BajaNomad - Staying and Playing in Tijuana/Rosarito?

Staying and Playing in Tijuana/Rosarito?

MsTerieus - 10-5-2010 at 12:39 PM

Hello, Nomads. I will be going to Baja soon and have a couple of questions.

1) This question is only for those of you who know, from personal experience, Tijuana: I will have to spend one night in Tijuana, not too far from the Zono Rio (and probably will spend several hours the next day wandering around TJ, unless strongly advised otherwise). Usually, when I travel to 3rd World countries, I stay at budget hotels such as those recommended in Lonely Planet or Moon Guides. Accordingly, I booked the night at the Hotel Lafayette (recommended in aforementioned guides) on Av. Revolucion between 3rd and 4th Streets, downtown. As I read more about TJ, however, I am wondering -- relative to other areas nearby (where I'd have to spend a lot more $ on a hotel), is it (relatively) SAFE???

2) While I am in the area, the annual Puerto Nuevo Lobster Festival will be going on. Has anybody been to it, and is it fun/worthwhile? Even if one is going by one's self?

Thank you all, in advance. :yes:

[Edited on 10-5-2010 by MsTerieus]

DENNIS - 10-5-2010 at 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MsTerieus
I am wondering -- relative to other areas nearby (where I'd have to spend a lot more $ on a hotel), is it (relatively) SAFE???

Frugality or safety....which means more to you?

MsTerieus - 10-5-2010 at 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by MsTerieus
I am wondering -- relative to other areas nearby (where I'd have to spend a lot more $ on a hotel), is it (relatively) SAFE???

Frugality or safety....which means more to you?

You didn't answer my question. :mad:

Mexicorn - 10-5-2010 at 12:54 PM

Why not stay in San Ysidro? Cheap clean motels there also. Cross in the AM take care of business. There is nothing to be worried about in TJ. Granted it's not my favorite place in the world but there is nothing to be afraid of there as a tourist.

MsTerieus - 10-5-2010 at 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mexicorn
Why not stay in San Ysidro? Cheap clean motels there also. Cross in the AM take care of business. There is nothing to be worried about in TJ. Granted it's not my favorite place in the world but there is nothing to be afraid of there as a tourist.

Thanks. I won't have a car and I'll be on a tight schedule -- will need to be in the Zono Rio 2 mornings in a row.

mikeintj - 10-5-2010 at 01:17 PM

Hi

when I am in central Tijuana I always stay here,

www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g150776-d169753-Reviews-La_Villa_de_Zaragoza-Tijuana_Baja_California.html

It is just round the corner from the Jai Alai, has a security guard and cctv and a restaurant attached, about $45 a night.

I have walked passed the Hotel Zaragoza late at night though and thought I wouldn't mind trying it. Just worried about the noise being on Revolution.

Regards,

Mike

k-rico - 10-5-2010 at 01:30 PM

I live in TJ, in playas, and I know Centro maybe all too well. 8^)

Since you are "MsTerieus" I assume you're a woman. If so, and you are alone, stay in the Plaza Rio area and take a taxi for daytime trips to Centro. Night time is safer in the Plaza Rio area. If you're an adventurous guy, stay at Hotel Zaragoza, mentioned above, or even at Las Cascadas in the infamous alley. You'll have a bla$t.

tjBill - 10-5-2010 at 01:58 PM

I have stayed at Hotel Lafayette and found it a dirty, dump.

A good bargain in the centro is Hotel San Nicolas - Avenida Madero No. 768 between 1st and 2nd, for about $30 a night

Hotel Zaragoza is also good.

I do not know of any good priced hotels in the zona rio

DENNIS - 10-5-2010 at 02:14 PM

Why don't you just stay out all night and party? You're a babe....right? Just head down Revo and tell them you're lost.
They'll help you.

MsTerieus - 10-5-2010 at 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
Why don't you just stay out all night and party? You're a babe....right? Just head down Revo and tell them you're lost.
They'll help you.

I don't know, Dennis -- Since I'm a "worn out" "old hag," even drunken sailors might not help me ... :no:

MsTerieus - 10-5-2010 at 02:35 PM

Dear Mike, K-Rico and tjBill: Thanks much for the tips! I am mostly concerned about the location of the hotel, not the hotel itself. Both other recommended hotels (San Nicolas & Zarazoga) seem to be within a few blocks of the Lafayette, so does that mean the location of the Lafayette is about as safe (or as unsafe, depending on one's perspective) as theirs are?

tjBill: I looked up the San Nicolas; guidebooks say its awfully close to the red light district.

Geez, maybe I'm getting too old and unadventurous, because the El Camino Real is $$$tarting to look good to me! :biggrin:

[Edited on 10-5-2010 by MsTerieus]

sanquintinsince73 - 10-5-2010 at 02:36 PM

Are you driving to San Diego and then crossing by footmobile? If so, u2u for my number.....me and my kids can drive you to the border then pick you up.

DENNIS - 10-5-2010 at 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MsTerieus
I don't know, Dennis -- Since I'm a "worn out" "old hag," even drunken sailors might not help me ... :no:

I don't think they go there anymore, but don't be disappointed. Ask around for a conscientious sex-slave trader. Be sure to tell him you're versatile and don't have enough money to pay for a decent room. They like that.

Yup....that's what they like.

k-rico - 10-5-2010 at 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
Be sure to tell him you're versatile and don't have enough money to pay for a decent room. They like that.

Yup....that's what they like.

Very authoritative.

k-rico - 10-5-2010 at 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MsTerieus
Both other recommended hotels (San Nicolas & Zarazoga) seem to be within a few blocks of the Lafayette, so does that mean the location of the Lafayette is about as safe (or as unsafe, depending on one's perspective) as theirs are?

The further away from 1st and Revo, the better (safer). That's the start of the "dark side" (zona norte). Lively area, check six often and walk quickly.

[Edited on 10-5-2010 by k-rico]

MsTerieus - 10-5-2010 at 02:50 PM

Well, they are not supposed to go there, but I see that these guys did, last year. They even had some "fun" at the Hotel Lafayette!

http://laprensa-sandiego.org/archieve/2009/february13-09/sailors.021309.htm

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by MsTerieus
I don't know, Dennis -- Since I'm a "worn out" "old hag," even drunken sailors might not help me ... :no:

DENNIS - 10-5-2010 at 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MsTerieus
Well, they are not supposed to go there, but I see that these guys did, last year. They even had some "fun" at the Hotel Lafayette!

Ohhhh...that's not representative of our boys in uniform. Shame on you.

Do you like that strong type?

MsTerieus - 10-5-2010 at 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
Do you like that strong type?

Who wants to know? :tumble:

k-rico - 10-5-2010 at 02:59 PM

Drunken sailors, waddya expect?

Yo ho, yo ho, it's a pirate's life for me.

Capt. Jack Sparrow.

Just watched Pirates of the Caribbean, a pirated bitTorrent copy of course.

[Edited on 10-5-2010 by k-rico]

MsTerieus - 10-5-2010 at 03:01 PM

Now, if the drunken sailor were Johnny Depp, I might let him help me ....

Quote:

Originally posted by k-rico
Drunken sailors, waddya expect?

Yo ho, yo ho, it's a pirate's life for me.

Capt. Jack Sparrow.

Just watched Pirate's of the Caribbean, a pirated bitTorrent copy of course.

[Edited on 10-5-2010 by k-rico]

Bob and Susan - 10-5-2010 at 03:04 PM

i would NEVER stay in a motel at San Ysidro
WAY too dangerous

i had to stay in tj las year
i stayed here...lucerna
very nice
price is currently around 800 pesos a night

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g150776-d154828-Revi...

use a taxi

k-rico - 10-5-2010 at 03:11 PM

San Ysidro, dangerous??????????? How so? The motels within walking distance of the border are OK.

DENNIS - 10-5-2010 at 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MsTerieus

Who wants to know? :tumble:

Some loser who needs a pen-pal.

Bob and Susan - 10-5-2010 at 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by k-rico
San Ysidro, dangerous??????????? How so? The motels within walking distance of the border are OK.

nope...too dangerous to stay in that area

k-rico - 10-5-2010 at 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and Susan

Quote:

Originally posted by k-rico
San Ysidro, dangerous??????????? How so? The motels within walking distance of the border are OK.

nope...too dangerous to stay in that area

Seriously, why do you think that?

Bob and Susan - 10-5-2010 at 06:54 PM

arrests last month...30 days

narcotics and alcohol 28
theft incl cars 18
rape 1
assults 8

they caught these guys
how many got away

its a small area
i think i can only reccomend a safer area

remember 1984... McDonald's and James Huberty...
21 people died before jim was killed by police officers

[Edited on 10-6-2010 by Bob and Susan]

MsTerieus - 10-5-2010 at 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by sanquintinsince73
Are you driving to San Diego and then crossing by footmobile? If so, u2u for my number.....me and my kids can drive you to the border then pick you up.

Sorry I didn't see your post earlier. That is a VERY KIND offer! Thank you. However, what I'll be doing is returning to TJ a car that I rented there several days earlier (and used to travel south), then either getting a ride from the rental folks or from a taxi to my hotel. (I'll get to Baja, initially, by flying to San Diego, walking over the border, and taxiing to the car rental place.)

MsTerieus - 10-5-2010 at 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and Susan
arrests last month...30 days

narcotics and alcohol 28
theft incl cars 18
rape 1
assults 8

they caught these guys
how many got away

its a small area
i think i can only reccomend a safer area

remember 1984... McDonald's and James Huberty...
21 people died before jim was killed by police officers

[Edited on 10-6-2010 by Bob and Susan]

Thanks for your input, Susan. I think I'm becoming convinced to just "bite the bullet" and stay in the Zono Rio. (I think I can get a room at the El Camino Real for the same price as the Lucerne, and the former is closer to where I need to go.)

DENNIS - 10-5-2010 at 09:25 PM

Good decision.

fdt - 10-6-2010 at 05:55 AM

http://www.hotelescorona.com/
3 blocks from Zona Rio, clean, safe, Nomad rate of $500 pesos per night, internet access and most important of all is I'm always there (unless I'm at one of the Rosarito hotels for a while but return soon) and will make sure all your needs are met.
saludos
Fernando

Bob and Susan - 10-6-2010 at 06:04 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by MsTerieus
(I'll get to Baja, initially, by flying to San Diego, walking over the border, and taxiing to the car rental place.)

the border is ALONG way from the airport

a taxi ride from there will cost $50-$70 usa :light:

wessongroup - 10-6-2010 at 06:16 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by fdt
http://www.hotelescorona.com/
3 blocks from Zona Rio, clean, safe, Nomad rate of $500 pesos per night, internet access and most important of all is I'm always there (unless I'm at one of the Rosarito hotels for a while but return soon) and will make sure all your needs are met.
saludos
Fernando

Must say.... out of all... this is the best offer .... this man, is an outstanding individual and a perfect example of what Mexicans are all about... IMHO

You should really take him up on his offer... I'm certain you will be very happy you did..

If anything, you will end up spending more time than you planned... as I'm sure you will end up with a travel guide extraordinaire for Baja and just about any place in Mexico you may wish to go and/or see...

Have fun, wish I could do what you are doing... sounds like a blast... good for you...

Oh, one thing... you can't wear those little girl uniforms.. something about the law against pedophiles...

http://www.afntijuana.info/afn/?p=14860

Stay safe... and report back with "PICTURES".. some of us don't get out... so it is a big deal to SEE where others get to go...

[Edited on 10-6-2010 by wessongroup]

[Edited on 10-6-2010 by wessongroup]

[Edited on 10-6-2010 by wessongroup]

bajaguy - 10-6-2010 at 06:19 AM

Quote:

Take Fernando up on his offer!!!!!!!!!!!

sanquintinsince73 - 10-6-2010 at 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and Susan

Quote:

Originally posted by MsTerieus
(I'll get to Baja, initially, by flying to San Diego, walking over the border, and taxiing to the car rental place.)

the border is ALONG way from the airport

a taxi ride from there will cost $50-$70 usa :light:

Don't take a yellow taxi, Too expensive. Grab a "taxi libre" by the Mcdonalds and confirm price first.

MsTerieus - 10-6-2010 at 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and Susan

Quote:

Originally posted by MsTerieus
(I'll get to Baja, initially, by flying to San Diego, walking over the border, and taxiing to the car rental place.)

the border is ALONG way from the airport

a taxi ride from there will cost $50-$70 usa :light:

Yes, I know. :lol:

(I just made a round trip this way in August.) I will probably take a cab from the airport to the trolley stop near the Greyhound station (~$15) and a trolley to the border.

MsTerieus - 10-6-2010 at 09:58 AM

Wessongroup -- I sent you a U2U.

tjBill - 10-6-2010 at 10:21 AM

Quote:

That's a really good rate. What's the regular rate?

I pass this place all the time. They seem to have a lot of weddings.

durrelllrobert - 10-6-2010 at 10:43 AM

Hola MsTerieus! Sorry I don'thave time to respond to this post because, unlike DENNIS, I'm still too busy mourning the death of Shakey's.
:lol:

MsTerieus - 10-6-2010 at 10:50 AM

Hi, Robert. No problem. BUT -- I hear that Sharkey's is reopening VERY SOON!!!! :tumble:

Quote:

Originally posted by durrelllrobert
Hola MsTerieus! Sorry I don'thave time to respond to this post because, unlike DENNIS, I'm still too busy mourning the death of Shakey's.
:lol:

durrelllrobert - 10-6-2010 at 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by MsTerieus
Hi, Robert. No problem. BUT -- I hear that Sharkey's is reopening VERY SOON!!!! :tumble:

Quote:

Not as we knew and loved it (can you say pole dancers?)

DENNIS - 10-6-2010 at 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by durrelllrobert

Not as we knew and loved it (can you say pole dancers?)

That's a long way off. [I hope] Maybe they'll come to their senses in the meantime. I mean, a hoar bar two blocks from the new Catholic Church? Doesn't seem right.

Woooosh - 10-6-2010 at 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by durrelllrobert

Not as we knew and loved it (can you say pole dancers?)

That's a long way off. [I hope] Maybe they'll come to their senses in the meantime. I mean, a hoar bar two blocks from the new Catholic Church? Doesn't seem right.

Yeah, should be a Boy's Club.

:saint:

(from a former altar boy no less... I must have been an ugly kid- the priest never laid a hand on me)

DENNIS - 10-6-2010 at 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Woooosh
Yeah, should be a Boy's Club.

Bad Bad Bad.... :lol:

You don't hear much about that crap down here....at least, I don't. I can't believe it's not happening.
Between the two, the clergy and the government, I wonder who taught whom that it's not nice to hang your dirty laundry in public?

MsTerieus - 10-6-2010 at 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by durrelllrobert
Not as we knew and loved it (can you say pole dancers?)

NOOO. That's NOT the plan, is it? :?:

krafty - 10-6-2010 at 11:38 AM

In response to the rest of your question, Puerto Nuevo is safe and fun-especially if the weather is decent-been there many a time with no problems-town looks great as they recently redid all the roads.

MsTerieus - 10-6-2010 at 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by krafty
In response to the rest of your question, Puerto Nuevo is safe and fun-especially if the weather is decent-been there many a time with no problems-town looks great as they recently redid all the roads.

Thanks! I wondered why nobody replied to question #2. I was not concerned, though, about the safety of the place. I wondered, particularly, about the "Annual Lobster Festival" that is taking place on 10/17.

Haven't Attended the PN Lobster Festival

Gypsy Jan - 10-6-2010 at 11:49 AM

But I have heard good things about it.

Here's a link to the official website: http://www.puertonuevolobster.com/

Martyman - 10-6-2010 at 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by durrelllrobert
Hola MsTerieus! Sorry I don'thave time to respond to this post because, unlike DENNIS, I'm still too busy mourning the death of Shakey's.
:lol:

Shakeys Pizza??? Shoot, I used to play air hockey and have a little sausage and mushroom there. Too badthey closed.
:cool:

MsTerieus - 10-6-2010 at 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Gypsy Jan
But I have heard good things about it.

Here's a link to the official website: http://www.puertonuevolobster.com/

Yes, but the web site is awfully dated. The description of the Lobster Fest has it set for the wrong date (presumably because it is from a year-gone-by), wrong price, etc.

Even the Baja Times Doesn't Have Info

Gypsy Jan - 10-6-2010 at 12:18 PM

Maybe the Puerto Nuevo PR department is asleep at the switch.

At least the BT does list a group trip going from Ensenada to the Festival on October 16.

Here is a link to the BT Calendar of Events: http://www.bajatimes.com/calendar.asp

k-rico - 10-6-2010 at 12:29 PM

Listed here as the 17th

http://www.rosarito.org/espanol/rosarito_event_calendar.htm

La Frontera newspaper last week had it on the 10th of October

????

MsTerieus - 10-7-2010 at 03:29 PM

FDT -- I sent you an email yesterday; did you get it???

Quote:

DENNIS - 10-7-2010 at 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MsTerieus
FDT -- I sent you an email yesterday; did you get it???

He's really busy. Hang on.

BajaNomad - 10-7-2010 at 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MsTerieus
FDT -- I sent you an email yesterday; did you get it???

He might see a u2u more quickly than an email. fyi.

rob - 10-8-2010 at 04:14 PM

"the border is ALONG way from the airport
a taxi ride from there will cost $50-$70 usa"

Not correct - unless taxi rates have tripled since August, the rate from the border to the airport is $20US plus tip. We have never paid more than $20, and have done the trip frequently to catch the Volaris-LP flight.

MsTerieus - 10-8-2010 at 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rob
"the border is ALONG way from the airport
a taxi ride from there will cost $50-$70 usa"

Not correct - unless taxi rates have tripled since August, the rate from the border to the airport is $20US plus tip. We have never paid more than $20, and have done the trip frequently to catch the Volaris-LP flight.

On August 25, 2010, I asked a cabbie at the border (in SD) how much it would cost to take me to the airport. He replied either $60 or $70 (I don't remember which). I can't imagine being able to go all that way for anywhere NEAR $20!

BajaNomad - 10-8-2010 at 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MsTerieus

Quote:

Originally posted by rob
"the border is ALONG way from the airport
a taxi ride from there will cost $50-$70 usa"

Not correct - unless taxi rates have tripled since August, the rate from the border to the airport is $20US plus tip. We have never paid more than $20, and have done the trip frequently to catch the Volaris-LP flight.

On August 25, 2010, I asked a cabbie at the border (in SD) how much it would cost to take me to the airport. He replied either $60 or $70 (I don't remember which). I can't imagine being able to go all that way for anywhere NEAR $20!

I think there's needs to be clarification here on which airport is being referred to. Looks like one of you is referring to the San Diego airport, while the other is referring to the Tijuana airport.

And thusly, you're probably BOTH correct.

-
Doug

MsTerieus - 10-8-2010 at 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MsTerieus
I'll get to Baja, initially, by flying to San Diego, walking over the border, and taxiing to the car rental place.)

LOL. Per my previous post, I was referring to San Diego. :biggrin:

fdt - 10-9-2010 at 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by MsTerieus
FDT -- I sent you an email yesterday; did you get it???

Check your U2U

durrelllrobert - 10-9-2010 at 08:48 AM

Quote:

Shoot, I used to ....... have a little sausage .....
:cool:

Bob and Susan - 10-9-2010 at 09:05 AM

yes last week the taxi from the san diego airport
to the border was QUOTED at $60 one way

a "smart car" rental was $45 for the day
i'd get the car

i imagine border to the tj airport is $200 pesos ($17 usa)
to the tj bus station was $150 pesos ($13 usa)

fdt - 10-9-2010 at 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by tjBill

That's a really good rate. What's the regular rate?

I pass this place all the time. They seem to have a lot of weddings.

The rack rate is $650 pesos plus tax.

bajalearner - 10-9-2010 at 09:33 AM

What dates will you be in TJ?

MsTerieus - 10-9-2010 at 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajalearner
What dates will you be in TJ?

I sent you a U2U.