BajaNomad

San Nicolas Hotel, Ensenada

Bajahowodd - 7-10-2009 at 12:04 PM

We were headed back home the other day after two weeks of vacation that led us all the way to Cabo. As per plan, we stayed at Jardines de Baja in San Quintin, and left with the idea off being home that night. But a last minute decision left us staying in Ensenada instead. We went to the San Nicolas. There is a big remodel project underway, mostly involving the Caliente Casino and Sports Book housed in the building. They have already effectively doubled the casino space, with some 300 slots in play, and a new, bigger Sports Book. There are additional expansion plans, as well. There is strong talk about card games being legalized in the near future. I don't know if Mr. Caliente, Jorge Hank is just a tenant in Nico Saad's building, or if Saad has a piece of the action, but when we entered the casino in the afternoon, virtually every slot was being used. They have remodeled the entrance portico, with a Vegas-like appearance using terrazzo, glass and chrome. The casino now shares the entrance portico with the hotel lobby entrance, as the casino now occupies space that was once the hotel restaurant. The hotel remodeled and expanded the area near the pool with restaurant space. The posted rate for a room was $85, which quickly lowered to $65, and ultimately ended up at $56, plus a coupon for 4 margaritas at the bar, before the deal was closed. Rooms well appointed. 32 channels of TV. Huge pool. Secure, guarded parking. Wonderful staff.

DENNIS - 7-10-2009 at 12:48 PM

I hope Nico Saad isn't snuggly in bed with Hank. It just doesn't suit his image. His brother is one of the few Ensenada Notarios as well.
Hank has a second LF [are they still called that?] place in town. I guess the So.Cal indian casinos are goint to get a run for their money soon.

Bajahowodd - 7-10-2009 at 01:21 PM

They are both extremely connected politically. If you've ever been in the San Nicolas, you know that the lobby is strewn with photographic and other memorabilia, including photos of Nico with Ronald and Nancy Reagan, and Nico with Pete Wilson. Nico is in the Off-Roading Racing Hall of Fame. One of the more interesting pieces there is a faded newspaper article describing Nico's feat in 1962 of traveling from Redondo Beach to Avalon on water skis, flying by holding on to a huge kite!

At 70 years of age, he's still at it. Most recent addition to his wall of fame is a letter from Parnelli Jones telling Nico how much fun he had at the weekend spent with Nico and Vicente Fox last year, including the bull fights they attended.

Take a guess. The house take on 300 busy slots. What's the payout rate? Is there government control? Does Hank make 4 centavos on every peso? Six? Eight?

[Edited on 7-10-2009 by Bajahowodd]

DENNIS - 7-10-2009 at 01:25 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Take a guess. The house take on 300 busy slots. What's the payout rate? Is there government control? Does Hank make 4 centavos on every peso? Six? Eight?



You'll have to ask an Indian.

Bajahowodd - 7-10-2009 at 01:26 PM

Mumbai?

DENNIS - 7-10-2009 at 01:29 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Mumbai?



Little Beaver type.

Bajahowodd - 7-10-2009 at 01:59 PM

Lotsa that in the casino, too!

lizard lips - 7-10-2009 at 04:01 PM

Nico and Hank both have homes at the Coronado Kays and have been "friends" for a long time.

[Edited on 03/08/2009 by lizard lips]

Von - 7-10-2009 at 04:22 PM

They probably play twinkle toes in the spa together in there homes in Coronado:lol:

jeans - 7-10-2009 at 06:21 PM

Wow...it's still growing...sounds like I would not recognize the place I knew in 1971..spent my wedding night there, before going down to the family house in El Faro Beach...I was 19.

The original pool is long gone. It was between the lobby and that little cave bar. I loved that little nightclub...

Sallysouth - 7-10-2009 at 09:37 PM

LLips and howodd, Have either of you even met Nico? Have any proof of your allegations?

Bajahowodd - 7-11-2009 at 12:40 AM

Not certain about "allegations". Only mentioned what I know factually. On the other hand, it appears that lips may be asserting something altogether different. All I know is that the hotel is among the finest in town; a personal fave. And, it just may be that it will be the locus of the next generation of tourism, should the card games be legalize.

LaTijereta - 7-11-2009 at 06:46 AM

Here's a shot of Jorge Hank w/ Sal Fish when he had happier days running for office... It was taken out in front of the San Nicolas.. Who knew:?:

lizard lips - 7-11-2009 at 08:15 AM

I have met Nico and have known him for over 20 years and he is a stand up guy. I mentioned that there is a connection between the two (Hank) but Nico is not "guilty" by association. Nico is a businessman, and a very good one at that.

DENNIS - 7-11-2009 at 08:37 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by lizard lips
I have met Nico and have known him for over 20 years and he is a stand up guy. I mentioned that there is a connection between the two (Hank) but Nico is not "guilty" by association. Nico is a businessman, and a very good one at that.



I agree with most of this, Dan. Unfortunately, people are known for the company they keep. This association can't weigh well with everybody in Nico's favor if for no other reason than the PRI party affiliation. The other reasons will be left unmentioned here...at least, by me.

[Edited on 7-11-2009 by DENNIS]

Santiago - 7-11-2009 at 09:11 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by jeans
spent my wedding night there....I was 19.



You're doing this on purpose, aren't you? I will resist...

David K - 7-11-2009 at 09:17 AM

Yah, there sould be 18,000+ posts just on this, huh Santiago?:lol:

lizard lips - 7-11-2009 at 09:46 AM

Dennis. My father always told me to keep my friends close and my enemies closer. I don't know the association Nico has with Hank other than what I have posted but they both have had sports books for years. Through everything I know about the man he has always done me right.

The information I have about the homes in the Cays came from another resident who is a friend of both of them.

David K - 7-11-2009 at 09:57 AM

Parnelli Jones mentions Nico in the NORRA video: http://www.norra.com/heroes_video.php

jeans - 7-11-2009 at 11:51 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Santiago
Quote:
Originally posted by jeans
spent my wedding night there....I was 19.

You're doing this on purpose, aren't you? I will resist...

Santiago - Lest you forget... :saint: http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=31906#pid3277...
Quote:
Originally posted by Santiago
Jeans: I am so, so sorry for everything I've ever done.......:rolleyes:


Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Yah, there sould be 18,000+ posts just on this, huh Santiago?:lol:


DK...
Nahhh...A friendly battle of wits is no fun with an unarmed person :dudette:

Bajahowodd - 7-11-2009 at 01:31 PM

By the way, the photo posted was not taken in front of the hotel, but rather a block away in front of an OXXO. Just didn't want anyone to think the hotel was so tacky!

DENNIS - 7-11-2009 at 04:46 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by lizard lips
I don't know the association Nico has with Hank other than what I have posted but they both have had sports books for years.


In a way, yes, Dan. Although I believe Saad has always had Hank's sport book, LF, in his hotel. There are two in Ensenada [there were anyway] and I don't know who runs the other one.

TheColoradoDude - 7-21-2009 at 10:34 PM

I can't quite understand something. If tourism is way down, then how come hotel prices are still the same?

[Edited on 7-22-2009 by TheColoradoDude]

fishbuck - 7-21-2009 at 10:54 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by TheColoradoDude
I can't quite understand something. If tourism is way down, then how come hotel prices are still the same?

[Edited on 7-22-2009 by TheColoradoDude]


Man you sure are cheap! Cramming 8 guys plus crew on the 31 boot to save a few bucks and now the hotel costs too much!:lol:
But seriously, if your looking for a good cheap hotel try the Royal. It's across from the Soriana.
I think it was $30. And it's near all the action.

TheColoradoDude - 7-21-2009 at 10:59 PM

Yeah I'm cheap, that's why I am retired at 39. Cramming? It's sold as 8packs for 1000. Your making it sound super miserable, If your so stout in the wallet then why are you still renting boats?

Bajahowodd - 7-21-2009 at 11:20 PM

Prices are not the same. Haggle. It will amaze you.

fishbuck - 7-21-2009 at 11:20 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by TheColoradoDude
Yeah I'm cheap, that's why I am retired at 39. Cramming? It's sold as 8packs for 1000. Your making it sound super miserable, If your so stout in the wallet then why are you still renting boats?


Let's see here

1) Congrats at retiring at 39.
2) I sure the boat will be fine with 8. (But for a few extra bucks...)
3) I don't recall claiming to be "stout in the wallet".
4) I not ready to buy a boat just yet. So renting works okay for now. Plus I like to fish in lots of different places and they usually already have boats there.
5) I was just teasing you so don't get your panties all in a bunch over it.
6) I was trying to clue you in to a good cheap hotel.

TheColoradoDude - 7-21-2009 at 11:26 PM

Thanks for the recommendation:

“The Worst Place To Stay” 1961wine 2 contributions
California
Aug 15, 2007 | Trip type: Business, Couples
2/2 found this review helpful
This was not what I had expected. No secured parking, drunks and beggers were every where. Very unsafe... The room looked as if it was an office not a hotel room. No doors to close the bedroom from the little sitting area, it had no air conditioning, they had an oscalating fan. The bathroom was very dirty. The bed was... more

“Terrible Hotel Experience” mobiletech 1 contribution
Monterey Park, CA
May 4, 2007
9/9 found this review helpful
I booked this hotel on the Internet, I could not find rooms at other hotels so I did not have a choice but to book it, there was not much information about it and their web page was under construction, so I took my a risky chance, big mistake, once I arrived in Ensenada the place only had a small... more

“Stay Away!” Socalman 2 contributions
Southern California
Apr 23, 2007 | Trip type: Friends getaway
4/4 found this review helpful
The only good thing about this hotel was it's location. From that point on,,it is down hill. The hotel is non-descript from the street, because there are shops on the first floor and the 16 rooms are all on the second floor. The rooms were horrible. The carpets and walls were dirty and extremely dated. it had the feel of... more

fishbuck - 7-21-2009 at 11:29 PM

The reviews are over 2 years old.
It's been remodeled recently.
You can always look at the rooms first and then decide. Good advice for any hotel anyway.

Bajahowodd - 7-21-2009 at 11:32 PM

Dude- where are those two year old reviews coming from?

TheColoradoDude - 7-21-2009 at 11:33 PM

Trip advisor.

Bajahowodd - 7-21-2009 at 11:41 PM

Trip advisor is not to be trusted. You should check out some other threads here, especially about Jesse's great restaurant in La Paz. People manipulate the ratings. I'm here to tell you that San Nicolas is a great place to stay. And just tell them you want the Business rate.

TheColoradoDude - 7-22-2009 at 12:10 AM

Thanks finally a helpful answer!

fishbuck - 7-22-2009 at 12:36 AM

Here's another little helpful hint.
When you get your rental car make sure they change the license plate from a California plate to a Baja plate.
Otherwise those guys at San Nicolas will see it an charge you extra for being a stupid f-ing tourist from Colorado that doesn't know sh!t!

TheColoradoDude - 7-22-2009 at 10:39 AM

Your an idiot fishstick! Do us all of favor and crash your plane into the pacific please!

oldjack - 7-22-2009 at 10:49 AM

NO POLLUTING!!!!!! I fish there............

tripledigitken - 7-22-2009 at 10:51 AM

Plane wrecks make good fish habitat though.:rolleyes:

TheColoradoDude - 7-22-2009 at 12:41 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
We were headed back home the other day after two weeks of vacation that led us all the way to Cabo. As per plan, we stayed at Jardines de Baja in San Quintin, and left with the idea off being home that night. But a last minute decision left us staying in Ensenada instead. We went to the San Nicolas. There is a big remodel project underway, mostly involving the Caliente Casino and Sports Book housed in the building. They have already effectively doubled the casino space, with some 300 slots in play, and a new, bigger Sports Book. There are additional expansion plans, as well. There is strong talk about card games being legalized in the near future. I don't know if Mr. Caliente, Jorge Hank is just a tenant in Nico Saad's building, or if Saad has a piece of the action, but when we entered the casino in the afternoon, virtually every slot was being used. They have remodeled the entrance portico, with a Vegas-like appearance using terrazzo, glass and chrome. The casino now shares the entrance portico with the hotel lobby entrance, as the casino now occupies space that was once the hotel restaurant. The hotel remodeled and expanded the area near the pool with restaurant space. The posted rate for a room was $85, which quickly lowered to $65, and ultimately ended up at $56, plus a coupon for 4 margaritas at the bar, before the deal was closed. Rooms well appointed. 32 channels of TV. Huge pool. Secure, guarded parking. Wonderful staff.


I guess that business is doing good now. Here is an email reply from today.

"The rate is $76.20 dlls p/night, sorry is the lowest rate for room with
two beds."

thank you
Mayra

That is still a decently good rate. But I find it hard to believe that I cannot get a good room for $50 during these times.

[Edited on 7-22-2009 by TheColoradoDude]

fishbuck - 7-22-2009 at 12:43 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by TheColoradoDude
Your an idiot fishstick! Do us all of favor and crash your plane into the pacific please!

Well Colorada Dud. In case anyone doesn't remember the license plate thing was the very first question you asked when you joined Nomad.
You were immediately the laughing stock of the board.
Then there was the story of you riding on the back of your own truck through B Asuncion. I think most people would know that was a bad idea.
But not you. The result was predictable. You fell off at a high rate of speed and got knocked silly and all cut up.
So what stupid thing are you going to do on this trip.

TheColoradoDude - 7-22-2009 at 12:47 PM

I see your a man of many friends. Nice job!

fishbuck - 7-22-2009 at 12:52 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by TheColoradoDude
I see your a man of many friends. Nice job!


This from a guy that wishes I would crash in my plane?

And I don't even know those other two clowns so we are hardly friends anyway.

Bajahowodd - 7-22-2009 at 03:08 PM

I was a walk-in. I haggled. They are not busy. You can get cheaper rooms around town, just not as nice as San Nicolas. Check out the Posada el Rey Sol.

desertcpl - 7-29-2009 at 08:04 AM

we stayed at the San Nicolas last week,, room rate was 60us

Bajahowodd - 7-29-2009 at 12:15 PM

Have they finished the construction at the hotel entrance?

desertcpl - 7-30-2009 at 12:49 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Have they finished the construction at the hotel entrance?


yes,, but work is going on the north/east side of the building,, working on the sports bar