BajaNomad - Baja Cactus-El Rosario

Baja Cactus-El Rosario

thefishaholic - 11-30-2010 at 10:01 PM

We stayed at the Baja Cactus (1st time) on 11/28 and what a great place!!
Had room 102 (w/our Mexican Beach Puppy) and have to say probally the cleanest, quietest (really) and best appointed of all we have stayed in on the road down Baja. :tumble:

Bob H - 11-30-2010 at 11:54 PM

We have never stayed the night there, as we are cabover campers, but have read overwhelming positive reviews of this motel over the years. Antonio continues to improve the place beyond ones expectations! And, the price is very reasonable!
Bob H

Consistant Quality at Baja Cactus

David K - 12-1-2010 at 12:30 AM

In 2007...

In 2009...

In 2010...

Outside...

David K - 12-1-2010 at 12:23 PM

BajaGringo - 12-1-2010 at 12:32 PM

Uh-oh - somebody stole a picture...

:lol:

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
In 2007...

In 2009...

David K - 12-1-2010 at 12:40 PM

I hope they bought it! It was a Hugo Lopez original! They used to hang in all 4 of the first new rooms (101, 102, 201, 202) the first couple years I have stayed there 2004-2007.
Hey, a thread showing all of Hugo's beautiful work may be nice!

Hugo owns Tacos Mision in El Rosario, on the left on the way out of downtown Rosario... and it is his art studio, as well. He makes killer baked potatoes and burritos!

BajaGringo - 12-1-2010 at 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
I hope they bought it! It was a Hugo Lopez original! They used to hang in all 4 of the first new rooms (101, 102, 201, 202) the first couple years I have stayed there 2004-2007.
Hey, a thread showing all of Hugo's beautiful work may be nice!

Hugo owns Tacos Mision in El Rosario, on the left on the way out of downtown Rosario... and it is his art studio, as well. He makes killer baked potatoes and burritos!

Will stop there for sure on our next trip south...

Bajahowodd - 12-1-2010 at 02:17 PM

Having stayed there many times over the years, I would second all the positive statements, with one exception. "Quietest"? Don't know where fishaholic stays elsewhere in Baja, but in my opinion, owing to location right on the highway, at the bottom of the hill, near the sharp curve, and with the Pemex adjacent, my only negative about this hotel is the lack of quiet. Granted, it may be different based upon room location. That said, it is a quality operation and a real value.

David K - 12-1-2010 at 03:41 PM

It is different... Avoid 201 (top left of office) as there is nothing between it and the highway until Antonio builds the mini market and taco bar! Also, the truck noise was way less in recent trips... maybe the change of topes.. or they will enforce a 'No Frene Con Motor' rule like other towns have?

cabo3100 - 12-1-2010 at 03:56 PM

Yeah room 205 is right over the fill for the Pemex, airbrakes from hell and late night gas runs .Crapper a little close to the door thank god i'm skinny but everything else perfect, they even lend you some wine goblets to sex up the wifeee

Thanks...

BajaCactus - 12-2-2010 at 12:03 AM

thefishaholic and Bob H... thank you so much for your nice and wonderful words about our motel... we truly appreciate them.

Cabo3100... room 205 is in the middle of the back section of our Motel... you must be referring to room 203, which is the closest to the Gas Station... this past summer we planted a few plants right next to that room, in an effort to create a sound barrier that would reflect some of the noise coming from our Gas Station... they are slowly growing... I guess we cannot rush nature. Let us wait to see what the result is.

Again, thank you for your uplifting comments... we will keep trying to improve our facilities to have a nicer place to rest.

Antonio M.
BajaCactus

MexicoTed - 1-22-2011 at 09:46 PM

Just stayed at Baja Cactus on Wednesday, January 19th. My brother and I were returning from Gonzaga Bay and as night fell on our drive to the border, my brother thought I was crazy when we pulled into the small town of El Rosario and said I knew a great hotel. He wanted to go to Hotel Santa Maria in San Quintin.

Boy was he surprised. Telly (sp?) checked us in. Very friendly. He let us know that the power in town was out, but we had lights in 105. My brother couldn't believe the beds and the shower. And the power was back on within 10 minutes.

Needless to say, we got a great nights sleep. Antonio, you've got a great motel my friend.

Ted

sd - 1-23-2011 at 01:41 AM

I stayed in November, I think room 202. Outstanding value, extremely clean.
I stayed based upon David K's posts here, and it is a great find!

Scot

Mulegena - 1-23-2011 at 08:23 AM

It is a lovely place to stay.
I have many times before and after this single incident.

However, about a year ago the clerk insisted on keeping my ID when I checked in, assured it would be in a safe place overnight.

As I checked out the next morning the day-clerk left the office and went directly to my room, saying he was "going to check it out". I felt the need to follow, and did. Come to find out he wanted to see that I'd left the very soft, new and comfortable pillows (4 in number) behind, i.e. not "lifted" them.

Then and only then was my passport returned to me.

I understand the need for security-- and my golly those pillows were really nice-- but this whole event made me feel rather uncomfortable.

Diver - 1-23-2011 at 08:46 AM

We spent a week there; I think it was room 204, next to the parking lot.
Nice room with a loft for the kids, great beds, shower, etc.
The housekeeping folks were great and really friendly to our kids.

They never asked for $ or passports or anything.
Do you look "shifty" Mulegena ?? :lol:

I think we met you across from the Aqua Purificado in Mulege a few years ago.
You had some puppies you were trying to adopt-out.
My wife and kids are suckers for puppies but with our 2 yellow labs already in the truck we managed to escape without one.

[Edited on 1-23-2011 by Diver]

David K - 1-23-2011 at 10:45 AM

Remember to let them know you are a Baja Nomad with your Nomad ID card (you print out)... Discount, and no ID hold (at least for us... but they know us pretty well). Antonio once posted this after some Nomads complained about the ID hold. Discover Baja members also get a discount... The rooms are very inexpensive, however!

rts551 - 1-23-2011 at 10:55 AM

and you have to have the card. Last time I stayed there they said no card-no discount

David K - 1-23-2011 at 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by rts551
and you have to have the card. Last time I stayed there they said no card-no discount

I suppose anybody can read Nomad and claim they are a registered member? The discount is like $3-4... since the rooms are less than $40. You could ask to talk to Antonio if necessary. The Nomad card is free... Doug has posted the link for it if you can't find it.

Here it is Ralph: http://www.bajanomad.com/club/card.htm

[Edited on 1-23-2011 by David K]

Bajaboy - 1-23-2011 at 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Remember to let them know you are a Baja Nomad with your Nomad ID card (you print out)... Discount, and no ID hold (at least for us... but they know us pretty well). Antonio once posted this after some Nomads complained about the ID hold. Discover Baja members also get a discount... The rooms are very inexpensive, however!

I'd feel guilty asking for a discount....the rooms are already dirt cheap. One I would love, though, is a place close by to purchase a good cup of strong coffee for the road.

Zac

David K - 1-23-2011 at 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajaboy

Quote:

I'd feel guilty asking for a discount....the rooms are already dirt cheap. One I would love, though, is a place close by to purchase a good cup of strong coffee for the road.

Zac

This was an reply to Ralph who mentioned they denied HIM the discount without a card... I didn't ask for one. However, I did vouch for a Nomad family who had an expired card when they were checking in at the same time.

Here is how Nomads get a card, just print it: http://www.bajanomad.com/club/card.htm

Coffee

bajaguy - 1-23-2011 at 11:17 AM

I really don't like Starbucks, but these are good for travel.....all you need is hot water

http://www.starbucks.com/coffee/via

rts551 - 1-23-2011 at 11:19 AM

Not too worried about it since I forget about the discount usually anyway...but people should know they need the card and it expires. They also gave AAA discounts etc at one time.Don't know if they still do.

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

Originally posted by rts551
and you have to have the card. Last time I stayed there they said no card-no discount

toneart - 1-23-2011 at 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mulegena
It is a lovely place to stay.
I have many times before and after this single incident.

However, about a year ago the clerk insisted on keeping my ID when I checked in, assured it would be in a safe place overnight.

As I checked out the next morning the day-clerk left the office and went directly to my room, saying he was "going to check it out". I felt the need to follow, and did. Come to find out he wanted to see that I'd left the very soft, new and comfortable pillows (4 in number) behind, i.e. not "lifted" them.

Then and only then was my passport returned to me.

I understand the need for security-- and my golly those pillows were really nice-- but this whole event made me feel rather uncomfortable.

I have stayed there for years. I have met Antonio on numerous occasions and also give my BajaNomad number when/if I make a reservation. If I walk in without a reservation I still show my Nomad ID.

Nevertheless, they have always held my CA driver's License overnight and have always done the room inspection upon checkout. It did make me nervous the first time. For one thing, they have my credit card information if I use it. They also have my vital information which is on my driver's license.

After the first time, I became more comfortable with the procedure. I realize that it is Antonio's policy and I understand the reason. Being in the motel business they must have the occasional bad apple who steals stuff. However, this is the only business in the world, that I have experienced, that insists on holding your ID. Once in awhile a bartender, somewhere, will want to hang onto my credit card if I start a tab. I refuse. I never let it out of my sight! It provides the opportunity for ID theft. Furthermore, if the clerk and/or I get distracted and forget to give/get it back, I am really in a bind.

I have never brought it up with Antonio. I would like him to know that, with ID theft running rampant, people are reluctant to surrender their ID for them to hold. It is a leap of faith on our (the customer's) part. If I didn't know Antonio and trust him, and if I hadn't read about the Baja Cactus (posted by DK), before my first stay, I would be inclined to walk out. Holding one's ID is very off-putish! (Uh oh...that last work looks like a bad word in Spanish, but it is not intended to be.

Packoderm - 1-23-2011 at 11:32 AM

We stayed there en route. I think it is about as good of a stopover motel as can be made so close to the thoroughfare. It is walking distance to several good places to eat. You leave the next morning feeling clean. It's all good except for the overflow parking lot. My rig might have been safe there, but I would have had a nagging feeling all night if I didn't carry all my stuff in the room and carry it all back out the next morning. If I had one of those close parking spots, I could have rested more assured without all the extra work.

rts551 - 1-23-2011 at 11:35 AM

yes it happens. a number of years ago they gave me the wrong License back which I didn't catch until way later - oMy bad or not being more attentive (surprised the store clerk when I showed him a ladies Arizona DL)...and I know of one other person (which I will not embarrass) that left his passport behind.

toneart - 1-23-2011 at 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Packoderm
We stayed there en route. I think it is about as good of a stopover motel as can be so close to the thoroughfare. It is walking distance to several good places to eat. You leave the next morning feeling clean. It's all good except for the overflow parking lot. My rig might have been safe there, but I would have had a nagging feeling all night if I didn't carry all my stuff in the room and carry it all back out the next morning. If I had one of those close parking spots, I could have rested more assured without all the extra work.

I too should have added that it is a great motel! The cleanest, best accommodations one could want. I don't think I have ever asked for, or have been offered a Nomad discount. It never occurred to me.

In regards to the overflow parking lot, they do lock the gate around 11 PM. They also have a security guy who roams around at night. I have often left my trailer in there with no problem. I believe they also have a remote camera for the parking lot, somewhere in the lobby.

In addition, they allow owners of motorhomes, campers and trailers to stay in their vehicles overnight if there is room in the parking lot. That too, is added security. I don't know what they have to pay; I have always taken a room. I usually meet those guys and they have always been nice people.

Bajahowodd - 1-23-2011 at 12:01 PM

I have to agree with Zac. Given the quality and value at "rack rate", why even think about asking for a discount? At the rates he charges, you gotta know that Antonio is running on a thin margin. I can think of a number of hotels up and down Baja that I wouldn't think twice about haggling for a discount. But not Baja Cactus.

As for those who mentioned the front desk asking to hold you ID upon check-in, It happened twice to us. Upon thinking about it, I recall having to surrender my passport upon check-in at hotels in several foreign countries. Is Baja Cactus still doing this?

David K - 1-23-2011 at 12:12 PM

Yes, it was common in Europe back in '85 when I was on tour, to hold our passports when we checked into hotel rooms, even though we were traveling with a tour group.

mtgoat666 - 1-23-2011 at 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Yes, it was common in Europe back in '85 when I was on tour, to hold our passports when we checked into hotel rooms, even though we were traveling with a tour group.

dk: a lot has changed in 26 years! in old days europeans were asking for your passport to register your visit with the police. don't think that is what baja cactus is doing -- they are just holding your valuable(s) hostage so you don't trash the room or steal the TV :lol:

re leaving drivers licenses with hotels of rental agencies, i carry my expired DL with me and leave that when people ask to hold DL. i don't care about losing expired ID cards.

but watch out, i forgot one day and gave the expired ID to TSA at airport - they harrassed me for carrying 2 IDs (luckily they did not send me in back for a groping)

BajaBlanca - 1-23-2011 at 04:21 PM

We traveled extensively throughout Europe last year and in no country did they ask to keep our documetns:
POLAND
GERMANY
FRANCE
ITALY
SLOVAKIA
CZECK REP
(we went to Hungary and Austria but didnt stay over)

In Italy they wanted to write down our passport number in order to let us use the internet in an internet cafe and we refused. Went to the local McDonald's and used the wifi and later on had friends who were Italian sign in so we could use the computers. But isn't asking for a passport to use the internet just the oddest request ?

Bajahowodd - 1-23-2011 at 04:44 PM

Greece comes to mind. I specifically recall that happening in Athens. That said, perhaps as the EU has gradually sunk into the minds of the Europeans, it may no longer happen. After all, unlike North America, a citizen of an EU country may travel throughout with nothing more than a photo ID.

As for Antonio's practice, I mentioned it before. He's working on a razor thin margin, and has rooms with top notch amentities. Perhaps it's the price you pay for the price you pay.

BajaBlanca - 1-24-2011 at 01:02 PM

and obviously, something happened at Baja Cactus to make this be the norm.

karmatourer - 1-31-2011 at 01:12 AM

Sounds like an overnight stay is in the works on the way down.Is it safe to park my moto there overnight-ie,is there a gate to close in the late evening or can I just roll it into the room (it's almost new and very clean).

Santiago - 1-31-2011 at 08:06 AM

I've always wondered what would happen if you got in an accident and the policia wanted your drivers license? It seems to me that a $10 or $20 deposit would do the same thing and is common at many places in Baja.
The other problem is often we get up at 5:00am to leave and you have to go find the night watchman, sometimes not so easy, to open up and get your ID back.
Having said this, we will still stay there as it's a great place run by a good man and family.

Diver - 1-31-2011 at 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by karmatourer
Sounds like an overnight stay is in the works on the way down.Is it safe to park my moto there overnight-ie,is there a gate to close in the late evening or can I just roll it into the room (it's almost new and very clean).

The fenced lot to the side is usually locked at night but I'm not sure I'd chance it with a new bike.
The older rooms towards the road should be easy to get your bike into - ground floor (and you'll sleep better not worrying about your bike). They are a bit dated as compared to the rooms in the newer building but clean and comfortable.

[Edited on 1-31-2011 by Diver]

woody with a view - 1-31-2011 at 10:06 AM

Quote:

In regards to the overflow parking lot, they do lock the gate around 11 PM. They also have a security guy who roams around at night. I have often left my trailer in there with no problem. I believe they also have a remote camera for the parking lot, somewhere in the lobby.

i always look at that low back wall. it would take minutes to scale it, cut my board racks and be gone with my boards....

my boards are like pets. they go everywhere with me, including inside my room!

David K - 1-31-2011 at 10:12 AM

Just FYI, there are security cameras covering motel grounds, lobby and the overflow (gated) parking area....

woody with a view - 1-31-2011 at 10:17 AM

how does a camera help when your stuff is gone in the morning? not saying there are theivery problems, but it only takes once to ruin someones trip.

mtgoat666 - 1-31-2011 at 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by woody with a view
how does a camera help when your stuff is gone in the morning? not saying there are theivery problems, but it only takes once to ruin someones trip.

perhaps the crackerjack security guards watch the cameras, and spring into action at first indication of thieves in the compound.

woody with a view - 1-31-2011 at 10:55 AM

the guy roaming the grounds?

so let's say i'm a dirtbag who wants to snatch some boards from a parking lot. i know there is a roaming guard. even though i'm a dirtbag i still am sorta smart (i graduated 3rd grade!) for my age. i wait until the guy pokes his head around the corner to scan the lot and as soon as he continues on his way i jump the wall. 2 swipes of my really sharp knife gets me two boards, which are over the wall before the roaming guard even takes 20 steps.

cameras don't deter crime. cameras record the crime. just ask the Geezer Bandit......

David K - 1-31-2011 at 11:01 AM

Yah, you two are right... better to stay at home than travel anywhere and take such risks!

woody with a view - 1-31-2011 at 11:05 AM

2 trips, 11 days total in 2011.....

sanquintinsince73 - 1-31-2011 at 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by woody with a view
the guy roaming the grounds?

so let's say i'm a dirtbag who wants to snatch some boards from a parking lot. i know there is a roaming guard. even though i'm a dirtbag i still am sorta smart (i graduated 3rd grade!) for my age. i wait until the guy pokes his head around the corner to scan the lot and as soon as he continues on his way i jump the wall. 2 swipes of my really sharp knife gets me two boards, which are over the wall before the roaming guard even takes 20 steps.

cameras don't deter crime. cameras record the crime. just ask the Geezer Bandit......

What if, what if.....theft in Baja is what it is....just like anywhere else in the world.

woody with a view - 1-31-2011 at 11:19 AM

i'm just saying...

cameras don't deter crime. cameras record the crime. just ask the Geezer Bandit......

BTW, there is no better place than baja cactus.

David K - 1-31-2011 at 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by woody with a view
2 trips, 11 days total in 2011.....

Lucky man!

Got any work for me??

sanquintinsince73 - 1-31-2011 at 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

Originally posted by woody with a view
2 trips, 11 days total in 2011.....

Lucky man!

Got any work for me??

Just out of curiosity, what is it that you do, DK?

woody with a view - 1-31-2011 at 11:31 AM

we are a design/build gen contractor. if you have $2 million bond and all of the licenses, familiarity with EM385, and a million other regulations you can bid on our work.

other than that, no.

David K - 1-31-2011 at 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by sanquintinsince73

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

Originally posted by woody with a view
2 trips, 11 days total in 2011.....

Lucky man!

Got any work for me??

Just out of curiosity, what is it that you do, DK?

Irrigation systems (sprinklers, drip, valves, controllers, etc.) new and repair... as well as drainage and outdoor lighting... all mostly for landscape, some small business and some agricultural... but primarily private home systems. Been in this industry for over 30 years... and it has always paid the bills and been good... until recently. I know almost everyone in the home improvemnet and construction industry is hurting... I am also open to any other job I can do... Too bad helping with Baja stuff doesn't pay! :light:

BigOly - 1-31-2011 at 12:06 PM

Too bad helping with Baja stuff doesn't pay!
It does, just not in cash!

David K - 1-31-2011 at 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BigOly
Too bad helping with Baja stuff doesn't pay!
It does, just not in cash!

I agree! A life full of treasured memories and fun activities... and many good friendships, too! :bounce:

BigOly - 1-31-2011 at 12:08 PM

Sorry

"Too bad helping with Baja stuff doesn't pay!"
It does, just not in cash!

absinvestor - 1-31-2011 at 12:54 PM

ok, I give up. I hadn't heard of the Nomad ID card. After mentioned here I tried to print mine. The card prints with my ID # but when the card says "This certifies that:" the next line says >>your name here<<. How do I insert my name? Thanks Ron

woody with a view - 1-31-2011 at 12:59 PM

pen?

David K - 1-31-2011 at 01:08 PM

You type it in... it prints it for you on the card. Or did when I last printed one out.

Lets get a clear response....

mcfez - 2-27-2011 at 04:20 PM

The front desk is holding my Drivers License.

I need to drive down to the strip joint for my nightly entertainment.

Boom...I hit Senor Ron Jeremy's car.

Cops come....ask for license.

It's the law to have a dl in procession while driving.

So....anyone...please explain to me why you would give up your DL to some clerk at a Motel?

strip.jpg - 10kB

Bajahowodd - 2-27-2011 at 04:38 PM

Although I bridle at the idea of surrendering my license to the front desk, I would opine that in El Rosario, there is very little chance of encountering a strip joint, or Ron Jeremy, for that matter. :lol: