BajaNomad - Where to stay in Guerrero Negro and Ensenada

Where to stay in Guerrero Negro and Ensenada

ledge - 7-15-2011 at 02:10 PM

I'll be driving back from Loreto to the border with my 10 year old. I'll probably spend the first night in GN to shorten the drive to Ensenada tfor the second night. Since I am the only driver I'm not looking for iron butting to the border. I am wondering what motels people recommend. Looking for something clean and maybe with HBO or cable (similar to Baja Cactus) for around $30-50 in GN and around 60-100 in Ensenada. Thanks

thebajarunner - 7-15-2011 at 02:19 PM

Cowboy Motel, just as you are coming into town from the hiway, on the left (South side)
Clean, reasonable, fairly good courtyard security.
And very nice people that are most helpful.
The owner took us down to the whales, and also on a very interesting "private" tour of the salt works.
That alone was worth the price of the stay.

Edit- sorry, should have mentioned this is GN
not Ensenada

[Edited on 7-15-2011 by thebajarunner]

Bajahowodd - 7-15-2011 at 03:47 PM

Cowboy in GN is a good choice. But, as last I recall, they only take cash. If you want to use plastic, Hotel Caracoles, just across the street would be a great alternative. FYI, Cowboy has free wifi. Last I checked, Caracoles did not, but has PCs in the lobby that you can use.

As for Ensenada, there are so many options and the folks on this forum all seem to have their personal faves.

Much will depend upong what floats your boat. I have three personal faves. One, out of town, on the beach, Estero Beach, and two in town.

Estero Beach is sort of a resort. It has a decent restaurnt on site.

The in town ones are Posada El Rey Sol, which is right in the heart of the tourist district. The other, San Nicolas, a few blocks off the tourist beat , but has a huge olympic-style pool, and a full blown casino within the building.

All three are quite secure.

Ensenada hotel

John M - 7-15-2011 at 04:32 PM

Within your $90 - San Nicholas is our favorite.

Along the coast road, and in the middle of the interesting shops and places to visit.

John M

dizzyspots - 7-15-2011 at 04:42 PM

we stayed ay los Caracoles...nice for about $50

BajaBlanca - 7-16-2011 at 08:31 AM

there is another small motel across the street from the last gas station as you exit ensenada that was recommended to us and we went to it - it is reasonable at 300 or so pesos (can't ermember exactly) with clean room and comfy bed. wish I could remember the name !

DENNIS - 7-16-2011 at 09:25 AM

San Nicolas is my recomendation as well. You can teach your son how to play slot machines and the joys of gambling at a young age.

toneart - 7-16-2011 at 10:34 AM

Good luck trying to call or email ahead to The Cowboy Motel in GN for reservations. Shouldn't be a problem to drop in though. I hear it is nice. Take your chances. If they are full, you will find something else.

thebajarunner - 7-16-2011 at 12:27 PM

Hmmmm,
10 year old kid
San Nicolas???
Not really, IMO
Estero would be a good choice,
My favorite is Las Rosas, first hotel coming into Ensenada from the North, but it is not really a kid place,
much nicer for a couple to get away.
Hotel Coral, just down the way, is more family and activity oriented.
And best of all, they are away from the hustle of downtown,
which I would expect you would prefer, having the kid along,

bajajurel - 7-16-2011 at 09:56 PM

Drive from Loreto to San Quintin and stay at the Hotel Jardines Baja. It is located 3 miles south of the community of San Quintin/Lazaro Card##as and is only a mile from the highway. They have a restaurant / bar next door. You won't be disappointed. It is an easy 5 hour drive to the border from there. If you leave at 6 or 7 AM it puts you at the border around 12 PM which is usually a good time to cross.

http://www.hotel-jardinesbaja.com/index.html

SiReNiTa - 7-17-2011 at 09:07 AM

Quintas Papagayo is in Ensenada, I believe it's around $60 dlls. Right in front of the ocean, it's right on the high way, I believe they have a pool, nice clean rooms and a wonderful new gastro pub right next door!

It's on the left hand side as you are driving north, just outside the city of Ensenada. =)

Bajahowodd - 7-17-2011 at 04:27 PM

Las Rosas, from what I understand, is outside of the price range mentioned by ledge.

While I'm a huge fan of Carmen y Guillermo's Hotel Jardines, just seems to me that Loreto to San Quintin is biting off more than one can chew, especially when traveling with a 10 year old. When we travel, we actually try to adjust our itinerary so that we can stay there. So much to be said for a family run business. And perhaps, despite the great value that Baja Cactus is, and being a Nomad fan favorite, it does have an absentee owner.

I also echo Tony's post that as nice and as much of a great value Cowboy is, the owner has not made it easy to contact, as well as the fact that by and large, he does not employ people who speak English. While not a problem for me, it is for many. Raul, owner of Caracoles, does have English speaking staff and a website, where you can make a reservation.

All things considered, if anyone was to ask me what was my #1 choice to stay in GN, it would be Cowboy.

Las Rosas

thebajarunner - 7-17-2011 at 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Las Rosas, from what I understand, is outside of the price range mentioned by ledge.

While I'm a huge fan of Carmen y Guillermo's Hotel Jardines, just seems to me that Loreto to San Quintin is biting off more than one can chew, especially when traveling with a 10 year old. When we travel, we actually try to adjust our itinerary so that we can stay there. So much to be said for a family run business. And perhaps, despite the great value that Baja Cactus is, and being a Nomad fan favorite, it does have an absentee owner.

I also echo Tony's post that as nice and as much of a great value Cowboy is, the owner has not made it easy to contact, as well as the fact that by and large, he does not employ people who speak English. While not a problem for me, it is for many. Raul, owner of Caracoles, does have English speaking staff and a website, where you can make a reservation.

All things considered, if anyone was to ask me what was my #1 choice to stay in GN, it would be Cowboy.

It is pricey, compared to others, but generally you can negotiate to around $100.
And it is so much nicer than other digs in Ensenada that it must be mentioned IMO

probably not great for the 10 year old, but awesome for a getaway with an amicable companion.

Indy - 7-17-2011 at 09:00 PM

Great choice Thebajarunner on Cowboy Motel. I too find them
to be super clean, friendly and with pretty good security.

The free wifi is also a plus.
Good tip Bajahowodd.

Indy

De nada, amigo

thebajarunner - 7-17-2011 at 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Indy
Great choice Thebajarunner on Cowboy Motel. I too find them
to be super clean, friendly and with pretty good security.

The free wifi is also a plus.
Good tip Bajahowodd.

Indy

ledge - 7-17-2011 at 10:35 PM

Thanks for the responses. I remember staying at the Hotel San Nicholas when I was ten years old. I might stay there if the rates are under $100. Thanks for the advice on Guerrero Negro. Also, I'm staying at the Cactus in Rosario on on the way down. Normally I stay there but I want to avoid a six hour drive to the border in order to wait another 2-3 to get across the border. I think Ensenada is close enough to get to the border and cross it without going crazy

bajajurel - 7-18-2011 at 08:03 PM

Malmarrimo - It's older but nice with a restaurant and the price is usually reasonable. Lots of parking if you are pulling a boat or trailer. $45/night.

http://www.malarrimo.com.mx/ingles/home.htm

Bajahowodd - 7-18-2011 at 09:01 PM

Maybe old age has made me cranky. But, as someone who has traveled Baja for several decades, my take on Malarrimo is that the rooms are tired, and alas, the restaurant is nowhere what it once was. No doubt, it's still an inviting room. But, over the years, I've gotten the feeling that the food and service have declined.

If you are OK with a taqueria, the Asadero Cowboy, in front of the hotel, is a great choice.

Across the street, the Nautilus restaraunt actually has some amazing cuisine. My beef with them is that as it was built, the restaurant just feels like a snack shop in the store. Kinda reminds me of eating along the turnpikes on the East coast.

That said, they actually turn out some incredible grub. At breakfast, perhaps the best chilaquilles I've ever had.

shari - 7-18-2011 at 09:19 PM

I would be happy to make reservations at the Cowboy Hotel in GN for anybody wishing them..I just give the owner a call for ya. Chavelo's family run the hotel as they are not wealthy merchants...but are a family trying to operate a business.

Loreto to SD Motel

EdZeranski - 7-20-2011 at 01:03 PM

Heading backto SD from Loreto we usually push to San Quintin, 500+/- miles, then stay at La Villa de San Quintin:

http://www.hotellavilla.biz/sanquintin/ 011-52-616-165-1800

Clean, about $40, with good parking, security, and TV.

At GN the mentioned Caracole or Cowboy are good bets.

EdZ KG6UTS

Bajahowodd - 7-20-2011 at 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by EdZeranski
Heading backto SD from Loreto we usually push to San Quintin, 500+/- miles, then stay at La Villa de San Quintin:

http://www.hotellavilla.biz/sanquintin/ 011-52-616-165-1800

Clean, about $40, with good parking, security, and TV.

At GN the mentioned Caracole or Cowboy are good bets.

EdZ KG6UTS

My two cents:

500+ miles a day on the caliber of highway we're talking about, is doable, but pushing it. Especially considering there's a 10 year old sitting in the passenger seat.

ledge - 7-20-2011 at 08:04 PM

Thank you for all the replies and It looks like I will definitely check out the Cowboy in GN. Ensenada I'm still in the air about. Looking into the Hotel Santo Tomas in Ensenada or the Real Del Mar just off the toll road near Tijuana. Driving closer to TJ will add more time but it looks like an incredible hotel for $80 and buffet breakfast. I would prefer to stay in Ensenada and take off an hour of driving coming back from GN. San Nicolas was $122 for the night. If I had too I would just camp in La Fonda to save money but really want a bed, jacuzzi, and nice restaurant to eat and relax after the drive. Any advice on the Hotel Santo Tomas, rooms were only $65.

thebajarunner - 7-20-2011 at 09:08 PM

Stayed at Santo Tomas many times.
Last time there it was clean
but the rooms and linens, etc. are "tired"
best way to say it.

Central location, good parking security
but sort of like an aging beauty queen,

Still has her regal stature, but a bit rumpled around the edges.....

bajaguy - 7-20-2011 at 09:21 PM

Did you check the Estero Beach Resort???

ledge - 7-20-2011 at 10:21 PM

Any good hotels along the corridor between Ensenada and Rosorito for less than $100 that anyone could recommend?

David K - 7-20-2011 at 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by thebajarunner
Stayed at Santo Tomas many times.
Last time there it was clean
but the rooms and linens, etc. are "tired"
best way to say it.

Central location, good parking security
but sort of like an aging beauty queen,

Still has her regal stature, but a bit rumpled around the edges.....

There is also the motel IN Santo Tomas: the 'El Palomar'

Palomar

thebajarunner - 7-21-2011 at 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

There is also the motel IN Santo Tomas: the 'El Palomar'

Hi David,
We never stayed in the motel, but have talked to people while eating at the cafe, and they seemed to like it.
We ate there at least once a year, seemed like each time it got a little less on the quality,
And we always camped down below across the street but the jake brakes and the roosters finally finished that off.
Now we grab piles of takeout at El Recreo in Maneadero and head for the Oak Tree Campground a couple miles up the Punta Santo Tomas road.
Better food and very peaceful camping.

EdZeranski - 7-21-2011 at 02:20 PM

Quote:

My two cents:

500+ miles a day on the caliber of highway we're talking about, is doable, but pushing it. Especially considering there's a 10 year old sitting in the passenger seat.

Thats why I put the bit in about the GN places ~8^) The place in San Q is worth noting if another day is taken...not saying to drag the kid the whole way though my buddies son really likes the ride.

EdZ KG6UTS

Espinosas.JPG - 32kB

check out the gravity glass gas pumps

thebajarunner - 7-21-2011 at 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by EdZeranski

My two cents:

500+ miles a day on the caliber of highway we're talking about, is doable, but pushing it. Especially considering there's a 10 year old sitting in the passenger seat.

Great memory shot.
We gassed up out of those pumps in the NORRA races, with a big shot of octane booster dumped in on top....

Bajahowodd - 7-21-2011 at 04:25 PM

While I do seem to recall that I've seen that pic before, it certainly is major cool.

As for the San Quintin hotels, as the area has grown, so have the choices. I'm guessing that there are maybe four or five really good places to stay.

Right by your recommendation is the Maria Celeste. Of course, my fave is Jardines, just about a mile off the main drag. Beautiful grounds, and a restaurant next door run by the same family, that may well be the best in the area.

Not to leave out the Santa Isabel a bit North of there, that looks quite good.

So, although it appears that many Baja travelers seem to think that Baja Cactus is a place they absolutely must stay, here's a tip. Most of the places whether in El Rosario or the San Quintin region have limited numbers of units. I have friends that were turned away at Baja Cactus because it was full and they didn't make a reservation. The San Quintin places are little more than 30-40 minutes North.

As tricked-out as Baja Cactus is, fact is that there are so many great dining options merely 1/2 hour North.

[Edited on 7-21-2011 by Bajahowodd]

EdZeranski - 7-21-2011 at 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
While I do seem to recall that I've seen that pic before, it certainly is major cool.
t looks quite good.

The picture was sent by a friend, not from my stack but I remember the corner. Back in the late '60s when I came home from Vietnam my friend Tom and I used to head down in his WWII Dodge ambulance/Power Wagon.

805gregg - 7-25-2011 at 07:14 PM

I left Loreto at about 6:30 am and pulled into the Old Mill about 3:30 in the afternoon, skip GN and you will hit the border 1 day earlier.

[Edited on 7-26-2011 by 805gregg]

And your point is ??

thebajarunner - 7-25-2011 at 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 805gregg
I left Loreto at about 6:30 am and pulled into the Old Mill about 3:30 in the afternoon, skip GN and you will hit the border 1 day earlier.

[Edited on 7-26-2011 by 805gregg]

I had breakfast at the LaPerla in La Paz, left at 9 a.m. and was at my desk in Modesto at 8 the next morning.

Pre-running for the 1975 1000, much of the hiway still under construction.

But, the guy is traveling with a 10 year old kid, not sure that he wants to duplicate some of our earlier heroic efforts.

(Yeah, lots of that was at 100 mph+)