BajaNomad

Advice for 3 Days in Ensenada

MarkR. - 3-14-2011 at 04:02 PM

We’re looking for some advice – Lisa, Lisa’s Dad & Step-mom and I are heading down for 6 days the last week of April. This is just going to be a no-stress, non-adventures, “eating, shopping, drinking” week, with 3 days in Ensenada and 3 days in Rosarito. We know what we’re doing in Rosarito – staying at the Rosarito Beach Hotel, lots of shopping, lobster at Puerto Nuevo, etc. (we know the drill and love it) – but we’ve never really been tourist in Ensenada. What do we _have_ to do?

We know we’re going out the Guadelupe valley for the wine one day; we’ve done that before and are looking forward to it again. We know we have to have a drink are Hussong´s and need to go out to Bufadora. But what else needs to be on the “essential tourist agenda”? And any advice on hotels? We want to be right downtown – easy waking to tacos and beer – in the tourist area. Any real “no-no’s” or “best bets”?

I’ll be taking a print out of bajabound2005 great January’s post on “Our Preferred Ensenada Restaurants”.

Thanks in advance for any input. We're really looking forward to getting down there. It’s been over a year-and-a-half since we’ve been to Baja and we badly need a Mexico fix.

DENNIS - 3-14-2011 at 04:30 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by MarkR.
need to go out to Bufadora.


Don't bother. Stay in town and see what it's worth.
You'll spend too much of your time on a dangerous road to the Buf to make it worth while. Believe me.....your time will be better spent in town.

Wow!

Dave - 3-14-2011 at 04:34 PM

I'm amazed that there are still folks who would voluntarily travel to and spend time and money in Rosarito...stunned, really.

But, I guess that's why life's a horse race. Takes all kinds.

DENNIS - 3-14-2011 at 04:38 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Dave
Takes all kinds.



Only one winner. :biggrin:

Oso - 3-14-2011 at 04:44 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote:
Originally posted by MarkR.
need to go out to Bufadora.


Don't bother. Stay in town and see what it's worth.
You'll spend too much of your time on a dangerous road to the Buf to make it worth while. Believe me.....your time will be better spent in town.


From Lonely Planet: "La Bufadora. Everybody goes there. Nobody knows why."

TecateRay - 3-14-2011 at 04:45 PM

Hotel:
1st choice is the San Nicolas, a few extra blocks from the center of the tourist zone, but very nice with secure parking. The pool and jacuzzi are great, the bar is small and very friendly. Good rooms, good service and they have a casino.
2nd choice is the El Cid right in the center of things, only problem is the parking is "inside" and trucks don't fit. Restaurant is very good, rooms are nice.

Guadelupe Valley - Los Naranjos restaurant for a classy meal, L.A. Cetto for good wine and olive oils with a small deli and picnic area, there are several small inns in the valley now so you might want to spend one night there.

The bar scene is pretty quiet on weeknights. For seafood either Mahi Mahi or Bahia Mariscos (or Mariscos la Bahia?). Good breakfasts and lunches at Baja Fruit just behind the San Nicolas Hotel and over 1 block.:yes:

krafty - 3-14-2011 at 05:39 PM

nothing wrong with Rosarito........
When you are in Ensenada there is a great taco place to the left of Hussongs-great food and inexpensive. Have fun!

Bajahowodd - 3-14-2011 at 05:39 PM

Definitely a good choice. The way San Nicolas is designed, it is super quiet. Olympic style pool. And to say it has a casino is not doing it justice. They recently expanded and remodeled the casino.

http://www.sannicolashotel.com/

And just a little more than a block away is a really good steakhouse- Broncos.

As for Bufadora.....if you have never been there, it can be well worth the trip. The vendors, alone, make it fun. Sometimes I think that some of the folks living along the road to Bufadora just get cranky about all the noisy traffic.

It ain't the Eiffel tower or the Parthenon, but it can be great fun.



[Edited on 3-15-2011 by Bajahowodd]

bajabound2005 - 3-14-2011 at 05:43 PM

I second the recommendation on the San Nicolas. of course, I've nothing to compare it to because it's the only place I've stayed!

The Guadalupe Valley's number of wineries has grown by leaps and bounds. Be sure to stop by the Pro-turismo office in Ensenada and pick up a current map and list. If you know you will be there on Saturday, April 30, that will be the date of the "blessing of the vines" at Baron Balche -- an all day festival of fun.

The trip to La Bufadora is anything but dangerous, other than some nasty potholes on the road out there (some of which have actually been filled just last week). In fact, I bicycle the round trip of La Buf to Maneadero almost daily. How the once empty land between Maneadero and Punta Banda has been filled with fields and fields of vegetables and flowers is worth seeing on its own. The blowhole is quite an impressive sight, albeit you have to battle your way through the now couple blocks long string of vendors selling pretty much "crap from China" to get to it. I would avoid La Buf on a Wednesday, Saturday or Sunday (Wed and Sat there are cruise ships and Sunday is a huge family day) On the way to or from La Buf, stop at Lupita's for a fish taco. She's on the La Buf road right next to Ramos Albercas, not too far from the turnoff off the Transpeninsular at Maneadero. Closed on Tuesdays.

For something fun and different, go south of Maneadero to the hot springs in Uruapan. It's well marked where to turn for the "aguas termales" and last time we were there, it was $10 pesos for 3o minutes in the "private" baths. Bring a towel!

If you would like any more info, send me a U2U or email and I'll be happy to help you.

Hablemos bien de Baja! Bien Viaje!

[Edited on 3-15-2011 by bajabound2005]

DENNIS - 3-14-2011 at 06:42 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajabound2005
The trip to La Bufadora is anything but dangerous, other than some nasty potholes on the road out there (some of which have actually been filled just last week). In fact, I bicycle the round trip of La Buf to Maneadero almost daily.


Like I said...the road is dangerous. So much more-so since grownup's have chosen to make single-lane roads their playpen with their bicycles.
Unbelieveable that they would endanger others with their arrogant presence on a narrow road as though they have a right to take what they feel is their rightful space at the detriment to those vehicles that are unable to make safe adjustments due to the narrow and damaged surface.
Using the road isn't a right. It's a privilege afforded to those who tacitly agree not to abuse it. These self-rightous bicycle riders are baloney obstructions to safe passage and should buy trail bikes in their efforts to wake and grow up.

Why don't you just run them off the road?

Dave - 3-14-2011 at 06:49 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS

Unbelieveable that they would endanger others with their arrogant presence on a narrow road as though they have a right to take what they feel is their rightful space at the detriment to those vehicles that are unable to make safe adjustments due to the narrow and damaged surface.


It's Mexico so I doubt you'd get caught and even if you did it's Mexico so you could buy your way out of it. Probably not more than a few thousand pesos.

If you want, we could start up a collection here on Nomads.

bajabass - 3-14-2011 at 06:57 PM

Tic Toc Tic Toc Tic Toc

DENNIS - 3-14-2011 at 06:59 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by soulpatch
the likes of you.


Which is what?

bajabound2005 - 3-14-2011 at 07:10 PM

and more people in Mexico ride bikes as transport than drive cars...but then again, that's not what this thread is about. So MarkR.....have the time of your life here. It's a great place.

Oh, and Dennis waves to me every day when we cross paths...me on my bike, he is his truck. In fact....all of the regular drivers of that road do!

DENNIS - 3-14-2011 at 07:12 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote:
Originally posted by soulpatch
the likes of you.


Which is what?


I would really like to know what you meant by that, Frank. I'm not inclined at this time to be scolded by you and since all you can say is that you disagree without saying why, I have to reason you don't really have one.
That said...I don't really give a *** what you think. I honestly don't. Your opinion doesn't mean sht to me if you can't reasonably explain yourself.

"The likes of me"....what are the likes of me? If it's something that bothers you, try real hard and say so.

"the likes of me." *** you, Frank.

DENNIS - 3-14-2011 at 07:15 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajabound2005
and more people in Mexico ride bikes as transport than drive cars...


Without refering to children, where does it say that?

krafty - 3-14-2011 at 07:37 PM

referring has 2 R's Dennis-:D Are you having a bad day?

DENNIS - 3-14-2011 at 07:57 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by krafty
referring has 2 R's Dennis-:D Are you having a bad day?


Oh...good. Now we have David Krafty. Nice that you would keep the likes of me in line.

DENNIS - 3-14-2011 at 08:02 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by soulpatch
If there is something I'm not it's a scolder! Good lord.
It was just a simple statement. No mal intent!
Keerist! Go away to cook dinner for my family and look what happens.
Saludos:cool:


Thanks, Frank. Sorry I growled at you.

BajaBlanca - 3-14-2011 at 08:09 PM

We always stay at the Baja Inn's EL CORTEZ, the 2nd place soupatch mentions. It has underground parking with a watchman. It has a SUPERB restaurant with great filet mignon 95% of the time. The restaurant has outside glassed areas which is great for people watching.It is right on the main drag where all the stores are. Across the street form the hotel, and a bit to the right, is one of the neatest stores in all of Baja - it has arts and crafts from every corner of Mexico.

The price at the hotel has actually been lowered over the past 2 years !!

Welcome to

LisaR. - 3-14-2011 at 08:27 PM

Thanks for the lodging advice, and the POVs on the road to La Bufadora. We will definitely check out El Cortez. San Nicolas sounds nice, too, but I think we'd like to be closer to the center. Next question... Do you think we need advance reservations for Sun-Wed the last week of April? In the "olden days," I know the answer was a definite yes, but now?

Dave - 3-14-2011 at 08:46 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by LisaR.
Do you think we need advance reservations for Sun-Wed the last week of April? In the "olden days," I know the answer was a definite yes, but now?


A leap of faith but you'll do better price wise if you just show up and haggle a bit. If you make reservations you'll overpay. The news reports are claiming occupancy is off by 50% but I'd bet it's much higher...70% or more.

Marc - 3-14-2011 at 10:04 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by TecateRay
Hotel:
1st choice is the San Nicolas, a few extra blocks from the center of the tourist zone, but very nice with secure parking. The pool and jacuzzi are great, the bar is small and very friendly. Good rooms, good service and they have a casino.
2nd choice is the El Cid right in the center of things, only problem is the parking is "inside" and trucks don't fit. Restaurant is very good, rooms are nice.

Guadelupe Valley - Los Naranjos restaurant for a classy meal, L.A. Cetto for good wine and olive oils with a small deli and picnic area, there are several small inns in the valley now so you might want to spend one night there.

The bar scene is pretty quiet on weeknights. For seafood either Mahi Mahi or Bahia Mariscos (or Mariscos la Bahia?). Good breakfasts and lunches at Baja Fruit just behind the San Nicolas Hotel and over 1 block.:yes:


Yes, El Cid is central, the rooms are nice, a good restaurant and the parking is secure. I have stayed there on several trips going and returning. BUT NEVER AGAIN. Last September, on a Friday night the noise (I won't call it music) from the club next door was so loud as to be unbelievable and it went on until 4:30 AM. The jerk at the front desk claimed not to hear anything. I did get $20 USD of the bill. At least make sure it is not a club night before checking in. San Nicholas is the best bet.

BajaBlanca - 3-15-2011 at 12:21 PM

If you go to the el cortez, no reservation is necessary. we will be there in a couple weeks and can give an accurate update then, but in the last 4 years, we have never made a reservation and have never had a problem.

Try this..............

KASHEYDOG - 3-15-2011 at 03:39 PM

Try this. It's agreat place to stay..........


http://www.hotelesterobeach.com/home.html

[Edited on 3-15-11 by KASHEYDOG]

Oso - 3-15-2011 at 05:05 PM

The MUST in Ensenada is El Taco de Huitzlipochtli for pre-columbian cuisine. But they're not always open. Anybody remember open days, address etc.?

Also the blowhole can be impressive (the first time) when the tide is right but disappointing otherwise. Of course if you're looking for an obscene tee shirt, a carved stone hash pipe or a hokey charro sombrero, there are plenty to choose from.

Also, if you want to take a picture of the Aztec dancer, it'll cost you a buck.

[Edited on 3-16-2011 by Oso]

Already There is Great Advice for Place to Stay and Avoid (PB)

Gypsy Jan - 3-15-2011 at 05:10 PM

But, if I can be helpful, I would like to mention some very good places to eat that locals (and several Nomads) really like.

Monique's Cafe on Calle Novena on the east side, across from the police station. Outstanding breakfasts and lunches (Mrs. HoseA, (HoseA is a Nomad), works there.

Cocteleria Mazatlan, one block east of Calle Novena; a big, tall, palapa roofed place near the bus station. A bucket of beers is aproximately $5. Excellent, fresh seafood - clams w/cheese in the shell roasted over a charcoal fire, seafood c-cktails - shrimp, clams, etc., oysters on the half shell or roasted over the fire, fish prepared several ways, whole or fillet.

DENNIS - 3-15-2011 at 05:11 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Oso
The MUST in Ensenada is El Taco de Huitzlipochtli for pre-columbian cuisine. But they're not always open. Anybody remember open days, address etc.?



http://www.lonelyplanet.com/mexico/baja-california/ensenada/...


http://en.touristeye.com/place/15812/ensenada-el-taco-de-hui...