 01:14 PM

I know the climate there can be tough, what with the sea breeze and the salt, but I remember when the place opened, just a few years ago. Last time we stayed, it was looking a little worn. Not that it isn't head and shoulders over many of the other places in town.

bajalinda - 6-21-2009 at 04:09 PM

San Ignacio - ditto on Ignacio Springs B & B and a great breakfast is included.
We have also stayed at Casa Leree in San Ignacio and really liked it a lot, but small number of rooms, so don't know if that will work for you. It's just a block off of the main square. If memory serves me, I don't think it has air conditioning, so you may want to double check that at this time of year.

Santa Rosalia - Las Casitas, right on the cliffs at the south end of town. Beautiful spacious rooms for around $350 MN. I would call them directly (615-152-3023) if you want to make a reservation. The owner said she never received my email reservation request.

La Paz - Lorimar, good location on Bravo 2 blocks up from the malecon - around $400 MN for a double room. We stay there when we need to do an overnight run to La Paz. No TV in rooms - just in the lobby area and no pool.

El Moro - If you and your guests want something with more amenities the El Moro has a pool, restaurant, bar. At the far end of the malecon going out of town toward Pichilingue.

Have a great trip!

Bajahowodd - 6-21-2009 at 11:53 PM

Thank you Linda. TV and pool are really optional for us.