BajaNomad

Baja Cactus

weebray - 3-20-2013 at 07:38 AM

Just finished the dreaded run to the border. One of the BIG disapointments was our stay at Baja Cactus in El Rosario. This used to be our fav in the Baja but, this time, the bathroom had a maximum stink going for it, we asked for a single bed room and were told none were available so we had to pay 450p but in the AM there were only 5 cars in the parking lot, we were told that the wifi had been upgraded - NOT. This place is no longer a great bargin or place to stay. Oh btw don't even think of eating at the resturant/plumbing supply place on the left about a mile east of the big turn. Dreadful!

mulegemichael - 3-20-2013 at 07:42 AM

weve been disappointed our last couple of times through also; solid mud in the entire parking lot, NO wifi in rooms, darker than the inside of a cow in rooms, etc, etc...downhill!...too bad, it was convenient.

dtbushpilot - 3-20-2013 at 07:55 AM

Stayed there last week. No reservation and arrived late, only pet friendly room was one of the old rooms. I thought about making the dog sleep in the truck but decided to go ahead and get one of the old rooms. The dog wanted to get back in the truck.....so did I. It was cheap and classic "old Baja".....that's the best I can say about it.

tripledigitken - 3-20-2013 at 08:00 AM

With all the nice options of motels/restaurants in San Quintin, we never overnight in El Rosario. As a matter of fact, with a 400+ mile range in our last 3 vehicles we don't stop there for gas either.

We used to enjoy the tortas from the Bus though.

Ken

[Edited on 3-20-2013 by tripledigitken]

dtbushpilot - 3-20-2013 at 08:25 AM

I quit buying gas there after the 2 year bathroom remodel, Los Pinos is 20 minutes away, nice store, friendly people, clean bathroom.....

David K - 3-20-2013 at 10:02 AM

So sorry to hear bad reviews... Nothing lasts forever, it seems? Antonio is there more than before, so I don't understand why he is letting things slip (if they are)?

Funny that it is still being sold out, with so many other places to stay, if it is that bad? I hope it was not a new trend.

We have not stayed there since July, 2011... and it was as super then as it was my first time staying there in 2004...









24 hr. front desk, phone in room, Internet in room (bring cable, limited wifi too), satellite TV in room (with remote) with half the channels in English, coffee maker in room, pressure boosted showers, shampoo included, king beds, AC/heat/ceiling fan, dimmer lights... about $35-$45 price range (single/double)... hard to see anything bad here... plus the owner is a Baja Nomad who has done so much to assist travels and give hospitality to Nomads...




motoged - 3-20-2013 at 11:59 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by dtbushpilot
I quit buying gas there after the 2 year bathroom remodel, Los Pinos is 20 minutes away, nice store, friendly people, clean bathroom.....


David,
Where/what is Los Pinos??? North or south (my guess is north of El Rosario).

Thanks for any info.

bill erhardt - 3-20-2013 at 12:39 PM

The Baja Cactus is the most over rated, over hyped motel on the Baja peninsula, at least on this site. For the same reasons stated by others on this thread, I have for some time chosen from a number of good options 45 minutes north in San Quintin.

There have also been complaints of being ripped off at the Cactus Pemex gas pumps, as well as general disgust at the banos.

In the past, complaints about both the motel and the gas station have been quickly drowned out by a chorus line of boosters armed with strings of photos.

It will be interesting to see where this thread goes.

motoged - 3-20-2013 at 12:54 PM

We saw where it went....now ....as to where it goes: More info on Los Pinos, por favor. :saint:

absinvestor - 3-20-2013 at 12:58 PM

Unfortunately I have to agree. The rooms "look nice" so many tend to make excuses for the shortfalls. We like the location because it is an easy days drive either from or to the border. We have been disappointed on our two last stays. We always make reservations well ahead of time getting our exact room reserved etc. Last visit the receptionist apologized but said they gave our main level room to a guest that had a" back" problem?????. We ended up with an upstairs room that required us to carry our older 50 lb dog to and from the room. Time before last the key wouldn't fit the lock. The head maid opened the door with her master key and said she would return with the right key. After waiting an hour I inquired at the front desk and was told they couldn't locate a good key. The receptionist said to leave the room unlocked when we went to dinner or walked the dog and she would try to watch to make sure nobody entered our room!! (The room was in the back and in no way visible from the office.) The Wi-Fi did not work at either time. We will not be returning. For those interested I did inquire at the adjoining motel (Espinosas.) When I asked if they accepted dogs he said definitely "small " dogs. When I showed him our 70lb golden retriever he said that would be fine!!!

vandenberg - 3-20-2013 at 01:36 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by motoged
We saw where it went....now ....as to where it goes: More info on Los Pinos, por favor. :saint:


Los Pinos station is north of El Rosario, but before you get to San Quintin. Going north it's on the lefthand side, on the corner of the road that goes to the old La Pinta hotel and before you get to the Los Pinos plant

RnR - 3-20-2013 at 01:42 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by motoged
Quote:
Originally posted by dtbushpilot
I quit buying gas there after the 2 year bathroom remodel, Los Pinos is 20 minutes away, nice store, friendly people, clean bathroom.....


David,
Where/what is Los Pinos??? North or south (my guess is north of El Rosario).

Thanks for any info.


North about 20 (or 30) miles.

Los Pinos is that huge agricultural complex with the pine trees (los pinos) lining both sides of the highway. Enclosed "hot houses" on both sides of the road for a mile or so, lots of worker traffic, semis waiting to load, tractors, etc.

The Los Pinos Pemex is near the south end of the complex. Huge, new, clean, parking area, picnic area, small lake. Very attractive.

motoged - 3-20-2013 at 02:15 PM

Thanks for the Los Pinos intel....been there, just didn't have a name for it in my head....except "that's where we found Darren" (our lost moto rider on a day loop from El Rosario to San Quintin....:lol:).

I have enjoyed the Baja Cactus each of the three times I stayed there, but it has been three years as I have enjoyed other establishments in El Rosario.....

Sounds like the owner's shill on this forum should send a friendly message....so we could all still support Baja Cactus as the best in ER.

And just to morph the thread a bit ....I tried the food in the bus around the corner a few years ago and thought it was THE GREASIEST FOOD EVER....walked away from the food after several bites.....still wondering where a good place to eat is....but that will have to wait until my next trip in December....:coolup:

tiotomasbcs - 3-20-2013 at 02:55 PM

Try the La Turista in the southern part of town. Simple accomodations & it's new. No jake brakes! Headin south I prefer to overnite in El Rosario. Cactus sells out quite often, too. $35us I believe. Tio

[Edited on 3-20-2013 by tiotomasbcs]

David K - 3-20-2013 at 03:22 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by tiotomasbcs
Try the La Turista in the southern part of town. Simple accomodations & it's new. No jake brakes! Headin south I prefer to overnite in El Rosario. Cactus sells out quite often, too. $35us I believe. Tio

[Edited on 3-20-2013 by tiotomasbcs]


Turista Motel (~$30, new place and good mattresses is the place to go when Baja Cactus is full (and Baja Cactus staff refers folks there when they have no rooms), it is on the far southbound end of town, across from another nice place, but more $$, and that is Baja's Best Bed & Breakfast (and Bar/ Restaurant).

Just so others are clear, as mostly a motel is being discussed in this thread, Los Pinos is a Pemex gas station (not a motel), and a gallon or two distance north from Baja Cactus Pemex... which still is the southernmost Pemex before the 'empty center' of the peninsula.

chuckie - 3-20-2013 at 03:49 PM

We were at the Cactus last Thursday evening and have to agree with most of the comments....No WIFI ,Dark rooms...Made reservation on the way North on Sunday .No reservation on Thursday....The yellow restaurant, "Bajas Best" was excellent, if a bit spendy...Back in Mulege, no more trips north this year, Thank Goodness...

DianaT - 3-20-2013 at 04:29 PM

El Rosario is a drive through for us anymore and has been for quite a while. It is a very rare occasion that we stop there for anything ---

The south end of the San Quintin area is not that far away and for dog owners, Jardines is nice, but often full, especially their 'dog' rooms. The atmosphere around there is beautiful with all the gardens and the restaurant is good. Just a short jaunt off the highway on a dirt road.

Another great choice is old La Pinta, the Hotel Mision Santa Maria which is owned by Los Pinos. Nice rooms with ocean views, QUIET, good restaurant, very friendly and professional staff, good wifi and just a very calm nice atmosphere. Located not far off the highway and the road there is paved.

Great place to walk on the beach right out front, and for those occasional late night dog walks, there is a very large dirt parking lot. There is a security guard.

Just a comment about Mexican food anywhere in Baja. While we have found several sit-down places to be good, and lots of very good taco stands, the best Mexican food, IMHO, is on the mainland. The styles of cooking vary so much from region to region, and it is just real different and wonderful.

Bajaboy - 3-20-2013 at 04:33 PM

Since Antonio is a Nomad (?), it would be nice for him to check in here and address any concerns himself. Seems like a lot of business is starting to go elsewhere. I used to stop there every trip....not so much now.

motoged - 3-20-2013 at 05:02 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DianaT
.......Just a comment about Mexican food anywhere in Baja. While we have found several sit-down places to be good, and lots of very good taco stands, the best Mexican food, IMHO, is on the mainland. The styles of cooking vary so much from region to region, and it is just real different and wonderful.


Diana,
I agree....but mainland just doesn't know how to make fish tacos as good as Baja. A cooking show the other day suggested that Baja tacos are historically influenced by Japanese (fishermen?) tempura....and the guy had a batter recipe that sounded killer :light:

Baja's Best is a cool place....stayed there once for several days and had the single bed room....took about 10 minutes to remove all the cushions and pillows off the bed to crawl under the covers...:biggrin:

Fireplace made breakfast that much better...

Ateo - 3-20-2013 at 05:04 PM

If you want a 4 star hotel go to Cabo. :spingrin::spingrin:

Skipjack Joe - 3-20-2013 at 05:05 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by mulegemichael
weve been disappointed our last couple of times through also; solid mud in the entire parking lot, NO wifi in rooms, darker than the inside of a cow in rooms, etc, etc...downhill!...too bad, it was convenient.


Darker than a cow's belly?

That's pretty funny. Yes the rooms are dark but we don't mind because it's on the way back and I just need the down time to energize myself for the drive north, the border wait, then the LA traffic before settling down somewhere around Bakersfield.

The Wifi is not a problem for us because they give you an ethernet cable. Yes, you have to lay on your bed within 10 feet of the jack.

So we still like Baja Cactus and prefer El Rosario oh so much more than San Quintin (I like to wake up to sunlight the following morning).

There's also all that business dealing wit the effort that Antonio put into getting that girl a heart operation. Some say, business is business. But I haven't forgotten. I feel good supporting someone like that.

DENNIS - 3-20-2013 at 05:09 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DianaT
the best Mexican food, IMHO, is on the mainland.


Actually, the best [in my opinion] is in California. El Torito comes to mind for a large chain along with the smaller neighborhood restaurants that have the advantage of better, fresher materials at their disposal.

willardguy - 3-20-2013 at 05:20 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Ateo
If you want a 4 star hotel go to Cabo. :spingrin::spingrin:
but I thought it was a 4 star hotel! (from moon travel).


Where else in the world can you enjoy all the amenities of a four-star establishment—immaculate tiled baths, granite counters, four-poster king-size beds, luxury linens, gorgeous woodwork, 29-inch satellite TVs, purified water, air-conditioning—for US$35 a night? The story goes that the son of the motel owners wanted to help his parents fix the place up. All 22 rooms are wired with Ethernet cables, so that when high-speed Internet comes to El Rosario, Baja Cactus patrons will be among the first to enjoy it. You probably won’t escape the sound of trucks decelerating through town, but you’ll enjoy some of the finest accommodations anywhere on the peninsula.

Ateo - 3-20-2013 at 05:20 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote:
Originally posted by DianaT
the best Mexican food, IMHO, is on the mainland.


Actually, the best [in my opinion] is in California. El Torito comes to mind for a large chain along with the smaller neighborhood restaurants that have the advantage of better, fresher materials at their disposal.


You left out Taco Bell.

Ateo - 3-20-2013 at 05:23 PM

Good to know they lend out ethernet cables. I will try this next time. The wifi, like almost everywhere in Baja, is sub par.

David K - 3-20-2013 at 05:45 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by willardguy
Quote:
Originally posted by Ateo
If you want a 4 star hotel go to Cabo. :spingrin::spingrin:
but I thought it was a 4 star hotel! (from moon travel).


Where else in the world can you enjoy all the amenities of a four-star establishment—immaculate tiled baths, granite counters, four-poster king-size beds, luxury linens, gorgeous woodwork, 29-inch satellite TVs, purified water, air-conditioning—for US$35 a night? The story goes that the son of the motel owners wanted to help his parents fix the place up. All 22 rooms are wired with Ethernet cables, so that when high-speed Internet comes to El Rosario, Baja Cactus patrons will be among the first to enjoy it. You probably won’t escape the sound of trucks decelerating through town, but you’ll enjoy some of the finest accommodations anywhere on the peninsula.


Thanks for that Willardguy, I forgot to mention the free (U.S.) bottled water in the rooms at Baja Cactus...

We stayed at a hotel in Oakland (The Waterfront)) for a family function, and the small water bottle had a $2.50 charge if you drank it!!! The room was like $120 (group rate), and smaller than Baja Cactus single rooms!

David K - 3-20-2013 at 05:49 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Skipjack Joe
Quote:
Originally posted by mulegemichael
weve been disappointed our last couple of times through also; solid mud in the entire parking lot, NO wifi in rooms, darker than the inside of a cow in rooms, etc, etc...downhill!...too bad, it was convenient.


Darker than a cow's belly?

That's pretty funny. Yes the rooms are dark but we don't mind because it's on the way back and I just need the down time to energize myself for the drive north, the border wait, then the LA traffic before settling down somewhere around Bakersfield.

The Wifi is not a problem for us because they give you an ethernet cable. Yes, you have to lay on your bed within 10 feet of the jack.

So we still like Baja Cactus and prefer El Rosario oh so much more than San Quintin (I like to wake up to sunlight the following morning).

There's also all that business dealing wit the effort that Antonio put into getting that girl a heart operation. Some say, business is business. But I haven't forgotten. I feel good supporting someone like that.


That is nice of you to remember...




http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=48811

From that link:

ITZEL'S HEART OPERATION... WE DID IT... SUCCESS!!! *** UPDATE & PHOTO ***



*** UPDATE ***...November 5th, 2010... Commitment has made arrangements to have Itzel's Heart operation in Las Vegas on November 16th, 2010... she needs our help!!!... Please see A-Commit's post on page 2.

******

Hello my friends,

I apologize for approaching all of you with this situation, but I believe the cause is worth it...

You see, a few months ago, in one of my many trips to El Rosario, I stumble upon this very pretty 5 year old little girl, named Itzel... I noticed she did not have the usual energy of a child her age and that sometimes she had problems breathing, so after asking her mom, a very bright, hardworking and nice lady, I found out that she had been doing her best effort, within her possibilities, to have Itzel treated and cured, mainly through IMSS services (Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social), which is the best she can afford.

The problem was that, after 5 years of visits to the doctor, there was no change in Itzel's condition and on her last visit (July 2010), she was given another appointment for March 2011!!.

So, I asked Itzel's mom if I could see her medical files or whatever she had... and after a few minutes of reading them, I realized there were at least three very different diagnosis, all heart related... being the last one "reumatic fever", and for which Itzel had been taking antibiotics shots every 21 days, for the past two years (last doctor visit she was prescribed more shots until the next appointment, on March 2011).

I am no doctor of course, but all these did not seemed right... and in good conscience, I could not just watch and do nothing about it... but this problem was completely out of my league.

Then I remember that a very dear friend of mine, Andy Schouten, had a program in place to assist and help people in Baja, through his non-profit foundation called Commitment, Inc... and that in the past he had helped children with heart problems... so, I called him to see if he could do anything to help out.

After explaining the situation to him, he told me what needed to be done and within a week he arranged for a Pediatric Cardiologist to see Itzel in Tijuana.

I then coordinated for Itzel to come to Tijuana and, after a the specialist examined her, they found the real problem... two actually, but the one that needs to be act on immediately is a "Coartation of the aorta". Fortunately, there is a procedure that can cure that... but a very expensive one (in Tijuana they quoted us over $18,000 Dlls).

If Itzel is not attended soon, she may not have more than 3-5 year to live.

That is where we may come in and help... I would like to request the assistance of anyone who could help us raise the funds needed to give Itzel the opportunity of a normal life.

We could do this by donating any amount to Andy's organization... he is fully registered as a non profit organization in the States. I fully trust him since I have personally seen him in action and I have even helped Andy in the past to deliver goods, medicine and supplies to families in the San Quintin area.... Andy is very passionate and committed when it comes to help anyone in need.

I will ask Andy to come into this thread, so he can present to all of you what Commitment, Inc. is, and explain in more detail Itzel's condition and what is needed to treat her, since we have been working on these for a couple of months now and we have advanced a lot since then... he is obviously more well versed in English than me.

I know the economy is very low right now, but if we join together, I am sure we can give Itzel the gift of life...

Thanks my friends... and I hope we can make a difference for this little girl.

Antonio M.
BajaCactus

[Edited on 3-21-2013 by David K]

motoged - 3-20-2013 at 06:04 PM

There are many reasons we choose to stay at some places.....I have stayed in rooms for $275 a night that aren't as nice as Baja Cactus thinking that it would be deluxe.....

One thing about consistency.....it is invariably inconsistent :biggrin:

David K - 3-20-2013 at 06:05 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by motoged
There are many reasons we choose to stay at some places.....I have stayed in rooms for $275 a night that aren't as nice as Baja Cactus thinking that it would be deluxe.....

One thing about consistency.....it is invariably inconsistent :biggrin:


Ditto! :light:

DianaT - 3-20-2013 at 06:13 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by motoged
Quote:
Originally posted by DianaT
.......Just a comment about Mexican food anywhere in Baja. While we have found several sit-down places to be good, and lots of very good taco stands, the best Mexican food, IMHO, is on the mainland. The styles of cooking vary so much from region to region, and it is just real different and wonderful.


Diana,
I agree....but mainland just doesn't know how to make fish tacos as good as Baja. A cooking show the other day suggested that Baja tacos are historically influenced by Japanese (fishermen?) tempura....and the guy had a batter recipe that sounded killer :light:

........


OK, I agree on the fish tacos, I think. I don't think I have ever had a fish taco while traveling on the mainland ---- too many other good things to eat. :biggrin:



[Edited on 3-21-2013 by DianaT]

willardguy - 3-20-2013 at 06:21 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DianaT
Quote:
Originally posted by motoged
Quote:
Originally posted by DianaT
.......Just a comment about Mexican food anywhere in Baja. While we have found several sit-down places to be good, and lots of very good taco stands, the best Mexican food, IMHO, is on the mainland. The styles of cooking vary so much from region to region, and it is just real different and wonderful.


Diana,
I agree....but mainland just doesn't know how to make fish tacos as good as Baja. A cooking show the other day suggested that Baja tacos are historically influenced by Japanese (fishermen?) tempura....and the guy had a batter recipe that sounded killer :light:

........


OK, I agree on the fish tacos, I think. I don't think I have ever had a fish taco while traveling on the mainland ---- too many other good things to eat. :biggrin:



[Edited on 3-21-2013 by DianaT]
never thought about the japanese connection!


THE REAL ENSENADA FISH TACO
Adapted from Baja!Cooking on the Edge by Deborah Schneider
With its similarities to tempura, it’s likely that this batter originated with 19th century Japanese fishermen who worked the Baja coastline and settled in Ensenada. There are differences, of course. For 100 years, Ensenadans have used beer instead of ice water — on 1000 miles of rocky Baja coastline, there was always warm beer to be had, but seldom ice. Early versions of the batter were made with the local Santo Tomas brandy and seasoned only with a pinch of powdered mustard. Makes about 24 tacos
Beer Batter

DENNIS - 3-20-2013 at 06:22 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Ateo

You left out Taco Bell.


I wouldn't feed that crap to an alley cat.
In fact, Taco Bell meat probably is alley cat. :barf:

willardguy - 3-20-2013 at 06:25 PM

sorry about the taco hijack but if you want a recipe.

http://1000tacos.com/2011/01/beer-battered-fish-taco-ensenad...

DENNIS - 3-20-2013 at 06:36 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by willardguy
Adapted from Baja!Cooking on the Edge by Deborah Schneider
With its similarities to tempura, it’s likely that this batter originated with 19th century Japanese fishermen who worked the Baja coastline and settled in Ensenada. There are differences, of course. For 100 years, Ensenadans have used beer instead of ice water — on 1000 miles of rocky Baja coastline, there was always warm beer to be had, but seldom ice. Early versions of the batter were made with the local Santo Tomas brandy and seasoned only with a pinch of powdered mustard. Makes about 24 tacos
Beer Batter



As long as we're guessing....the British had a strong presence and influence in the development of Baja, particularly Ensenada.....so it's my theory that Fish Tacos are a spin-off from "Fish 'n Chips."

WW-2 would have rendered the Japanese version of the delicacy nonexistant.

mtgoat666 - 3-20-2013 at 06:57 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Ateo
If you want a 4 star hotel go to Cabo. :spingrin::spingrin:


Do I need to remind y'all that there is a much, much nicer hotel in Catavina? don't be a penny P-ncher, stay in Catavina.

mulegemichael - 3-20-2013 at 07:30 PM

hopefully, yer not talking about that piece of crap, desert inn?....i don't know of any other major motels there

willardguy - 3-20-2013 at 07:34 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote:
Originally posted by willardguy
Adapted from Baja!Cooking on the Edge by Deborah Schneider
With its similarities to tempura, it’s likely that this batter originated with 19th century Japanese fishermen who worked the Baja coastline and settled in Ensenada. There are differences, of course. For 100 years, Ensenadans have used beer instead of ice water — on 1000 miles of rocky Baja coastline, there was always warm beer to be had, but seldom ice. Early versions of the batter were made with the local Santo Tomas brandy and seasoned only with a pinch of powdered mustard. Makes about 24 tacos
Beer Batter



As long as we're guessing....the British had a strong presence and influence in the development of Baja, particularly Ensenada.....so it's my theory that Fish Tacos are a spin-off from "Fish 'n Chips."

WW-2 would have rendered the Japanese version of the delicacy nonexistant.
excellent point!

watizname - 3-20-2013 at 09:17 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by willardguy
Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote:
Originally posted by willardguy
Adapted from Baja!Cooking on the Edge by Deborah Schneider
With its similarities to tempura, it’s likely that this batter originated with 19th century Japanese fishermen who worked the Baja coastline and settled in Ensenada. There are differences, of course. For 100 years, Ensenadans have used beer instead of ice water — on 1000 miles of rocky Baja coastline, there was always warm beer to be had, but seldom ice. Early versions of the batter were made with the local Santo Tomas brandy and seasoned only with a pinch of powdered mustard. Makes about 24 tacos
Beer Batter



As long as we're guessing....the British had a strong presence and influence in the development of Baja, particularly Ensenada.....so it's my theory that Fish Tacos are a spin-off from "Fish 'n Chips."

WW-2 would have rendered the Japanese version of the delicacy nonexistant.
excellent point!






WWII didn't stop the hamburger.:cool:

weebray - 3-21-2013 at 07:16 AM

Just say'en the place isn't as nice as it used to be and the heavy set lady at the desk can be pretty rude. BTW we stopped at the hotel in Catavina, they are listed as being dog frienly. At 279 pesos extra for the dog we didn't find them that friendly.

DENNIS - 3-21-2013 at 07:38 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by watizname


WWII didn't stop the hamburger.:cool:


It did in Hiroshima.

toneart - 3-21-2013 at 10:53 AM

The last time I stayed at the Baja Cactus, last year, it was the same as always; great room; dog friendly (after all the years, they even remember Paco as an old friend); best rates; adequate parking; DSL Cable.

For me, the time of arrival is important. Whether it be northward or southward, El Rosario is just the right location for arriving just before dark.

I sometimes ask if Antonio is in town. If he is I go say hello. I am forever grateful to him for his quick concern and attention when I got horrible food poisoning from eating crab (Jaiba) tacos in Mama Espinoza's.

I was happy to donate to the Itzel fund and was absolutely delighted with her successful outcome. I also donated to the other Antonio fund, the family of the poor taco stand woman (Can't remember her name) who was gunned down and killed in her own restaurant. That's the way I nourish my "bleeding heart". :yes:

I am hoping that the recent bad reports here were one time anomalies. At the same time, if the hotel is slipping, its reporting here should be a valuable wake up call to Antonio that maybe he needs to check into it and take care of business. The BajaNomads have been major clients and disseminators of good will. I would hate to see that good will reversed unless it is deserved.

Antonio???

TMW - 3-21-2013 at 12:08 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by willardguy
sorry about the taco hijack but if you want a recipe.

http://1000tacos.com/2011/01/beer-battered-fish-taco-ensenad...


That's a gringo fish taco, if it were a real Baja fish taco they would serve radishes with it.

TMW - 3-21-2013 at 12:10 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by mtgoat666
Quote:
Originally posted by Ateo
If you want a 4 star hotel go to Cabo. :spingrin::spingrin:


Do I need to remind y'all that there is a much, much nicer hotel in Catavina? don't be a penny P-ncher, stay in Catavina.


Yes it is very nice but not for almost 3 times the price.

motoged - 3-21-2013 at 01:10 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by toneart
... That's the way I nourish my "bleeding heart". :yes:


TA,
It is your "kind" heart....a "bleeding heart" is one found in a person whose heart is bound by selfishness, fear, and lack of compassion....and it bleeds when opened even a little. :saint:

Some learn to be kind early in life:

http://www.wimp.com/helpingout/


...others grab the puck...

[Edited on 3-21-2013 by motoged]

toneart - 3-21-2013 at 02:44 PM

Motoged,
Who is "TA"? Is that for Toneart? You can call me Tony as do most who know me on this forum. If you don't like that, then "Sir" will do.

Your sentence structure is awkward. I am not sure what you are saying, or what your intention is. Odd that you would focus on that out of the whole post. I believe the topic is the Baja Cactus Motel. I wanted to remind Nomads of Antonio's (the owner's) empathy in the face of great need and tragedy.

I use "bleeding heart" as a satirical term used by those who don't understand a gesture of Universal Love. It is often used as a criticism by Right Wingers. I say "Universal Love" because it is was extended to total strangers who were in need; not personal friends or family.

Here is the Wiktionary definition: Adjective

bleeding-heart-

Considered to be over-sympathetic to the supposed plight of the underprivileged or exploited. Over-sympathetic? Is there such a thing? Well if that defines me, I will gladly accept it. I am certainly not ashamed of helping out the two causes that Antonio organized.

Edited to say: Maybe I did use "Bleeding Heart" as a troll. Because your post was not clear, I need to know your intention to see if I was successful. Hmmmm....:rolleyes:

[Edited on 3-21-2013 by toneart]

motoged - 3-21-2013 at 03:17 PM

Sir Tony;D

My intention was to recognize your compassion and my appreciation of it. I understood and picked up on the sarcasm...as well as how some folks look down on what you and I may see as kindness and caring for others....

I was responding to your statements of you helping others....

I know that the thread was started as a review of the motel and we both added our reviews. I took the liberty of doing what Nomads frequently do: morph a thread with tangential comments.

I apologize for my awkward sentence structure.....sort of my flow of consciousness style that erupts when grammar is secondary.

My intentions were honorable and respectful. I am sorry that didn't come through in my post.


You can call me Ged.....

P.S.

We might play for the same team :saint:

[Edited on 3-21-2013 by motoged]

DENNIS - 3-21-2013 at 03:38 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by motoged
My intentions were honorable and respectful. I am sorry that didn't come through in my post.





I thought it did. :yes:

toneart - 3-21-2013 at 05:17 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by motoged
Sir Tony;D

My intention was to recognize your compassion and my appreciation of it. I understood and picked up on the sarcasm...as well as how some folks look down on what you and I may see as kindness and caring for others....

I was responding to your statements of you helping others....

I know that the thread was started as a review of the motel and we both added our reviews. I took the liberty of doing what Nomads frequently do: morph a thread with tangential comments.

I apologize for my awkward sentence structure.....sort of my flow of consciousness style that erupts when grammar is secondary.

My intentions were honorable and respectful. I am sorry that didn't come through in my post.


You can call me Ged.....

P.S.

We might play for the same team :saint:

[Edited on 3-21-2013 by motoged]


Thank you so much for your reply, Ged! I really read it all wrong and I apologize. Glad you're on my team.

Tony:yes:

toneart - 3-21-2013 at 05:20 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote:
Originally posted by motoged
My intentions were honorable and respectful. I am sorry that didn't come through in my post.





I thought it did. :yes:


But you're smarter than me, Dennis! :yes:

motoged - 3-21-2013 at 05:53 PM

Tony,
I acknowledge that some of my contributions to the forum have been hostile and that I can come across as critical and opinionated (because I am being critical and opinionated :biggrin:)). Such a demeanor has alienated me from some and likely has created the impression that I am like that all the time...and folks may think I am always going to be on their case.

Well....I am not like that all the time....but tend to be like that when I am impatient with certain positions taken by others (eg. political, racist, or simply stupid....as another Nomad says, "Life is tough....and is tougher when you are stupid"). Some of my comments are made to encourage folks to just take a moment to think "how else it could be".....perhaps an unsolicited and arrogant role, but one I will take from time to time.

I really like the Baja Cactus motel as it has served me well and I don't have any complaints. Some Nomads are more fortunate than me as they travel back and forth to Baja on a much more frequent basis than I can....and have more of a baseline from which to draw comparisons. As such, they have voiced their comparative motel opinions. The good thing about that is that I learn of different places to try out or avoid....

I try to not complain about anything I experience in Baja (except deep sand and siltbeds :wow: ), as I feel it is a privilege and a luxury to be there and enjoy what it has to offer.

I am trying to "play well with others" more often....

[Edited on 3-22-2013 by motoged]

DENNIS - 3-21-2013 at 05:53 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by toneart
But you're smarter than me, Dennis! :yes:


Just more beat up, Tony. That's all. :lol:

msawin - 3-22-2013 at 08:25 PM

Stayed at the Cactus last week and have NO negatives to post, only positive response from me. Called down driving thru LA and booked the room and it was clean and ready when we got in there at 8:00 PM with my Black Dog "Hank" and my wife..."Poopsie"....

dtbushpilot - 3-22-2013 at 11:07 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by motoged
Tony,
I acknowledge that some of my contributions to the forum have been hostile and that I can come across as critical and opinionated (because I am being critical and opinionated :biggrin:)). Such a demeanor has alienated me from some and likely has created the impression that I am like that all the time...and folks may think I am always going to be on their case.

Well....I am not like that all the time....but tend to be like that when I am impatient with certain positions taken by others (eg. political, racist, or simply stupid....as another Nomad says, "Life is tough....and is tougher when you are stupid"). Some of my comments are made to encourage folks to just take a moment to think "how else it could be".....perhaps an unsolicited and arrogant role, but one I will take from time to time.

I really like the Baja Cactus motel as it has served me well and I don't have any complaints. Some Nomads are more fortunate than me as they travel back and forth to Baja on a much more frequent basis than I can....and have more of a baseline from which to draw comparisons. As such, they have voiced their comparative motel opinions. The good thing about that is that I learn of different places to try out or avoid....

I try to not complain about anything I experience in Baja (except deep sand and siltbeds :wow: ), as I feel it is a privilege and a luxury to be there and enjoy what it has to offer.

I am trying to "play well with others" more often....

[Edited on 3-22-2013 by motoged]


I agree Ged, you are an opinionated old fart, making excuses for it is for youngsters, we have earned our "opinionatedness" (is that a word?) I also know that you are always like that but you can fool some of the people some of the time. I can see you standing out there on your front porch with your cane (old Baja silt injury) yelling "hey you kids, get off my lawn!". Don't think for a minute that you fool any of us, we all know that you are sitting on your couch in the frozen north wishing you were in Baja, that's why you are a cranky old fart. BTW, when are we going to go for another Baja ride? I need some new stories to tell....

I guess I got a bit off topic, I like the Baja Cactus motel too......dt

Skipjack Joe - 3-23-2013 at 01:13 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by whistler
Just stay at places Joe Bidens stays at.
http://townhall.com/tipsheet/katiepavlich/2013/03/22/what-se...


Shees, I never thought any hotel room could charge $500,000 a night.

Bajaboy - 3-23-2013 at 01:21 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by whistler
Just stay at places Joe Bidens stays at.
http://townhall.com/tipsheet/katiepavlich/2013/03/22/what-se...


Yep, too bad the Secret Service plans this out....just like they've done for every President or VP....so what's your point:?:

Bomberro - 3-23-2013 at 07:03 AM

Just stayed at Cactus last Wednesday night, called ahead to secure room, they gave me 104, we slept like logs, very nice room as usual, shower floor can be slippery, coffee in room, real shampoo, clean soft towels and wife likes the wash cloths. we have stayed in many different places up and down Baja, thanks to the owner of Cactus for giving us an Oasis in the middle of Baja!

Lee - 3-23-2013 at 07:09 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bomberro
Just stayed at Cactus last Wednesday night, called ahead to secure room, they gave me 104, we slept like logs, very nice room as usual, shower floor can be slippery, coffee in room, real shampoo, clean soft towels and wife likes the wash cloths. we have stayed in many different places up and down Baja, thanks to the owner of Cactus for giving us an Oasis in the middle of Baja!


Antonio must have gotten the message -- gringoes like wash cloths as evidenced by all motels NOB that provide them.

Now, if only the Cowboy motel get's the message. If only more motels were like Cactus, or even Villa San Quintin. Leave El Rosario and we're roughing it -- until Coco Cabanas in Loreto.

mulegemichael - 3-23-2013 at 07:39 AM

ahhhhh, coco cabanas; now THERE'S a nice spot!

David K - 3-23-2013 at 01:09 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bomberro
Just stayed at Cactus last Wednesday night, called ahead to secure room, they gave me 104, we slept like logs, very nice room as usual, shower floor can be slippery, coffee in room, real shampoo, clean soft towels and wife likes the wash cloths. we have stayed in many different places up and down Baja, thanks to the owner of Cactus for giving us an Oasis in the middle of Baja!


Nice to hear it is the same as always for us, an oasis at just the right place, five hours from the border. With so many sites nearby, it has also been a destination for us.If you want to see some of the sites/ activities in our near El Rosario then visit http://vivabaja.com/tours and click on El Rosario area photos.

DENNIS - 3-23-2013 at 02:00 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by whistler
Oh yeah,you could have a personal visit with King Obama with half a million!That's my point!!!!


Or, perhaps, sleep in Lincoln's bed.....dirty sheets and all. [no complaining allowed if there's blood on the mattress]

motoged - 3-24-2013 at 12:56 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by dtbushpilot

...I agree Ged, you are an opinionated old fart.... I can see you standing out there on your front porch with your cane (old Baja silt injury) yelling "hey you kids, get off my lawn!". .... BTW, when are we going to go for another Baja ride? I need some new stories to tell....

I guess I got a bit off topic, I like the Baja Cactus motel too......dt


David,
So, you saw my cane....:?: :biggrin:
Yep, them kids.....;D.....Maybe Skeet and I have more in common than I thought :cool:

I am hoping to spend 3-4 weeks in Baja over next Xmas with the 690.....mostly Mulege and south cape...with Bahia Tortugas as a side trip out of Asuncion....

Or maybe retrace some of my recent mainland trip....I will let you know with plenty of warning so you will have time to make excuses why you and Jill aren't in your new place....:saint::biggrin:

Marc - 3-24-2013 at 04:58 PM

I try to schedule my trips not to overnight it in El Rosario.

Very disappointed

Curt63 - 4-19-2013 at 11:07 AM

On Good Friday (I know its a busy travel week), we had a reservation at Baja Cactus. As our travel became delayed, we called to let them know we were running late and would they please hold the room. "No problema"

When we arrived at 8:45 pm it was given away to someone else because we hadn't purchased the room.

WE HAD A VERY PLEASANT, REASONABLY PRICED STAY AT BAJA'S BEST.

Antonio has a serious staffing and training problem. After all the bad press, his customer service failures continue. He is unable to address his issues and I'm done with his gas station and motel. There are too many other options.

DENNIS - 4-19-2013 at 11:13 AM

Seems as though we hear a lot more bad about Baja Cactus than good. I wonder why Antonio is commiting business suicide on a continueing basis.

J.P. - 4-19-2013 at 11:20 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Seems as though we hear a lot more bad about Baja Cactus than good. I wonder why Antonio is commiting business suicide on a continueing basis.



Maybe it's because of his #1 CHEERLEADER.:biggrin::biggrin:

chuckie - 4-19-2013 at 12:40 PM

Turista