BajaNomad

Baja Cactus, April 2012

BajaNomad - 4-15-2012 at 12:25 AM

We stayed at the Baja Cactus both on our way down, and then back up from the Bay of LA area... thread on that here:

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=59492

It's gotten to the point at the Baja Cactus where one needs to make a reservation ahead of time (or at least early in the day) to ensure getting a room in the "new" section for that same evening. I just pull up the bajacactus.com website for the tel#.... which is the best way to do it. I would not rely on them checking for emailed reservation requests consistently.

Very professional and friendly staff, rooms are certainly still one of the best values along the entire peninsula... we enjoy the in-room coffee, the thermostat controlled heat, and I'm personally thankful for the high-speed Internet (bring an ethernet cable though!) to check in on BN, and my email.

:biggrin:

Noticed this time that quite a few of the guests park inside the larger gated parking area with their trailered boats. Hadn't really noticed that here before, but probably a good guess that some others might want to know that.

And my son... well, he likes the "family" rooms - which are #207 & #208. These have a loft with two twin beds that are above the two king beds. So, when one of these rooms are available, we'll ask for one.

The pic is from room 207 on this trip (both stops this time, south and north)....

baja-cactus-rm207.jpg - 50kB

David K - 4-15-2012 at 11:08 AM

Thanks Doug...

BajaRat - 4-15-2012 at 11:17 AM

The fam loves em too. :cool:

bajario - 6-9-2012 at 09:47 AM

I'v waited a week for a response via email. Can someone clue in the clueless on how to dial this phone # from the US.
01 (616) 165 8850. Maybe it just doesn't work from a cell phone?

Thanks in advance.

Ateo - 6-9-2012 at 09:50 AM

Man those family rooms look awesome. Next time I'll ask if one of them is open!

shari - 6-9-2012 at 09:50 AM

i think you have to dia 011 (52) which is the country code...then the number

i had the last 4 digits as 8700 maybe another line, or I have the wrong number.

David K - 6-9-2012 at 10:09 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajario
I'v waited a week for a response via email. Can someone clue in the clueless on how to dial this phone # from the US.
01 (616) 165 8850. Maybe it just doesn't work from a cell phone?

Thanks in advance.


Baja Cactus Motel in El Rosario HAS a U.S. telephone number!
(619) 694-1082 :light:

Bajaboy - 6-9-2012 at 01:38 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajario
I'v waited a week for a response via email. Can someone clue in the clueless on how to dial this phone # from the US.
01 (616) 165 8850. Maybe it just doesn't work from a cell phone?

Thanks in advance.


In the past, email was great but recently we've been burned. Two times now we've emailed reservations and they were never made. So...just a heads-up.

Udo - 6-9-2012 at 02:19 PM

That appears to be the norm for Baja.

Recently my reservations for Valle de Guadalupe were also "lost."
Quote:
Originally posted by Bajaboy
Quote:
Originally posted by bajario
I'v waited a week for a response via email. Can someone clue in the clueless on how to dial this phone # from the US.
01 (616) 165 8850. Maybe it just doesn't work from a cell phone?

Thanks in advance.


In the past, email was great but recently we've been burned. Two times now we've emailed reservations and they were never made. So...just a heads-up.

Bajahowodd - 6-9-2012 at 04:17 PM

The place is very nice. No question.

But, in addition to the fact that there are a limited number of rooms to serve a huge fan base, thereby making it a crap shoot to get a room without confirmed reservations made well in advance, the simple fact is that when staying at Baja Cactus, you are in El Rosario.

I know that it's different strokes, but just seems to me that a mere 40 minutes or so North, there are myriad fine hotels and restaurants throughout the San Quintin Valley area.

thebajarunner - 6-9-2012 at 04:22 PM

Yeah, ER is not exactly a night spot, is it...

Also, if Cactus is full the Turistica on the far S/E side of town is new, clean and decent.

And finally, did the banos ever get finished next door,
or is that poor dude still standing on a box with the plaster trowel in his hand??

David K - 6-9-2012 at 05:54 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajaboy
Quote:
Originally posted by bajario
I'v waited a week for a response via email. Can someone clue in the clueless on how to dial this phone # from the US.
01 (616) 165 8850. Maybe it just doesn't work from a cell phone?

Thanks in advance.


In the past, email was great but recently we've been burned. Two times now we've emailed reservations and they were never made. So...just a heads-up.


Zac, it is a San Diego phone number that rings the front desk in El Rosario... (619) 694-1082. Emailing them or Antonio has not worked for a LONG time... Just call the USA number Nomads... and if the person answering doesn't speak your language, call back when the next shift is on.

David K - 6-9-2012 at 06:01 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by thebajarunner
Yeah, ER is not exactly a night spot, is it...

Also, if Cactus is full the Turistica on the far S/E side of town is new, clean and decent.

And finally, did the banos ever get finished next door,
or is that poor dude still standing on a box with the plaster trowel in his hand??


It is TURISTA MOTEL :light:

Bajaboy - 6-9-2012 at 07:31 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Quote:
Originally posted by Bajaboy
Quote:
Originally posted by bajario
I'v waited a week for a response via email. Can someone clue in the clueless on how to dial this phone # from the US.
01 (616) 165 8850. Maybe it just doesn't work from a cell phone?

Thanks in advance.


In the past, email was great but recently we've been burned. Two times now we've emailed reservations and they were never made. So...just a heads-up.


Zac, it is a San Diego phone number that rings the front desk in El Rosario... (619) 694-1082. Emailing them or Antonio has not worked for a LONG time... Just call the USA number Nomads... and if the person answering doesn't speak your language, call back when the next shift is on.


DK- Then maybe Antonio should post that on website. All I am saying is that I have used email in the past with no problems. Then recently we show up with no reservations. I don't understand why you always go to bat for Antonio. Yes, he is a great guy but I don't always agree with his business decisions.

David K - 6-9-2012 at 07:48 PM

I am here to help. You told of a situation that doesn't work... It is Mexico, and things just don't always work. I provided a U.S. phone number provided by Antonio, and posted here many times before for getting through BETTER than the email system.

You can keep using the system that doesn't work hoping it will if you just keep using it, it will magically work! Sorry Zac... same is true in government, if it doesn't work, go to what does!

The web site is no different than it was in 2005... no updates, no changes... Do I know why Antonio doesn't update it or even make it beyond the front page? No... I do not, so I can only help with what does work.

I hope the phone number keeps working... but be prepared to have a back up!

Baja Cactus is maybe the nicest highway motel there is, and cheap too. But, on the other end of town is the Turista Motel, even cheaper, less to offer, but the beds are comfortable and the showers work well.

I do call Antonio my close friend, but I also like to think of you and other Nomads as friends too, so if Baja Cactus doesn't come through, I would want you to have a back up... For more money, there is Baja's Best Bed & Breakfast, as well... across from the Turista. In a real emergency you have Mama Espinoza's Las Cabaņas Motel and Primo's Sinahi Motel, which are perhaps 'less desirable', but still in business and can do in a pinch!

thebajarunner - 6-9-2012 at 07:57 PM

Little hard on DK there BB- IMO

I too know Antonio, probably not as well as David, but find him to be a gracious and honorable man to deal with.

But I have been hard on him re the cursed banos, and will continue to do so.

I have stayed at Cactus numerous times, as well as Turista,when Cactus is full. I appreciate knowing there is a number I can zap up on my ATT cell phone, and a wife that speaks the language if needed.

I think when DK has good info we should appreciate it, not scoff at him,
just my spin on the topic.

Bajaboy - 6-9-2012 at 08:18 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by thebajarunner
Little hard on DK there BB- IMO

I too know Antonio, probably not as well as David, but find him to be a gracious and honorable man to deal with.

But I have been hard on him re the cursed banos, and will continue to do so.

I have stayed at Cactus numerous times, as well as Turista,when Cactus is full. I appreciate knowing there is a number I can zap up on my ATT cell phone, and a wife that speaks the language if needed.

I think when DK has good info we should appreciate it, not scoff at him,
just my spin on the topic.


My point wasn't trying to put down DK for information. I appreciate it. But it seems as soon as one offers any sort of criticism of Baja Cactus, DK is quick to offer a retort.

If Baja Cactus offers email for reservations, then Antonio should find a way to support his customers. But from what I hear DK stating is that I need to change my ways to get a reservation. I don't care what country I am in, customer service revolves around the customer.

I will find other places to stay if Antonio cannot respond to his customers' needs. Nothing personal in my mind.

BajaBlanca - 6-9-2012 at 08:40 PM

to call the mexican number from the states

011 52 and then the 3 digit area code which is 616 in this case and then the 7 digit number

when in Mexico, to call a cell phone number:
044 then area code and 7 digit number IF U R IN THAT AREA CODE
045 then area code and 7 digit number IF YOU ARE OUT OF THAT AREA CODE

very bizarre system.

all other regular phone numbers have 01 in front if they are land lines. then you dial the area code. then you dial the 7 digit number.

I believe the above to be true, someone correct me if I am wrong !

even when I went to mexico city, the hotel there did not have my reservation down when I arrived - altho they had confirmed by email but they honored my email reservation/price quote and thank goodness they had a room available. seems to be an endemic problem ....

David K - 6-9-2012 at 09:37 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajaboy
Quote:
Originally posted by thebajarunner
Little hard on DK there BB- IMO

I too know Antonio, probably not as well as David, but find him to be a gracious and honorable man to deal with.

But I have been hard on him re the cursed banos, and will continue to do so.

I have stayed at Cactus numerous times, as well as Turista,when Cactus is full. I appreciate knowing there is a number I can zap up on my ATT cell phone, and a wife that speaks the language if needed.











I think when DK has good info we should appreciate it, not scoff at him,
just my spin on the topic.


My point wasn't trying to put down DK for information. I appreciate it. But it seems as soon as one offers any sort of criticism of Baja Cactus, DK is quick to offer a retort.

If Baja Cactus offers email for reservations, then Antonio should find a way to support his customers. But from what I hear DK stating is that I need to change my ways to get a reservation. I don't care what country I am in, customer service revolves around the customer.

I will find other places to stay if Antonio cannot respond to his customers'
needs. Nothing personal in my mind.

Zac, isn't providing a U.S. phone number responding to customer needs?

Bajaboy - 6-9-2012 at 09:42 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Quote:
Originally posted by Bajaboy
Quote:
Originally posted by thebajarunner
Little hard on DK there BB- IMO

I too know Antonio, probably not as well as David, but find him to be a gracious and honorable man to deal with.

But I have been hard on him re the cursed banos, and will continue to do so.

I have stayed at Cactus numerous times, as well as Turista,when Cactus is full. I appreciate knowing there is a number I can zap up on my ATT cell phone, and a wife that speaks the language if needed.











I think when DK has good info we should appreciate it, not scoff at him,
just my spin on the topic.


My point wasn't trying to put down DK for information. I appreciate it. But it seems as soon as one offers any sort of criticism of Baja Cactus, DK is quick to offer a retort.

If Baja Cactus offers email for reservations, then Antonio should find a way to support his customers. But from what I hear DK stating is that I need to change my ways to get a reservation. I don't care what country I am in, customer service revolves around the customer.

I will find other places to stay if Antonio cannot respond to his customers'
needs. Nothing personal in my mind.

Zac, isn't providing a U.S. phone number responding to customer needs?


Not when I'm in Baja...

Bajaboy - 6-9-2012 at 09:43 PM

and DK...you still don't get my point about customer service...

BajaNomad - 6-9-2012 at 09:49 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajaboy

If Baja Cactus offers email for reservations, then Antonio should find a way to support his customers.


While I agree - it's also my opinion that if you receive no reservation confirmation, you should not expect any reservation.

Reality for me at Baja Cactus (currently) is that it requires a phone call.

On a recent trip, we were in BOLA, and decided to head back to Baja Cactus on a particular evening at the "last minute" - and knowing there'd likely be no room for us if we were to just walk-in, made the effort to use one of the public phones in BOLA (both my cell phones had no service) to call and reserve a room at Baja Cactus. Easy-peasy with a phone call.

Just sayin'...

;)

Bajaboy - 6-9-2012 at 09:53 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by BajaNomad
Quote:
Originally posted by Bajaboy

If Baja Cactus offers email for reservations, then Antonio should find a way to support his customers.


While I agree - it's also my opinion that if you receive no reservation confirmation, you should not expect any reservation.

Reality for me at Baja Cactus (currently) is that it requires a phone call.

On a recent trip, we were in BOLA, and decided to head back to Baja Cactus on a particular evening at the "last minute" - and knowing there'd likely be no room for us if we were to just walk-in, made the effort to use one of the public phones in BOLA (both my cell phones had no service) to call and reserve a room at Baja Cactus. Easy-peasy with a phone call.

Just sayin'...

;)


Again, not a big deal for us...in the past we always stayed at Baja Cactus...lately, that is not always the case. Now let's talk about customer acquisition costs....

[Edited on 6-10-2012 by Bajaboy]

woody with a view - 6-10-2012 at 12:51 PM

last time down i made a email request that fell on deaf ears. there was one room left when we got there so i don't know if it was mine or not. they said not. downstairs closest to the road.....noisy, but still a great price!

David K - 6-10-2012 at 03:41 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajaboy
and DK...you still don't get my point about customer service...


Zac, his email system has not worked in over a year... maybe two. He provided a USA (San Diego) telephone number for reservations where a real live person interacts with you (no waiting for an email reply).

I get it just fine, so what is it that is not good?

David K - 6-10-2012 at 03:42 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by BajaNomad
Quote:
Originally posted by Bajaboy

If Baja Cactus offers email for reservations, then Antonio should find a way to support his customers.


While I agree - it's also my opinion that if you receive no reservation confirmation, you should not expect any reservation.

Reality for me at Baja Cactus (currently) is that it requires a phone call.

On a recent trip, we were in BOLA, and decided to head back to Baja Cactus on a particular evening at the "last minute" - and knowing there'd likely be no room for us if we were to just walk-in, made the effort to use one of the public phones in BOLA (both my cell phones had no service) to call and reserve a room at Baja Cactus. Easy-peasy with a phone call.

Just sayin'...

;)


I have no problem understanding it either Doug... thanks for confirming the phone system works best.

Bajaboy - 6-10-2012 at 03:46 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Quote:
Originally posted by Bajaboy
and DK...you still don't get my point about customer service...


Zac, his email system has not worked in over a year... maybe two. He provided a USA (San Diego) telephone number for reservations where a real live person interacts with you (no waiting for an email reply).

I get it just fine, so what is it that is not good?


Here you go again...let's see, when one goes here: http://www.bajacactus.com/ and see an email, one would assume it is a valid email address:light: In addition, there is not a San Diego number listed there. So as I posted prior, you don't get my point about customer service.:biggrin:

David K - 6-10-2012 at 03:51 PM

You are on Baja Nomad, as is everone else reading this... and his San Diego number was provided here. So any Nomad (including you) has that number.

Yes, I agree about his web page (which has been 'under construction' for 7 years) has not been changed (in 7 years)... IT SHOULDN'T BE THAT WAY!

But, it is...

It will be changed 'MAŅANA (not tomorrow, just not today)... So, until it is... USE THE USA PHONE # to make a reservation. :yes:

Be progressive Zac, don't stick to the old ways that no longer work!! :D

Okay amigo!??;)

Bajaboy - 6-10-2012 at 05:01 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Be progressive Zac, don't stick to the old ways that no longer work!! :D
Okay amigo!??;)


Are you referring to trickle down? I agree with you there....:lol:

David K - 6-11-2012 at 12:57 AM

Yah, whatever they call what is happening now...

I feel it is like being 'trickled on' by these enterprise-haters in Washington! Time to wake up from this socialist nightmare that started in 2007 with the change in congress, and get back to what works... Capitalism, Freedom, Prosperity! More people working, paying taxes, buying things... all can come from dropping the tax rate on business and ending rediculous regulations. That means more money for teachers, fire fighters and cops, too!

Debra - 6-11-2012 at 03:25 AM

Good Grief! Knock it off you guys! The dang system that worked before doesn't work any longer :?:

Maybe Antionio is trying to work on the Restuarant we have all been asking for?, keep the gas station we all rely on going, Sheesh, really, how many back and forths about reservations? And how many no-shows does he deal with, not easy in the "out-back" I even was a no-show once, didn't know I even had a reservation, but, did thanks to DK I did (I was broke down for a week on the road with a 9yr. old and a 4yr. old) when I finally got there the next day I found out, and the staff had expected me the day before and got on the phone to find us a place, at 10pm, they didn't have to do that, that was good service, caring, and I once needed money, Antionio came through for me, how's that for service?!

You guys are too funny, or it is getting late, I understand that Zac and DK are friends, Sheesh! Now kiss and make up! ;)

David K - 6-11-2012 at 09:10 AM

Yes dear!:biggrin::lol:

My Understanding Is...

Bajahowodd - 6-11-2012 at 04:26 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Debra
Good Grief! Knock it off you guys! The dang system that worked before doesn't work any longer :?:

Maybe Antionio is trying to work on the Restuarant we have all been asking for?, keep the gas station we all rely on going, Sheesh, really, how many back and forths about reservations? And how many no-shows does he deal with, not easy in the "out-back" I even was a no-show once, didn't know I even had a reservation, but, did thanks to DK I did (I was broke down for a week on the road with a 9yr. old and a 4yr. old) when I finally got there the next day I found out, and the staff had expected me the day before and got on the phone to find us a place, at 10pm, they didn't have to do that, that was good service, caring, and I once needed money, Antionio came through for me, how's that for service?!

You guys are too funny, or it is getting late, I understand that Zac and DK are friends, Sheesh! Now kiss and make up! ;)


Antonio has confided that out of respect for Dona Anita, he won't move forward on a restaurant until after she passes.

woody with a view - 6-11-2012 at 04:37 PM

check out the taco stand right at the curve next to the San Jose Mercado or the Birriaria Nuevo Uruapan next to tacos mision.

:light:

David K - 6-11-2012 at 08:58 PM

Things may have changed, but for the years I have known and talked with Antonio, he never desired to build a restaurant. Instead, he planned a taco/ burrito counter inside his future mini mart (to be built between the Pemex and motel. He also planned a Baja Book Library, which we have (Nomads) already donated many books and magazines for. None of us counted on the big drop in tourism, that naturally has delayed these expensive projects.

Bajaboy - 6-11-2012 at 09:07 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Things may have changed, but for the years I have known and talked with Antonio, he never desired to build a restaurant. Instead, he planned a taco/ burrito counter inside his future mini mart (to be built between the Pemex and motel. He also planned a Baja Book Library, which we have (Nomads) already donated many books and magazines for. None of us counted on the big drop in tourism, that naturally has delayed these expensive projects.


yes, DK, things have changed...you can no longer make a reservation via email:biggrin:

David K - 6-11-2012 at 09:10 PM

Great... I think you've GOT IT!
Happy Times :light: